From Trials to Triumph

Peter Lays the Matter Before His Associates

When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had preached to Gentiles, they were surprised and offended. When they next saw Peter they met him with severe censure: “Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” TT 76.1

Peter related his experience—the vision, the command to go to the Gentiles, the coming of the messengers, his journey to Caesarea, and the meeting with Cornelius. He recounted his interview with the centurion, who had told him of the vision by which he had been directed to send for Peter. TT 76.2

“As I began to speak,” he said, “the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 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. 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?” TT 76.3

The brethren were silenced. Convinced that their prejudice and exclusiveness were utterly contrary to the gospel, they said, “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” TT 76.4

Thus, prejudice was broken down, exclusiveness was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles. TT 76.5