The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-05-31
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON.
For June L, 1.-THE Council at Jeru-
salem," Acts Nv, 1888.

NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. far Jewish and
Gentle Christians. united in love for a
common Master, had lived side by side II
peace s, at Antioch Of Syria lPsalm as,f mxnii;
from without. There came to- them from
Jerusalem certain brethren who asserted
that the Gentle believers must be circum-
cised: that is. they must become Jews be-
fore they could be Christians. This new
dogma provoked much discussion. Paul and
the church sustained them. although. as
generally occurs, 1t may have been that a
few. Jealous for the traditions of Israel
other side. The conflict thus precipitatet in
volved not only the peace of the church at
Antioch. but the future Of Christianity. Tn
decision would affect the work Of God in
RBFERENCE-How shall this perplexins
question be settled. In our time Protes-
1.-THE only infaliible rule of faith" Learned
men would collect proof texts. but inter-
pretations of these might differ leading to
might be divided as they are now into OPP
Testament had not been written. and this
determined to refer the whole matter to
the apostles and elders at Jerusalem
Verse p There were good reasons for
Jesus and had heard his teachings. More
over. the Holy Spirit had been promised to
guide them into the truth. John xvi, 49,
beSlQoS, the CQUTCN AT Jerusalem was OlQeT,
the mother Of all. and might be, supposed
to hold ulster views of doctrine than other
churches.
observation-disclosures from the narrative,
1t Is probable that Paul and Barnabas, on
their arrival in Jerusalem. did not at once
report the dissenstons which led to their
Proceeding to give an account Of their mis-
sionary tour, they allowed the audience to
raise questions. In this way the topic was
original and independent matter. and the
arostles and elders were called together to
consider 1t; Nerse g. The assembly was
called to settle controverted points. Nc one
was invited from abroad. 1t was limited to
Jerusalem. The subject Of Gentle rights
conversion of Cornelius (Acts XII. 17-1s, hut
the question of circumcision was not raised.
Now the crisis Of missions is reached. The
door to the heather has been thrown open.
The assembly therefore marked a new and
CoMMIssioN.-This discussion on that
assigned by the committee In to-day's les
son. The speaking seemed to be all on one
side snn:.r1 They y who preeipi,ated the matter
and Barnabas followed. Then James. the
case and gave decision which was favorae
BILE to- the Pauline views. His address was
large,hearted and manly. He quoted scrip
to save the Gentles der, xvi, 49,: that the
Jewish ritual was only a provincial ar
rangement (verse 10 looking forward to the
fuller dispensation. The speech pleased the
assembly. and it was agreed that two prom
inent brethren. Barnabas and Silas jyerse
~ should return to Antioch with Paul and
Barnabas and report what action had been
subject.
EPISTLEs-The four commissioners were
not allowed to return with merely an oral
message. valuable as that might be. They
bore letters which put the Judgment of the
assembly in permanent form. The letters
were addressed to "the brethren which are
Of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and
salutation virtually settled ali disputes. Ths
letters declared that the men who had
preached circumcision went out without au-
thorfty Verse ~. showing that ministerial
license and ordination were necessary in
those days to secure sound doctrine. Paul
and Barnabas were highly commended in
the epistles oversees Is and 3) for their self
sacritclng labors for Christ. Barnabas and
S!las were named as spokesman for the
Jerusalem church. Verse 10 These letters
were the first written so far os
we know. delivered by apostolic authority.
I'm with the churches.
RESTRAINT.-One feature IN the letter
deserves special attention oversees q and
~; While released from circumcision. the
meats offered to idols, and from blood and
from things strangled and from fornication.
Three of these prohibited practices LEV. |
Moses GDeut.. XII. 2s). This Injunction was a |
prudential mea sure for the present, destined
to pass away; but made now to secure unity |
IN the church; II was felt that unless so
between the Jewish and Gentle converts !
q. Cor. viii. 80. The item on social purity |
was fundsmentai and abiding. Chastity was |
Miscellaneous coh~abitation was pracficed |
without censufe BY Roman officials "a 6ieh ]