Jew and Gentile
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of those who, adopting the faith without true conversion of heart, might
afterward bring reproach upon the cause by immorality and excess.
The various points involved in the settlement of the main question
at issue seemed to present before the council insurmountable difficul-
ties. But the Holy Spirit had, in reality, already settled this question,
upon the decision of which seemed to depend the prosperity, if not the
very existence, of the Christian church.
“When there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said
unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago
God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should
hear the word of the gospel, and believe.” He reasoned that the Holy
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Spirit had decided the matter under dispute by descending with equal
power upon the uncircumcised Gentiles and the circumcised Jews.
He recounted his vision, in which God had presented before him a
sheet filled with all manner of four-footed beasts and had bidden him
kill and eat. When he refused, affirming that he had never eaten that
which was common or unclean, the answer had been, “What God hath
cleansed, that call not thou common.”
Acts 10:15
.
Peter related the plain interpretation of these words, which was
given him almost immediately in his summons to go to the centurion
and instruct him in the faith of Christ. This message showed that
God was no respecter of persons, but accepted and acknowledged all
who feared Him. Peter told of his astonishment when, in speaking
the words of truth to those assembled at the home of Cornelius, he
witnessed the Holy Spirit taking possession of his hearers, Gentiles
as well as Jews. The same light and glory that was reflected upon
the circumcised Jews shone also upon the faces of the uncircumcised
Gentiles. This was God’s warning that Peter was not to regard one
as inferior to the other, for the blood of Christ could cleanse from all
uncleanness.
Once before, Peter had reasoned with his brethren concerning the
conversion of Cornelius and his friends, and his fellowship with them.
As he on that occasion related how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles
he declared, “Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He
did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I
could withstand God?”
Acts 11:17
. Now, with equal fervor and force,
he said: “God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
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them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference