Editorial July 6, 1968 Issue

Let Us Work for Brotherhood

Alan A. Aylwin

Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles, clearly recognized the essential brotherhood of all men. His missionary travels brought him into contact with many of the races and religions then existent in the Roman Empire. This imparted a profound compassion and respect for other men, regardless of their different customs, color, or creeds. Genuine Christianity taught Paul to look beyond the limited evidence of the material senses. He learned to behold all real identities held in perfect concord within the allness of God, divine Love. Thinking from this standpoint, he wrote to the church at Colosse, "There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."^{ Col. 3:11;}

On many occasions Paul's fidelity to this wider concept of affection and concern must have been sorely taxed. Hardship, persecution, and physical violence were often his lot as he went about his work; but, regardless of the provocation, he persisted in his struggle to see the innate goodness of man. This sustained him, filled his thought with love, and enabled him to perform his unparalleled service to the cause of Christianity.

Peter, too, had to outgrow a limited sense of brotherhood. His upbringing and environment had instilled in him the belief that salvation was the special prerogative of the Jews. Spiritual growth opened his eyes, and he said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." ^{ Acts 10:34, 35;}

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