Matthew 11:1-6 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
John 21:25And there are also many things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
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.
In almost every epistle the Apostle Paul wrote, he mentions the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and/or the promise of believer’s being raised for a total of 26 times.
Romans 4:24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again … Romans 6:4 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,… Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; … Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies … Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession .. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hathraised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he … 1 Corinthians 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that …For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet … sins. 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 1 Corinthians 15:35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again 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😉 Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Colossians 2:12 Buried 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. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
2 Timothy 2:8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
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
1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Ephesians 5:1 – Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Many times, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to follow him as he followed Christ. He wrote of us being Changed to the Image of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
So how do we follow Christ/Paul? We must know who and what the man Jesus Christ was as He walked on the earth in a human body and how Paul followed him.
Christ was HUMBLE —– Matthew 18:4; Phil 2:3-11 Paul was — 2 Corinthians 12:21 I must be — Colossians 3:12 Christ was FORGIVING —– Luke 23:34 Paul was — 2 Corinthians 2:10 I must be — 2 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13 Christ was ZEALOUS —– John 2:17; 9:4 Paul was — Galatians 1:14 I must be — Titus 2:14; 1 Corinthians 14:12 Christ was PRAYERFUL —– Matthew 14:23; 26:36 Paul was — Ephesians 1:16 I must be — 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12 Christ was COMPASSIONATE —– Matthew 9:36; 14:14 Paul was — 2 Corinthians 7:16; Philippians 2:17 I must be — Romans 12:15 Christ was UNRATALIATORY —– Matthew 26:59-68 Paul was — Romans 5:1; 8:6 I must be — Romans 12:8; 17-21 Christ was SUBMISSIVE —– Matthew 6:10; Luke 22:42 Paul was — 1 Corinthians 4:21; Galatians 6:1 I must be — Ephesians 5:21 Christ was SERVING —– Matthew 20:28 Paul was — Romans 1:9; 7:5 I must be — Romans 7:6; Galatians 5:13; Colossians 3:24 Christ was GIVING —– Matthew 20:28 Paul was — Romans 12:13; 16:4 I must be — Galatians 6:7-9 Christ was BURDENED —– Luke 19:41 Paul was — 2 Timothy 2:9; 4:16 I must be — Galatians 6:2
Then with the Apostle Paul we may say “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21)
During Paul’s missionary journeys,
the Apostle spent more than two decades traveling in the eastern Roman
empire. The record of Paul’s travels, found in the Acts of the Apostles,
is discovered to be astonishingly accurate when tested against the many
political, social, and geographical details connected with the cities and
provinces through which he passed.
Paul’s Trial Before Gallio
Archeologists have discovered a first century inscription at Delphi, in central Greece, that refers to Gallio as the Roman Proconsul of Greece. The year corresponds to 52 AD, which is also the approximate date of Paul’s trial before Gallio in Corinth.
Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta
Luke records that the ship drifted for fourteen days in the gale and then wrecked on the island of Malta, halfway across the Mediterranean. His account reads like a tall tale. However, the meteorological and nautical evidence demonstrates, and in a rather spectacular fashion, that these events must have occurred just as Luke records them.
Paul at Ephesus
In the ancient world, Ephesus was known both as a center of magic and as a
university town. However, the city was most famous because it possessed of one
of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the temple of the goddess Artemis,
or Diana.
Erastus: City Treasurer of Corinth
During an archeological excavation of Corinth in 1929, a first century
pavement was uncovered which contains the following inscription: “Erastus,
Procurator and Aedile, laid this pavement at his own expense.” Was
this the Erastus who was the companion of Paul?
The Riot at Lystra
According to Acts, the crowd referred to Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as
Hermes. Archeological evidence reveals that this Zeus-Hermes combination was
the local cult of the city of Lystra.
Felix replaced as Procurator
This passage presents an historical difficulty. According to Josephus, Felix
was brought to Rome for trial, but escaped punishment because of the influence
of his brother Pallas. However, according to the Roman historian Tacitus,
Pallas was removed from power by the Emperor Nero in 55 AD, the year before
Paul’s Judean trial. Does this call the Acts’ account of Felix’ return to Rome
into question?
Paul’s Companions at Corinth
If the eight individuals named by Paul in his letter to Rome had been listed by Luke as accompanying Paul to Jerusalem on his final journey to that city, we would strongly suspect that Luke had simply copied the names from Paul’s Roman letter. However, only two names appear on both lists. In the case of one individual, Sopater, this is his only appearance in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 1 Corinthians 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1 Corinthians 1:17 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.
Baptism was practice by Paul but not for Salvation. Only as a sign of salvation, and he abandoned this as he grew in Grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 For 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. These among many other scripture references make this very clear. Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:4 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. 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 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 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Colossians 2:12 Buried 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.
The last Book in the Bible is ‘the REVELATION of Jesus Christ’ and it was written by the Apostle John. It was written to warn Israel (and all who read it) of events still to come: Tribulation, Armageddon, Millennium and the Great White Throne.
The Apostle Paul (to the
Believers – The Church) was also given revelations about the Church age and events to come before the
Tribulation..
REVELATION noun 1. a surprising and previously unknown fact,
especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. 2. the divine or supernatural disclosure to
humans of something relating to human existence or the world.
