Jew and Gentile
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faith, many grew indignant against Paul, as one who had, in a great
measure, caused this change. Even the disciples were not all prepared
to willingly accept the decision of the council. Some were zealous
for the ceremonial law, and regarded Paul with jealousy, because they
thought his principles were lax in regard to the obligation of the Jewish
law.
When Peter, at a later date, visited Antioch, he acted in accordance
with the light given him from Heaven, and the decision of the council.
He overcame his natural prejudice so far as to sit at table with the
Gentile converts. But when certain Jews who were most zealous for
the ceremonial law came from Jerusalem, he changed his deportment
toward the converts from paganism in so marked a degree that it left a
most painful impression upon their minds. Quite a number followed
Peter’s example. Even Barnabas was influenced by the injudicious
course of the apostle; and a division was threatened in the church.
But Paul, who saw the wrong done the church through the double
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part acted by Peter, openly rebuked him for thus disguising his true
sentiments.
Peter saw the error into which he had fallen, and immediately set
about repairing it as far as possible. God, who knoweth the end from
the beginning, permitted Peter to exhibit this weakness of character,
in order that he might see that there was nothing in himself whereof
he might boast. God also saw that in time to come some would be so
deluded as to claim for Peter and his pretended successors, exalted
prerogatives which belong only to God; and this history of the apostle’s
weakness was to remain as a proof of his human fallibility, and of the
fact that he stood in no way above the level of the other apostles.
* * * * *