Jump to content
IGNORED

Salvation, Doctrine and Rightly Dividing - MAD


patrick jane

Recommended Posts


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

The Mystery of Christ to Jews Also

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-mystery-of-christ-to-jews-also

By Justin Johnson
 

In times past salvation was only of the Jews (John 4:22). Their salvation was through the covenants and the law.

With Paul that all changed. The Lord gave Paul the office of “apostle of the Gentiles” to send salvation, without the law, to the Gentiles (Rom 11:11, 13). It is not strange, then, to discover Paul ministering to Gentiles in Galatia, Corinth, and Colosse.

However, many times Paul ministers to Jews also. These passages are stumbling points for those first learning to rightly divide the word of truth. Why is Paul ministering to Jews?

Here is the answer: Paul’s one ministry was to both Jew and Gentile. Listen to the Lord:

“…[Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel…” – Acts 9:15

Paul Sent to Unbelieving Israel

Paul’s commission did not exclude all Israel. Rather it included “all men” (1 Tim 2:4). The gospel of grace was for any unbelieving Jew or Gentile. The mystery of Christ gave mercy to all who were concluded in unbelief.

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” – Rom 11:32

Paul says his heart’s desire is that Israel might be saved (Rom 10:1). The majority of Israel had rejected the prophets, the Messiah, and the twelve apostles. They were in unbelief. Paul’s prayer could be fulfilled through a dispensation of grace gospel.

Paul Ministers Grace to Israel

When Paul ministered to Jews he ministered to them the gospel of the grace of God. How could an apostle of Gentiles minister the gospel of Christ to Jews?

“And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;” – 1 Corinthians 9:20

He ministered to unbelieving Israel from their scriptures that his gospel was true.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” – Romans 3:20

But he never strayed from the preaching of the cross (1 Cor 2:2, Acts 13:38-39). Paul wanted Jews saved as well.

Paul Writes to Jews

Not only did Paul go to Jewish synagogues to preach the gospel of grace, he also wrote to Jews. You can find passages to or about Jews in Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Titus.

“Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,” – Romans 2:17

There were Jews who believed the gospel of grace and became part of the body of Christ. They were saved by Paul.

“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 12:13

Jews in Paul’s Ministry

Paul was a Jew. Paul was an unbelieving Jew saved by the dispensation of God’s grace (1 Tim 1:16).

He taught the mystery of Christ to his kinsmen along with Gentiles, but only to those who were counted in unbelief. The Bible calls them uncircumcised (Acts 7:51).

Peter recognized that Paul could not minister his gospel of grace to the believing remnant of Israel. Paul’s gospel declared mercy to those in unbelief. The remnant were those in belief (Acts 2:44).

So Peter and Paul separated their ministries. Peter confined his ministry to the circumcision. Paul expands his ministry among all the uncircumcision (Gal 2:7-9).

The circumcision in Jerusalem never received the gospel of grace from Paul (Acts 21:20). Paul kept his mouth shut according to his promise (Rom 15:20). Instead he ministered to those uncircumcised Jews among the Gentiles.

Paul always had the same ministry from the Lord (Gal 1:1). He ministered it to unbelieving Jews and unbelieving Gentiles.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

Christ Sent You a Special Apostle. Why Won’t You Listen?
http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/paul/christ-sent-you-a-special-apostle-why-wont-you-listen

By Justin Johnson

Christ sent you a special apostle. Does that sound strange to you? It shouldn’t.

The apostles were not simply the best students in the class or teacher’s pets. They were men sent to preach a message to specific people. It is important to know what message they were given and to whom were they sent.

If Christ sent you a special apostle, wouldn’t you want to hear his message to you more than the message of other apostles for others?

Christ, the Apostle

Even nominal Christians repeat the truth that God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, but did you know Christ was an apostle sent to Israel? (Heb 3:1)

Paul says, “Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision” (Romans 15:8). John wrote, “He came unto his own” (John 1:11).

