Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 76
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JEW AND GENTILE . 69 This ended the discussion. In thisinstance we have a refutationof the doctrineheld by the Roman Catholic Church - that Peter was the head of thechurch. Thosewho ,as popes,have claimed to be his successors, have no foundationfortheirpretensions. Nothingin thelifeof Peter givessanctionto thosepretendedclaims. Iftheprofessed'successorsof Peterhad imitated hisexample,theywould have taken no authoritativeposition,but one on an equalitywith that of their brethren . James , in this instance, seems to have been chosento decidethe matterwhich was brought before the council. It was his sentence that the ceremoniallaw,and especiallythe ordinanceof circumcision,be notin any wise urgedupon the Gentiles, or even recommended to them . James soughtto impressthe fact upon his brethren thattheGentiles,inturningtoGod fromidolatry, made a great change in theirfaith; and that much caution should be used not to trouble their minds with perplexingand doubtfulquestions, lesttheybe discouragedin followingChrist. The Gentiles,however ,were to take no course which shouldmateriallyconflictwith theviews of theirJewish brethren,or which would create prejudiceintheirminds againstthem. The apostlesand eldersthereforeagreedto instructthe Gentilesby letterto abstainfrom meats offered toidols,from fornication,from thingsstrangled, andfrom blood. They were requiredtokeepthe commandments,andtoleadholylives. TheGentileswere assuredthat the men who had urged circumcisionupon them were not authorizedto do soby theapostles.Paul and Barnabas were recommended to them