Matthew Poole and continuators on Galatians 2:12

12 For before that certain came from James , he did eat with the Gentiles : but, when they were come, he withdrew , and separated himself , fearing them which were of the circumcision .

It should seem that Peter had been at Antioch some time; while he was there, there came down certain Jews from Iames, who was at Hierusalem; before they came

Peter had Communion with those Christians at Antioch, which were by birth Gentiles, and at meals eat as they eat, making no difference of meats, as the Iews did in obedience to the Ceremonial Law.

But as soon as these Zealots, for the Iewish rites, (though Christians,) were come, Peter withdrew from the Communion of the Gentile Christians, and

was the head of a separate Party,

and all through fear of the Iews; lest they should at their return to Hierusalem make some report of him to his disadvantage, and expose him to the anger of the Iews.