Being in a right relationship with God has always been and will always be By Grace. God’s Grace.
This is not a NEW doctrine; it has been a doctrine since man fell into sin in the Garden of Eden. And it will continue on into eternity. The Apostle Paul states it:
Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It could not be stated any better. And then it goes on:
Ephesians 2:10-12 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
At the beginning of his ministry to the gentiles Paul did some water baptizing, He was a Jew and he was following the practice of John the Baptist. The was a sign that the Jew had repented. But as Paul progressed in his ministry Baptism was put aside.
1 Corinthians 1:13-17 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
These following text are used by many for water baptism, but it is speaking of spiritual baptism. Romans 6:3-4Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
An example of non-water Baptism. 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Examples of spiritual baptism, not water. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Ephesians 4:5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Is it wrong to be water Baptized? No, it is not wrong, but it is also not needed.
a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Hebrews reminded the Jewish believers of their position with God. First the Lord Jesus is appointed heir of all that he had created Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Then he reminds them that they are heirs ministered to be angles. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? God guarantees his promise to his heirs confirming it by an oath. Hebrews 6:17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: In the “Hall of Faith” Paul speaks of the Old Testament HEIRS. (read all Hebrews 11) Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Paul reminds the Roman believers that being an Heir is not by works but by Faith. Romans 4:13-14For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: And when saved we become children of God and also heirs. Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. And to the Galatians, who were being dragged back under the Law, he reminds them they became heirs through FAITH. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. As long as an heir is a child, he’s like a servant… Galatians 4:1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But as he grows he is a son and an Heir. Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
But LAW and Grace cannot be mixed. 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.
Only by His Grace is the believers faith justified. Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Think what being a joint heir with the Lord means. Access to eternity. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But 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.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “Trinity” as – a set of three, the union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one Godhead. But he puts all three is his writtings.
Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Ephesians 4:4-6There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
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 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
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.
1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Simon occurs 71 times in the New Testament with 58 times in the Gospels. Is it always referring to the same person?
This 1st list of references is Simon Peter, the Apostle. Also please read them in context.
Matthew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, …. Mark 1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: …. John 1:40-42 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; … Mark 3:16 And Simon he surnamed Peter; Luke 6:14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, … Matthew 16:16-17And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ… And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, …
Matthew 17:24-25And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Mark 1:29-30 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. Luke 4:38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. Mark 1:36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. Mark 14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
Luke 5:3-5,8,10 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will …When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. John 6:8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, … John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast …
Who was/is the 12th Apostle? Was it Matthias (Acts 1:26) or was it Paul (Romans 1:1). Did there have to be a twelfth Apostle?
The Lord called 12 men to follow and work with him during his earthly ministry:
Matthew 10:1-4 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, … Matthew 27:3Then Judas, which had betrayed him, …
One of them, Judas, betrayed him and was lost, leaving 11. After the resurrection, he had to be replaced so the message of the kingdom could be fulfilled. The apostles were to rule from 12 thrones over Israel.
Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Acts 1:15-25 Peter declared (according to Scripture) that there should be a twelfth apostle named. Speaking of Judas “his bishoprick let another take”.
Then he lists the prerequisites for the selection: ⟹ had to be with them from the beginning of Jesus ministry (1:21), ⟹ from the beginning of John the Baptist unto the resurrection, must have witnessed the resurrection (1:22). (kind of disqualified Paul).
Matthias became the twelfth Apostle for Israel. Paul was a special Apostle for the Church (gentiles). Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Called by the Lord to go to the Gentiles Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
If you check a dictionary you will find several definitions: 1. any important early Christian teacher, especially St. Paul. 2. the first successful Christian missionary in a country or to a people.
But how does the Bible define an Apostle? During His ministry, the Lord Jesus called 12 men (Apostles) to follow Him. Luke 6:13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
One of them was lost: Mark 14:10And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
This left eleven. After the resurrection/ascension of the Lord Jesus, Peter knew the position Judas held had to be filled: Acts 1:20For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Then he proceeded to give the qualifications: Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
They appointed two men, and then cast lots to see who would be the 12th Apostle to fulfill the great command and Matthias was then numbered among the apostles. See Acts 1:22-26.
Some 12 years later, as Israel continued to reject the resurrected Lord Jesus as their Messiah, the risen, ascended Lord Jesus selected Saul of Tarsus, to become the 13th Apostle, to go to the Gentiles. See Acts 9.
Acts 7:57-58Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 8:1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 8:3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Acts 9:1-2And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. Acts 9:3-6And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Saul then became Paul:
Acts 13:9Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
Galatians 1:11-14But 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.For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
PAUL was/is the Apostle to the Gentiles. WAS while he lived! And IS through the epistles he wrote and God preserved for us today!
Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 1 Corinthians 1:1Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Corinthians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, … Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, … Colossians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, … 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, … 2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. Titus 1:1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
All through his ministry he had to defend his calling. After all, he had persecuted the Jewish believers, even having them put to death. And he had rejected the Lord Jesus while he was on earth.
2 Corinthians 11:22-23Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
But, PAUL was/is the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Sent by the Lord Jesus to built the Church, the Body of Christ!
