The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-04-26
SUNDAY-SCHOOL
LESSON FOR APRIL u
GENTILEs RECEIVED INTO THE
CHURCH.
Acts, KILLS.
BY REV. ]. L. GILBERT, D. D.

Secretary OF American Society Of Religious
Educaton.
CONTEXT.-Thc lesson today completes that
of last Sunday. Peters work was but half done
when he administered baptism to Cornelius at
Caesarca. BY that act lie had shown his own
conviction concerning the worthiness of the Ro-
man centurion, but lie must satisfy his associates
at ,Jerusaem that his conduct had been proper.
The unity of the church in thought, doctrine and
practice was involved \ scism at that time
would have caused serious consequences which
must be averted if possible We shall see in cur
present studies that difference existed and how
those differences were adjusted Moreover, the
event and the outcome eXcrted most salutary
influence, as we shall see upon all minds, broad
ening the view of the gospel, and SO preparing
the church for its worldwide mission God cdu.
Gates His people, not by the dogmatic method
alone, but by historical disclosures also
CRITICISM.-(Verses to 3.)-The story OF Pet.
cr's act preceded him to Jerusalem, so that upon
his arrival some We're ready to condemn linn,
having formed their Judgment in the case.
These were of the circumcision, Hebrew Chris
tians, who thought that the descendants Of Alb
ralum had superior claims upon Divine favor.
They began Mt once TO contend with him because
he had gone contrary to their opinions and
usagcs The old spirit OF cXclusivencss, displayed
0), re.appcarcd among the followers OF Jesus.
For the time the feelings Of brotherhood that
ought to have made the apostles charitable to-
ward each other gave place to criticism. Two
accusations were made against Pctcr-that lc
had gone into the society OF the uncircumciS2d,
that is of Gentes and that hc had eaten with
tllcm-moSt g,ieyou> ofenses from a Jewish stand
point. duke Xv,2D 1t is evident that the con-
duct was viewed with abhorcnce,
VISlON,-(Nerscs 4 TO 6.)-ln Justification of
his course Peter rehearscd in an orderly way
from beginning 10 end, what had occurred. The
several particulars were well calculated To Lead
Il man OF God TO do what he had done. !. lie
was engaged in prayer at Joppa, time whca
he would he least liable to any improper le-
havior. q While praying he entered into u
trance state, beyond the usual Limits oi con-
sciousness aud voltIon Numb xii, O. I. That
vision was OF pictorial charactcr-a vessc. was
let down before him containing all manner Of
fourfootcd beasts, creeping things and fowls,
many Of them denominations 10 Jews, prohibited
in the law, Uey ri, Al .. Peter heard voice
bidding him slay and eat-a supernatural voice
ordering forbidden food
OBJECTION. Verses ! and s)-peter declared
that he did not at once obey the direction thus
given. lie exercised due caution, lest all this
might be temptation, Trial OF his integrity,
as in the case OF Abraham when called To Giier
up his SON. (Gen NXi .. l2) Indeed, hr- fcll
back upon his own Jewish principles which he
held AZ earnestly as did any of his fellow apoi-
ties. lie replied 10 the voice that he could not
eat, that nothing uncloan, that Is contrary to
the Leytical law, had ever entered his mouth
lie pleaded his lifelong adherence to the pro.
hibitory command as reason now Tor keeping il.
With him il Was a matter OF conviGtion and 0f
practice. What WAS Wrought into the very tex