Jesus said about his ministry, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).

It is clear that when God sent the Son of God, he was not sent to you, but to first century Israel.

The Twelve Apostles

Most Sunday school graduates know that Jesus chose twelve men to be his apostles, but did you know why he chose twelve? One apostle was needed for each tribe of Israel? (Matt 19:28)

The twelve apostles were not sent to minister to Gentiles, but were given apostleship to the circumcised in Israel.

” These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” – Matthew 10:5-6

In their kingdom commission, they were to begin at Jerusalem and Israel (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8).

At Pentecost Spirit filled Peter addressed only the “men of Israel” (Acts 2:22), and later the believers scattered by persecution went to “none but unto the Jews only” (Acts 11:19).

Even later when a new apostle was ordained, Peter, James, and John limited their ministry to the circumcision (Gal 2:9).

The Apostle Paul

Paul had an apostleship unlike the ministry Christ was to perform to Israel, or the twelve were to minister to twelve tribes. Christ sent Paul as the special apostle of the Gentiles.

” For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” – Romans 11:13

When Paul tried to go to Jerusalem to minister to his Jewish kinsmen, the Lord told him to get out and depart (Acts 22:18).

“And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” – Acts 22:21

The only reason there is the testimony of Christ coming from Gentiles is because the Lord sent a special apostle directly to us Gentiles (Eph 3:1-2).

Why Won’t You Listen

Christ sent a special apostle to you. If this is so, then why won’t anyone listen to him? Instead he is often discounted and hedged by the ministries of apostles sent to others.

When it comes to faith and works controversy, Paul is corrected by an epistle written to the twelve tribes (James). Regarding when the church began the apostle to the Gentiles is ignored for the prophetic fulfillment ministered to Israel at a Jewish feast day (Acts 2).

Entire denominations name themselves after John the Baptist who died years before Paul was saved or sent.

John the Baptist would not attend any church today bears his name. Why? Baptist churches are filled with Gentiles, and John was not sent to Gentiles. He was sent to Israel as a law observing law teaching Jew (John 1:31). Don’t you know…

“… how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation” – Acts 10:28

Listen to Your Apostle

If Christ sent you a special apostle, wouldn’t you give his message and ministry priority over other apostles?

Unless you are a first century Jewish believer looking for Israel’s kingdom, Paul is your apostle.

Wherever true Christianity is found today it is a result of Christ sending Paul as a special apostle with the gospel of grace. Are you listening?

“For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” – 2 Corinthians 11:5

“…our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” – 2 Tim 1:10-11

” Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery…” – Ephesians 3:8-9
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

The Separation of the Grace Gospel

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-separation-of-the-grace-gospel

By Justin Johnson

If Paul were merely another minister of Peter’s gospel of circumcision, then why was there so much controversy between the circumcision and Paul’s churches?

“When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” – Acts 15:2


It seems we can’t read a single epistle of Paul without a mention of Jesus-followers teaching contrary to him. He spends multiple chapters in Romans explaining information about Israel; the Corinthians were taught about those “under law”; Galatians were warned not to follow the gospel of circumcision. The great contention in the early church was not with unbelievers, it was amidst those who claimed to follow Jesus.

The explanation, of course, is that Paul was teaching a separate message of Jesus Christ, the mystery of Christ. He received this special message from the Lord Jesus himself (Gal 1:1, 11-12).

Only after we separate the apostleship of Paul from the ministry of the twelve can we understand the strong contentions that arose in the beginning between these two ministries.

A Necessary Separation

When God saw Jerusalem reject his Holy Ghost filled apostles, he gave a new dispensation to Paul and began to separate Jerusalem and Israel from his salvation (1 Cor 9:17, Rom 11:25).

