 |  |
in the margin, but it is not a matter of any vital importance. The point is that the demand
emanated from these men and it was the settlement of this question that was uppermost.
The Structure (see above, page 81) emphasizes two speakers: Peter, who, to the
chagrin of the sect of the Pharisees, will have no compromise over the matter of
circumcision and law-keeping in relation to salvation; and James, who first
whole-heartedly endorses and confirms this attitude, and then introduces the entirely new
question conciliating the susceptibilities of the Jewish believer. Two questions, therefore,
are before us, and "right division" is as necessary here as in the vaster issues of
dispensational truth.
C | 15: 6-12. Apostles and Elders. PETER.
"Why . . . . . put a yoke upon the neck of disciples?"
f | Apostles and Elders consider the matter.
g | Much disputing.
h | Peter rose up.
i | Gentiles by my mouth should hear gospel.
j | Among us.
k | God knoweth.
l | Them and us.
m | PUT NO DIFFERENCE.
f | All multitude kept silence.
g | Give audience.
h | Barnabas and Saul.
i | Gentiles. Miracles wrought.
j | Among them.
There is no suggestion in verse 7 that the assembly at Jerusalem was dominated by
either Peter or James, for there is "much disputing" before Peter stands up to speak. It
should be noted that when Peter refers to Pentecost he speaks of "us" and "them", the
latter referring, not to some hypothetical Gentiles on the day of Pentecost, but to the first
Gentiles to be addressed by Peter as recorded in Acts 10: It is true that Paul may have
preached to Gentiles before Peter went to Cornelius, but even so, this would not
invalidate Peter's words, for he says explicitly "God made choice among us".
The incident recorded in Acts 10: has already been considered in these pages, and
Peter's summary needs no exposition. He stresses the following points:
(1)
God knows the heart, the inference being that the Pharisees were more concerned
with externals.
(2)
God gave the holy spirit to those believing Gentiles, and it is therefore impossible
to teach that such cannot be saved except they be circumcised.
(3)
God put no difference between us and them. How can we dare to question God?
(4)
God purified their hearts by faith. What place in salvation, therefore, can rites and
ceremonies have?
(5)
These legal obligations had been a yoke too heavy for Israel. Was it wise, then, to
put the same yoke upon the Gentiles?
(6)
"We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved,
even as they."