Whenever Christians interact, there will be disagreements. As it has been said, if two people are in a room there might be three opinions. However, it is important to distinguish between essential matters of truth and lesser matters of preference. The verses quoted above concern two disagreements the apostle Paul had with other well-known believers.

In the first case, Peter had mingled freely in Antioch with Jewish and Gentile Christians; but later, “fearing those who were of the circumcision,” he stopped eating with the Gentiles (Gal. 2:12). Perhaps this was an intentional separation or perhaps a more unconscious change in behavior; but either way, Peter’s actions were so obvious that others, including Barnabas, began doing the same. This was serious! Paul blamed Peter for contradicting “the truth of the gospel” (v. 14), correcting him with a firm biblical rebuke.

In the second case, Paul’s concerns for the Corinthians prompted him to urge Apollos to make a visit. Apollos was no stranger to Corinth. During his first trip there, “he greatly helped those who had believed through grace” (Acts 18:27–19:1); and many believers there still thought highly of him (1 Cor. 1:12, 3:6). Paul was certain that Apollos should go there to guide them further—yet Apollos was completely unwilling to do so.

It is good to remember that not all disagreements involve evil. Some touch essential doctrines about the Person and work of Christ and must be addressed. In other cases, we must remember that the servant of the Lord is responsible to his Master, and not even one like Paul should supplant that authority.