Broadening Christian Horizons: Peter’s Vision

Acts 11:5-18

GOLDEN TEXT: “And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.”—Acts 10:34

IT IS rather peculiar that the charges made against Peter and which he answers in our lesson, were not that he had recognized Cornelius as a Christian and baptized him and his household, but that he had gone into their house and had eaten bread with them—proceedings which were entirely contrary to Jewish custom—the recognition of the Gentiles as being on an equality with the Jews—a matter which had been settled to the contrary with them from time immemorial. Singularly, too, the Apostle Peter in his defense entirely ignored their charges and proceeded to acquit himself as though they had charged him the way we would have expected—with receiving a Gentile into Christian brotherhood. Yet Peter’s course was the proper one, and, undoubtedly, he was guided thereto. There is a lesson in this for the Lord’s people, to the effect that it is always better to discuss fundamental principles and divine laws than to dispute over traditions of men and mere technical observances of customs, etc. When Peter got the fundamental features straight before the minds of all, the question of social customs was settled; whereas, if he had discussed the proprieties of the social custom, the larger question would still have been unsettled.

Peter rehearsed his experiences, the Lord’s leadings, going into the smallest detail, so that the brethren might have the benefit of the situation as fully as though they had been in his stead; and to their credit, the record says, that, when they had heard the particulars, so far from further murmuring against Peter or finding fault with his work, they glorified God. This shows us clearly that their opposition to the extension of the Gospel favor was not the result of any narrowness or meanness of heart; but was the result of a conscientious conviction respecting the divine program. They were gradually learning the lesson that a new dispensation was being ushered in, by divine providence, and their entire anxiety was that they might run no faster than the Lord’s spirit through His word and providences, would direct them—glad, however, to note the leadings and to receive the lessons and to act upon them accordingly.

Similarly, we today are living in a time of changing dispensations; similarly, the Lord’s providence is now guiding His people to a clear appreciation of His plan—to a discernment of certain changes of dispensation now in progress. As Peter was patient in his explanation of the Lord’s providence and leadings in respect to the greater length and breadth of divine favor, so now it behooves all of the Lord’s people to be very patient, very gentle, and as wise as serpents in presenting to their fellow-Christians, true Israelites, the evidence which the Lord’s providence has furnished to us in respect to the world-wide blessings and their nearness. Our Lord’s words are applicable, “Be ye wise as serpents, harmless as doves.”—Matt. 10:16

Peter explained to his hearers the simple Gospel message which he had presented to the Gentiles, and which they had so gladly received; but it was in no sense a perversion of the message preached to the Jews, and in no degree were any of the Gospel conditions modified to win Gentile approval; it was the same Gospel that had blessed them which now refreshed and blessed the Gentiles. He told them of his surprise when the Lord manifested His favor toward the Gentiles by bestowing some of the gifts of the holy Spirit upon them—similar to those bestowed upon the Jewish believers at Pentecost and subsequently transmitted through the apostles. He declares that this manifestation of divine favor called to his mind the words of the Lord, “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5) By this he understood clearly that the holy Spirit’s baptism was of much greater importance than water baptism; and he understood further, that only the “you” would be baptized with the holy Spirit; and hence he could not logically ignore the fact that the Gentiles having received the spirit must be in the Lord’s estimation, reckoned as members of the same body of Christ, and eligible to baptism, etc. He concluded his argument with a question which must have appealed to all of his hearers; “Who was I that I should withstand God?”

The whole company agreed that Peter would have had no right to withstand the will of the Lord; but that every propriety called upon him to conform his teachings and his conduct to the Lord’s arrangements. And so, under this wise presentation, this entire company came into full harmony of heart and mind on an important subject, which had it not been properly handled, might have meant rending and discord in the early church, and have made two or more factions of those who were at heart desirous of being right and in accord with the Lord’s will. Let us each and all resolve to follow Peter’s example in every such matter, and thus to study the welfare, the best interests, the peace, of Zion.

QUESTIONS:

Why was the issue of Gentiles becoming Christians such a critical one in the early church?

Why was Peter convinced that God’s favor had turned to the Gentiles?

How can a Christian be as “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove”?

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