God first separates a unique apostle to do his work and tells him to go to the Gentiles. Paul and his ministry are separated geographically from Jerusalem. As Paul ministers to the Jews in Gentile lands he tells them that salvation has been taken from them and given to Gentiles:

“It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” – Acts 13:46

Later, the authoritative apostles in Jerusalem agree that Paul would not teach his gospel of grace among the circumcision, because of Paul’s authority given by the Lord (Gal 2:7-9). Instead Paul would go to the whole world of uncircumcised to teach his gospel. Not only was this giving credence to the gospel of grace superseding the gospel of the Matthew commission, but it was also separating his gospel from the people who had believed the kingdom gospel.

Paul’s ministry and the ministry of the twelve apostles over twelve tribes were doctrinally separated. Israel would not be given the special privilege of the gospel during this dispensation.

The Separation in Action

There are many times when Paul recognizes this separation in his ministry. One of the most mentioned is Romans 15:20:

“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:”

However, he also perpetuates the doctrinal separation when Peter comes to Galatia and carries out the law teaching among Paul’s crowd (Gal 2:11-13). Such an admixture of doctrines could only cause confusion and subvert Paul’s message. Paul then rightly rebukes Peter.

Likewise, when Paul was traveling among Peter’s group, he rightly keeps his gospel separate from the law keepers under James’ ministry according to their agreement (Acts 21:26-27). The gospel of the grace of God was never taught in Jerusalem.

God separated the gospel of grace from the circumcision. Peter’s remnant ministry to the circumcision ended and now all men everywhere are told to hear the one gospel which is the mystery of Christ (Rom 16:25). God has moved on, so should the church.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

Discovering the Deep Things

The “deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10) are revealed in the scripture by the Spirit. There is not a mystical secret technique or crystal ball to unveil hidden wisdom from another spiritual dimension. 

The hidden wisdom, which is the mystery of Christ (1 Cor 2:6-8), has been written down for us in words in the Bible. 

When you read the Bible you are reading the words the Holy Ghost moved Paul to write (2 Pet 1:20). They are God’s words (1 Thess 2:13). They are the only words from God you will receive this side of eternity. 

Sometimes people think God gives certain people secret knowledge that no one else can access. This is not true. All of God’s revelations can be learned by anyone with a Bible who believes it and studies it. 

The secret ingredient is not special giftings, relaxation techniques, or contemplative prayers. It is study, reading, repetition, and comparing scripture with scripture. Some people are better students than others, but that doesn’t change what we all study: a book. 

It is only through the hard work of Bible study, and that rightly divided, that the deep things of God are known. 

Don’t believe any fool who tells you that learning the deep things of God does not require the effort of studying the Bible. 

For His glory, 

Justin “it takes work” Johnson 

Ignorant Abraham and His Righteousness
In Genesis 15:6 God declared a man righteous without any evidence, proof, law, work, obedience, or sign that he would indeed be righteous. Abraham was ignorant about how God would do this, and God intentionally left him ignorant about it. 

Read More
Not All Israel
Arguably, the most important verse in understanding how God’s promises to Israel will be fulfilled is Romans 9:6. What it explains is not new, but it is significant in that the apostle Paul said it. Miss this verse, and you will make God’s word have no effect on Israel. 

Read More
Approved By the Word of Truth
The word of truth is one of eleven things by which we are instructed to approve ourselves as ministers of God. Yet, the church growth movement would have us believe that in order not to give offence to unbelievers we should dilute, diminish, or conceal altogether the Bible which contains the very word of truth. 

Read More
Audio: The Reality of Hell
Hell is subject of much ridicule and derision in modern society. It is rarely mentioned from pulpits anymore. This should be nothing new for the Bible believer that learns the truth from God’s word and not pop culture. Learn the Biblical reality of hell, why it was created, and its important part in the gospel of Christ. 