After Saul met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6,22:5-10,26:12-18) and later became Paul, the Lord Jesus revealed to him Mysteries (revelations) never before revealed to man. Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Romans 16:25Now 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 14:6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 1 Corinthians 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 2 Corinthians 12:1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Galatians 1:12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:2And 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, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. Ephesians 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 3:3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Isaiah 2:2 During the Millennium In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s Temple will be the highest of all mountains. It will be raised higher than the hills. There will be a steady stream of people from all nations going there. Hosea 3:5 During the Millennium After this, the people of Israel will come back and look for the LORD their God and for David their king. In the last days they will come to honor the LORD and his goodness. Micah 4:1 During the Millennium [ The Law Will Come From Jerusalem ] In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s Temple will be on the highest of all mountains. It will be raised higher than the hills. There will be a steady stream of people going there.
Acts 2:17God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will have special dreams. 2 Timothy 3:1 [ Many People Will Stop Loving God ] Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. Hebrews 1:2And now in these last days, God has spoken to us again through his Son. He made the whole world through his Son. And he has chosen his Son to have all things. James 5:3Your gold and silver will rust, and that rust will be a proof that you were wrong. That rust will eat your bodies like fire. You saved your treasure in the last days. 2 Peter 3:3It is important for you to understand what will happen in the last days. People will laugh at you. They will live following the evil they want to do. Daniel 8:19He said, “Now, I will explain the vision to you. I will tell you what will happen in the future. Your vision was about the end times. Daniel 8:17So Gabriel, the angel who looked like a man, came to me. I was very afraid and fell down to the ground. But Gabriel said to me, “Human, understand that this vision is about the time of the end.” Daniel 11:35 Some of the wise people will stumble and make mistakes. But the persecution must come so that they can be made stronger and purer until the time of the end. Then, at the right time, that time of the end will come. Daniel 11:40 At the time of the end, the southern king will fight a battle against the northern king. The northern king will attack him with chariots and soldiers on horses and many large ships. The northern king will rush through the land like a flood. Daniel 12:4But you, Daniel, keep this message a secret. You must close the book and keep this secret until the time of the end. Many people will go here and there looking for true knowledge, and the true knowledge will increase. Daniel 12:9 He answered, Go on about your life Daniel. The message is hidden. It will be a secret until the time of the end. Joel 2:1 [ The Coming Day of the Lord ] Blow the trumpet on Zion. Shout a warning on my holy mountain. Let all the people who live in the land shake with fear. The LORD’s special day is coming; it is near. Joel 2:31 The sun will be changed into darkness, and the moon will be as red as blood. Then the great and fearful day of the LORD will come! Amos 5:18Some of you want to see the LORD’s special day of judgment. Why do you want to see that day of the LORD? His special day will bring darkness, not light. Obadiah 1:15The Day of the LORD is coming soon to all the nations. And the evil you did to others will happen to you. The same bad things will fall down on your own head. Acts 2:20The sun will be changed into darkness, and the moon will be as red as blood. Then the great and glorious day of the Lord will come.
2 Thessalonians 2:2-3 Don’t let yourselves be easily upset or worried if you hear that the day of the Lord has already come. Someone might say that this idea came from us—in something the Spirit told us, or in something we said, or in a letter we wrote. Don’t be fooled by anything they might say. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens. And that day will not come until the Man of Evil appears, the one who belongs to hell.
Revelation 1:10 On the Lord’s Day, the Spirit took control of me. I heard a loud voice behind me that sounded like a trumpet.
The next event for the Church Age Believers is the Rapture: 2 Thessalonians 2, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 The next events for Israel are: 1st War from the South (of Israel): Note: This is the lands of EGYPT, SYRIA, IRAQ, JORDAN, and LEBANON Obadiah 1:15,18-19 Isaiah 17:1,3-4, 12-14 Joel 3:19 Ezekiel 29:9-12 Zephaniah 1:14, 2:8-9 Isaiah 34:5,9-10 2nd war from the North (of Israel): Ezekiel 36,38,39 Note: This is the lands of Russia and her allies Ezekiel 38:1-3 Gog (title of a man) Magog (Land of Russia) Ezekiel 38:5-7,8-10,15-16,18-19,21-22,23 Ezekiel 39:2,4,7 Peace treaty with “the prince” (Antichrist), for 0ne week (7 years) Daniel 9:26-27, Matthew 24:15 3.5 years of Peace (midst of the week) Temple Rebuilt (must be rebuilt for this to happen) Realization that “the prince” (Antichrist) is not God Matthew 24:16,26 3rd war, Armageddon (Return of Christ Matthew 24:30, Revelation 1:7) Note: This is the lands of China and her allies Obadiah 1:15 Zechariah 12:9-11, 14:1-2,12 Revelation 9:15-16, 16:12-16 1000 years of peace with Prince of peace as KING Revelation 20:4 Final Satanic Battle Gog (title of a man) Magog (Land of Russia) Revelation 20:7-9 Great White Throne Judgement Revelation 20:11-15
ETERNITY …
The Church may see the 1st war, and even the 2nd war, but the church will be gone before the Peace Treaty is signed.
