The conversion of a centurion in the Roman regiment stationed at Caesarea, the Roman administrative centre, and his baptism by Peter, brought the question of the relationship between Jewish believers and non-Jewish believers into sharp focus. In the old Israelite community of the past it had been possible to accept those who were not Israelites into the community, providing they accepted the whole of the Jewish Law, including circumcision, and this still held for Gentiles who wished to follow the Jewish religion and way of life. The problem that disturbed some of the Jerusalem Christians was that Peter had baptized the centurion, Cornelius, without even suggesting that Cornelius should follow the Jewish Law or accept circumcision. Furthermore, Peter had stayed in the house of this uncircumcised Gentile, shared his food and accepted him as a brother. 'Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. Whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to”, (10:34-35). We must not underestimate the difficulty which the Jewish Christians were struggling to resolve in this matter. According to Genesis 17, circumcision was essential as a rite of entry into membership of the Covenant people of God. Could God's command to Abraham be set aside? It was a very serious question and it was not to be resolved until after a great deal more discussion.