 |  |
No.1 of this series shows that John 16: 12-14 indicates the epistles, and
No.2 proves that both gospels and epistles are equally inspired.
No.3 finds "A" bewildered by the many apparent differences which he has discovered by
reading the gospels and the epistles. The solution is found in "rightly dividing"
the Word of truth.
No.4 gives some examples of right division, showing that Scripture is addressed to Jew,
Gentile or Church. Among other examples the epistles of Paul are instanced as
needing to be rightly divided.
No.5 deals with the distinctive ministry of the apostle Paul, and shows that he was not
one of "the twelve", but set apart as the apostle to the Gentiles.
A.--When you were speaking of the ministry of the apostle Paul, on the last occasion, I
wanted to ask some further questions as to the appointment of Matthias.
B.--I shall be glad if I can help in any way, what is your difficulty?
A.--Well, there are quite a number of great and good men, leaders in their several
spheres, who believe that Peter made a mistake in Acts 1: as to the appointing of
Matthias, and that he should have waited for the call and commission of Paul. In this you
differ, and you will pardon me so saying, you have no such authority as those to whom I
refer.
B.--As to the personal side it stands as follows. Certain great and good men, leaders in
different sects of Christendom (and therefore practically charging each other with error
on sectarian points) charge other, equally great and good men, leaders in a divinely
constituted unity, with intruding reasonings of the flesh into the purposes of God. You
will see therefore that we may omit all reference to the character of those for or against,
and turn afresh to the Word to "search and see". In Acts 1: 15, 16, we read:--
"And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said . . . . . men and
brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the
mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took
Jesus."
A.--How are we sure that Peter was using this Psalm aright?
B.--There are two reasons.
1. In John 13:, at the last supper just before Judas betrayed the Lord, Christ said:--
"I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be
fulfilled. He that eateth bread with Me hath lifted up his heel against Me. Now I tell you
before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am. Verily, verily, I
say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth Me; and he that receiveth
Me receiveth Him that sent Me" (verses 18-20).
This clearly proves that Psalm 41: speaks of Judas, and moreover this passage very
solemnly declares that the disciples were forewarned, and were shown the awful