---

This was a crisis in the history of the Church. The greatest disasters might have befallen it at this critical time. The man who saved the Church was Paul. There was in him a fine spirit of conciliation as to methods and usages; but when it came to the liberty of Christ, and the independence of the Church, he stiffened into inflexibility, and he "gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour." The little picture before us enables us to look into the detail of early Church life. Note here —

I. THE PLACE OF HUMAN THOUGHT AND INDEPENDENCE IN THE CONSIDERATION OF CHRISTIAN PROBLEMS. No man was hooted down on either side. In modern Christian controversy we have all seen lamentable spectacles. It makes one ashamed of the Christian cause when orthodox men employ a heterodox tone for the purpose of putting down an opponent. Take care how you maintain a good cause. I have seen an infidel display a nobler spirit than has been shown by his nominally Christian antagonist. Here the discussion was full, impartial and thorough; due deference was paid to the apostles and elders; all things were done decently and in order.

II. THE BEGINNING OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY. A wrong step here, and Christian liberty would have been lost. Paul was raised up at the very moment of time. He who made havoc of the Church now kept it together. Under the illumination of Paul the horizon of James widened. Sometimes the Church needs inspiration more than information. When the grate is full of fuel, what is wanting is a light. James began to see that Christian liberty was founded on prophecy. How did James become so great a man all of a sudden? Because he had touched the Pauline spirit. Great men make great men. We do not need a new Bible; we need new readers. It was actually found that in the Old Testament this very question had been settled. In every synagogue Moses was read, and nobody understood him.

III. THE SIGHT WAY OF TREATING NEW CONVERTS. They were to begin by not doing things. The trouble with our new converts is that they are converted on Monday, and on Tuesday promoted to places of eminence. The apostles said, "Brethren, you will do well to begin by not doing certain things." That is where we ought to begin.

IV. THE HAPPIER ASPECTS OF CONTROVERSY. But for this controversy, who knows when Paul and James might have been brought together? And after the controversy was over, the bishop writes: "Our beloved Barnabas and Paul." James looked at the question partly from the characters of the men, and he called them "men that have hazarded their lives for our Lord Jesus Christ." So judge in every controversy, This proof of devotion must go for something in the exciting controversy. It is not enough to be clever; we must be true. What have we done for the Lord Jesus?

(J. Parker, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

WEB: After they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me.