The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 147

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

A SEEKER FOR TRUTH 141 vantage, and will become faithful light-bearers. Constrained by the love of Christ, they will constrain others to come to Him. When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had gone to the house of a Gentile, and preached to those assembled, they were surprised and offended. They feared that such a course, which looked to them presumptuous, would have the effect of counteracting his own teaching. When they next saw Peter, they met him with severe censure, saying, ^'Tliou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." Peter laid the whole matter before them. He related his experience in regard to the vision, and pleaded that it admonished him to observe no longer the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean. He told them of the command given him to go to the Gentiles, of the coming of the messengers, of his journey to Caesarea, and of the meeting with Cornelius. He recounted the substance of his interview with the centurion, in which the latter had told him of the vision by which he had been directed to send for Peter. ^^As I began to speak,'' he said, in relating his experience, ''the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand Godr'