Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-19

Soul liberty obtained its Magma
Charta in the council in Jerusalem,
Christianity had reached a crossroads
in its history when Paul and BarnabaS
returned to Antioch and reported the
success that they obtained in their
missionary work. The church was
thrilled by their story and rejoiced in
their victories. The news OF their re-
port reached Jerusalem and aroused the
conservative members, who had opposed
the reception of the gentiles because
they considered the new faith to be a
distinct Jewish sect. They recognized
/, Cornelius, and could not raise any OBJ
lection to Peters action in welcoming
them. They took q different attitude
when they learned of the large number
of gentiles whom Paul and Barnabas
had won for the Lord Jesus, for they
sent a delegation to Antioch, who in
sisted that all gentiles should be cir
cumcised before they could be saved.
Paul and Barnabas took q stand for
soul liberty, insisting that the Gentiles
should not be burdened with any re-
Uuirements of the Mosaic ritual as a
basis for their salvation or entrance
into the Church of Christ. In an effort
to avert a serious division in the An
tioch Church, delegation was chosen
by that body, who proceeded to Jerusa-
lem to obtain an official decision.
Reaching the Holy City, the two mis-
sionaries reported the success OF their
activities among the heather to the
whole church. Immediately some of
the conservative members saw clearly
that Paul and Barnabas had disre-
garded the Mosaic requirements that
the Jewish people had insisted should
be observed for over 1000 years. They
objected strenuously. The differences
were sharp and threatened the unity of
the Jerusalem Church, so the delicate
question was postponed Tor later
meeting. This gave Paul and Barna-
has an opportunity to confer with the
apostles concerning their missionary
work and the problem involved.
Leaders Confer.
Paul tells us about the conference
with the leaders, whom he calls the
pillars of the church, that worked out
the Magma Charta Of soul liberty,
which is the foundation of all forms
of our cherished liberty. In his letter to
the Galatians Paul gives US some In
side information OF that conference
that ended the controversy, that threat
tiles. Shortly after his conversion
Paul had obtained recognition from the
apostles that he was called of God TO
be an apostle to the gentiles, so he
did not hesitate to confer with them
upon the grave problem that demanded
positive action. He took up with James,
Peter and John the issue that had been
raised calling for the gentiles to be CIR
cumcised Although these leaders were
characterized by strong Jewish pref
udice, they took q strong stand, sus-
tanning the position taken by Barnabas
and Paul, holding that the rite Of cir
cumcision should not be forced upon
gentle converts.
Some of the Pharisees, who like Paul
had become followers of Christ, insisted
that Titus, who was fellow-messenger
from the Antioch Church and gentle,
should be circumcised. They saw that
their faith was in danger of being
weakened. 50 they insisted that all the
traditions of their national religion
should be observed. Paul refused to
yield to their claims, for he saw that II
he yielded the -rhole question would
conceded to their claims, the freedom
of the gospel, as universal faith,
would have been jeop1rdiZed. In win
ming that battle Paul secured spiritual
liberty for all mankind. Christianity
was freed from the shackles of a great
faith in which 1t had been Graded. II
Paul had conceded the claims OF the
false brethren" the religion Of Jesus
would have become Jewish sect and
never attained its position as uni
versal faith.
The Councils Decision.
Having won James. who as pastor Of
the church In Jerusalem held position
Of great Influence, and the Apostles
Peter and John TO their point OF view,
for they had shaken hands upon 1t,
they were ready for Anal action by the
council. over which, according to Robin
son, James presided" Free and fun
discussion took place. The leaders al
lowed the conservative members who
represented the Judaizers to present
their arguments. When everybody had
spoken, Peter presented his view. He
insisted that the matter had been set
tied when the Holy Spirit had guided
him to Caesarta and revealed unto him
that God was no respecter Of persons.
According to Peter 1T was tempting
God to put q yoke on the gentiles that
the Jews could not wear. The Jews had
to believe Just as the gentileS." In
taking his position for a salvation of
grace for the Jews and the gentiles,"
Peter had given a straight-out indorse-
ment Of the position that Paul cham.
pioned.
James clinched the argument Of Peter
by a speech that pointed out how, &C
cording 10 the Old Testament prophets,
the salvation Of the gentiles was in
accordance with Gods plan. He quoted
the prophetic words Of Amos to prove
his statement. He proposed a common
ground that would not inflict any un-
necessary annoyance upon the gentiles
who were turning to God" He suggest
ed that they should formulate their de-
cision in q letter that would point out
to the gentle Christians that they
should not eat any food that had been
offered to idols, live clean life free
from fornication, abstain from eating
any meat that had been killed by being
strangled or with blood in their bodies.
The suggestions of James were adopted
unanimously. 1t was a victory for Paul
and BarnabaS. 1t was a triumph for
soul liberty. Circumcision was not
mentioned, but 1t was clearly not to be
required. II made the moral standards
Of the Mosaic law q fundamental re-
quirement for the Christians in regu-
lating their daily life. It showed that
the liberals respected the views of the
conservatives. It was the Magma Charta
of spiritual liberty for all Christians.
A Welcome Decision.
When the messengers from Jerusa-
lem, Judas and Silas, reached the An
tioch Church, they presented the letter