29 - The Calling of the Gentiles/ The New Meat Offering
B.W. Newton The "Patmos" Series No. 29 The Calling of the Gentiles.
“The New Meat Offering.”
“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Ephesians 3:5-6
“For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:”
It seems to have been one object of the Apostle here to exhort the saints to likemindedness; to oneness of feeling and unity of thought which were especially needful on account of the character of Jewish believers’ attitude towards Gentile converts. It was so difficult for them to believe that the Gentiles were recipients of the same grace and blessing as themselves, for the tendency of the human heart is always to narrow round itself; whereas, the thoughts and desires of God are expansive and always of enlarged blessing. Therefore, the Apostle exhorts them to remember that these Gentile Christians were made sharers of the same privileges in Christ Jesus as they (Romans 15:6-7): and speaks of his “ministrations” to them being acceptable to God, that fruit might be gathered from among them also to His praise. In Romans 15:16 he regards them as having all the excellency of the “meat-offering;” for Christ had been ministered to them and all His perfectness of character, His developed character, was connected with them! The Apostle loved to look back upon’ Israel; to remember their priestly services; and in doing so, he would think with himself that he also was a priest consecrated to God; able to go forth in the power of that consecration and to bring an “offering” which would be accepted by God!
He remembered also the “loaves;” those “two loaves” which represented the Jewish and Gentile Churches (Leviticus 23:1-44). But how could those “loaves” be accepted for leaven was there and also sin and failure in those poor believers? But the “sin-offering” being connected with them they could be presented before the Lord, and be accepted! The Apostle was able to wave them as it were, before Him, and thus “the offering up of the Gentiles was acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost;” and he had fruit and widespread blessing in his ministrations towards them! From Jerusalem even unto Illyricum “he says; a wide tract of country over which he was allowed to spread the blessed message of the Gospel! And are we not also priests consecrated to God, and have we not an altar at which to feed? Yes: and able in the power of our priestly consecration to go forth as ministers of blessing to others; and whenever we are made the means of gathering in any to the same priestly privileges, ice bring an offering, “acceptable to God!”
St. Paul here seems to be reviewing the past. It is rather a dangerous tendency to look back on past labors when our thoughts ought to be looking forward, thinking of the onward course to which we are called. I do not say it may not be well sometimes; that the past may not thus be reviewed without harm; still, it is rather a dangerous thing. But the Apostle does not seem so much led away in this respect as he was in another way, as we shall presently see.
He appeared to think the time was come to quit his then present work for a while; and spoke of leaving it and going elsewhere (Romans 15:23-25). No wonder his heart should be drawn to Jerusalem with a desire to minister those things which the saints in Macedonia and Achaia had contributed for the poor saints in Jerusalem. It was “an offering well-pleasing unto the Lord,” that they should evidence their love for and sympathy with the poor among those from whom they had received so much spiritual blessing. But now it was that the Apostle failed. Here, he went wrong; for elsewhere (Acts 21:4), we learn that he was told “he ought not to go up to Jerusalem;” expressly told so by those who spoke to him “in the Spirit!” Yet, in disobedience he was bent on going, and a new temptation presented itself. There seems to have been an apprehension of death brought before him. “Bonds,” it was said “awaited him” if he persevered (Acts 21:11)! Still, he persisted in going, saying “he was willing and no doubt feeling he was ready to die at Jerusalem for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”
He did go; and though preserved from death, from bonds and imprisonment he was not delivered; so that the Gospel in his person was “bound,” and he never after was able to spread it as he desired nor allowed to go back with the same blessed message as he intended! It was stopped at Illyricum. He did indeed dwell in his own hired house; and there, while watched by soldiers “he expounded the Word to all that came unto him;” but he never was allowed to return, nor did the Gospel afterwards meet with the same reception: and we also find failure soon coming in even among those Churches over which he had watched! [It is seldom a believer ends his course as favorably as he begins. St. Paul did not. After his wrong step in Acts 21:4 and Acts 21:12, he did not have the same triumph in preaching as before, and difficulties arose in many ways. Shipwreck, imprisonment, many troubles unknown before came upon him; and in Jerusalem danger threatened him, so that he had to take refuge in a compliance with Jewish customs! He had got into a wrong path and the best thing he