Cross and Commission Misunderstood

Yet more than this. For years after the ascension of Christ these same disciples labored under serious misapprehension concerning the teaching of the Scriptures and of the purpose of God. They believed that the gospel message they had been commissioned to proclaim was for the Jewish nation only. They did not include the Gentile world in the plan and purpose of God, nor in the commission given them. To this mistaken view they clung most tenaciously for several years. Not until a most impressive vision was given to the apostle Peter, followed immediately by a definite call to go to the home of a Roman centurion and preach Christ, would he venture to offer the cup of salvation to any save the Jews.AGP 254.3

In obedience to the vision and the call, however, Peter, for the first time in his ministry, entered the home and preached Christ to a group of Gentiles who were present. When the preaching of the word was accompanied by a demonstration of spiritual power, both he and the Jewish converts who accompanied him were greatly astonished “because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 10:45.AGP 254.4

For this wide departure from the views of his associates the apostle had to give serious account. When he returned to Jerusalem, “they that were of the circumcision [the Jews] contended with him, saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised [the Gentiles], and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them.” “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Acts 11:2-4, 18.AGP 255.1