"Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Galatians 2:10
I mentioned last time, that we would focus on this verse and why it is so important. What does this verse mean? Who are these poor? Why are they mentioned right here? Why was Paul and the apostles in Jerusalem so forward to remember them?
It would be easy to say that the Jewish apostles tell them to remember the poor, because it is just a good thing to do. It could also be that the Jewish apostles thought that Paul and those who followed his gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the mystery of Christ would abuse their liberty and not remember the poor? It could be. However, IT ISN'T. The Word of God is too clear on this issue when the Word of truth is "rightly divided". Let us quickly recap what is happening and had happened at the Jerusalem council, which can be found in Acts 15 and Galatians 1-2.
Paul receives a revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ to go up to Jerusalem, to "communicate unto them that gospel which I (Paul) preach among the Gentiles". We saw clearly that, unlike how most Christians teach and preach it, Paul's gospel is not the same gospel Peter preached. We also learn that Paul went up to Jerusalem to communicate that God had changed the program. God does not change, but His dealings with mankind have and will in the future. God changed from dealing with His nation Israel and salvation through Christ dying in order to give the new covenant to the nation of Israel. In doing so God will cause them to keep the commandments perfectly. This will produce righteousness in His sight. The Gentiles, once this happens would then find salvation in Israel as Christ reigns as the King of kings and Lord of lords over the entire earth. This is however, yet to be fulfilled. Christ came the first time to suffer and die, only to come again to rule and reign. However, He did not return again according to prophecy, but according to the mystery of God's will He appeared to the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. In so doing God changed from doing all of that with Israel, to offering salvation to the Gentiles through Israel's fall of unbelief, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It would be "by the Cross" and "the preaching of the Cross" that God would use unto the Gentiles glory a part from Israel. The gospel that proclaims this message, which is the mystery of Christ, God hid within Himself, but revealed it unto the apostle Paul to teach all the nations, that all might be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth. This is why Paul went up to Jerusalem to communicate this to the Jewish apostles. The Jewish apostles although it was hard to understand, "perceived the grace that was given unto me (Paul)". They also "saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (Paul), AS the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;". Also they recognized that "He (Christ) that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me (Paul) toward the Gentiles;" The Jewish apostles, because Paul went up and communicated unto them the change, recognized that change. How do I know this? Well Galatians 2:9-10, give us that answer.
"And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
Three things happen here. 1)The 3 who seemed to be pillars that is; James, Cephas, and John perceived the grace given unto Paul. 2)Those 3 gave to Paul and Barnabas the "right hands of fellowship". The "right hands of fellowship" did not acknowledge that they were preaching the same thing, remember? However, that they were preaching something different. They are acknowledging that God changed His dealings with mankind from Israel's salvation and Gentiles through their RISE which had not come yet, but would have and will at Christ second coming; to the Gentiles (and individual Jews, although God sees them as Gentiles today) salvation through Israel's fall. Again, how do we know this? 3)Both the Jewish apostles, Paul and Barnabas were forward to remember the poor.
Who are these poor? How does this confirm not only that God changed the program, but that the Jewish apostles knew of this change? By answering the former question we will answer the latter.
These poor are the followers Christ, those who believed He is the Messiah, that is their Christ. Also known as the little flock. The little flock, the true Israel, because they believed Christ not only in the Gospel accounts during Christs earthly ministry, but also in the early Acts period. Why are they poor?
I will start by quickly mentioning that to be a disciple of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry and the early Acts period you needed to sell all that you had or leave all that you had and follow Christ. When Christ called out His 12 disciples each one left what they were doing, their families, their businesses, everything in order to follow Christ.
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. BUT SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU." Matt. 6:25-33
Christ commands them to sell all, because He is going to provide for them. Earlier in Matthew before this passage He tells them how to pray "give us this day our daily bread". He tells them to pray for God to provide food for them, because Christ commands them to sell all. Why, because the kingdom of heaven was AT HAND and the Jew could bring nothing in. It would be God that provides for that Jew in that kingdom. Selling all was a work that proved that one trusted; that one had faith in God to provide for their every need. We see through the Gospel accounts that Jesus is continually providing for them. He gives them glimpses of the kingdom through miracles, providing food for the multitudes of 4000 and 5000 by multiplying 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.
Christ spoke in parables saying,
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." Matt. 13:44
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Matt. 13:45-46
Christ speaks over and over about selling all, because He will provide and the riches in the kingdom are far better, being eternal. This kingdom of heaven that Christ speaks, will come down from heaven, but it will be a literal, physical, visible, earthly kingdom (Rev. 21). Selling all that you had was a requirement to enter in the kingdom of heaven that Christ spoke about, and boy it was AT HAND. In the disciples and others selling all that they had, they became like the Jews in time past whom came out of Egypt with nothing but God to provide for them. The nation of Israel was BORN at that time. Those Jews murmured against Moses and the power of God displayed to them, through provision of food and water, miraculously. The setting was like that during Christs earthly ministry. He explains the trials ahead in the tribulation. They will have nothing, and will not be able to buy anything, but Christ teaches and shows them that He is mighty and powerful to provide for all their needs. They must as a nation be BORN AGAIN. He is worthy to be followed in the midst of the greatest persecution that man was ever to face.
Christ teaches a certain ruler in Luke 18:18-25,
"And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor thy father and they mother. And he said, all these have I kept from my youth up. Now when jesus heard these things, he said unto him, YET LACKEST THOU ONE THING: SELL ALL THAT THOU HAST, AND DISTRIBUTE UNTO THE POOR, AND THOU SHALT HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; AND COME, FOLLOW ME. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
Christ in the following verses teaches His disciples,
"And they that heard it said, who then can be saved? And He (Christ) said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."
Christ taught that it was not good enough to just keep the commandments, but now that the kingdom WAS AT HAND, that one needed to sell all and follow Christ. He also taught to the ones who did, such as Peter, that he will be rewarded and provided for from God at the present time, but also we receive the greatest reward eternal life in the kingdom.
In the early Acts period, after Christ's death, burial, and resurrection the little flock continued to follow the commandments of Jesus. Acts 2:44-45,
"And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and SOLD THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, and parted them to all men, as every man had need."
In verse 47, God added daily to that kingdom church, the little flock of Israel.
Acts 4:32-35, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."
Verse 37, "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."
In Acts 5, it talks about a couple who sold all, yet kept some of the money and they died and went to hell, because they did not follow the commandment of Christ to sell all.
Paul says in Eph. 2:12 that we (Gentiles) were at this time strangers or aliens from the "commonwealth of Israel".