could do was to go into the Temple; but the best in a wrong path is not always a good thing.] And now in days like these, when everything around has failed, is there not great blessing; is there not peculiar honor for those who seek to cleave to the principles of God and to maintain and spread the truths of His Word when all is in opposition thereunto? Yes, and in one sense even more peculiar honor than in the Apostle’s case, when it was comparatively an easy thing: for you can suppose how his success must have urged him on and given him spirit as it were, and renewed energy. But, when everything is contrary and circumstances so entirely against us, still to press on in spite of all that seems hopeless, is just the character of Faith that will meet with reward, on the principle on which the Lord spoke to Thomas. He did not say it was not a blessed thing to believe in Him and own Him when he had seen for himself, but He did say that far greater blessing belongs to those who “have not seen and yet have believed.” May we then seek these things, remembering that God’s way of dealing in the midst of failure around has been to raise-up individuals here and there who have owned and maintained His Truth. The interferences of God for blessing have ever been through individuals, not through large bodies, and I have a strong conviction that individuals, beginning in that slow way, will be His instrumentality for rectifying present things. Take Deborah, e.g., who of old sat under an oak solitary and alone; her heart imbued with the principles of God and instructing all who came to her. Even a woman God thus owned and raised-up to be a deliverer in Israel! For many a long year did she thus go on under that oak imparting instruction, and there seemed to be no result but, when the time came and it was needful for some to be called out, and for it to be made manifest who were “on the Lord’s side,” there were found many who had listened to her; who had heard the truths and principles of God from her lips, who were therefore ready “to come forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty,” (Judges 5:1-31): so that her labor was not in vain! Thus was it with the Judges in Israel and with others since who have sought to maintain and to spread the principles of God.
[There is such a thing you know as the crowned priest. Only once do we read of this and that not in a day of great things; of strength and triumph; but at a time of weakness and failure around, when a few poor and feeble ones were engaged in building that House of wood, so different from the former House in its glory and beauty (Haggai 2:1-23)! Yet the Lord did own and bless their work, and accept their feeble efforts; honor and blessing were put upon them and we see them crowned as priests (Zechariah 6:1-15)!] So should we seek thus to go on, even if it be only to he engaged about that which is lowly as “wood;” yet, if it be in endeavoring to cleave unto the Lord and His Truth and to own His principles, rest assured it is that which He will accept and bless. This “ministration” still remains open to us. There may still be the Phoebe—the servant of the Church—and there may still be those who, like Priscilla and Aquila, cleave unto and seek to uphold and help those who do maintain the Truth. And, if it be so, it matters not whether our energies are connected with that which has the strength of an Apostle or the weakness of Phoebe; equally will it be owned, if wrought in humility and lowliness of heart, by Him Who “despises not the day of small things.”
Appendix I. The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer.
Acts 16:1-40. The present object of the action of God’s Spirit is to guide the steps of those who declare His Truth. How little the world realized that the Spirit was intently watching the steps of these two servants of God, because they held “the power of God unto salvation!” Men despised them. They did not see that “the power of God” was hidden in the feebleness of preaching or that that was the appointed means for bringing sinners into the glory of Christ. The Apostles too had inclinations contrary to the leadings of the Spirit, for they essayed to go into Bithynia (Acts 16:7), but they were not permitted. The Spirit of God does not allow His servants liberty to say they will go where they please. Some places He seals up, for God has a mind as to where His Truth shall be spread and also as to the occupation of private individuals. All have not the same gifts, and there are certain positions of service which He wishes held. This may be difficult to ascertain, but we often make it more so, because we like to have greater positions than God wishes us to have. The duties which servants have to masters and children to parents, etc., God wishes to have filled rightly. These are solemn questions now, and need to be rectified. Then, employments such as Dorcas are those God wants. Every female should be a Dorcas. It is duty to appoint a certain time everyday to serve the poor with the needle. It would be the greatest blessing to the Church if these little things were attended to, instead of aiming at positions never intended for them. They are of vital importance, and the neglect of them is a great hindrance to progress.
