Levend Water
The Apostle of the Reconciliation - Charles H. Welch
Index - Page 39 of 159
THE APOSTLE OF THE RECONCILIATION 39
By the time we reach Luke 19 the great rejection had taken place; and the parable of the Nobleman, who went
into a far country to receive a kingdom and to return is given. This phase is not presented by Matthew in the
parallel parable of Matthew 25.
We have already considered the connection which is observable between the closing verses of Luke 24 and the
opening verses of Acts 1. Sufficient, we trust, has been indicated to show the Gentileward trend of the narrative,
providing, as it does, a record of the ministry of the Lord which should allow of the transition to the ministry of
Paul.
While we do not believe that the idea can be true that Paul wrote the Gospel, we do feel that the testimony of
language indicates how much there is in it of his own personal influence. If, as we believe, Galatians be the first of
his epistles to be written, it is suggestive that there we read of his visit to Peter, and to James the Lord's brother.
James would supply him with the history of the Lord from infancy until manhood, and Peter would be able to
continue from the opening of His ministry until the Ascension. Luke apparently first joined the apostle in Acts
16:10-17, and the necessity was felt that a declaration of things most surely believed should be prepared. This,
together with the sequel given in the Acts, would prevent those, whose only conception was according to that of
Matthew, from saying that Paul's gospel and ministry to the Gentiles was an innovation, or contrary to the words and
works of the Lord.
How grateful Paul must have been for the inspired inclusion of the `Prodigal Son' in Luke's Gospel, when
opposed by `the circumcision'. How wonderfully the `Good Samaritan', or the record of Zacchaeus, would help him
when dealing with Jewish pride.
Let us be guided by the facts brought forward in this chapter and use Luke's Gospel more consistently than we
may have done hitherto.
CHAPTER 6
Two Dispensational Miracles
(Acts 3, 4, and 13).
The writer of the Acts evidences most clearly that he pursues a purpose in its compilation, by the fact that Peter
and Paul so definitely echo each other in word and deed. Very markedly indeed is this the case with the miracle
with which each apostle commences his ministry. Peter's miracle is one of healing; Paul's miracle is one of
blinding. Peter's miracle represented the nation's restoration; Paul's miracle foreshadowed the nation's rejection. If
this proves to be the case, then we have established another most important fact which clearly indicates the
dispensational character of the book of the Acts.
Peter's Miracle of Healing (Acts 3 to 4:22).
The Miracle of restoration
A 3:1-11.
The Miracle. Its performance.
B a 3:12-16.
Explanation. `The Name'.
b 3:17-24.
Prophetic application.
B a 3:25 to 4:10. Explanation. `The Name'.
b 4:11,12.
Prophetic application.
A 4:13-22.
The Miracle. Its acknowledgment.