My point is manifold in nature. The little flock were to sell all; houses, land, business, animals, etc. They were to do this because the kingdom of heaven was at hand and in that kingdom God is going to daily provide for their every need. God provided for them in the early Acts period by every one distributing the fruit of their goods to those who were in need in that little flock. It is evident that after the resources would run dry that God would provide for them as Christ taught. They would but need pray to the Father and ask in Christ's name and receive. My biggest point of all is, these are the poor that the Jewish apostles, Paul, and Barnabas are forward to remember. But why? God changed the program and they no longer needed to sell all, therefore leaving them in a poorer state then before. The commonwealth of that little flock had dried up or would soon. Paul along with his gospel, apostleship, and ministry communicated that God had changed the program and their kingdom that was AT HAND, is no longer at hand. Hence the reason today Christ is not reigning as the King of kings and Lord of lords in Israel and us Gentiles sojourning to Israel, grabbing the skirt of a Jew because God is with Israel, Emmanuel. That is yet to be fulfilled. No, God changed the program with the apostle Paul and for a season is no longer dealing with Israel and their kingdom, however He is dealing with both Jew and Gentile, forming and putting them in the Body of Christ, through faith in the Cross of Christ, that He died for our sins. This is the mystery of Christ, which God hid in Himself. God is not residing in the nation of Israel through Christ being the King of kings and Lord of lords, under the new covenant. God is residing through Christ in those that believe the Cross of Christ that by it He died for our sins, under pure grace apart from the covenants, law, and the commonwealth. This is not the fulfillment of God's promises or prophecies to Israel, but something different. It is the mystery of Christ!!!
Those poor that we mentioned are the "kingdom church saints" that followed Christ's command. As God changed the program they in their obedience became poor. It is vitally important to note that God still provides for them, but not through the kingdom and not through the commonwealth, but by the apostle Paul's ministry. This is mentioned in a few passages, however I will quickly note Romans 15:26,
"For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."
God through His awesomeness, although He changed the program, although He changed His dealings with mankind, still provided for the saints who believed Christ's commandments to sell all and follow Him. He honored and provided for their faith. He still provided for them, still kept His word, however not in the same way as prophesied. It would be the Gentiles who were on the Jews back for hundreds of years, the Gentile believers that heard the mystery of Christ from the unique, distinct, gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the apostle Paul that would provide for the poor brethren of God's earthly program with the nation of Israel. That is GRACE!!!!! O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!!!
Until next time....
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"Paul's Gospel" pt. 4
"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, TO reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:" Galatians 1:15-16
God the Father, the Almighty Creator of both heaven and earth through Christ by the Cross, saved the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, by His grace. God separated him from his mother's womb. When Paul says that he is not referring to his physical mother and her physical womb. Paul in the context described the Jews' religion and the tradition of "my fathers", he calls it. It is that religion and tradition that is his mother's womb. Paul received his nourishment from that religion, and grew up in those traditions. Paul is saying that God separated him from that, but not for any reason, but "to reveal His Son in me,". God chose the apostle Paul, saved him by His grace and in return separated him from his Jews' religion, in order to reveal Christ in Paul. The ultimate purpose is in the rest of verse 16, "that I might preach Him (Christ) among the heathen;". How awesome!!! God chose the apostle Paul, separated him from what God had been doing in time past and did not send Paul to preach Christ to the Jews only, whom God had been dealing with since Genesis 17, roughly, but sent him to the heathen. The heathen God gave up in Genesis to a reprobate mind (Rom. 1). Quickly, look at Paul's response when God did this, "immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:". Paul did not confer with anyone, to see if what God showed him was really what God was doing. Why if God gave Paul the same apostleship, gospel, and ministry to him as God did Peter, would he not confer with flesh and blood? Why would he hide that? Well, Paul knew something that most don't today that what God sent him to do and that the gospel, apostleship, and ministry given to him were and still are unique and would not be understood right away. God changed the program.
Unfortunately, those in Christendom who listen and see the unique gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the apostle Paul have the same response as Paul does. They are afraid of the religious, legalistic intimidation. They flex their scholarly muscles and proclaim God has been doing one thing throughout all of history and don't even think, because their religion, tradition, and theology won't allow it, that God had and has a two-fold purpose in Christ. In return, they are caught in magnifying themselves and their own religion instead of God's manifold wisdom in Christ described clearly in His Word. May God be true and every man a liar, the Word of God is not bound by Christians scholarly attempts of theology. May we be certified in Paul's apostleship, gospel, and ministry (Gal. 1:11).
It would be 3 years before Paul would confer with flesh and blood. Notice what he says in verse 17 of Gal. 1,
"Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."
Notice here two things. 1) Paul did not confer with flesh and blood, but more specifically he notes, not with those in Jerusalem. 2) Notice the apostles, the 12, are still in Jerusalem at this time as we studied out a couple days ago.
After 3 years Paul goes up to Jerusalem and only sees Peter and James (v. 19). Paul then leaves and does not go up to Jerusalem for another 14 YEARS!!! Paul had a distinct apostleship, gospel, and ministry. It was something separate from what God had been doing in time past. However, Paul goes up to Jerusalem again, 14 years later, and it is recorded in two places, Acts 15 and Galatians 2. Paul gives us inside information from that of Acts 15. Acts 15 is written by Luke and has a Jewish perspective, however Paul has the perspective us Gentiles need to understand of what happened in that council in Jerusalem. First, Paul went up by revelation (v. 2). In fact verse 2, "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them THAT GOSPEL WHICH I PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES, but privately to them which were of reputation, best by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." Paul communicated to them, "that gospel" that he preached to the Gentiles. Paul educated and shared with them what Christ had revealed to Paul, throughout those 17 years. Notice a few things in verses 1 and 2. Paul takes Barnabas and Titus with him. Why is this important?
Matthew 18, the context is trespassing against each other in that kingdom church, but Paul does this when he goes up to Jerusalem. Verse 15-20,
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, THEN TAKE THEE ONE OR TWO MORE, THAT IN THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church (kingdom church): but if he neglect to hear the church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching ANY THING that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Do you notice the same pattern in Galatians? Paul goes up the first time after 3 years to Peter (the rock) whom Christ gave authority over His kingdom church, little flock. That occasion was the first time Peter heard "that gospel", also James. However, it needed to be communicated to the whole council, the whole church. So Paul, brings with him "two or three" more people Barnabas and Titus with him, so that what he is doing and the word, gospel, apostleship, and ministry of Paul may be established. Paul does not bring two or three more people for his sake, but for the Jewish apostles sake, that Paul by "two or three" witnesses may show that God changed the program. Paul is NOT going up to Jerusalem to confirm that they are preaching the same gospel, no not at all. Paul is going up to the Jerusalem council to communicate "that gospel", not the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the circumcision, but the gospel of the uncircumcision, the gospel of the grace of God. Quickly note, in Matthew, the passage above, that if the men neglect or go against the kingdom church they are but like a "heathen man".
