The verb denotes a shared or collective act of hypocrisy—multiple people acting together in play-acting that obscures true convictions. It describes the outward conformity that masks inward inconsistency, particularly where fellowship and gospel truth are at stake.

Biblical Context

Galatians 2:13 records the lone New Testament use: “The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray” (Berean Standard Bible). Paul recounts an incident at Antioch where Peter withdrew from table-fellowship with Gentile believers after certain men came from James. The withdrawal produced a ripple effect: Jewish believers, and even Barnabas, aligned themselves with Peter’s behavior, thereby undermining the gospel’s declaration that Jew and Gentile are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).

Connection to Peter’s Ministry

Peter had earlier testified that God “made no distinction between us and them” (Acts 15:9). His lapse in Antioch was therefore not doctrinal ignorance but practical inconsistency. Paul’s public confrontation (Galatians 2:14) safeguarded Peter’s own witness and preserved the church from a Judaizing distortion. This episode illustrates that respected leaders are not immune to social pressure, and that loving correction within the body guards gospel integrity.

Theological Implications

1. Gospel Clarity: Hypocrisy here threatened a core doctrine—justification by faith apart from works of the Law (Galatians 2:16).
2. Unity of the Body: Shared hypocrisy fractured visible fellowship, contradicting Christ’s prayer for oneness (John 17:21).
3. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: The motive was fear “of those of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12). Scripture consistently warns that fear of man “brings a snare” (Proverbs 29:25).
4. Authority of Inspired Scripture: Paul’s Spirit-led rebuke and its preservation in canonical form demonstrate that apostolic actions are subject to the gospel they preach, underscoring the consistency of divine revelation.

Pastoral and Practical Applications

• Leadership Integrity: Elders and teachers must model transparent obedience; their example powerfully influences others (1 Timothy 4:12).
• Table Fellowship: Communion and ordinary meals alike witness to the reconciling power of the cross; exclusion on ethnic or cultural lines contradicts that witness.
• Confrontation in Love: When gospel essentials are compromised, public sin may require public correction (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:20).
• Guarding Against Groupthink: The plural force of the verb warns how quickly hypocrisy can spread; believers must test every practice by Scripture rather than peer pressure.

Contrasts and Complementary Virtues

Hypocrisy is antithetical to:
• Sincerity (2 Corinthians 2:17)
• Love “without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9)
• Wisdom “full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17)

Cultivating these virtues through Word and Spirit fortifies the church against collective pretense.

Historical Witness and Patristic Commentary

John Chrysostom observed that Paul’s rebuke aimed not at humiliating Peter but at instructing the whole church on grace. Augustine argued from this text that ecclesiastical rank does not place anyone above correction. The incident therefore became a touchstone in early discussions on church discipline and the sufficiency of grace.

Reflective Questions for Ministry

1. Where might cultural or social pressures be leading believers today to act against their confessed convictions?
2. How can congregations foster an environment where loving, Scripture-based correction is welcomed?
3. What safeguards can leadership teams establish to ensure that policy and practice align with gospel truth rather than expediency?