Keeping the Unity of the Spirit.
During the first twenty years of the Christian era, we find, as related in the Acts of the Apostles, circumstances arising which seriously imperiled the oneness of heart and soul which so happily marked believers at the beginning. The occasions were these:-
The murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews (chap. 6).
The gathering out of the church from amongst the Samaritans (chap. 8).
The conversion of the first Gentiles – Cornelius and his friends (chaps.10. & 11).
The controversy as to the law of Moses and the Gentiles (chap. 15).
In each case we see how the disruptive forces at work were checked and defeated, and a brief survey of them may not be without its usefulness to-day.
Two thing stand out prominently, and must be carefully distinguished: First, the divine wisdom that wrought providentially behind the scenes; second, the grace and wisdom of the apostles and early Christians, which was the human element in the case.
As to the former we can only notice it with admiration and pray that in the present days when disruption has been so sadly consummated, a like providence may yet be operative towards God’s saints. As to the latter, let us note and inwardly digest with exercised consciences, that at least we may learn how better to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4.3). We shall thereby prove afresh how these God-breathed Scriptures are profitable “for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
<< This month we will consider the last two>>
3. The Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10. and 11.).
This was perhaps and even more critical moment than the foregoing, insomuch as the Jewish feelings in regard to the Gentile were far more pronounced than against the Samaritan. The divine providences were many! The angelic messenger to Cornelius; the vision granted to Peter; the instantaneous giving of the Spirit upon reception of the gospel, which rendered it impossible for any Jew, however great his natural prejudices, to forbid the baptism and formal reception of such believers. All these show us how God was at work manipulating events so that every barrier which might have withstood the thorough fusion of both Jew and Gentile in the one body of Christ was swept away.
On the human side the outstanding feature was the action of Peter in taking “certain brethren from Joppa” (10.23), “these six brethren” (11.12), with him.
By this wise act he not only assured ample witness of what really transpired, but he did away with any suspicion that he acted behind the backs of his brethren. There was nothing underhand, no attempt to settle a thorny question apart from fellowship with his brethren.
The effect of this is seen in chapter 11 when in conference at Jerusalem certain brethren of extremely circumscribed views raised difficulties, the evidence was so conclusive that they ended by admitting God’s work amongst the Gentiles and glorifying God.
4. The controversy as to Law (Acts 15.).
This was perhaps the most dangerous crisis of all. Though Gentiles were admitted into the fellowship and privileges of the church yet there were many Jews who wished to maintain a Judaized or legalized from of Christianity and to Judaize the Gentile converts as well. This was stoutly resisted by Paul and those with him.
Galatians 2.1-5 throws light upon this occasion, showing how uncompromising Paul was because he saw that vital truth was at stake. It shows also the working of divine providence inasmuch as it was “by revelation” that Paul went up to Jerusalem. The church at Antioch “determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up” (Acts 15.2); but behind the scenes was that revelation to Paul which was the governing factor.
On the human side we notice:
The obedience of Paul and his friends to the revelation. They might naturally have felt that they were throwing away their case – which they knew to be right and of extreme importance – by consenting to go for a settlement into the city where the influence of their opponents was so great. They waived all natural feelings and calculations and obeyed.
(b) Free but sober discussion was allowed. The case was freely stated on both sides. No attempt to score points by descending to the level of the barrister in the law courts is recorded. There was much discussion (ver. 7). The truth is great. It fears no investigation.
(c) Finally Peter cited facts and James cited Scripture, and stated his judgment founded upon both, to which judgment all agreed. Facts, and Scripture which interpreted the facts carried the day. There was no appeal from these things. To them all bowed.
Is it not evident that had similar wise procedure been followed, aided by similar desires for the unity of God’s saints, the history of the church would have been much different from what it has been?
And is it not equally evident that even though the history of the church has been so full of failure and disruption, our responsibility to keep the unity of the Spirit still remains, and that these Scriptures may help to make us wise unto salvation from further disruptive tendencies?
F. B. Hole – Scripture Truth 1915