Paul goes up with Barnabas and Titus, who was a Greek and he was not compelled to be circumcised. This ought to catch your attention, Galatians 2:3. What are the Jewish apostles do to? He can't be unto them a "heathen man", he already is a Gentile. Do you see what is happening? "That gospel" that Paul preached is distinct. It is something totally new from what God had been doing with, Jews, the circumcision, and Israel, but also something totally different from what He will do with them in the future, and the Gentiles through them. Titus is already a Gentile, a Greek, and he is not compelled to be circumcised and become a Jew. Why? This was what God had been doing all along, dealing only with the circumcision and others Gentiles through them. NO, God started something new and by God's grace Paul, Titus, and Barnabas testified of the liberty that they have in Christ. They testified that they need not be circumcised, or to circumcise anyone. They testified that they were not under the law. They testified that they although able ministers of the new testament that they were not under it, but having the same spirit. They "communicated unto them that gospel which I (Paul) preach among the Gentiles."
Lets finish Galatians 2:5-10,
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles;) abd when James, Cephas, an John, who seemed to be pillars, PERCEIVED THE GRACE THAT WAS GIVEN UNTO ME, THEY GAVE TO ME AND BARNABAS THE RIGHT HANDS OF FELLOWSHIP; THAT WE SHOULD GO UNTO THE HEATHEN, AND THEY UNTO THE CIRCUMCISION. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
There is so much here and we will not cover it all today, but will in the future. Paul went up to Jerusalem by revelation. God is orchestrating this. He goes up to communicate "that gospel", to share not that it is the same gospel, but that it is unique, distinct, unprophesied, and a mystery that Paul is revealing to all mankind. It speaks about the liberty that we can have in Christ, however, the 3 (James, Peter, and John) are compelling Titus to become circumcised. Titus is not compelled to, because he knows through the apostle Paul that God changed the program and he does not need to be circumcised in order to have spiritual access unto God, but that he now as a Gentile has that access because of the Cross. Paul does not give place to them even for an hour, to be subject unto that. Paul notes that they seemed to be somewhat in conference, but added nothing to me. Paul does not end there, he says, "contrariwise" Paul adds something to them. Paul is communicating "that gospel" of Jesus Christ "according to the revelation of the mystery." The mystery that God hid in Himself about His Son and through Israel's fall He would send salvation to the Gentiles apart from the nation Israel. And by two or three witnesses Paul, Titus, and Barnabas did not subject themselves unto the kingdom church, however they added to James, Cephas, and John as they "saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (Paul), AS the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter." Two different gospels (good news) of Christ, to two different people's. (For He (Christ) that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, that same (Christ) was might in me toward the Gentiles;)", (v. 8). They PERCEIVED the grace that was given unto me (Paul), not the law, not the new covenant, but pure grace.
There is only one gospel today that saves, that is the gospel of the grace of God, that by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, that one is saved. However, the Jerusalem council was a meeting that Paul was commanded to go in order to communicate "that gospel" and for the Jewish apostles to perceive the grace that was given to Paul. Also, for the Jewish apostles to see that it was Christ who is effectually working this in Paul as He effectually worked in Peter for the apostleship of the circumcision.
I pray today that we all recognize Paul's distinct, unique, and set apart gospel, apostleship, and ministry as did the Jewish apostles did, although it was hard for them to understand. I pray that we recognize, believe, and stand firm in God's manifold wisdom in Christ. I pray that we recognize, believe, and stand firm that God is not forming the Body of Christ to fulfill all His promises that He promised the nation of Israel, but that we are a part of the "one new man" "the church, which is His body", the Body of Christ. I pray that we walk worthy of our calling by which we are called, to walk worthy of our vocation, to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, not the fellowship of Israel, but the mystery. To the intent that now unto principalities and powers might be known the manifold wisdom of God, by the church. What a calling we have!!!
Lastly, I want to quote 2 Peter 3:13-18,
"Nevertheless we (Jews), according to His (Gods and Christs) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, where in dwelleth righteousness (fulfilled in revelation, not today). Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longs-suffering of our Lord is salvation; (their kingdom had not come, the wrath had not come, nor the new heavens and the new earth, Peter is telling them why) even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom (what wisdom, 1 Cor. 2, the hidden wisdom of God hid in a mystery) given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood (because they are new and different from what God had been doing all along) which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
It is evidently clear today under the umbrella of Christianity that many men unfortunately do not see the distinct, unique, and set apart gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the apostle Paul. In return they become men unaware, unlearned, and unstable resulting in "wrest"-ing the scriptures not only to others destruction, but "unto their own destruction". They become men unapproved of God not fully knowing that, because they have the approval of so many men. They may not be ashamed now, but will be when they reach the judgment seat of Christ, not losing salvation, but losing their reward as through fire, because their works are not built upon Paul's gospel, apostleship, and ministry who is our wise master builder (1 Cor. 3). May we build upon the foundation of Christ that Paul has laid as given instruction from Christ Himself from heaven's glory; and may we not build upon another man's foundation of Christ such as laid by Peter as given instruction from Christ during His earthly ministry to Israel. How vitally important it is to "rightly divide" the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Next time we will quickly look at Galatians 2:10, "Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Were the Jewish apostles just telling them to remember the poor, because they thought they did not have to, because of their new liberty in Christ? Was this just a good work, a noble thing to do, to remember the poor? Who are these poor that is being talked about? Why was Paul and the Jewish apostles forward to remember them?
Until next time...
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
God the Father, the Almighty Creator of both heaven and earth through Christ by the Cross, saved the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, by His grace. God separated him from his mother's womb. When Paul says that he is not referring to his physical mother and her physical womb. Paul in the context described the Jews' religion and the tradition of "my fathers", he calls it. It is that religion and tradition that is his mother's womb. Paul received his nourishment from that religion, and grew up in those traditions. Paul is saying that God separated him from that, but not for any reason, but "to reveal His Son in me,". God chose the apostle Paul, saved him by His grace and in return separated him from his Jews' religion, in order to reveal Christ in Paul. The ultimate purpose is in the rest of verse 16, "that I might preach Him (Christ) among the heathen;". How awesome!!! God chose the apostle Paul, separated him from what God had been doing in time past and did not send Paul to preach Christ to the Jews only, whom God had been dealing with since Genesis 17, roughly, but sent him to the heathen. The heathen God gave up in Genesis to a reprobate mind (Rom. 1). Quickly, look at Paul's response when God did this, "immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:". Paul did not confer with anyone, to see if what God showed him was really what God was doing. Why if God gave Paul the same apostleship, gospel, and ministry to him as God did Peter, would he not confer with flesh and blood? Why would he hide that? Well, Paul knew something that most don't today that what God sent him to do and that the gospel, apostleship, and ministry given to him were and still are unique and would not be understood right away. God changed the program.
