The apostolical history containing the acts, labours, travels, sermons, discourses, miracles, successes, and sufferings of the Holy Apostles from Christ's ascention to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus : a brief description whereof is here inserted : also, a narration of the particular times and occasions upon which the apostolical epistles were written, together with a brief analytical paraphrase of them : to which is added (for the better understanding of this history) a map of the Apostle Paul's travels ... / by Samuel Cradock.

SECT. III.

PEter (as it seems) about this time came from Jerusalem to Antioch, and for a while using his Gospel-liberty did eat, and familiarly converse with the believing Gentiles; but cer∣tain Brethren of the Jews, that were Friends(a) 1.1 of James, and very tenacious of the Ce∣remonial Law, coming thither from Jerusa∣lem; He for fear of offending these men, or incurring their ill will, withdrew himself from the Gentiles, as if it had been unlawful to have any fellowship with uncircumcised persons; the lawfulness of which converse, he very well knew, and therefore feigned, and dissembled in this matter. And some other Jewish Converts of the Church of Antioch followed this Example, insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their cowardise and dissembling. Paul not brooking this, as contrary to the Gospel liberty, did by virtue of his Apostolick Office, and with authority, rebuke Peter, and openly and freely opposed himself against him in this

matter, expostulating with him, that he being a Jew (and so more bound to observe the Ceremonial Law, which was given to the Jews, and not to the Gentiles), had cast off that Yoke himself, and yet should go about to inforce it upon the Gen∣tiles. And as far as appears, Peter did yield to Paul in this de∣bate, as having truth on his side.

Gal. 2. v. 11. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

v. 12. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gen∣tiles: but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

v. 13. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him, insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

v. 14. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews: why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Causa hujus perniciosae dissi∣mulationis indicatur, nempe, eum timuisse Jacobi familiares. Fl••••. Illyr.