Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 74
Inspect scan 74 of the original 1883 publication. Follow the printed page below, move through the complete book, or open its searchable scan text.
Read the original 1883 scan 74
Page numbers count the PDF scans, including covers and preliminary leaves. Scroll to read and turn pages at the edge; drag to pan; use Ctrl+scroll to zoom. Recenter restores the fitted width.
Read and select the searchable scan text
Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.
JEW AND GENTILE . 67 tledthisproblem, upon the decisionof which dependedtheprosperity,and even the existence, of the Christian church. Grace, wisdom , and sanctifiedjudgment were given to the apostles to decidethe vexed question. PeterreasonedthattheHoly Ghosthad decidedthematterby descendingwithequalpower upon theuncircumcisedGentilesand thecircumcisedJews . He recounted his vision,in which God had presentedbeforehim a sheetfilledwith allmanner of four-footedbeasts,and had bidden him kill and eat; that when he had refused, affirmingthat he had never eaten that which was common or unclean, God had said, " What God hath cleansed,that callnot thou common ." He relatedthe plain interpretationof these words ,which was given to him almost immediatelyinhissummons togo totheGentilecenturion, and instruct him in the faith of Christ. Thismessageshowed thatGod was no respecter of persons, but accepted and acknowledged those who feared him , and worked righteous-ness. Peter toldof his astonishment, when , in speakingthe words of truthto theGentiles,he witnessedtheHoly Spirittakepossessionof his hearers,bothJews and Gentiles. The same light and glorythatwas reflectedupon thecircumcised Jews, shone alsoupon the countenancesof the uncircumcisedGentiles. This was the warning of God thathe shouldnot regardtheone as inferiorto the other; for the blood of Jesus Christ could cleanse from all uncleanness . Peter had reasoned once before,in like manner, with hisbrethren, concerningthe conversion of Corneliusand his friends,and hisfellowship with them . On that occasion he had relatedhow