The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 346

mysterious elements in auch struggles is that we seem to be placed in strife with the h~lie_st tretlitions and best associations of our earlier life. But it is when the fight begins w1thm the man that he becomes worth nothing. And never do idel\S become ch•ar ne'°er is the higher generalization grnsped, except as the result of such strnggles, A~ Saul, in the zeal of the old faith, kicked against the goads of his new convictions, so was Peter now repugnant to that new truth which was breaking in ,vith so much power up~>n h!s mind. _In both. cases it was a wider ~iew of. the kingdom of God, a mor~ l?vmg rnte:pretation of hts purposes to mankmd, which ~ns. struggling for adm1ss1on to the intellect and heart. Never let us fear the generalization of our ideas and feelings of the truth. The change, in uprooting the old, gives us something far better to put in its place. The resistance of Peter on this occasion is so like him- sharp, stubborn, peremptory. "Ne,·cr, Lord I" • ,vhen Peter spoke thus it was o. sign that he Wl\li about to give way, either on the side of !!:OOd or evil, 80 had he said on former occasions : " I will 11ever forsake thee." " Thou shnlt never wash my feet I" And we know what followed. So in this instance. In each case there was a right feeling com- bint>d with a wrong or ignorant thought. Ignorance of self precipitates into rash resolves; ignorance of the grace of Christ and of the power of truth leads to mistaken obstinacy and resistance. 4. Tlie repeated t1oice. 'fhis time in explanation of the command. "'hat God has cleansed, men are not to deem common. 'l.'his is a deep and pregnant word. The distinction of clean and unclean animals was (1) a sanitary distinction; (2) a ceremonial distinction founded upon that ; (3) therefore a relative and temporary distinction. Apart from the special purposes for which the distinction holds ,2:ood, the general truth of universal and eternal application obtains-that all creatures of God are good and to be received with thanksgiving. So deeply important is this truth, it is repeated over and over again, that it may not possibly "he forgotten, that it cannot henceforth be ignored. (1) Ceremonial, local, national distinctions are for a time; truth and love are universal. (2) The local must give way gradually before the nniversa.l; the truth which reveals differences before the truth which reconciles. (3) '!'he truth for which a sect contends, once clearly established, cannot be lost, But the universal truth of the gospel absorbs both it and all partial definitions of truth with itsclf.-J. Ycrs. Ii-23.-Peter's 'Visit to Ccesarea. L THE CALL TO ACTION FOLLOWING THE REVELATION OF FAITH. Peter was in perplexity at this astounding vision of the sheet let down from heaven. Every Jewish prejudice was confuted by it, and a new view of the purpose of God in the gospel, quite dazzling to his unaccustomed sight, was opened. Well might he hesitate. But when God gives us a new view of truth and duty, it is not long before be calls us to act upon it. So in this case. Often do feelings in the mind thus coincide with outward occun-ences. They join hands and irresistibly indicate the will of God. \Vhile Peter is inquiring the meaning of what he had seen, he is being inquired for by the strangers at the door. Then comes the inward intimation of the Spirit: "Lo, three men are seeking for tbee." IL THE CLEARNESS .il."'D EXPLICITNESS OF THE DIVINE CALL. "Arise, go down, go with them, doubt nothing; I have sent them." Happy for us when the path of duty is made equally clear. Let us remember that the light is given to those who are sincere, and serve God in simplicity of heart. And when the clear call is beard, unhesitatingly must be the obedience. " Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." 'l.'he habit of conferring with flesh and blood, i.e. with inclination and dis- inclination, obscures the conscience, and, perhaps, destroys our hope of future ·inspira- tions. "I ne\·er rise so high," said Cromwell, "as when I know not whither I am i;oing "that is in obedience to the Divine call. So Peter went forth to meet the men. III. 'l'HE ~A.l>.'ING OF THE CALL EXPLAINED. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, has sent for him. A just and pious man is he, the servant ~ays. Here, then, the v(sion _begins to explain itself. What has the Roman to do with the Jew? Everythmg,. 1f God brinas them toaether. And that this was here the case was too evident to be ignored. For ~\·bile God°'' was revealing his will in one way to Peter in a vision, drawing the thought of the apostle toward the Gentile, in another w_ay h~ was spea~ing to _the Roman, impelling him to send to the apostle, that he might liijten to his teachmg. What secret e.ttre.ctioIIII of Providence bring lives together I Do we sufficiently consider  C1t, X, 1-48.) 'l'lIE ACTS OF TIIE APOSTLES.