Paul a Prisoner
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brethren in these fields to follow certain specified methods of labor.
They felt as if the work of preaching the gospel should be carried
forward in harmony with their opinions.
Several years had passed since the brethren in Jerusalem, with
representatives from other leading churches, gave careful consideration
to the perplexing questions that had arisen over methods followed by
those who were laboring for the Gentiles. As a result of this council,
the brethren had united in making definite recommendations to the
churches concerning certain rites and customs, including circumcision.
[401]
It was at this general council that the brethren had also united in
commending to the Christian churches Barnabas and Paul as laborers
worthy of the full confidence of every believer.
Among those present at this meeting, were some who had severely
criticized the methods of labor followed by the apostles upon whom
rested the chief burden of carrying the gospel to the Gentile world. But
during the council their views of God’s purpose had broadened, and
they had united with their brethren in making wise decisions which
made possible the unification of the entire body of believers.
Afterward, when it became apparent that the converts among the
Gentiles were increasing rapidly, there were a few of the leading
brethren at Jerusalem who began to cherish anew their former preju-
dices against the methods of Paul and his associates. These prejudices
strengthened with the passing of the years, until some of the leaders
determined that the work of preaching the gospel must henceforth be
conducted in accordance with their own ideas. If Paul would conform
his methods to certain policies which they advocated they would ac-
knowledge and sustain his work; otherwise they could no longer look
upon it with favor or grant it their support.
These men had lost sight of the fact that God is the teacher of
His people; that every worker in His cause is to obtain an individual
experience in following the divine Leader, not looking to man for
direct guidance; that His workers are to be molded and fashioned, not
after man’s ideas, but after the similitude of the divine.
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In his ministry the apostle Paul had taught the people “not with
enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and
of power.” The truths that he proclaimed had been revealed to him by
the Holy Spirit, “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things
of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of