Jew and Gentile
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Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why
compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?”
Galatians 2:13,
14
.
Peter saw the error into which he had fallen, and immediately set
about repairing the evil that had been wrought, so far as was in his
power. God, who knows the end from the beginning, permitted Peter
to reveal this weakness of character in order that the tried apostle might
see that there was nothing in himself whereof he might boast. Even the
best of men, if left to themselves, will err in judgment. God also saw
that in time to come some would be so deluded as to claim for Peter
and his pretended successors the exalted prerogatives that belong to
God alone. And this record of the apostle’s weakness was to remain as
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a proof of his fallibility and of the fact that he stood in no way above
the level of the other apostles.
The history of this departure from right principles stands as a
solemn warning to men in positions of trust in the cause of God, that
they may not fail in integrity, but firmly adhere to principle. The greater
the responsibilities placed upon the human agent, and the larger his
opportunities to dictate and control, the more harm he is sure to do if
he does not carefully follow the way of the Lord and labor in harmony
with the decisions arrived at by the general body of believers in united
council.
After all Peter’s failures; after his fall and restoration, his long
course of service, his intimate acquaintance with Christ, his knowledge
of the Saviour’s straightforward practice of right principles; after all the
instruction he had received, all the gifts and knowledge and influence
he had gained by preaching and teaching the word—is it not strange
that he should dissemble and evade the principles of the gospel through
fear of man, or in order to gain esteem? Is it not strange that he should
waver in his adherence to right? May God give every man a realization
of his helplessness, his inability to steer his own vessel straight and
safe into the harbor.
In his ministry, Paul was often compelled to stand alone. He was
specially taught of God and dared make no concessions that would
involve principle. At times the burden was heavy, but Paul stood
firm for the right. He realized that the church must never be brought
under the control of human power. The traditions and maxims of men
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must not take the place of revealed truth. The advance of the gospel