 |  |
Returning to Acts 15: we come to the conclusion of the matter.
Acts 15: 30 - 35
A | 15: 30-35. ANTIOCH. The answer.
Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas. |
a | Apoluo dismissed.
b | The epistle delivered.
c | Paraklesis consolation.
c | Parakaleo exhorted.
a | Apoluo dismissed.
b | Teaching and preaching.
We learn from these verses that, upon reading the letter from Jerusalem, the Gentiles
"rejoiced for the consolation". The word here not only means `consolation' but also
`exhortation', as can be seen in the next verse. We read further that Judas and Silas,
`being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren . . . . . and confirmed them'.
Verse thirty-four is probably an interpolation (see Revised Text), being evidently added
by some scribe because of the presence of Silas At Antioch in verse forty.
Such is the middle wall of partition; such were the `ordinances'; such was the
`enmity' of Eph. 2: 14-19.
No.50.
The Audience Chamber
(2: 11 - 19-).
The Creation of the New Man.
pp. 61 - 64
We have seen that, during the Acts, a veritable `middle wall' divided the Jewish
believer from the Gentile believer, and while the Jewish believer stood to the Gentile
believer as the true olive tree is to the wild olive graft contrary to nature, the blessed
condition of perfect equality that characterizes the church of the ONE BODY was
impossible of fulfillment, and was not the subject of revelation. Only with the setting
aside of Israel at Acts 28:, and the revelation of the new dispensation of the Mystery,
could such a condition obtain.
We must now consider the way in which this reference to the middle wall is
approached. "For He is our peace." `He' autos gathers up the references to `Christ' and
`Christ Jesus' that have gone before, making the meaning `He and no other' a true
rendering of the Apostle's meaning. It does not say He made peace here, that follows at
the end of verse fifteen, but He IS our peace and MADE both one. He Himself is our
peace; we are still dealing with the Kinsman-Redeemer. The Jewish believer who
becomes a member of this newly called church, becomes at the same time a member of