To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Paul and his companions refused to give place by subjection, no, not for an hour, to demands that Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the ceremonial law. In that refusal Paul stood alone, looking constantly to God and taking his orders from Him rather than conceding to human power, prejudice, tradition and maxims, even when opposed by fellow workers. His purpose in not submitting was that the truth of the gospel might continue unaltered with believers and the salvation of people might be achieved.
His unyielding stand brought freedom to the churches so that painful rites were no longer taught and practiced as duty, and the Jerusalem council agreed that Gentiles were free from these obligations. The same principle holds today, that living workers who have a vital connection with God are not to be reproved and handicapped by the prejudices of others, and the events concerning Christ's kingdom on this earth are not to be put under the control of any human power.
Paul and his companions refused to give place by subjection, no, not for an hour, to demands that Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the ceremonial law. In that refusal Paul stood alone, looking constantly to God and taking his orders from Him rather than conceding to human power, prejudice, tradition and maxims, even when opposed by fellow workers. His purpose in not submitting was that the truth of the gospel might continue unaltered with believers and the salvation of people might be achieved.
His unyielding stand brought freedom to the churches so that painful rites were no longer taught and practiced as duty, and the Jerusalem council agreed that Gentiles were free from these obligations. The same principle holds today, that living workers who have a vital connection with God are not to be reproved and handicapped by the prejudices of others, and the events concerning Christ's kingdom on this earth are not to be put under the control of any human power.