Well, Troas was the place they came to. We ought to think about Troas. It was the place God sent His servant to when He meant him to bring the Gospel to us! Had the Apostles followed their own course instead of God’s direction, we, in these Western nations, might never have heard the Gospel! Yet, what mercies have been wasted on these Western nations! It is also the place whence the Devil spread the greatest idolatry over the earth, with the halo and sanctity cast over the cursed influence of Homer’s writings. It influences still, but not yet to its fullest extent. Persons under that influence never get out of it to their dying hour! I never shall myself. Yet, young men know more of Homer than of the Bible! That is “Education” now: so God has not in vain brought this name before us.
There has been an evil influence from Troas, but God has sent another thence by weak human instruments; which if received, will bring to the true glory of God in Heaven! A vision came to Paul here, inviting him over to Macedonia, and he and Silas went to that city under the direction of God, but they found no open door! They abode several days and the Sabbath came: yet they found the only place no doubt, where the true God was worshipped, was by the river’s side—outside man’s city, the right place of Truth—where a few women resorted! How little they expected to find no preparation when sent by God! but God’s servants are to know discouragement and to have their faith tried. One heart only was opened, and for many days this was the only encouragement. This teaches us not to be in haste, but to wait on God for mercies which He intends to give, and also shows that it needs God to open hearts or else the testimony will not be received: but, when the heart is thus opened, it is the result of the work of God and abides; it cannot be overthrown.
They remained at Philippi many days; and there “the spirit” that ruled the whole Grecian and Roman world for 500 years through the “Delphic oracle” —Pytho—met them! Socrates, Constantine, all men who ruled did nothing without consulting it! It was a mighty spirit in that damsel, and it was met by the mighty power of God in these two Apostles! Men now scorn the idea that that “oracle” was directed by evil spirits: but here is God’s witness to the fact that it was so energized.
What did that “spirit” do? It said “These men are the servants of the Most High God!” Did you expect it would say that when all around were despising them; that devils should say what was true? But, that “they shew unto us the way of Salvation” was a lie! Satan never says pure Truth. If we had heard this, we should probably have said in our haste and folly “There’s a witness for God:” and for many days it was the only witness! But see the faithfulness of the Apostle. He detected and cast out the demon Satan wanted to get into alliance and apparent association with them in “instruction.” Paul saw the snare and cut the link directly! This is what Christians have not done. They try to get into connection with the Devil and his servants, and they succeed; and this is the reason of the condition of the Church now—linked with things that come from Satan—and until these are broken we shall not see any strength or firmness. God will seek to do this in some way, to form a body against Antichrist; so that we must take thought about it if we are seeking to cleave to Truth, for Society is going away whoring from God and is seemingly prospering! Satan will put forth his whole strength to avenge himself if we won’t ally ourselves with him. He did so here. Immediately he is denounced, the saints are imprisoned; as if he said “If they will not accept my sustainment, they shall experience my enmity.” It was a strange commencement for their obedience to the leadings of the Spirit—the stocks—but they learnt that God’s choicest blessings are those which seem to come from death! A fell swoop was made by Satan, and he appeared to succeed! They were cast into prison, but suddenly God interfered! The doors opened and the prisoners could have fled, and then it was that the earthquake and terror brought in the blessing to Philippi. It is a warning to us in these Western regions the manner in which the Gospel effected its entrance that we may know what we have to expect. All human progress is to be visited by an earthquake that is to shake all things; for God says “I will bring evil upon all flesh!” Jeremiah 4:23-28 is the only aspect in which to view human things, or we shall be misled by them.
Well, conviction of sin and of his own personal danger was wrought on the mind and soul of the jailer, and he was about to destroy himself; but the Apostles interposed, and they “spake unto him the Word of the Lord.” They not merely said “Believe on the Lord” but explained how He was the Sacrifice for sin; giving absolution from all penalties and bringing His own “sweet savor,” that every poor sinner who casts himself on that work of righteousness would be saved. Not saved in the power of His essential righteousness, but in that which He by His personal obedience worked out in the world, forming the garment in which He arrays us! That spotless robe—a robe of excellence unspeakable, His greatest gift—was given to the jailer, and is given to envelope all who cast themselves on God’s mercy.
