132
The Acts of the Apostles
till the close of time.
Jerusalem was the metropolis of the Jews, and it was there that the
greatest exclusiveness and bigotry were found. The Jewish Christians
living within sight of the temple naturally allowed their minds to revert
to the peculiar privileges of the Jews as a nation. When they saw
the Christian church departing from the ceremonies and traditions
of Judaism, and perceived that the peculiar sacredness with which
the Jewish customs had been invested would soon be lost sight of in
the light of the new faith, many grew indignant with Paul as the one
who had, in a large measure, caused this change. Even the disciples
were not all prepared to accept willingly the decision of the council.
Some were zealous for the ceremonial law, and they regarded Paul
with disfavor because they thought that his principles in regard to the
obligations of the Jewish law were lax.
The broad and far-reaching decisions of the general council brought
confidence into the ranks of the Gentile believers, and the cause of
God prospered. In Antioch the church was favored with the presence
of Judas and Silas, the special messengers who had returned with
the apostles from the meeting in Jerusalem. “Being prophets also
themselves,” Judas and Silas, “exhorted the brethren with many words,
and confirmed them.” These godly men tarried in Antioch for a time.
“Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching
the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
When Peter, at a later date, visited Antioch, he won the confidence
of many by his prudent conduct toward the Gentile converts. For a
[198]
time he acted in accordance with the light given from heaven. He so
far overcame his natural prejudice as to sit at table with the Gentile
converts. But when certain Jews who were zealous for the ceremonial
law, came from Jerusalem, Peter injudiciously changed his deportment
toward the converts from paganism. A number of the Jews “dissembled
likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with
their dissimulation.” This revelation of weakness on the part of those
who had been respected and loved as leaders, left a most painful
impression on the minds of the Gentile believers. The church was
threatened with division. But Paul, who saw the subverting influence
of the wrong done to the church through the double part acted by
Peter, openly rebuked him for thus disguising his true sentiments. In
the presence of the church, Paul inquired of Peter, “If thou, being a