As we read the scripture, sometimes we forget it’s a progressive book. We are looking BACK and wonder why things occurred the way they did. For example, why did the Eleven disciples all scatter when Jesus was arrested? Why did they hide in the upper room after his crucifixion? Didn’t He tell them He was going to die? Didn’t He tell them He would rise again from the dead? Yes, He did. Look at the following verses. Be sure to read them in their context:
Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. Luke 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. Luke 9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.
John 8:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
This last reference holds a key: ‘then remembered they’. Ah yes, after He appeared to them in His glorified body it all became clear to them. Then they became bold and preached the kingdom, that Jesus was their messiah.
Now we gentiles can learn through the writings of the Apostle Paul, our calling. To tell others of salvation, the gift of God, that we might live with Him in heaven for eternity.
Matthew 22:36-40Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD.) 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.)
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
Matthew 5:43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
Matthew 19:19Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Matthew 22:39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt lovethy neighbor as thyself.
Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thyneighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.
Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt lovethyneighbor as thyself.
Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt lovethyneighbor as thyself.
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt lovethyneighbor as thyself, ye do well:
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
2 John 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.)
DATEEVENTUndated God Created the Earth
Undated Adam & Eve sin
Undated God sends the flood
Undated Job suffers
2160 bc Birth of Abraham
2090 bc Abraham enters Canaan
2060 bc Birth of Isaac
1898 bc Joseph sold into Slavery
1446 bc Exodus from Egypt
1445 bc Ten Commandments given to Moses
1400 bc Israelites enter Canaan
1367 bc Othniel becomes Israel’s first judge
1105 bc Samuel’s birth
1075 bc Samson becomes judge of Israel
1050 bc Saul becomes Israel’s first King
1010 bc David becomes King
971 bc Solomon becomes King
959 bc First Temple Completed
930 bc Rehoboam becomes King
930 bc Kingdom splits
740 bc Isaiah’s ministry begins
722 bc Fall of Israel
627 bc Jeremiah’s Ministry Begins
605 bc Daniel exiled to Babylon
586 bc Fall of Judah
538 bc First exiles return to Jerusalem
536 bc Rebuilding of Temple begins
516 bc Second Temple is completed
479 bc Esther becomes Queen of Persia
458 bc Ezra returns from exile to Jerusalem
445 bc Nehemiah returns from exile to Jerusalem
433 bc Malachi begins ministry
6 bc John the Baptist birth
6 bc Jesus’ Birth
4 bc Magi visit Jesus
6 ad Jesus (the boy) visits the Temple
24 ad Jesus Baptized
27 ad Jesus Death
34 ad Saul’s (Paul) conversion
46 ad Paul’s first missionary journey
49 ad Jerusalem Council
50 ad Paul’s Second missionary journey
53 ad Paul’s third missionary journey
59 ad Paul’s journey to Rome
70 ad Temple destroyed
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
For generations, most of the world’s people have longed for peace, but the world continues to be at war. Evolutionists attribute this to ages of violent evolutionary struggle; the Bible attributes it to sin!
But it is wonderfully possible to have real personal peace even in a world at war. This is what the Bible calls “the peace of God,” and it surpasses all human understanding because it is provided by the God of peace, for the writer continues, “The God of peace shall be with you” (v. 9).
The God of peace! There are some wonderful promises associated with this beautiful name of our Lord. For example: “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20). Also: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
The provision of God’s perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) is specifically invoked in 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.” Perhaps the greatest promise of all is implied in the concluding prayer of the book of Hebrews: “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
There is only one other reference to the peace of God: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15). The peace of God, from the God of peace, can rule in our hearts if we let it rule in our hearts. Then, as promised in our text, it will also keep our hearts!
Peace of, with, from God Mankind, from the beginning has wanted peace and has used war to accomplish attaining it. And of course, peace has eluded them. And the apostle has written: 1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
This, of course is written to be full filled during the Tribulation. But during the age of grace, individules who believe the Gospel; I Corinthians 15:1-4 and obey the admission of Romans 10:9-13, that individual can experience the PEACE OF, FROM, WITH GOD
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Matthew 19:28 And 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. Romans 14:10-11 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Reading the scripture listed above leaves no doubt that ALL will have to give an account of how we lived our lives. And no one will have any excuse. Ignorance will not be an excuse. Acts 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 11:25 For 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. 1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But 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. 1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 2 Peter 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
As can be seen reviewing the above scriptures ignorance will not be an excuse!
Suggested definitions of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. While not meant to be dogmatic or final, these definitions and supporting Scriptures do correspond to characteristics of the gifts as expressed in the “Modified Houts Questionnaire”.