OUR MISSION
Grace Ambassadors exists to clearly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, encourage Bible belief, and edify the church by teaching mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division. 
(Read more about us)

Find more free resources at www.graceambassadors.com
THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES
"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 ... 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:"

- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJB)
 

Edited by patrick jane
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

Galatians 3 King James Version (KJV)

3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

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.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

What Is the Mystery Revealed to Paul?

http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/what-is-the-mystery-revealed-to-paul

Paul was uniquely saved by God, not by his murderous works, nor by covenant promise, but freely by God’s grace (1 Cor 15:8; Titus 3:5).

Paul was a unique apostle. He was the chief persecutor of the twelve apostles and he calls himself the chief of sinners, but was called by God to be an apostle of God’s grace (Acts 8:1; Rom 1:1,15:15).

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Tim 1:15-16

The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and many times after to reveal what was “from the beginning of the world… hid in God”, that is, the fellowship of the mystery.

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ…” – Eph 3:8-9

Paul calls this revelation the “mystery of Christ”, the “mystery among the Gentiles”, and the “dispensation of the grace of God”. This mystery of Christ is distinct from what “was spoken of by the mouth of the prophets since the world began” concerning Christ (Acts 3:21, Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-3).

What was Revealed

So, what is this mystery revealed to Paul?

The mystery revealed about Christ affected both the message of salvation and sanctification (God’s separation of a people for his service).

The mystery regarding salvation is the gospel of Christ: how any man can be justified freely by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus as our propitiation (Rom 3:20-26, 15:16; Eph 6:19).

The mystery revealed to Paul regarding sanctification is the identity of a new creature called the church, the one body of Christ (Rom 12:5; Eph 4:4). The church is to practice and preach the gospel of Christ and all its blessings free in Christ to all men through faith(Rom 5-8; Eph 1:3, 3:3-9).

Rightly Dividing Prophecy and Mystery

The most important thing to learn in discerning God’s will in the Bible is to rightly identify and divide the mystery of Christ from what was spoken to the prophets concerning Christ.

What God had spoken of by the mouth of His prophets since the world began is not what God kept secret since the world began (Acts 3:21 vs. Rom 16:25). Mixing mystery truth with the message prophesied to Israel has led to many doctrinal heresies and confusions.

Without understanding the mystery Christ revealed to Paul we cannot be faithful stewards of those mysteries, nor faithful ministers of Christ.

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” – 1 Cor 4:1-2

More importantly, if we do not understand the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul we cannot obey the Lord’s greatest commission “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” with its unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8-9)


For more lessons on what is the mystery of Christ find an audio lesson, outline, seminar series, and online tract about What is the Mystery of Christ.


You can also read about what people confuse for the Mystery of Christ here.

You can also find an entire section of this site dedicated to explaining the mystery of Christ and its implications for studying the Bible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

A Scriptural Chronology of Paul’s Epistles

http://graceambassadors.com/biblestudy/a-scriptural-chronology-of-pauls-epistles

By Justin Johnson
None of Paul’s epistles contain an inspired date of authorship. When they were written during Paul’s ministry must be reasoned from circumstantial evidence (names, places, and events).

Consequently, there will always be a certain amount of storytelling, speculation, and uncertainty involved in determining when the epistles were written for at least three reasons:
 

  1. Certain events (imprisonment, capture) happened more than once.
  2. Paul took multiple journeys to the same places, often with similar people.
  3. Our history of Paul’s activities is not exhaustive (neither during nor after Acts).

If your theology depends solely upon the timing of one or more of Paul’s epistles (e.g. Acts 28ers), then you are standing on the weak foundation of higher criticism, and you would do well to change your theology.

The Bible believer would do well to remember that what is clear is always more important than what is not.

What Paul said is always more important than when he said it. God inspired Paul’s epistles, but did not directly tell us when.

What We Know

Meanwhile, there are plenty of things we can know about when the epistles were written based on scripture alone.

We can clearly chronicle a handful of Paul’s epistles based on their internal clues. Those books that include strong evidence are 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Romans, Philippians, and 2 Timothy.

Comparing these epistles with the history in the book of Acts, we can get a clear chronicle of when Paul wrote them.

