In Galatians 2:11, Paul recounts a moment of direct confrontation:

“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (ESV)

According to the Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown), this bold opposition by Paul is perhaps the strongest proof of his apostolic independence. He was not a subordinate to Peter (Cephas), nor did he shy away from standing for the truth—even when it meant confronting a fellow apostle. This moment also challenges the Roman Catholic doctrine of Peter’s supremacy. It reminds us that the apostles were not always infallible in their personal conduct, though they were divinely inspired when writing the Scriptures. If even inspired men were fallible at times, how much more cautious we should be about treating uninspired church leaders or early church fathers as if their opinions were gospel truth.

This confrontation wasn’t about rivalry—it was about restoration and truth.

The Three C’s of Biblical Counseling: Confront, Care, and Change

Paul’s example is a powerful model for biblical counseling and healthy relationships. It fits squarely within the three C’s: Confront, Care, and Change.

Confront – Paul “opposed him to his face.” He didn’t gossip, triangulate, or harbor bitterness. He confronted Peter directly and honestly, in love and truth. This is the first challenge to us: are we willing to love someone enough to speak the truth face to face, even when it’s uncomfortable? Care – While the word “care” isn’t used explicitly in the verse, Paul’s concern wasn’t just theological—it was deeply pastoral. Peter’s hypocrisy was influencing others (see Gal. 2:13), and Paul cared enough about the gospel, the church, and Peter himself to speak up. Change – The goal of confrontation is not condemnation, but transformation. We don’t know exactly how Peter responded in that moment, but the continued partnership between Paul and Peter in later ministry suggests humility, reconciliation, and change.

When You’re the One Confronted

But what if you’re not Paul in the story? What if you’re Peter?

Would you feel your back against the wall? Would you get defensive? Would you shut down or lash out?

We can only imagine how Peter reacted in real-time—but we do know how we often react. Most of us don’t naturally welcome confrontation. But biblical love sometimes looks like correction. So the question is: Are we ready for righteous confrontation? Can we humble ourselves when a brother or sister brings concern to us out of faithfulness to God’s Word?

Paul was ready to confront; Peter, we trust, was ready to listen. That’s how the church grows in grace and unity.

As we continue to study the verses that follow, may we pray for hearts prepared to stand in truth—and to receive truth—when confrontation comes.