1. PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF CHURCH.

Acts 9:31.

(31) So the church throughout all Judaea and 'Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified (Gr. builded up); and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

"Then had the churches rest." Saul, the great persecutor, had been converted; and while we have some disturbance at Damascus, and also at Jerusalem on the return of Saul, now that he has gone into a new field of labor, opposition seems to be withdrawn and peace restored. The church was being built up in faith and piety, increase in spiritual power and a very rapid increase in numbers. By the term, " church," we mean all the followers of Jesus in the different fields where missionary stations are established and disciples are congregated for worship.

QUESTIONS.

• Name provinces in which churches have been established.

• What had Gamaliel said about the church? 5:34-39.

  His statement as to divine origin was now vindicated.

• Does the church prosper more in time of peace or persecution, and why?

2. PETER'S MIRACLE AT LYDDA.

Acts 9:32-35.

(32) And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda. (33) And 'here he found a certain man named Æneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied. (34) And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose. (35) And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

The preaching of the Gospel hitherto had been exclusively to the Jews, or to the Jewish proselytes. Even the Apostles did not seem to have understood Christ's command in the great commission, " Go teach all nations," to include the Gentiles as members of the Christian church. While Saul was a chosen vessel, and the Apostle of the Gentiles, at the present stage of the church the door had not yet been opened to any Gentile converts. The Apostles being constantly under the influence of Judaism, having Jerusalem as a center, it was difficult for them to get the larger vision that God gave His Son, to die as the Savior of the world. To lead, even the Christian leaders, out of this narrow conception of salvation, that is, that salvation was intended for the Jews alone, He took matters into His own hands and left the church no choice but to obey His commandments. To open the way for this larger teaching, the Apostle Peter went on a tour among the churches. He visited Lydda, and there found a man who had been sick for eight years with palsy. He restored this man to his health, and when they found what the religion could do to a man like Æneas, giving him health of body and soul, many in that place were converted and turned to the Lord. These churches that Peter was visiting, founded by the dispersed disciples, had also suffered from persecution, and now enjoying peace could be used with advantage to the Apostles. The cure of this man had much the same influence when healed, as the lame man that lay at the Beautiful Gate. This disease was incurable, and the people knew that it was the power of God that healed him. Lydda was about thirty miles from Jerusalem.

QUESTIONS.

• The church at this time was made up of what class of people?

• Quote the commission, and state what it meant to the church at this time and how it is interpreted by the church at the present time.

• Where was Peter preaching?

• How long was Æneas sick? and what was the nature of his disease?

• Why say, "Arise, and make thy bed"?

  So that all may know that he was thoroughly cured. What was the result of this miracle?

3. PETER'S MIRACLE AT JOPPA.

Acts 9:36-43.

(36) Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas (Gazelle): this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (37) And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38) And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us. (39) And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40) But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (41) And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42) And it became known throughout all Joppa:and many believed on the Lord. (43) And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Joppa was a seaport of Jerusalem, about thirty-five miles distant. Lydda, where Peter had been preaching, was about twelve miles out from Joppa. At Joppa was a Christian church, and the place where we find the earliest trace of the organization of widows so fully described by the Apostle Paul in his letters to his spiritual son Timothy. One of these widows, called Tabitha, had distinguished herself by her " good works and almsdeeds which she did." This woman took sick and died, and the disciples, knowing that Peter was at Lydda, sent two men requesting him to come to them at once. The disciples did not state the purpose for which they wanted Peter's presence; whether to minister comfort to the distressed band of believers, or to raise Tabitha to life. Immediately upon his arrival, they brought him into the upper chamber, " and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made, while she was with them." Peter, putting them all forth, kneeled down and prayed, and turning to the body, said, " Tabitha, arise." She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up. Peter presented her alive to the widows and the disciples. Peter's work in this church had a great influence over the believers, and resulted in a great revival. What a memorial this was for one who had given herself to providing for the poor! " Blessed are they who die in the Lord." The Apostle Peter, as he listened to the pleadings of the associate widows, could not help remembering the times when he stood by his own Master, when He raised to life the widow's son, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha; but his Master was in heaven, yet he had faith that he could represent Him at this time by bringing back to life the one who was His true and faithful servant while on earth. No wonder that this became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter continued to reside in Joppa for a considerable time, and had his home with one Simon a tanner, whose house was located close by the seaside.

QUESTIONS.

• How far was it from Jerusalem to Joppa?

• How far from Lydda to Joppa?

• What were the two names given to this woman?

  Tabitha, the Aramaic or Hebrew, and Dorcas, the Greek.

• Why did they send for Peter? Why did the poor widows weep?

• Who had first preached here and started this church? 8:40.

• Give a full description of how Dorcas was restored to life.

• Why did Peter tarry so long at Joppa?

• Here was a great harvest field from which to gather souls, and the reapers were few.

4. CORNELIUS' VISION. Acts 10:1-8.

(1) Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band (or, cohort) called the Italian band, (2) a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. (3) He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius. (4) And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter: (6) he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. (7) And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; (8) and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

About seventy miles from Jerusalem, northwest, is Caesarea, the political capital of Judea, where the Roman governor presided, and which became the headquarters of the Roman soldiers. It was known as the great Gentile city of Palestine. In this period of study, we are in the transition from Jewish to Gentile Christianity, and it was natural that the Gentile center should be established outside of Jerusalem. Cornelius, the centurion, who had charge of a hundred soldiers, was a man of deep piety, and instructed his household in religion. He had forsaken all idols and worshiped the true and living God. He was a man of prayer, and did good to all men as he had opportunity. While engaged in prayer, about three o'clock in the afternoon, an angel of God came and spoke to him. Cornelius was afraid, and said, " What is it, Lord?" And the Lord assured him that his prayers and his good deeds were before God as a memorial. He asked Cornelius to send men to Joppa to Peter, who was at the home of one Simon a tanner, because he would be able to tell what he should do. After the angel departed, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, and after giving them proper instruction, sent them to Joppa.

QUESTIONS.

• How far is Caesarea from Jerusalem?

  The Roman capital of Judea situated on the Mediterranean Sea, thirty miles north of Joppa and about seventy miles northwest of Jerusalem.

• What the mission of Cornelius?

• To what nation did he belong?

  He was a Gentile, a Roman officer of some rank, and captain of 100 men. He belonged to the band called Italian, probably because the soldiers were true born, and not native troops of Palestine.

• What did the Lord say about the prayer and alms?

• Why say lodged with one Simon a tanner?

  That the servants might not have trouble to find him. The tanner's house was considered ceremonially unclean. A Jew of Peter's temper, who could lodge with a tanner, could certainly be approached and might go tomorrow and convert a Gentile.

5. PETER'S VISION.

Acts 10:9-16.

(9) Now on the morrow, as they were on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour:(10) and he became hungry, and desired to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance; (11) and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth:(12) wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven. (13) And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. (14) But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean. (15) And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. (16) And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.

The three men sent had a common interest with their superior and must plead their own in pleading his. About noon the following day, as the messengers drew nigh to Joppa, Peter, unconscious of the coming of the messengers, went up on the housetop to pray. While there, he became very hungry. Before the usual meal was ready he fell into a trance. Having gone forth to different churches in the interest of soul saving and, no doubt, coming in contact with many of this class of people, how could it be otherwise than that this very Gentile question was pressing itself upon his heart? In this state, he saw Heaven opened and a great sheet let down, supported by four corners. This sheet contained all kinds of four-footed beasts, creeping things, and fowls. He heard a voice say to him, " Kill and eat." Peter plead an excuse in harmony with the teaching of the Jewish law, which forbade the eating of anything " common or unclean." The very question to be settled was a social one. Soon he and Cornelius were to be in the same home and sit at the same table. The voice came and told him that what God has cleansed no one has a right to call " common or unclean." Peter saw and heard three times. The voice was unmistakable. At this very time, when Peter was trying to solve what the vision really meant, the messengers from Cornelius had arrived at the tanner's house and were inquiring for him.

QUESTIONS.

• What did Peter do while messengers were on their way to Joppa?

• What had Peter been doing so long at Joppa?

• What was Peter doing at the time he received this vision?

• What was the purpose of the vision?

• What effect had the vision on Peter?

• How many times was this special message given to Peter?

6. PETER'S JOURNEY TO CORNELIUS.

Acts 10:17-23.

(17) Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate, (18) and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there. (19) And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. (20) But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them. (21) And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? (22) And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee. (23) So he called them in and lodged them.

And on the morrow he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

The messengers inquired whether that was the place where Peter lodged. While Peter is still in doubt as to the meaning of the vision, the Spirit informed him that messengers were seeking for him, and further instructed him that he was at once to go down and accompany these messengers and not have any further doubt as to the mission, because these messengers were there at the Spirit's direction. The messengers and Peter met; Peter asked them the purpose of their coming, and they plead the cause of their master, telling Peter that he was a centurion, one who feared God, and had a good report among all the nation of the Jews, and that a Holy Angel directed him " to send us to you that you might come into his house and speak the words of life." While Peter did not fully comprehend, he was left no choice, he must go. God was leading him. He could not start as it was too late in the day, so he took these messengers, Gentiles, and lodged them. Did they eat at the same table? This is an interesting question to those who know how scrupulous the Jerusalem Jews were about the violation of the law and tradition. The following day they set out on their journey to Caesarea. A matter of such great importance as the bringing in of the Gentiles into the church, Peter would not undertake by himself; therefore, he asks six brethren from Joppa to accompany him.

QUESTIONS.

• Who helped Peter to know the meaning of the vision?

• What did the Spirit say to Peter at this time?

• Who had sent the messengers that were just then at the gate?

• What did he ask the messengers?

• Give the reply the messengers made to Peter.

7. PETER AND CORNELIUS MEET.

Acts 10:24-33.

(24) And on the morrow they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends. (25) And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped (the Greek word denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to a creature or to the Creator) him. (26) But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. (27) And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together: (28) and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and yet unto me hath 'God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean: (29) wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for. I ask therefore with what intent ye sent for me. (30) And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel, (31) and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. (32) Send therefore to Joppa, and call unto thee Simon, who is surnamed Peter; he lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side. (33) Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.

The messengers arrived, with Peter and his six associates, in Caesarea the next afternoon at about three o'clock. Cornelius, the man having this vision, and spoken to by the angel, who would know just when to assemble his kinsmen and near friends, who had so thoroughly been prepared for the messenger of Truth, met Peter on his arrival and fell down and worshiped him. Peter refused all Divine honor, and, after having a private conversation, they went into the house where many were gathered together. Peter now addressed the company and told them that, under ordinary circumstances, it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with a person of another nation; but by special revelation, before coming here, he had been told by the Spirit to hold no man " common or unclean." " Because of this revelation, we raised no objections when we were invited to come here, and now would like to know what was the purpose you had in sending for us." Cornelius related what had happened four days before, when he was fasting and praying, at the hour of prayer: "A man appeared before me in bright apparel telling me that my prayers and alms are as a memorial before God. The messenger instructed me to send for you at Joppa, saying that you would come and speak unto us. I immediately sent for you, and you are now here. We are here together, before God, to hear you speak the things that God commands you."

QUESTIONS.

• Where did the messengers spend the night?

• How did Cornelius know that Peter would come?

• Was Peter surprised to find the congregation ready to hear him?

• What did Peter say when he first met Cornelius?

• How long before this had the angel appeared to Cornelius?

• Why speak of Simon lodging at the house of Simon a tanner?

• Whom did they expect to hear when they listened to Peter?

8. PETER'S SERMON.

Acts 10:34-43.

(1) The Introduction.—Acts 10:34-35.

(34) And Peter opened his mouth, and said,

Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.

"Many were gathered together." This was the Gentile Pentecost, and perhaps more people were affected by the baptism of the Holy Spirit than in the upper room of the Jewish Pentecost. Peter began by encouraging the people; he had not gotten away from the vision in which he learned that God is no Respecter of persons. The way to Him is open for any individual, no matter to what nation he belongs. If he meets the condition stated by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, he becomes heir and is accepted as an adopted child.

QUESTIONS.

• What class of people make up this congregation?

• Do we know how many people were present at Pentecost of Gentiles?

• Give the number who were present at the Pentecost of the Jews.

• How did Peter know that salvation was for all nations?

• Upon what condition will God accept everybody?

(2) Brief History of Jesus.—Acts 10:36-43.

(36) The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings (or, the Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)—(37) that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they slew, hanging him on a tree. (40) Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest, (41) not to ail the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42) And he charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is he who is ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. (43) To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.

The sermon was simple and straightforward. Christ's mission in the world was to bring peace. He was the Anointed One of God, giving Him the Holy Spirit and power. His mission was to do good and deliver people out of trouble, who were under the influence of disease. The Apostles themselves were witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus—Peter declared that the Jews crucified Him and God raised Him from the dead—and of this fact the Apostles were chosen to bear witness and were commanded to preach Him unto all people. It is this Man Jesus, who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. Even the prophets bore witness of Him, and declared that everyone who would believe in this risen Christ would receive remission of sin. Peter had already, in the very introduction of his sermon, said to this congregation:" He is Lord of all. He belongs not to the Jews only, but is the Savior of all who believe in Him."

QUESTIONS.

• What were the good tidings that he preached?

• When was Jesus anointed and who anointed Him?

• What was the real mission of Jesus?

  "He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil."

• Of what were the early disciples witnesses?

• Why call attention to the prophets as witnesses?

9. GENTILES RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Acts 10:44-48.

(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

While Peter was preaching to this Gentile congregation the things that were commanded him of God, scarcely had he commenced His address, when God again interfered and poured down the Holy Ghost on all who heard the Word, thus confirming the vision that Peter had, that the middle wall of partition must be broken down and that Jesus Christ died on the cross to present man as one brotherhood before God. The brethren, who accompanied Peter, were greatly astonished because the Gentiles had come into possession of the same power. They knew they had the same power because they heard them speak with new tongues and magnify God. Peter realized that since these people had received the baptism of the Spirit, therefore the outward sign of baptism could not be withheld from those who had received what that sign simply represents and seals. Peter at once gave orders for immediate baptism. In this entire bringing in of the Gentiles into the church and the establishment of a Gentile Pentecost, man was a mere passive instrument in carrying out the plans of God. These plans and purposes were so distinctly unfolded, step by step, that it was impossible for Peter to hesitate or doubt from the beginning to the conclusion of these circumstances.

QUESTIONS.

• What was the source of the message delivered by Peter to this congregation?

• Give the principal points of the message.

• Who received the Holy Spirit?

• What is meant by speaking with tongues?

  This is the Pentecost of the Gentiles. It showed that the Gentiles were included in the plan of salvation, and the Holy Spirit was for them as well as for the Jews.

• Why was the Holy Spirit given before baptism?

  To prove that God treated Jews and Gentiles alike, and that circumcision should not stand in the way of being admitted into the church.

• Why did they invite him to tarry there certain days?

10. BROADENING OF THE JERUSALEM CHURCH.

Acts 11:1-18.

(1) Peter Called to Account for His Conduct—Acts 11:1-3.

(1) Now the apostles and the brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. (2) And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, (3) saving, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Peter said to the six brethren, when the Holy Spirit had been given to the Gentiles, " Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized? " This challenge was not to the Gentiles, but to the six brethren who were with him on this important mission as he said, " who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we." He then gave orders to these brethren to baptize the converts who had asked for admission into the church. The circumcised Jewish disciples at Jerusalem learned that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. This, no doubt, they learned during the period that Peter tarried in a continual revival effort at Caesarea, giving further instructions about the Lord Jesus concerning His life, miracles, death, and resurrection. What real fellowship there must have been when the middle wall, or partition, had been broken down, and the believing Jews and Gentiles were one in Christ Jesus. It did not create the same joy in Jerusalem over what had been done, and contention arose, and there was great danger of division. We have learned that two classes of Jews were in the church in Jerusalem—those who were radically Jewish in spirit, and Hellenists who were more liberal in their views. He was called to Jerusalem to make his defense.

QUESTIONS.

• By Peter's preaching, what had the Gentiles received at Caesarea?

• What did the Jews believe was the complaint against Peter? What part had the six brethren in admitting the Gentiles into the church?

• What was the real charge against Peter?

  That he went in unto men uncircumcised. That he ate with them. They did not complain of the instructions given, or of receiving baptism, but of violation of ceremonial rules, based not on Divine Law, but on human traditions.

(2) Peter's Vindication.—Acts 11:4-18.

(4) But Peter began, and expounded the matter unto them in order, saying, (5) I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me: (6) upon which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the heaven. (7) And I heard also a voice saying unto me, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. (8) But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth. (9) But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. (10) And this was done thrice: and all were drawn up again into heaven. (11) And behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Caesarea unto me. (12) And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man's house:(13) and he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, Send to Joppa, and fetch Simon, whose surname is Peter; (14) who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, thou and all thy house. (15) And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. (16) And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in (or, with) the Holy Spirit. (17) If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God? (18) And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

Peter gave a full account in the order of God's leading in the bringing in of the Gentiles. In order that they might understand the revelation received by Peter, he rehearsed to the Apostles and brethren at Jerusalem, God's dealings with him on the entire mission tour. To satisfy the objection made by the brethren at Jerusalem, Peter gave them to understand that his own view coincided with theirs, until God in so unmistakable a way had shown His own leadings in the entire affair. One day about noon, Peter was praying at Joppa, and in a vision saw a sheet let down from heaven, held by four corners, containing all manner of beasts, creeping things, and fowls; at the same time he heard a voice say, " Peter, slay and eat." This he wanted to refuse, because it was contrary to his religious teachings. But the voice spake again saying, " What God has cleansed, call thou not common." This was repeated three times. " While I thought what the vision meant, three men were already at the house, asking to see me. Cornelius, a devout man, was visited by an angel, who directed him to send these three men that I might come and speak to them the words of Life, that the house of Cornelius might be saved. When the six brethren and I arrived, and I began to speak to the Gentiles, the Holy Spirit came upon them as it did on us at Pentecost. At once the words of the Master came to me:' John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost,' showing to me that this gift was not confined to the Jews." The baptism to be preached by the Apostles was to be world-wide. Peter now made his appeal to the Apostles and brethren at Jerusalem, " If God did make the Gentiles equal with the Jews in favor, then by refusing their acceptance, I would have disobeyed the command of God." This argument silenced the opponents in the church at Jerusalem, and brought joy to the Apostles and brethren, after they learned that God led Peter, through revelation, to open the door.

QUESTIONS.

• Give matter Peter relates in order from beginning.

• What purpose had Peter in giving so full an account to the Apostles and brethren?

  The events here rehearsed by Peter had removed his own prejudice, and it was thought by him that it should have the same effect upon the church.

• In what way did the six brethren present help the matter?

  As proper persons to confirm the truth stated by Peter.

• Why say received like gift?

• What was the result of Peter's account and apology?

  There was peace in the church, and God the Father of all was glorified.