Thematic Bible: Of the early Christians
Thematic Bible
Bigotry » Instances of » Of the early Christians » In opposing the preaching of the gospel to the gentiles
And the faithful, of the circumcision, who had come with Peter, were amazed, - in that, upon the nations also, the free-gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out;
And, when Peter came up unto Jerusalem, they of the circumcision began to find fault with him, Saying - he went in unto men uncircumcised, and did eat with them.
And, they, having heard, began glorifying God; and they said to him - Thou observest, brother, how many myriads there are among the Jews who have believed, and, all, are zealous for the law. Now they have heard it rumoured concerning thee, that, an apostacy, art thou teaching, from Moses, unto all the Jews, who are among the nations, telling them not to be circumcising their children, nor, by the customs, to be walking. What, then, is it? at all events, they will hear that thou hast come. read more.
This, then, do, which unto thee, we say: - We have four men who have a vow upon themselves. Taking these unto thee, be purified with them, and spend something upon them, that they may shave their head; and all will get to know, that the things which they have heard rumoured concerning thee, are, nothing, - on the contrary, thou thyself, dost keep the ranks, guarding the law. But, concerning them of the nations who have believed, we ourselves, sent, deciding that they should be guarding themselves, both as to idol sacrifice, and blood, and what is strangled, and fornication.
This, then, do, which unto thee, we say: - We have four men who have a vow upon themselves. Taking these unto thee, be purified with them, and spend something upon them, that they may shave their head; and all will get to know, that the things which they have heard rumoured concerning thee, are, nothing, - on the contrary, thou thyself, dost keep the ranks, guarding the law. But, concerning them of the nations who have believed, we ourselves, sent, deciding that they should be guarding themselves, both as to idol sacrifice, and blood, and what is strangled, and fornication.
Bigotry » Instances of » Of the early Christians » In regard to circumcision
And, certain persons, coming down from Judea, began to teach the brethren - Except ye be circumcised according to the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. And, when Paul and Barnabas had had no little dissension and discussion with them, it was arranged that Paul and Barnabas and certain others from among them should go up unto the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem concerning this question, They, therefore, being set forward by the Assembly, began passing through Phoenicia and Samaria, fully relating the conversion of them of the nations, and were causing great joy unto all the brethren. read more.
And, having arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Assembly and the Apostles and the Elders; and they recounted all things God had done with them. But there had stood forth some of those who, from the sect of Pharisees, had believed, saying - It is needful to be circumcising them, also to charge them to be keeping the law of Moses. And the Apostles and Elders were gathered together to see about this matter. And, when much discussion had arisen, Peter standing up, said unto them - Brethren! Ye yourselves, well know that, in days long past, amongst you, God chose that, through my mouth, the nations should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And, the heart-observing God, bare witness, - unto them, giving the Holy Spirit, just as, even unto us; and made no distinction at all betwixt us and them, by their faith, purifying their hearts. Now, therefore, why are ye proving God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which, neither our fathers, nor we, have been able to bear.
And, having arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Assembly and the Apostles and the Elders; and they recounted all things God had done with them. But there had stood forth some of those who, from the sect of Pharisees, had believed, saying - It is needful to be circumcising them, also to charge them to be keeping the law of Moses. And the Apostles and Elders were gathered together to see about this matter. And, when much discussion had arisen, Peter standing up, said unto them - Brethren! Ye yourselves, well know that, in days long past, amongst you, God chose that, through my mouth, the nations should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And, the heart-observing God, bare witness, - unto them, giving the Holy Spirit, just as, even unto us; and made no distinction at all betwixt us and them, by their faith, purifying their hearts. Now, therefore, why are ye proving God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which, neither our fathers, nor we, have been able to bear.
Inasmuch as we had heard that, certain from among us, had troubled you with words, dismantling your souls, - unto whom we had given no instructions,
But, not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised; - But, this was because of the false brethren secretly introduced, - who, indeed, came in secretly to spy out our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: - Unto whom, not even for an hour, gave we place by the required submission, - in order that, the truth of the glad-message, might still abide with you.