Catholicity(liberality of sentiment)
Summary
Liberality of sentiment toward believers of different backgrounds, exemplified in the early church's acceptance of Gentile converts without requiring Jewish customs.
☩Jesus's Teaching
When the disciples reported that they had forbidden a man from casting out demons in Jesus's name because he was not following with them, Jesus corrected their sectarian spirit: 'Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.' This established a principle of accepting those who genuinely work in Christ's name, even if they belong to different groups.
☩Peter and Cornelius
The vision given to Peter on the rooftop in Joppa broke down the barrier between Jew and Gentile. When Peter preached to Cornelius's household and the Holy Spirit fell on them, the Jewish believers recognized that God had granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles also. Peter's defense of his actions established that God shows no partiality between peoples.
☩The Jerusalem Council
The Jerusalem Council addressed whether Gentile converts must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic law. The apostles and elders, led by the Spirit, determined not to burden Gentile believers with requirements beyond essential matters, recognizing that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus.
Related Verses12 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Catholicity," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).