Unfortunately, those in Christendom who listen and see the unique gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the apostle Paul have the same response as Paul does. They are afraid of the religious, legalistic intimidation. They flex their scholarly muscles and proclaim God has been doing one thing throughout all of history and don't even think, because their religion, tradition, and theology won't allow it, that God had and has a two-fold purpose in Christ. In return, they are caught in magnifying themselves and their own religion instead of God's manifold wisdom in Christ described clearly in His Word. May God be true and every man a liar, the Word of God is not bound by Christians scholarly attempts of theology. May we be certified in Paul's apostleship, gospel, and ministry (Gal. 1:11).
It would be 3 years before Paul would confer with flesh and blood. Notice what he says in verse 17 of Gal. 1,
"Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus."
Notice here two things. 1) Paul did not confer with flesh and blood, but more specifically he notes, not with those in Jerusalem. 2) Notice the apostles, the 12, are still in Jerusalem at this time as we studied out a couple days ago.
After 3 years Paul goes up to Jerusalem and only sees Peter and James (v. 19). Paul then leaves and does not go up to Jerusalem for another 14 YEARS!!! Paul had a distinct apostleship, gospel, and ministry. It was something separate from what God had been doing in time past. However, Paul goes up to Jerusalem again, 14 years later, and it is recorded in two places, Acts 15 and Galatians 2. Paul gives us inside information from that of Acts 15. Acts 15 is written by Luke and has a Jewish perspective, however Paul has the perspective us Gentiles need to understand of what happened in that council in Jerusalem. First, Paul went up by revelation (v. 2). In fact verse 2, "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them THAT GOSPEL WHICH I PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES, but privately to them which were of reputation, best by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." Paul communicated to them, "that gospel" that he preached to the Gentiles. Paul educated and shared with them what Christ had revealed to Paul, throughout those 17 years. Notice a few things in verses 1 and 2. Paul takes Barnabas and Titus with him. Why is this important?
Matthew 18, the context is trespassing against each other in that kingdom church, but Paul does this when he goes up to Jerusalem. Verse 15-20,
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, THEN TAKE THEE ONE OR TWO MORE, THAT IN THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY WORD MAY BE ESTABLISHED. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church (kingdom church): but if he neglect to hear the church let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching ANY THING that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Do you notice the same pattern in Galatians? Paul goes up the first time after 3 years to Peter (the rock) whom Christ gave authority over His kingdom church, little flock. That occasion was the first time Peter heard "that gospel", also James. However, it needed to be communicated to the whole council, the whole church. So Paul, brings with him "two or three" more people Barnabas and Titus with him, so that what he is doing and the word, gospel, apostleship, and ministry of Paul may be established. Paul does not bring two or three more people for his sake, but for the Jewish apostles sake, that Paul by "two or three" witnesses may show that God changed the program. Paul is NOT going up to Jerusalem to confirm that they are preaching the same gospel, no not at all. Paul is going up to the Jerusalem council to communicate "that gospel", not the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the circumcision, but the gospel of the uncircumcision, the gospel of the grace of God. Quickly note, in Matthew, the passage above, that if the men neglect or go against the kingdom church they are but like a "heathen man".
Paul goes up with Barnabas and Titus, who was a Greek and he was not compelled to be circumcised. This ought to catch your attention, Galatians 2:3. What are the Jewish apostles do to? He can't be unto them a "heathen man", he already is a Gentile. Do you see what is happening? "That gospel" that Paul preached is distinct. It is something totally new from what God had been doing with, Jews, the circumcision, and Israel, but also something totally different from what He will do with them in the future, and the Gentiles through them. Titus is already a Gentile, a Greek, and he is not compelled to be circumcised and become a Jew. Why? This was what God had been doing all along, dealing only with the circumcision and others Gentiles through them. NO, God started something new and by God's grace Paul, Titus, and Barnabas testified of the liberty that they have in Christ. They testified that they need not be circumcised, or to circumcise anyone. They testified that they were not under the law. They testified that they although able ministers of the new testament that they were not under it, but having the same spirit. They "communicated unto them that gospel which I (Paul) preach among the Gentiles."
Lets finish Galatians 2:5-10,
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER; (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles;) abd when James, Cephas, an John, who seemed to be pillars, PERCEIVED THE GRACE THAT WAS GIVEN UNTO ME, THEY GAVE TO ME AND BARNABAS THE RIGHT HANDS OF FELLOWSHIP; THAT WE SHOULD GO UNTO THE HEATHEN, AND THEY UNTO THE CIRCUMCISION. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
There is so much here and we will not cover it all today, but will in the future. Paul went up to Jerusalem by revelation. God is orchestrating this. He goes up to communicate "that gospel", to share not that it is the same gospel, but that it is unique, distinct, unprophesied, and a mystery that Paul is revealing to all mankind. It speaks about the liberty that we can have in Christ, however, the 3 (James, Peter, and John) are compelling Titus to become circumcised. Titus is not compelled to, because he knows through the apostle Paul that God changed the program and he does not need to be circumcised in order to have spiritual access unto God, but that he now as a Gentile has that access because of the Cross. Paul does not give place to them even for an hour, to be subject unto that. Paul notes that they seemed to be somewhat in conference, but added nothing to me. Paul does not end there, he says, "contrariwise" Paul adds something to them. Paul is communicating "that gospel" of Jesus Christ "according to the revelation of the mystery." The mystery that God hid in Himself about His Son and through Israel's fall He would send salvation to the Gentiles apart from the nation Israel. And by two or three witnesses Paul, Titus, and Barnabas did not subject themselves unto the kingdom church, however they added to James, Cephas, and John as they "saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me (Paul), AS the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter." Two different gospels (good news) of Christ, to two different people's. (For He (Christ) that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, that same (Christ) was might in me toward the Gentiles;)", (v. 8). They PERCEIVED the grace that was given unto me (Paul), not the law, not the new covenant, but pure grace.
There is only one gospel today that saves, that is the gospel of the grace of God, that by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, that one is saved. However, the Jerusalem council was a meeting that Paul was commanded to go in order to communicate "that gospel" and for the Jewish apostles to perceive the grace that was given to Paul. Also, for the Jewish apostles to see that it was Christ who is effectually working this in Paul as He effectually worked in Peter for the apostleship of the circumcision.
I pray today that we all recognize Paul's distinct, unique, and set apart gospel, apostleship, and ministry as did the Jewish apostles did, although it was hard for them to understand. I pray that we recognize, believe, and stand firm in God's manifold wisdom in Christ. I pray that we recognize, believe, and stand firm that God is not forming the Body of Christ to fulfill all His promises that He promised the nation of Israel, but that we are a part of the "one new man" "the church, which is His body", the Body of Christ. I pray that we walk worthy of our calling by which we are called, to walk worthy of our vocation, to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, not the fellowship of Israel, but the mystery. To the intent that now unto principalities and powers might be known the manifold wisdom of God, by the church. What a calling we have!!!
