Peter is good example of one who didn’t want to have anything to do with Gentiles when Jews were around. Paul had to rebuke him for his ways. In Galatians 2:11-14: But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 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? Peter had forgotten the truth of from one blood God had made all nations of men and denied the truth of the gospel out of fear. People still do that today rather than stand and defend their belief in Jesus Christ.

People refuse to believe that all men have the same type blood in their veins. They argue that one group is better than others and fight over the differences. The strife in the world exists because people won’t humble themselves to God through Jesus Christ. Stephen said in Acts 7:51-53: Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. Verse 54 gives the reaction of those who heard his speech: When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. He told them the truth of their deeds, and as result, he lost his life. The stoned him to death verses 58-60. Things haven’t changed much today from that day. There are still those that want to kill the messenger instead of listening and hearkening to the truth.

The Bible message that God has made from one blood all nations of men should make any Christian give pause to what they believe about their fellow man.  Regardless of what they believe, or where they live, or what they do, everyone is equal in God’s sight and subject to the same laws he has set in motion. Everyone is subject to the same gospel, and in the end, all will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, Philippians 2:9-11: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  From one blood all nations of men and that one blood includes Jesus Christ who died that we all can be one regardless of who we are, what we are, or where we live.  That is the eternal message that Paul delivered that day on Mars Hill.  And that is the message that will end the strife in the world, if people will but humble themselves to Jesus Christ in obedience to the gospel.

© 11-12-2002 DEC

Revised 09-12-2008