Did Paul teach gentiles about the birth, earthly ministry and Gospel as taught by Jesus? Most of Paul’s letters were written is response to questions that came to him through letters or oral communications. But let’s review them in order: written between AD 54-66 AD 54– Hebrews, Yes Paul wrote it, was written to the Jews in Jerusalem to prove the Deity of Christ. 10:34,13:19,23 2 Pet 3:15 The next letters to look at were written to answer questions and reaffirm doctrine: AD 54– 1 Thessalonians: Reconfirms the Doctrines 3:2,3, Exhorts to holiness 3:13,4:7, Comfort about those who have fallen asleep (died) 4:14,18,5:11, Instructions for living 5:14-23 AD 54– 2 Thessalonians: Reaffirms the “day of Christ” (rapture) 2:1-12 AD 58– Galatians: Reaffirms the Gospel of the Grace of God 3:1-5, and warnings about mixing LAW and Grace 3:11-13,4:8-10. AD 59- 1 Corinthians: Christian Conduct warnings of divisions 1:11 and cardinality 3:1. One foundation 3:11, Gifts for believers 12:28, Revelations about the resurrected body 15:35,51. AD 60– Romans: The Handbook on Faith: Justification 3:24, Redemption, God’s Righteousness 3:21, Grace 6:14, Holy Spirit Baptism 6:3. Salvation 10:9, AD 60– 2 Corinthians: Paul touches on his physical weakness, weariness, pain and spiritual burdens 4:8,11:21-33. Keeping the unity in the church 6:1, Warns against false teachers 11:13, false boasting. AD 64– Ephesians: The body of Christ (Believers) 3:6,4:4,12,16. Grace thru Faith 2:8, The marriage manual (and family, work relationships) 5:22-33. AD 64- Philippians: Christian experience, Having the mind of Christ 2:5, Warning & Paul’s background 3:2,4-7, Sound Doctrine 4:19, AD 64- Colossians: Warnings of legalism (mixing Law & Grace) and false mysticism. The believers union with Christ. Marriage, family and work relations. Now we get to Paul’s Personal letters: AD 64– Philemon: Paul made a personal request and teaches practical righteousness, Brotherhood, courtesy , in the law of love. AD 65– Titus: instructions on doctrine and maintaining church order and dealing with believers AD 65- 1 Timothy: instructions on doctrine and maintaining church order and dealing with believers AD 66– 2 Timothy: further instructions reminding Timothy who he was and letting him know of Paul’s coming death. In all of the letters Paul never speaks of the Virgin birth or earthly ministry or the Gospel that Jesus taught. But as he approached these gentiles to establish a church did he teach these things so as to establish a foundation? Look at ACTS 17 to see what Paul taught as he would begin with Gentile unbelievers. Acts 16:18 …he preached unto them, Jesus and the resurrection.
Significant Events in Paul’s First Missionary Journey*
48 A.D. From Antioch Paul, Barnabas and John (surnamed Mark) begin their first journey. They travel to Cypress (Cyprus) and Perga. John Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas at Perga and returns to Jerusalem (see Acts 13:13). After Perga Paul/Barnabas journey to Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Agrippa II (see Acts 25) made king of Chaleis. 49 A.D. Paul and Barnabas go back to visit the same places they did in 48 A.D. and return to Antioch. Cumanus made procurator of Judaea (about this time) * Chronology and Events taken from The Life & Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson
Significant Events in Paul’s Second Missionary Journey*
50 A.D. Paul and Barnabas attend the “Council of Jerusalem” (see Acts 15). Caraetaeus captured by the Romans in Britain. Cogidunus (Father of Claudia?, See 2 Tim. 4:21) assists the Romans in Britain. 51 A.D. Second missionary journey begins. Paul and Barnabas travel to Antioch. At Antioch John Mark (who left them at Perga on their first missionary journey) wishes to rejoin Paul/Barnabas. A disagreement ensues between Paul and Barnabas about whether to allow Mark to come with them. The argument is so heated that Paul finally decides to take Silas with him to Tarsus, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch in Pisidia. Barnabas takes John Mark and travels to the island of Cypress (Cyprus). At Lystra Paul meets Timothy, who accompanies him on the rest of his journey. 52 A.D. Paul/Silas/Timothy travel to Troas, Philippi, Thessalonica and Beroea (Berea). Jews from Thessalonica come to Beroea and stir up the people against Paul. He is sent by sea to Athens. Silas and Timothy stay in Beroea for a time. It is possible Timothy later travels to Athens, meets Paul, and is sent to revisit Thessalonica. Paul travels to Corinth and writes 1 Thessalonians. Timothy and Silas are with him. Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla. Claudius expels the Jews from Rome (see Acts 18:2) 53 A.D. Paul stays in Corinth and writes 2 Thessalonians. The tetrarchy of Trachonitis given to Agrippa II. Felix made procurator of Judaea54 A.D. Paul, Aquila and Priscilla leave Corinth in the Spring and arrive at Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla stay in Ephesus as Paul travels on to Jerusalem. Paul arrives in the city in the Summer (Pentecost). He then goes to Antioch. Death of Claudius and accession of Nero. * Chronology and Events taken from The Life & Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson
Significant Events in Paul’s Third Missionary Journey*
54 A.D. Paul begins his third missionary journey. He leaves Antioch and goes to Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila are already in Ephesus and make contact with Apollos. After teaching him thoroughly about Christ, they and the brethren send Apollos to Corinth. 55 A.D. Paul continues to stay in Ephesus. 56 A.D. Paul continues to stay in Ephesus. 57 A.D. In the Spring at Ephesus Paul writes 1 Corinthians. In Summer he leaves Ephesus for Troas. He proceeds to Philippi. It is in Philippi during the Autumn that it is believed Paul wrote II Corinthians. Titus arrives in the city. In the Winter Paul goes to Corinth, where he writes the book of Galatians. 58 A.D. In the Spring Paul writes the book of Romans. Paul leaves Corinth and goes to Philippi and Miletus. In the summer (Pentecost) Paul arrives in Jerusalem. He is arrested and sent to Caesarea. * Chronology and Events taken from The Life & Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson
