be saved." Had he lived before the Son of God, coming in the flesh, had fulfilled the work of man's redemption, his salvation would have been still of Christ. He would have shared the blessing, though ignorant of its author; like those others "of every nation, who fearing God and working righteousness are accepted of him." Now, however, through especial favour, the author of this salvation is revealed to him: and as we see in the account which follows, "not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.”7

44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45. And they of the circumcision which believed, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we ?

48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

8

Like the star at the Saviour's birth, which conducted the Eastern strangers, till it "brought them to the place where the young child was;"-so now the vision related in this chapter had fulfilled the

7

1 Thess. i. 5.

VOL. I.

8 Matt. ii. 9.

purpose for which God designed it. It had brought Cornelius to Peter, and Peter to Cornelius: the apostle of the Jews to the man of heathen race. It had shown to them of the circumcision, as many as came with Peter, that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. From this time all respect of persons should be done away: no man should forbid that the Gentiles should be received into covenant. Before, we perceive plainly that it would have been forbidden. But now the will of God was made clear. God had "granted to the Gentiles also repentance unto life."

Thus another important step was taken in the progress of the gospel. "The people which walked in darkness have seen a great light: and upon them which lay in the valley of the shadow of death hath the light shined." The first fruits had been offered up of a vast harvest: of that "multitude which no man can number; which being baptized in the name of the Lord, shall be received into God's favour, engaged in his service, and prepared for his heavenly kingdom. And many would be the subjects of thankfulness and wonder with Peter and this converted household, when they prayed him to tarry with them certain days.

LECTURE XXXI.

PETER EXPLAINS TO THE DISCIPLES OF JERUSALEM THE ADMISSION OF THE GENTILES TO THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GOSPEL.-A. D. 41.

ACTS xi. 1-18.

1. And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,1 3. Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

The wide separation between the Jews and other nations is here brought again before us. So great had been the effect of their law, their worship, their ceremonies, and ordinances. It was made a serious charge against Peter, that he went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them. We might expect him to reply: God "has made of one blood all the nations of the earth.” He in whom we believe, he is able to save all that come to God

They of the circumcision: those who being Jews by birth had been circumcised in their infancy, and those who having become proselytes to the Jewish faith, had conformed to that ordinance.

.

through him." It was foretold of him, that he should "be a light to lighten the Gentiles." Ought I to hide that light? Ought I to close the treasure which has been opened? Ought I to say to them of the circumcision, God has mercy in store for you; but to the Gentile, he must perish in his sins?

This he might justly have said, if he had not been himself a Jew by birth and education. But such he was; and, as such, he only defends himself, by appealing to the revelation of God.

4. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5. I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6. Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

7. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou com

mon.

10. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11. And, behold, immediately there were three men

already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.

12. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13. And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14. Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

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18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

It was no reproach to the Jew, that he had looked upon other nations as "aliens from God," and therefore from himself: God had designed that the Jews should be thus kept separate from the abominations of idolatry. It was rather proof of a softened, subdued mind, a mind taught of the Spirit, that the disciples yielded so readily to the words of Peter: held their peace, made no more dispute

Unto us, upon our believing: when we embraced the faith TLOTEVσAOIV.-Scholefield.