Another harmful practice we can add to the list of things that damage the Lord’s church is the act of dragging other brethren into hypocrisy and error. This problem is not new; it has existed since the days of early Christianity and has caused great divisions, stumbling blocks, and spiritual harm within the body of Christ. When brethren with influence, leadership, or spiritual reputation engage in conduct contrary to the will of God, they often end up negatively influencing other members of the congregation. For this reason, the Bible exhorts every Christian to live with integrity and carefulness, recognizing that our actions affect those around us.
The apostle Paul wrote the following to the brethren in Galatia:
“But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed. For before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocriste with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy” (Galatians 2:11–13).
Many of us know what happened in this context. The apostle Peter, out of fear of certain Jews, began to act hypocritically by withdrawing from the Gentile Christians. Paul had to confront him publicly because his conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel (Gal. 2:14). The purpose of this article is not to analyze every detail of the context, but to consider one of the most dangerous consequences of hypocrisy: the negative influence it can have on other Christians.
The text states that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (Gal. 2:13). The word carried away implies being led along with others into wrong behavior. The term hypocrisy denotes acting falsely together with others—pretending or participating collectively in an improper practice. This teaches us a very serious lesson: sin and hypocrisy can spread quickly within a congregation when they are not confronted Biblically.
The case of Barnabas makes this incident even more striking. Barnabas was known as an exemplary Christian. The Bible presents him as a generous man who helped the needy (Acts 4:36–37), a brother who supported the apostle Paul when many were afraid of him (Acts 9:26–27), a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24), and a faithful defender of the gospel (Acts 15). Yet even a man as spiritual as Barnabas could be negatively influenced by the conduct of others. This shows that no Christian should think he is completely immune to the danger of being dragged into error (1 Cor. 10:12).
The same thing happens today in many congregations. Some brethren possess great influence because of their seniority, Biblical knowledge, close friendships, or position within the church. When such brethren begin to practice sinful attitudes or promote ideas contrary to sound doctrine, others end up following them blindly. Some drag others into discouragement, constant criticism, division, doctrinal liberalism, worldliness, favoritism, rebellion against Biblical authority, or spiritual apathy.
The Bible repeatedly warns about the danger of bad influences:
- “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33).
- “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).
- “Do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Eph. 5:11).
- “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb. 12:15).
It is sad to observe how some congregations have suffered divisions and conflicts because certain influential brethren persuaded others to follow the wrong path. At times, respected brethren use their influence to sow discontent, speak evil of others, question Biblical decisions, or promote carnal attitudes. Such actions deeply damage the unity and spirituality of the church. Paul urged the brethren: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).
We must also recognize that hypocrisy not only harms the one who practices it, but also new converts and those who are weak in the faith. Jesus spoke severely about those who cause others to stumble:
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6).
Every Christian must carefully examine the impact of his example. Our words, attitudes, and actions can strengthen or destroy the faith of others. For this reason, Paul wrote: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Every Christian should strive to be a godly influence and not a stumbling block to the church.
What lessons can we learn from Galatians 2:13 regarding the danger of dragging others into hypocrisy?
- Even faithful brethren can be led into error.
No one should place excessive confidence in himself (1 Cor. 10:12).
- Brethren with influence can affect others positively or negatively.
Example carries enormous power within the congregation (1 Tim. 4:12).
- We must not follow any man blindly.
Our supreme loyalty must always be to Christ and His Word (Acts 5:29).
- When a brother walks disorderly, he must be exhorted with love and firmness.
Paul corrected Peter publicly because the damage was public (Gal. 2:11–14).
- Hypocrisy can spread quickly within the church.
Tolerated sin ends up contaminating others (1 Cor. 5:6).
- Every Christian must guard his influence.
Jesus taught that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13–16).
- True unity can exist only when all walk according to the truth of the gospel.
Unity without truth does not please God (John 17:17; Eph. 4:1–6).
The Lord’s church in many places has been hurt and hindered in its spiritual work because of brethren who do not conduct themselves according to God’s will and who also negatively influence others. For this reason, every Christian must constantly pray to God never to become an instrument of division, hypocrisy, or stumbling within the congregation.
Let us instead strive to be faithful Christians who encourage others to remain firm in truth, love, and spiritual purity. May our example always lead others closer to Christ and never away from Him.
Willie A. Alvarenga | (817) 681 4543 | btsop2004@gmail.com
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