Lastly, I want to quote 2 Peter 3:13-18,
"Nevertheless we (Jews), according to His (Gods and Christs) promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, where in dwelleth righteousness (fulfilled in revelation, not today). Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longs-suffering of our Lord is salvation; (their kingdom had not come, the wrath had not come, nor the new heavens and the new earth, Peter is telling them why) even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom (what wisdom, 1 Cor. 2, the hidden wisdom of God hid in a mystery) given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood (because they are new and different from what God had been doing all along) which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."
It is evidently clear today under the umbrella of Christianity that many men unfortunately do not see the distinct, unique, and set apart gospel, apostleship, and ministry of the apostle Paul. In return they become men unaware, unlearned, and unstable resulting in "wrest"-ing the scriptures not only to others destruction, but "unto their own destruction". They become men unapproved of God not fully knowing that, because they have the approval of so many men. They may not be ashamed now, but will be when they reach the judgment seat of Christ, not losing salvation, but losing their reward as through fire, because their works are not built upon Paul's gospel, apostleship, and ministry who is our wise master builder (1 Cor. 3). May we build upon the foundation of Christ that Paul has laid as given instruction from Christ Himself from heaven's glory; and may we not build upon another man's foundation of Christ such as laid by Peter as given instruction from Christ during His earthly ministry to Israel. How vitally important it is to "rightly divide" the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Next time we will quickly look at Galatians 2:10, "Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Were the Jewish apostles just telling them to remember the poor, because they thought they did not have to, because of their new liberty in Christ? Was this just a good work, a noble thing to do, to remember the poor? Who are these poor that is being talked about? Why was Paul and the Jewish apostles forward to remember them?
Until next time...
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
Sunday, October 19, 2008
"Paul's Gospel" pt. 3
As we continue to look at "Paul's gospel" there are important scriptures and things to consider. For example, Paul's apostleship. Have you ever thought, why Paul? What I mean by that question is, the Lord Jesus Christ while on earth commissioned the 12 disciples to, "go ye therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matt. 28:19-20.
The 12 were to go to the nations. So what happened? Did they fail and God had a plan B to send Paul to the Gentile nations? As Bible students these things need to be considered and if not they can cause confusion. Lets look at Luke 24:46-49,
" And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Notice, Acts 1:4-8, also written by Luke,
"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
There is a lot to go through here, but for the sake of this short study I want to draw attention to two things: 1) The 12 were to receive the Holy Ghost in Jerusalem, and 2) The 12 were to start at Jerusalem and then go out to the uttermost part of the earth. The 12 were focused solely on Jerusalem first, hence we see through the early part of Acts, Peter and the 11 speaking and preaching Christ to the leaders of Israel. Notice as well, Acts 11:19, "Now they which were scattered abroad UPON THE PERSECUTION THAT AROSE ABOUT STEPHEN travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD TO NONE BUT UNTO THE JEWS ONLY." It should be noted that the 12, whom Christ gave the commission unto, to begin in Jerusalem throughout earlier Acts, never leave Jerusalem. Also, it should be noted that those Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, that were scattered by Stephens persecution were "preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only." My point is, early in the book of Acts the 12 who were Jews following Christ's command to reform Jerusalem, the leaders of Israel unto repentance, to preach that Christ is their Messiah, and when that is accomplished to go to the Gentiles. My second point is, they never left Jerusalem. My last point, the Jews who were scattered by the leaders of Israel's unbelief that persecuted an apostle (Stephen) were "preaching to Jews only."
In early Acts, the focus is solely on Jews and more specifically Jerusalem, because Christ commanded it so and the 12 and other apostles followed suit, even when they were scattered they preached to Jews only. There was an order, Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and then the uttermost part of the earth. Well, Israel's leaders did not reform, hence why the 12 even after the persecution of Stephen stayed in Jerusalem. The 12 followed Christ's command, but the problem wasn't Christ's command it was their own people. The 12 didn't even get the time to "go to the nations", because the people's unbelief. So is this why Christ saved Paul?, to do what the 12 couldn't? Is it that Christ commanded the 12 and even received power of the Holy Ghost and they failed, so instead of 12 men, God chose 1 man?
The answer is NO!!!
My point in showing all of that, is that the 12 were commissioned to go to all the nations, that was part of their job. However, God had another plan. A plan not only to have Christ reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords in the nation of Israel over all the earth, but also to have Christ be the Head of the Body of Christ in the heavenly places and it was Paul, whom God had chosen to be the apostle, messenger, and pattern of the Gentiles to form the one new man, the Body of Christ.
It has been slammed into our heads, that Paul was either the 13 apostle, or the true 12th apostle. Also that Paul preached the same gospel as Peter did, only to the Gentiles and not the Jews. It has been stated by many that Peter actually taught Paul the gospel in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council, and that the Jerusalem council was where Paul and Peter affirmed they were preaching the same thing. Again I ask why didn't God just save Paul right away and say you go to the Gentiles and the 12 will go to the Jews? The reason being is because God changed the program. The 12 obeyed Christ's command, doing the right thing by staying in Jerusalem, and the truth of the matter is, is that the 12 will not go out to the nations until the kingdom. However that is another study for another time.
Paul's apostleship is unique, it is distinct, and it needs to be recognized today.
Let's look at Galatians. It is Paul's commentary about his apostleship, his gospel, and what really happened in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council. May we not rest in man's opinion about scriptures, but on the word of God. Let God's word be the commentary of God's word. Galatians 1:1,
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead;)"
Paul mentions his apostleship, that he is an apostle. However, Paul wants us to know he did not receive his apostleship, his office of authority by man, that is by Peter or any of the 12. Paul is not an apostle of men, but of Jesus Christ, AND GOD THE FATHER. Paul did not receive his position of authority through or by man. The question is, well neither did the 12, so what's the difference? The 12 received their positions of authority of Christ while He was on earth. Christ gave 12 men to have authority over the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel, and He gave them those offices while He was on earth. Israel represented by 12 tribes, has 12 disciples of Christ as authority over them. Paul, however isn't an apostle to sit in one of those positions as, really the 12th apostle, or really the 13th apostle as if there was a 13th tribe of Israel. No, Paul was one man, to be the apostle of the ONE NEW MAN, the Body of Christ where there is no Jew or Gentile, no distinction. Paul received his office of authority from Christ, yes, but from Christ in heaven's glory. The 12 to sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel in that earthly kingdom. Paul though is the apostle of the one new man, the Body of Christ for the heavenly places. Do you see it? God's manifold wisdom. Israel for the earth, the Body for the heavens and in those two entities (lack of words) God will rule and reconcile His creation from Satan both accomplished by the Cross.