ROMANS 12:6-8 Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance. Ministry (Service). The gift of service is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and to help accomplish the desired results. Teacheth. The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn Exhorteth. The gift of exhortation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement, and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Giveth. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. Ruleth. The gift of administration (Ruling) is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals Mercy. The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian & non – Christian) who suffer distressing physical, mental, or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds which reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Word of Wisdom. The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ. Word of Knowledge. The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze, and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the well being of the body. Faith. The gift of faith is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God for His work. Gifts of Healings. The gift of healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means. Workings of Miracles. The gift of miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform such powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature. Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance. Discerning of Spirits. The gift of discerning of spirits is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human, or satanic. Kinds of Tongues. The gift of tongues is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ (a) to speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or (b) to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely – anointed utterance in a language they have never learned Interpretation of Tongues. The gift of interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to make known in a vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues.
Matthew 12:32And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Mark 3:28-29Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
The above text is often called the unpardonable sin. But a study of the scripture shows that the ONLY sin that is unforgivable SIN is the unbelief of Jesus Christ as Lord. For when we believe 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.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:
and then act on Romans 10:9-13That 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.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
We will be saved. 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, It becomes real in our lives and we can rejoice invs 10-13. 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
The only SIN UNFORGIVEN is rejection of Christ Jesus as Saviour
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole World, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:36For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Luke 9:25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
John 12:25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John warned about losing rewards:
2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Believer’s Works are judged:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Losers (unsaved) are judged for their works:
Revelation 20:11-15And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
During one’s life
time there are many events that alter or change one’s way of living. Not every
day decisions (which are many) but life changing events that might be
categorized as catastrophic. These might include a very serious accident,
getting mugged, getting robbed, losing a pet, losing a loved one, a serious
life threatening sickness, a heart attack, a stroke, cancer. All of these
and many more could be, would be catastrophic in one’s life. But no one
experiences every one of them and some experience none of them.
Physiologists have said that in a normal person’s life there are 4
catastrophic events that almost everyone experiences. Let’s take a look at
them.
The first is Birth.
Life begins at conception and for the next 9 months the baby in a warm secure place, with all of its need’s being meet. Research has shown that a baby in the womb experiences sound, movement, in fact, probably 3 of the five senses; Touch, hearing and tasting. And depending on the surroundings LOVE by a mother (and father) who truly want their child. Then this baby is thrust from this very secure place into the world Naked and helpless and two more senses are added to the baby’s world: light (sight) and smell. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The second is graduation.
Graduation from (or completion of) school (High School). All of your life has been under the control of someone else. First your parent(s), they provided food, shelter, clothing and they expected you to obey them, do their bidding. Second your teachers for at least 12 years (sometimes longer) you have had a teacher directing your life, assigning you work, projects, homework and testing you along the way. Always demanding more, always expecting more always setting the bar a little higher. You have made friends along the way some best friends forever (BFF). But that is ending, for some it’s off to college, others it’s the military, and others into the work force. Again thrust out into the world. Now you are responsible for yourself. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The third is Marriage.
This is the only one of the 4 major events (catastrophic events) that you have a choice. Birth, not your choice, Graduation had to come to that conclusion if you stayed in school for the required number of years. Now you have met someone, someone who will mean more to you than your parents and you have a choice to make. Do I continue my life as it is or do I chose to share it with someone else? Living together is not marriage and does not have the same obligations that you take on when you marry. Living together (or shacking up) has very little commitment, after all when you tire of it you can just leave. Sickness, Health, Richer, Poorer, Better, Worse, you hit one of these roadblocks you can just pack up and move on. But and if you chose marriage, WOW! What a commitment! Be sure to read those vows you make before your family, your friends, your chosen one, the minister, and GOD. After the “I DO’s” you are responsible for and to a stranger. What a catastrophic moment, life will never be the same.
The forth is Death.
To review, BIRTH was out of your control, this was brought about by your parents, you just had to experience it. GRADUATION was just a course of fulfilling events that came to a conclusion (which altered your life), again which you had little control. You can be prepared or not, the choice is partly yours to make. MARRIAGE, you could choose to avoid it or chose to enter into it, Not only if but when and to whom. And it is up to you (and your partner) to make it work. But DEATH, all of us face it. It’s been said there are two things unavoidable in life, Death and Taxes. Well, you can avoid taxes, but not death. As the scripture says”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). Again “For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23). Yes, all of us face death. Separation of the soul (life) from the body, now we all know what happens to the body. It is buried or cremated. But the soul (life), what about it? Does it cease to exist? There are many who would hope that is true. Does it reincarnate? Again many would hope that to be true. But the Scripture teach that you will be removed from the world you know and thrust into eternity, a world nobody knows about outside of the Scriptures.
Four life altering events, catastrophic events that most all of us will face. BIRTH, out of your control. GRADUATION, very little control. MARRIAGE, your choice, definitely a choice. Not only if but when and to whom. Still it is a life changing action. The forth, DEATH, is appointed unto you. You do face death. It will happen to you. But you can prepare for it.
”And as it is appointed unto men oncetodie … “(Hebrews 9:27). The answers lay in the scriptures; “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of is eternal life …” (Romans 6:23).
Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)
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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
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,
