hich the work pertained exclusively to the Hebrews. The work for the
Gentiles was opened by the conversion of Saul, and by his commission to them
as their apostle. Acts 9; 26:17. It was also opened on the part of Peter by his
wonderful vision of the sheet let down from Heaven, and the commission given
him at that time. Acts 10; 9; 15:7,14-17.
But what was the condition of the Gentiles before "the door of faith" was
opened to them? Let the apostle Paul answer this, Eph.2:11-13, "Wherefore
remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called
Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision
11
in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the world; but now in Christ Jesus ye who
sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
The apostle goes on to speak of the union of Jews and Gentiles in one body
as follows, verses 14-20: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and
hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his
flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to
make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might
reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity
thereby; and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the
Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens
with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner-stone."
Those who sneer at everything which God has committed to the