Galatians 1:11-12,
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Today, when we accomplish something we get a certification, you finish college or seminary and you get a certificate to show and remind you of your success and your accomplishment. That is just dandy, however God wants you to be "certified" in Pauline authority, not only his apostleship, but in his gospel. Paul says, "I certify you, brethren", he wants them to be educated about something. Paul all throughout his epistles had to defend his apostleship and his gospel and it is no different here in Galatians and today. Verse 11, "But I certify you, brethren, that THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN." Paul is drawing attention to not only his gospel, but how he received it. Verse 12, "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul did not receive his gospel from Peter, nor was he taught the same thing Peter was taught, or taught by Peter or by any other man for that matter. Paul received his gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ. The revelation of Jesus Christ according to what should be your question from our past studies? Romans 16:25, "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world began." Christ revealed Himself to Paul according to the mystery that God had hid in Himself. This is why Paul's apostleship and gospel are unique and distinct. God began to do something that He planned before the earth, but had hid in Himself until the apostle Paul , that was Paul's apostleship.
Romans 11:13, "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:"
Paul's office of authority given by Christ from heaven's glory is to be magnified today. Paul the man is not to be magnified, he is but a man. However, his apostleship, gospel, and ministry are to be magnified, because he is the one chosen to have authority over all the world, over all the Gentiles today. Paul can be compared to Moses. Moses was the one man whom God had placed in authority over all of Israel, to whom God gave the 10 commandments and the like. Paul says about his office, 1 Corinthians 14:37,
"If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."
May we as the Body of Christ not be ignorant of Paul's office of authority over us. Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles and he is the one apostle that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ want us to follow. 1 Cor. 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Paul's apostleship and gospel are unique and distinct compared to the rest of the scriptures. The OT and the gospels testify of Israel's rise and Gentiles being saved through their rise, however the OT and the gospels to not prophecy about Israel's fall in unbelief and God saving the Gentiles not through Israel, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This is the mystery that God would save Gentiles apart from Israel. It is Paul your apostle whom was sent to educate us in these things. What happened to Israel? Were they not promised a kingdom? Did God lie? Is their kingdom a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men? No, God is not finished with Israel and He is working a new program forming the Body of Christ, it was revealed to Paul and written in Romans through Philemon.
A verse to close,
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 1 Timothy 1:16
Paul is our pattern how that by the Cross of Christ God can take a Jew or Gentile who is dead in sins and raise them to the highest position of exaltation in Christ, not to reign in an earthly kingdom under or in Israel, but to reign in the heavenly places in Christ as His Body.
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
The 12 were to go to the nations. So what happened? Did they fail and God had a plan B to send Paul to the Gentile nations? As Bible students these things need to be considered and if not they can cause confusion. Lets look at Luke 24:46-49,
" And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
Notice, Acts 1:4-8, also written by Luke,
"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
There is a lot to go through here, but for the sake of this short study I want to draw attention to two things: 1) The 12 were to receive the Holy Ghost in Jerusalem, and 2) The 12 were to start at Jerusalem and then go out to the uttermost part of the earth. The 12 were focused solely on Jerusalem first, hence we see through the early part of Acts, Peter and the 11 speaking and preaching Christ to the leaders of Israel. Notice as well, Acts 11:19, "Now they which were scattered abroad UPON THE PERSECUTION THAT AROSE ABOUT STEPHEN travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD TO NONE BUT UNTO THE JEWS ONLY." It should be noted that the 12, whom Christ gave the commission unto, to begin in Jerusalem throughout earlier Acts, never leave Jerusalem. Also, it should be noted that those Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah, that were scattered by Stephens persecution were "preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only." My point is, early in the book of Acts the 12 who were Jews following Christ's command to reform Jerusalem, the leaders of Israel unto repentance, to preach that Christ is their Messiah, and when that is accomplished to go to the Gentiles. My second point is, they never left Jerusalem. My last point, the Jews who were scattered by the leaders of Israel's unbelief that persecuted an apostle (Stephen) were "preaching to Jews only."
In early Acts, the focus is solely on Jews and more specifically Jerusalem, because Christ commanded it so and the 12 and other apostles followed suit, even when they were scattered they preached to Jews only. There was an order, Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and then the uttermost part of the earth. Well, Israel's leaders did not reform, hence why the 12 even after the persecution of Stephen stayed in Jerusalem. The 12 followed Christ's command, but the problem wasn't Christ's command it was their own people. The 12 didn't even get the time to "go to the nations", because the people's unbelief. So is this why Christ saved Paul?, to do what the 12 couldn't? Is it that Christ commanded the 12 and even received power of the Holy Ghost and they failed, so instead of 12 men, God chose 1 man?
The answer is NO!!!
My point in showing all of that, is that the 12 were commissioned to go to all the nations, that was part of their job. However, God had another plan. A plan not only to have Christ reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords in the nation of Israel over all the earth, but also to have Christ be the Head of the Body of Christ in the heavenly places and it was Paul, whom God had chosen to be the apostle, messenger, and pattern of the Gentiles to form the one new man, the Body of Christ.
It has been slammed into our heads, that Paul was either the 13 apostle, or the true 12th apostle. Also that Paul preached the same gospel as Peter did, only to the Gentiles and not the Jews. It has been stated by many that Peter actually taught Paul the gospel in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council, and that the Jerusalem council was where Paul and Peter affirmed they were preaching the same thing. Again I ask why didn't God just save Paul right away and say you go to the Gentiles and the 12 will go to the Jews? The reason being is because God changed the program. The 12 obeyed Christ's command, doing the right thing by staying in Jerusalem, and the truth of the matter is, is that the 12 will not go out to the nations until the kingdom. However that is another study for another time.
Paul's apostleship is unique, it is distinct, and it needs to be recognized today.
Let's look at Galatians. It is Paul's commentary about his apostleship, his gospel, and what really happened in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem council. May we not rest in man's opinion about scriptures, but on the word of God. Let God's word be the commentary of God's word. Galatians 1:1,
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead;)"
Paul mentions his apostleship, that he is an apostle. However, Paul wants us to know he did not receive his apostleship, his office of authority by man, that is by Peter or any of the 12. Paul is not an apostle of men, but of Jesus Christ, AND GOD THE FATHER. Paul did not receive his position of authority through or by man. The question is, well neither did the 12, so what's the difference? The 12 received their positions of authority of Christ while He was on earth. Christ gave 12 men to have authority over the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel, and He gave them those offices while He was on earth. Israel represented by 12 tribes, has 12 disciples of Christ as authority over them. Paul, however isn't an apostle to sit in one of those positions as, really the 12th apostle, or really the 13th apostle as if there was a 13th tribe of Israel. No, Paul was one man, to be the apostle of the ONE NEW MAN, the Body of Christ where there is no Jew or Gentile, no distinction. Paul received his office of authority from Christ, yes, but from Christ in heaven's glory. The 12 to sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel in that earthly kingdom. Paul though is the apostle of the one new man, the Body of Christ for the heavenly places. Do you see it? God's manifold wisdom. Israel for the earth, the Body for the heavens and in those two entities (lack of words) God will rule and reconcile His creation from Satan both accomplished by the Cross.