The remaining epistles have too little information in themselves to be certain beyond a doubt exactly when they were written. The unclear epistles (unclear regarding their date) are frequently coupled with the clearer epistles based on assumptions of similar circumstances, or upon similar doctrinal content.

We know that each book was inspired by God, written by Paul, and faithfully preserved in the church throughout history.

Proposed Order of Paul’s Epistles

Below is a chart with a proposed chronology based upon internal evidence of the scripture in relationship to the history book of Acts. It is noted which are clearly understood and which are not.

Book When in Acts Clear Unclear
1 Thessalonians Acts 18:5 [IMG]
2 Thessalonians Acts 18:11 [IMG]
Galatians Acts 19:10 [IMG]
1 Corinthians Acts 20:1 [IMG]
2 Corinthians Acts 20:1-2 [IMG]
Romans Acts 20:2-3 [IMG]
Philemon* Acts 24:23-27 [IMG]
Colossians* Acts 24:23-27 [IMG]
Ephesians* Acts 24:23-27 [IMG]
Philippians* Acts 28:30 [IMG]
1 Timothy After Acts [IMG]
Titus After Acts [IMG]
2 Timothy* After Acts [IMG]
* Indicates a book written in bonds or prison

Scriptural Evidence for the Order of the Epistles

1 Thess 3:1-3). This event occurred in Acts 17:14-15.

By the time Thessalonians was written, Timothy had returned to Paul (1 Thess 1:1; 1 Thess 3:6).

Therefore, the earliest that it could be written would be in Acts 18:5when Timothy returns to Paul.

Paul stayed in Corinth for 1.5 years (Acts 18:11). It would make sense that he might have heard something of the ministry in Thessalonica during that time in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thess 1:7-8).

2 Thess 1:1.

Galatians 2:1-9.

Its similar doctrinal content to Romans invites some to couple it with Romans written from Corinth in Acts 20:3, but there is no further evidence for this.

Paul says they are “so soon removed” (Gal 1:6), which may identify it as an early writing in Paul’s ministry to the Galatians, or it could be placed after any one of his travels to the area in Acts 15:41, Acts 16:6, or Acts 18:23.

1 Cor 3:6). Apparently, Apollos was not at that time in Corinth (1 Cor 4:6; 1 Cor 16:12) which places this epistle after Acts 19:1.

Paul mentions staying at Ephesus with many adversaries in 1 Cor 16:8-9. He also mentions the “beasts at Ephesus” in 1 Cor 15:32, which at least in part is described in Acts 19.

He also mentions his purpose to go to Jerusalem through Macedonia in 1 Cor 16:3-5which he first purposed in Acts 19:21-22.

Timothy is sent by Paul to Corinth (1 Cor 4:17) when he wrote the epistle, but Timothy is back in Paul’s company in Acts 20:3-4 when Paul goes to Greece himself. So it must have been written after Acts 19:21-22 and before Acts 20:1.

2 Cor 2:6-7). However, some time had passed, because Paul had left Ephesus and was then writing from Macedonia (2 Cor 7:5, 2 Cor 9:4; cf. Acts 20:1).

Paul mentions it is the third time he is ready to come to Corinth (2 Cor 12:14; 2 Cor 13:1). This leads some to the uncertain conclusion that this is either the third epistle he writes, or that he has been to Corinth twice before.

A question arises from the presence of Timothy in 2 Cor 1:1 that could place this epistle at even a later date on a subsequent trip to Macedonia.

Rom 16:1, 23).

Also the same company of people found in Romans 16:21 is also found in Acts 20:4when Paul was leaving Greece to return to Jerusalem (also mentioned in Romans 15:25-26).

Eph 6:20, Col 4:3, Phm 1:1). For this reason, it is assumed all three were written from Rome along with Philippians.

However, Paul was in prison multiple times, and so it is unclear exactly which imprisonment produced these epistles.

Philemon must precede, if only shortly, Colossians since it is in Philemon that Onesimus is saved while in bonds with Paul (Phm 1:10). Paul sends Onesimus as a faithful brother to Colosse in Col 4:9 and in Philemon 1:12.

It can be shown that Philemon, the man, was a Colossian, because of his association with Archippus and Onesimus (Phm 1:2, Col 4:17).

Philemon and Colossians are linked in time primarily because the same companions with Paul are mentioned in both epistles, which would mean Tychicus traveled with Onesimus with both epistles to Colosse (Col 4:7).

Eph 6:21). For this reason alone, it is assumed Ephesians was written at the same time as Colossians and Philemon, although Tychicus may have traveled to Ephesus multiple times (2 Tim 4:12).

It is possible that Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians were written while Paul was in bonds at Caesarea where he spent two years in bondage with relative liberty (Acts 24:23-27).

If this were so, it would be fatal to the Acts 28ers that teach the mystery was revealed only after Acts 28:28. That it is a possibility means the Acts 28 position is highly suspect to say the least.

Phil 1:7, Phil 1:14-16).

Though Paul was in prison many times, his mention of “the palace” (Phil 1:13), and greetings from “Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22) fit nicely with Paul’s imprisonment in Rome upon his appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:16, Acts 28:30).

1 Tim 3:14).

Paul says Timothy was abiding in Ephesus while he went into Macedonia (1 Tim 1:3). There are many possibilities during the Acts record that would allow Timothy to abide in Ephesus, but none at the same time that Paul would be in Macedonia.

For this reason, it is assumed that it was written after the history of Acts.

Titus 1:5). The only time it is mentioned that Paul traveled to Crete was during his trip to Rome in Acts 27:12.

Titus 3:12 indicates Paul was not in bonds and was traveling to Nicopolis by his own determination.

2 Tim 1:15). He commends Onesiphorus who helped him while he was in Rome in the past (2 Tim 1:16-17).

That Titus was no longer in Crete, but Dalmatia places 2 Timothy after the epistle to Titus 1:5. Since Paul was free when he wrote Titus (Titus 1:12), this proves that Paul was imprisoned again after he was released from his bonds in Rome.

He mentions his own execution in 2 Tim 4:6, and finishing his course in 2 Tim 4:7.

Why it Matters

If what Paul wrote, and to whom he wrote, is most important, then why does it matter when he wrote?

It does not matter greatly, except to those whose doctrine depends upon a proper dating of Paul’s epistles (e.g Acts 28ers).

It is not necessary to know when the epistles were written to believe what they say. In the same way, we do not need to know the day or year a law was passed in order to be subject to it now.

However, knowing where in the history of Acts Paul wrote his epistles may help shed some light on the surrounding circumstances, persecutions, and opposition that Paul mentions throughout his ministry.

Paul’s ministry to unbelieving Israel stopped in Acts 28, along with the supernatural powers the Holy Ghost provided. Knowing when Paul wrote would explain why we find more writing about Israel and spiritual gifts during his earlier epistles.

To benefit from a scriptural chronology the best method to date Paul’s epistles is by studying the scripture rightly divided, and not by the speculative methods of unbelieving higher criticism.

What God would have us know with certainty about Paul’s ministry, he has inspired and preserved in the Bible.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

Email Tips: Paul’s Curriculum

http://graceambassadors.com/tips/pauls-curriculum

This "tip" was originally delivered on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 .
It is true that in Paul’s epistles alone we find the doctrine, walk, destiny, and purpose of the church for this dispensation.

Paul’s epistles reveal a specific curriculum to produce unashamed workmen fit for God’s service. Here are brief summaries of the contents of his epistles.

