24
Sketches from the Life of Paul
opposition of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which
many were added to the number of believers.
Christ had commanded his disciples to go and teach all nations; but
the previous teachings which they had received from the Jews made it
difficult for them to fully comprehend the words of their Master, and
therefore they were slow to act upon them. They called themselves the
children of Abraham, and regarded themselves as the heirs of divine
promise. It was not until several years after the Lord’s ascension that
their minds were sufficiently expanded to clearly understand the intent
of Christ’s words, that they were to labor for the conversion of the
Gentiles as well as of the Jews. Their minds were particularly called
out to this part of the work by the Gentiles themselves, many of whom
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embraced the doctrine of Christ. Soon after the death of Stephen,
and the consequent scattering of the believers throughout Palestine,
Samaria was greatly stirred. The Samaritans received the believers
kindly, and manifested a willingness to hear concerning Jesus, who, in
his first public labors, had preached to them with great power.
The animosity existing between the Jews and Samaritans de-
creased, and it could no longer be said that they had no dealing with
each other. Philip left Jerusalem, and preached a risen Redeemer in
Samaria. Many believed and received Christian baptism. Philip’s
preaching was marked with so great success, and so many were gath-
ered into the fold of Christ, that he finally sent to Jerusalem for help.
The disciples now perceived the meaning of Christ, when he said, “Ye
shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Following these events, the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch
under the preaching of Philip, the vision of Peter at Joppa, and the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, served
to convince the apostles and leading brethren at Jerusalem, that God
had granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life. Thus was the way
preparing for Paul to enter upon his mission.
* * * * *
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