Galatians 1:11-12,
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Today, when we accomplish something we get a certification, you finish college or seminary and you get a certificate to show and remind you of your success and your accomplishment. That is just dandy, however God wants you to be "certified" in Pauline authority, not only his apostleship, but in his gospel. Paul says, "I certify you, brethren", he wants them to be educated about something. Paul all throughout his epistles had to defend his apostleship and his gospel and it is no different here in Galatians and today. Verse 11, "But I certify you, brethren, that THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN." Paul is drawing attention to not only his gospel, but how he received it. Verse 12, "For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul did not receive his gospel from Peter, nor was he taught the same thing Peter was taught, or taught by Peter or by any other man for that matter. Paul received his gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ. The revelation of Jesus Christ according to what should be your question from our past studies? Romans 16:25, "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world began." Christ revealed Himself to Paul according to the mystery that God had hid in Himself. This is why Paul's apostleship and gospel are unique and distinct. God began to do something that He planned before the earth, but had hid in Himself until the apostle Paul , that was Paul's apostleship.
Romans 11:13, "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:"
Paul's office of authority given by Christ from heaven's glory is to be magnified today. Paul the man is not to be magnified, he is but a man. However, his apostleship, gospel, and ministry are to be magnified, because he is the one chosen to have authority over all the world, over all the Gentiles today. Paul can be compared to Moses. Moses was the one man whom God had placed in authority over all of Israel, to whom God gave the 10 commandments and the like. Paul says about his office, 1 Corinthians 14:37,
"If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant."
May we as the Body of Christ not be ignorant of Paul's office of authority over us. Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles and he is the one apostle that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ want us to follow. 1 Cor. 11:1, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Paul's apostleship and gospel are unique and distinct compared to the rest of the scriptures. The OT and the gospels testify of Israel's rise and Gentiles being saved through their rise, however the OT and the gospels to not prophecy about Israel's fall in unbelief and God saving the Gentiles not through Israel, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This is the mystery that God would save Gentiles apart from Israel. It is Paul your apostle whom was sent to educate us in these things. What happened to Israel? Were they not promised a kingdom? Did God lie? Is their kingdom a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men? No, God is not finished with Israel and He is working a new program forming the Body of Christ, it was revealed to Paul and written in Romans through Philemon.
A verse to close,
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 1 Timothy 1:16
Paul is our pattern how that by the Cross of Christ God can take a Jew or Gentile who is dead in sins and raise them to the highest position of exaltation in Christ, not to reign in an earthly kingdom under or in Israel, but to reign in the heavenly places in Christ as His Body.
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
Saturday, October 18, 2008
"Paul's Gospel" pt. 2
Yesterday we looked at God's power, how it is manifested and how salvation is received today, by "my gospel", that is Paul's gospel (Rom. 16:25-26). Here is the passage again:
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
God's power to stablish anyone, by first saving anyone from their dead state, to making them alive and raising them in Christ to be edified, taught, and to gain understanding of their identity in Christ, is according to Paul's gospel. However, it is Paul's gospel, but also "the preaching of Jesus Christ". Is that all it says? No. Paul says, "and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to (in line with) the revelation of the mystery". Paul taught Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. What is this mystery?
Eph. 3:2-6,8-11
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto ME (Paul) the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, as it is now reavealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;" (2-6)
"Unto ME (Paul), who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, THAT I SHOULD PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ: TO THE INTENT THAT NOW unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the MANIFOLD wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:" (8-11)
Col. 1:25-28,
"Whereof I (Paul) am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, TO FULFILL THE WORD OF GOD; EVEN THE MYSTERY WHICH HATH BEEN HID FROM AGES AND FROM GENERATIONS, BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST TO HIS SAINTS: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
1 Cor. 2:4-8,
"And my speech and my PREACHING was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (mature): yet not the wisdom of this world (carnal wisdom), nor of the princes of this world (religious wisdom-really it is Satan's wisdom, he is the prince of this world), that come to nought: BUT WE SPEAK THE WISDOM OF GOD IN A MYSTERY, even the hidden wisdom, WHICH GOD ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD UNTO OUR GLORY; which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
These passages will do for now. In each of these passages, Paul mentions either "dispensation" that God hid from the beginning of the world, or explains the mystery that was hid in God before the foundation of the world.
Do you attempt to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery? Do you know the mystery? If Satan would have known this mystery of Christ he would not have crucified Him, think about that? Do you speak and preach about the hidden wisdom of Christ?, anything else is man's wisdom with enticing words. This mystery of Christ is the very thing "Paul's gospel" that he was teaching, preaching, and making all men see during his missionary journeys.
Paul is going to these churches, giving them his gospel that he received of the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone, and then preaching Christ according to "the revelation of the mystery, WHICH WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN," Rom. 16:25.
IT WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN, and Paul is now making it manifest, Paul was and still is God's chosen man. Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles, all nations were given unto him. Paul's measure was not the outward appearance, but that he was teaching everywhere the mystery of Christ, the gospel of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:11-14)
Let's look at one verse to compare with the mystery.
Acts 3:17-21, (Peter preaching Christ)
"And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it (killed Christ), as did also your rulers (those were the princes we saw earlier). But those things, which God before HAD SHOWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, THAT CHRIST SHOULD SUFFER, HE HATH FULFILLED (notice, the fulfilling of the glory of Christ second coming hasn't been fulfill). Repent (change your minds) ye (Israel) therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (when?, right away), WHEN THE TIMES OF REFRESHING shall COME (second coming) from the presence of he Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ (again second coming), which BEFORE was preached unto you: (is this the mystery, let find out) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (wrath, 7 year tribulation, pay back for God) of all things, which God HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN."
What Peter reveals and preaches here is Christ, no doubt about it. It is truth, however this truth is according to what "God before had showed by the mouth of all His prophets" and "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN." This is prophecy, His word that He made known since the world began, but Paul doesn't say that, he says mystery. Paul is preaching what God had NOT made known unto the world (He has now), but what God had kept secret, hid in Himself "since the beginning of the world".