-Romans: Laying a doctrinal foundation; installing right doctrine
-Corinthians: Producing good works under grace; moving people to act
-Galatians: Walking in the Spirit, not under law
-Ephesians: The nature and mission of the church
-Philippians: The mind of Christ – instruction in maturity
-Colossians: Operating complete in Christ
-Thessalonians: Comfort and hope waiting for Christ
-1Timothy/Titus: Teaching and leadership instructions
-Philemon: Paul’s example of charity
-2Timothy: Final words

You can see the natural doctrinal progression as you read through Paul’s epistles. Everyone fits somewhere in the Pauline curriculum. Not very many finish the course.

Identify where you are and start your study there. Don’t quit and you will be able to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2).

For His glory,

Justin Curtis Johnson

Full List of Email Tips

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

7 Important Doctrines About the Bible

http://graceambassadors.com/bible/7-important-doctrines-about-the-bible

By Justin Johnson
The Bible is the most important book in history, and is what defines our faith. Without it we would not know who God is, his will for us, salvation, or the Lord Jesus Christ.

The way to destroy Christianity would be to destroy the Bible. This present evil world knows this and has been attacking the Bible for centuries. No Bible = no Christianity.

As a result of relentless attacks without reply, generations have a view of the Bible that it is an anachronistic book written by men that no one can understand filled with mistakes that is unneeded for true spirituality. What lies!

If Christianity is on the wane it is due to a failure to fortify these important doctrines about the Bible. If removing the Bible makes Christianity crumble, returning respect to the Holy Book of Books will strengthen it.

Here are seven important doctrines about the Bible that will strengthen your faith in God’s word and make you a Bible believer.

1. Revelation – God spoke words.

Revelation is the doctrine that God has spoken. The Bible is God’s revelation. This is important because God is true, holy, good, and without error. Therefore, what he says is true, holy, good, and without error. This is where we get the “holy” in Holy Bible. The Bible is sacred because of its author. The Bible was revealed by God.

“ For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 1:12

2. Inspiration – God’s words in writing.

Who doesn’t know the Bible was written by men. The doctrine of inspiration describes how God’s words were put in writing using the instrumentation of humanity. The Bible was not delivered from heaven like the golden plates of Mormonism, or by oral tradition like the Talmud or Koran. Divine inspiration teaches that God wrote the Bible with human pens to write specific words (2 Peter 1:20-21).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” – 2 Timothy 3:16

3. Illumination – God’s words understood.

The Bible can be understood, and this because of the doctrine of illumination. God did not write a book so that no one could read and understand it. His purpose was for all to know and each to study for themselves (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Tim 2:15). The Bible is not a book God kept in secret, but helps us to understand. How can we understand? First, faith is required (Rom 10:17). Then, you must be spiritual quickened (1 Cor 2:12-13). Thirdly, you must acknowledge Paul’s instruction (2 Tim 2:7).

“ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” – 2 Timothy 2:7

4. Utilization – God’s words must be used.

It is necessary to have and understand the Bible, because God requires it be utilized. We are told to preach it, teach it, study it, rightly divide it, eat it, believe it, live by it, stand with it, fight with it, and obey it. This doctrine alone should cause us to cherish God’s holy book: we need it! Faith comes by no other way.

“ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning,…” – Romans 15:4

“ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

5. Canonization – God’s words complete & sufficient.

This oft neglected doctrine describes how the Bible came to be complete and defined. A corollary to this is the idea that the Bible is all that we need: it is sufficient. There is nothing lacking from it to make us perfect (complete) workmen for the Lord. There is nothing else we need from oral tradition, experience, gut feelings, a Pope, magisterium, deacon board, anointed pastor, or the wisdom of the world. God said many things that are not in the Bible, but the Bible is what God wants us to know, and it is finished, complete, and sufficient in sixty-six books.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable… that the man of God may be perfect” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God” – Colossians 1:25

6. Preservation – God’s words through history.

Without preservation none of the other doctrines matter. God could have revealed, inspired, and completed a Bible to be used and understood, but without the doctrine of preservation it is all for naught, and the Holy Bible was lost thousands of years ago to history. If God wants us to understand and use his words that he inspired then they must be preserved through history. There are no more original autographs. Preservation is needed for God’s words to endure forever (1 Pet 1:25).

