Answering for Our Beliefs

Controversy is never far from the Christian, and Peter certainly found this out when reporting back to Jerusalem on the incredible history making events that had occurred during his visit to the house of Cornelius. Initially, rather than rejoice and glorify God that the Gentiles had “received the word of God”, we read that some Jews actually ‘contended' with Peter over the fact that he had entered the house of, and eaten with the uncircumcised.

We as Christians will also be challenged about our beliefs, people will often take exception to us, and they will say we are contentious. The things we believe on such vital truths as baptism and creation can cause people, even in the church, to take issue with us. We learn that we must be careful in our judgements, lest our questioning the acts of others is based on tradition rather than on Scripture. The Lord, and Peter, had to face the religious ‘thought police', sometimes we do also.

Like Peter, we have to be ready when we are challenged. His response is an example to us. He was not angry when questioned, he did not embellish or add to his explanation of what happened, he simply told the truth of what God had done. He was ready to witness, so must we be. Willing to have his actions tested, he stood his ground. He was not deterred by criticism, and eventually we see that his testimony won the day. We must, ourselves, be prepared to wait for the vindication of God's honour. The truth of God will triumph over all its rivals.