Peter preached Christ as the Messiah over Israel, to be the King of kings and Lord of lords, which Christ surely is and will reign in that position of authority at His second coming. However, God is not just dealing with Israel or Gentiles through Israel at this time. God is dealing with both Jew and Gentile and BY the Cross, God is making "both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Eph. 2:14)"
These are differences that must be recognized, properly understood, and believed. Christ according to prophecy to Israel, and Christ according to mystery to the Body of Christ. It is the same Christ, however God in His "manifold wisdom" (Eph. 3) has a two-fold purpose in Christ. God's purpose in Christ is to reconcile His creation back unto Himself, from Satan's dominion. Christ while on earth calls Satan, "the prince of this world (earth)". Paul calls Satan, "the prince of the power of the air (heavens)". God in Christ will reconcile the earth unto Himself by Christ being the King of kings and Lord of lords over the nation of Israel. God also had a plan and purpose in Christ that He hid in the counsels of His will to not only reconcile the earth in Christ, but to reconcile the heavenly places unto Himself by Christ being the Head of the Body of Christ. This is what everyone who receives God precious free gift (to us, it cost Christ His life) is apart of, God's plan and chosen purpose of the Body of Christ to reconcile the heavenly places unto God. The Body of Christ is the means by which God will reclaim part of His creation from Satan and be glorified for His manifold wisdom in and through Christ. However this can be done now by understanding the mystery of Christ and making all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.
There is a lot here, but I will be going over it scripture by scripture, verse by verse in the days to come. Please if you have any questions, whether you want to reveal your name of not, please ask. Also I have an email that is, josh.strelecki@yahoo.com, I check that daily. Tomorrow we will look at "Paul's gospel" and how distinct not only his gospel truly is, but also his apostleship.
Until next time.....
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
"Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
God's power to stablish anyone, by first saving anyone from their dead state, to making them alive and raising them in Christ to be edified, taught, and to gain understanding of their identity in Christ, is according to Paul's gospel. However, it is Paul's gospel, but also "the preaching of Jesus Christ". Is that all it says? No. Paul says, "and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to (in line with) the revelation of the mystery". Paul taught Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. What is this mystery?
Eph. 3:2-6,8-11
"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto ME (Paul) the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words; whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN UNTO THE SONS OF MEN, as it is now reavealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;" (2-6)
"Unto ME (Paul), who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, THAT I SHOULD PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the MYSTERY, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ: TO THE INTENT THAT NOW unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the MANIFOLD wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:" (8-11)
Col. 1:25-28,
"Whereof I (Paul) am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, TO FULFILL THE WORD OF GOD; EVEN THE MYSTERY WHICH HATH BEEN HID FROM AGES AND FROM GENERATIONS, BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST TO HIS SAINTS: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
1 Cor. 2:4-8,
"And my speech and my PREACHING was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (mature): yet not the wisdom of this world (carnal wisdom), nor of the princes of this world (religious wisdom-really it is Satan's wisdom, he is the prince of this world), that come to nought: BUT WE SPEAK THE WISDOM OF GOD IN A MYSTERY, even the hidden wisdom, WHICH GOD ORDAINED BEFORE THE WORLD UNTO OUR GLORY; which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
These passages will do for now. In each of these passages, Paul mentions either "dispensation" that God hid from the beginning of the world, or explains the mystery that was hid in God before the foundation of the world.
Do you attempt to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery? Do you know the mystery? If Satan would have known this mystery of Christ he would not have crucified Him, think about that? Do you speak and preach about the hidden wisdom of Christ?, anything else is man's wisdom with enticing words. This mystery of Christ is the very thing "Paul's gospel" that he was teaching, preaching, and making all men see during his missionary journeys.
Paul is going to these churches, giving them his gospel that he received of the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone, and then preaching Christ according to "the revelation of the mystery, WHICH WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN," Rom. 16:25.
IT WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN, and Paul is now making it manifest, Paul was and still is God's chosen man. Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles, all nations were given unto him. Paul's measure was not the outward appearance, but that he was teaching everywhere the mystery of Christ, the gospel of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:11-14)
Let's look at one verse to compare with the mystery.
Acts 3:17-21, (Peter preaching Christ)
"And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it (killed Christ), as did also your rulers (those were the princes we saw earlier). But those things, which God before HAD SHOWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, THAT CHRIST SHOULD SUFFER, HE HATH FULFILLED (notice, the fulfilling of the glory of Christ second coming hasn't been fulfill). Repent (change your minds) ye (Israel) therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (when?, right away), WHEN THE TIMES OF REFRESHING shall COME (second coming) from the presence of he Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ (again second coming), which BEFORE was preached unto you: (is this the mystery, let find out) whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution (wrath, 7 year tribulation, pay back for God) of all things, which God HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN."
What Peter reveals and preaches here is Christ, no doubt about it. It is truth, however this truth is according to what "God before had showed by the mouth of all His prophets" and "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN." This is prophecy, His word that He made known since the world began, but Paul doesn't say that, he says mystery. Paul is preaching what God had NOT made known unto the world (He has now), but what God had kept secret, hid in Himself "since the beginning of the world".
Peter preached Christ as the Messiah over Israel, to be the King of kings and Lord of lords, which Christ surely is and will reign in that position of authority at His second coming. However, God is not just dealing with Israel or Gentiles through Israel at this time. God is dealing with both Jew and Gentile and BY the Cross, God is making "both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Eph. 2:14)"
These are differences that must be recognized, properly understood, and believed. Christ according to prophecy to Israel, and Christ according to mystery to the Body of Christ. It is the same Christ, however God in His "manifold wisdom" (Eph. 3) has a two-fold purpose in Christ. God's purpose in Christ is to reconcile His creation back unto Himself, from Satan's dominion. Christ while on earth calls Satan, "the prince of this world (earth)". Paul calls Satan, "the prince of the power of the air (heavens)". God in Christ will reconcile the earth unto Himself by Christ being the King of kings and Lord of lords over the nation of Israel. God also had a plan and purpose in Christ that He hid in the counsels of His will to not only reconcile the earth in Christ, but to reconcile the heavenly places unto Himself by Christ being the Head of the Body of Christ. This is what everyone who receives God precious free gift (to us, it cost Christ His life) is apart of, God's plan and chosen purpose of the Body of Christ to reconcile the heavenly places unto God. The Body of Christ is the means by which God will reclaim part of His creation from Satan and be glorified for His manifold wisdom in and through Christ. However this can be done now by understanding the mystery of Christ and making all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.
There is a lot here, but I will be going over it scripture by scripture, verse by verse in the days to come. Please if you have any questions, whether you want to reveal your name of not, please ask. Also I have an email that is, josh.strelecki@yahoo.com, I check that daily. Tomorrow we will look at "Paul's gospel" and how distinct not only his gospel truly is, but also his apostleship.
Until next time.....
In Him,
Joshua Strelecki
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