Some persons say it is far better to be changed into His likeness than to have this robe! Damnable thought this! “Get thee behind me Satan” we should say to such. This robe is the groundwork of all blessings. It has all the perfectness of God; and because of having this, God brings into a condition that beseems that robe. So what a fearful thing to despise it! The jailer believed and was baptized; the sign that he shared in the death of the Substitute, the peculiarity of Whose death was, that it was death under judicial wrath, which no “creature” could go through and live: but which the Holy One could carry us through in Him! This death had in it a fragrance as incense, which is given as our endowment. Thus the jailer became possessed of all the perfectness of Christ—a precious gift of which the women’s spices told—a death that had an excellency in God’s sight which enables believers to say they have died in their “Substitute.” This is a gift almost beyond belief, and this perfectness was put on him and on all who believe the message this poor man believed. Thus, they expounded and unfolded the work Christ had done, and explained that he was as-sociated with all the consequences dependent on the value of that “death” in God’s sight! Death not Life is the procuring cause, for God is pledged to give this to all associated with the value of the “death” of Christ!
After the jailer had heard, believed, and was associated with them, the Apostles were set free and the Church at Philippi was founded. It was one of the most blessed of all the Churches; so that Paul was able to say, that whenever he thought of them he rejoiced and thanked God, (Php 1:3)! The Gospel began here under this cloud, and sorrows continued! Years passed on, and Paul found only difficulties and sorrows, and he wrote this epistle in bonds (1:3); yet the Philippians never faltered! They had fellowship with him in sunshine and in storm; and he was comforted having this confidence, that the work was abiding in them, and that the faith they exhibited they would manifest to the end (1:6). A rare blessing this! The faith of many drooped. Few had this adherence to the Apostle and the Gospel through this dark time, and he speaks to them (ch. 3) of the manner in which the goal should be attained. There might be either a continuing in faithfulness and strength; or, a giving up before the end.
How he should “attain to the resurrection from among the dead” was Paul’s anxiety. He desired it should be as one whose faith had not waxed feeble. God had promised glory, but he felt that the path through which he passed to it was un-certain. He wished it to be with firm, conquering steps, and he prayed to be preserved from hindrances which would cause him to come in crippled. His course and his end were most blessed; may it be the kind of course granted to us. So this is the picture of the introduction of the Gospel to us in Europe. All the particulars are brought out in detail for our consideration and thankfulness that we may look back upon the darkness, and be able to appreciate the Light that has been caused to shine in the midst of that darkness. What a mercy to be rescued from this darkness, yet how feebly it is apprehended! Traitors are allowed to come in and take away doctrines such as imputed righteousness, &c.; and we not caring anything about it: whereas, we ought to feel thrilled through our whole system when we find these things so assailed.
Appendix II.
We have in this chapter two aspects of the Church as a “new Meat offering” unto the Lord: the one the Pentecostal Church; the other the Gentile Church. Paul was left as an “outstanding ear” after the Apostles were gathered, to be used to gather in the Gentiles. The grains of it were to be scattered over the Gentile nations, or we should not have been saved. Paul was sent as the minister of the Gentiles, and his instrument was the Gospel. He consecrated them by the ministry of the Gospel, “being sanctified by the Holy Ghost;” having the characteristics of the new meat offering in Leviticus 23:1-44. It is the only gathering that is well pleasing to God. We don’t see it now collectively, and it is a great pity; but we may find individuals in whom the principles of revealed Truth are really received and practiced; and though scattered, they have the value of that which was once seen collectively. The baptism of the Spirit is still in the world, though not in any organized body.
Romans 12:1-21, Romans 13:1-14, Romans 14:1-23 show the principles which would make the “New Meat Offering.” Little things may be done, e.g., being joints and bands; almsgiving; washing saints’ feet; watching for opportunities for concurrent labor; or exercising numberless other lesser gifts, as Gaius or Dorcas, &c., and endeavoring to cherish any practice which the Meat Offering signifies.