The Lord Jesus preached about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, a Kingdom on Earth, where He would be King and rule with them.
When He ascended into Heaven, He told them until He returned, they were to continue with this same message (Acts 1:7-8) Acts 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 4:33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 2 Peter 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
WHO preached what gospel? Acts 8:25And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 14:7 And there they preached the gospel. Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
The Apostle Paul Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
When the apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy the only Scripture that existed was the Old Testament. His epistles, the Gospels, the other epistles and Revelation were assembled into the New Testament at a much later date. Some say around 300 AD. What is interesting is the order Paul’s epistles were assembled into the New Testament. Below is the list as they appear in the New Testament, with the approximate date they were written. They appear to follow the order of scripture that he wrote to Timothy.
46 Hebrews written for Jewish believers before the destruction of the Temple 56 Romans doctrine 6 55 1 Corinthians reproof 4 56 2 Corinthians reproof 5 49 Galatians correction 1 60 Ephesians instruction in righteousness 9 60 Philippians instruction in righteousness 10 61 Colossians instruction in righteousness 12 51 1 Thessalonians instruction in righteousness 2 52 2 Thessalonians instruction in righteousness 3 56 1 Timothy personal 7 57 Titus personal 8 60 Philemon personal 11 63 2 Timothy personal 13
As one studies the writings of the Apostle Paul it would appear this is the order they should read for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Note: Remember Dates are best estimates, not all agree…
Very little is known of Judas Iscariot prior to his becoming one of the 12 disciples of the Lord Jesus. It is thought he was a follower of John the Baptist and then followed the Lord after his baptism. He was keeper of the money for the 12 disciples:
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
Notice that John refers to him as a THIEF. He also was the one who betrayed the Lord. Putting the Gospel accounts together we get some insight into Judas Iscariot.
Matthew 10:4Simon the Canaanite, and {Judas Iscariot}, who also betrayed him. Mark 3:19 And {Judas Iscariot}, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Matthew 26:14Then one of the twelve, called {Judas Iscariot}, went unto the chief priests, Mark 14:10And {Judas Iscariot}, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. Luke 6:16 And Judas [the brother] of James, and {Judas Iscariot}, which also was the traitor. John 6:71 He spake of {Judas Iscariot} [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Matthew 25:25 Then {Judas}, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into {Judas} surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, {Judas Iscariot}, Simon’s [son], which should betray him, John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of {Judas Iscariot}, Simon’s [son], to betray him; John 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to {Judas Iscariot}, [the son] of Simon. John 13:29 For some [of them] thought, because {Judas} had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.
Matthew 25:47And while he yet spake, lo, {Judas}, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Mark 14:43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh {Judas}, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Luke 22:47-48 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called {Judas}, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, {Judas}, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? John 18:2 And {Judas} also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band [of men] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
Matthew 27:3Then {Judas}, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Acts 1:16Men [and] brethren, this scripturemust needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning {Judas}, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which {Judas} by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, was a thief, a betrayer, a lover of money, a disillusioned follower of the Lord, who spent 3 years pretending to be a disciple for his own gain.
This is NOT the Rapture, this event comes at the END of the 7 year Tribulation.
These scriptures simply mean mankind is not ready for his return to set up his kingdom. They will be taken by surprise:
1 Thessalonians 5:2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Revelation 16:15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
The Old Testament speaks of the 2nd coming of the Messiah but did not know of the rapture, this was a mystery given to Paul. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Remember, the only Scripture that existed during Paul’s ministry was the OLD TESTAMENT. Genesis through Malachi which he quotes from many times.
2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Romans 1:2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in theholy scriptures,) Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, Romans 15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 16:26But 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:
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Remember the truth about Scripture: Hidden in the Old Revealed in the New.
Only revealed to the Apostle Paul by the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Order of events, Age of the Church, (currently) Rapture (the believers removed from earth), TRIBULATION, (God’s judgement on the unbeliever), 1000 years of Kingdom (The Lord Jesus reign on earth), and then Eternity which we know nothing of:
1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (Isaiah 64:4)
Ephesians 3:9 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:
Colossians 1:16-17For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
1 Timothy 3:16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Look at what an individual is to confess to be saved:
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
These are the NEW DOCTRINES, kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 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, 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Here’s a NEW DOCTRINE about new bodies after death. 1 Corinthians 15:51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
He wrote to the Ephesians that we are to know, understand these doctrines. Ephesians 1:9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 3:3-4 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Ephesians 3:9 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: Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
And he repeats these truths to the church of Colosse, previously hidden, now made known that we are to understand and be comforted by known them. Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: Colossians 1:27 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: Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Iniquity is already working but not to worry, God is in control. 2 Thessalonians 2:7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Faith is the answer. 1 Timothy 3:9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
These mysteries were given to Paul to teach all believers by the Lord Jesus during Paul’s time in the dessert. Galatians 1:16-18 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
What to Believe: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4Death, Burial and Resurrection.
How to apply it: Romans 10:9-13Confess Jesus was/is God in flesh.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
2 Corinthians 1:6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Philippians 1:19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-9But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
It’s interesting that Paul never uses the term BORN AGAN.