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35

“ Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” – Psalm 12:7

7. Identification – God’s words in your hands and heart.

In a world, culture, or church that does not understand and believe the previous six important doctrines this final doctrine is the most offensive. It is also the most important for the word of God to have an effect in your life.

This doctrine describes how you know you hold God’s words in your hand and are reading them with your eyes. If God inspired and preserved his word we should be able to identify it today.

There are so many different books claiming to be the Bible. It was the need to clearly identify the Holy Bible which drove men to reduce the differences and number of Bible translations down to one. After all, God only inspired one, and we only need one, and the church is one, and so which one is it?

When it is said that God’s perfectly preserved words in English are found in the King James Bible this is a statement reflecting the doctrine of identification.

“…when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Effect on Those That Believe

The Thessalonians had to identify by faith the words of God before they had an effect. Perhaps the reason Christians are not being effected by the word of God is that they are not clearly identified amidst hundreds of different translations.

Perhaps you cannot yet identify which Bible is God’s words. Perhaps you have been persuaded that they are all the same, or that God does not preserve his words, or that the Bible is too hard to understand or is not completely sufficient or necessary for us to have.

Denying any one of these important doctrines about the Bible brings confusion and doubt upon the Bible. Without the Bible Christianity becomes ineffective, or worse.

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.” – Romans 3:3-4

Christians are people of a book. Strengthen your understanding of these important doctrines about the Bible and your faith will grow, and God’s words will work effectually in you.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Group:  Senior Member
  • Followers:  5
  • Topic Count:  27
  • Topics Per Day:  0.01
  • Content Count:  596
  • Content Per Day:  0.27
  • Reputation:   320
  • Days Won:  1
  • Joined:  03/16/2018
  • Status:  Offline
  • Birthday:  03/01/1969

The Hebrew Epistles Are Not General

http://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/mmlj/the-hebrew-epistles-are-not-general

By Justin Johnson

Religious tradition calls the seven epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude the “general” or “catholic” epistles. (Catholic in this context means ‘universal’ and is not a reference to the Roman religion and their non-canonical books.)

It is claimed that the reason for this label is that the audience is not stated by the writers, and so they must be written to a general audience and not specific churches or persons as in many of Paul’s epistles.

Though this sounds legitimate, when we simply start reading the epistles it is obvious that the tradition of not reading and believing the Bible has a long history.

Perpetuating the claim that these epistles have no known audience has contributed to the general wrong application of these epistles to the church today.

Upon closer examination of the authors, the ministry they were given, and the doctrinal content, the audience can be clearly identified.

To Whom Are They Writing?

The very first verse of the book of James says clearly who he is writing to:

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. “ – James 1:1

The only way the epistle of James is general, is that the twelve tribes were scattered to general locations, but the audience is clear. It is the remnant of Israel, the church in Jerusalem, that was scattered in Acts 8:1, except for the apostles.

How does the body of Christ, made of all nations, fit into the audience written to the twelve tribes of Israel? It doesn’t.

Peter writes to the same audience as James.

“ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…” – 1 Peter 1:1

Though they may scattered in locations, the intended audience is clear: strangers scattered in those places. These strangers are Jewish, because they were not at home in these places. It is not coincidence that these places are the same places where the men of Israel came from at Pentecost (Acts 2:8-11).

2nd Peter was written to the same audience as 1st Peter (2 Peter 3:1? the believers of Israel who were scattered in Acts 8:1.

2 John is written to the “elect lady”, and 3rd John is clearly written to “Gaius”. Though we can debate who these people are, it is simply not true that the so-called general epistles do not state who they are writing to.

Who Is Writing?

There is a way to determine the audience by the author. However, this method seems to only be used by dispensational Bible students who appreciate the changing operation and ministry of the Lord.

Jesus said he was “not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt 15:24). We should conclude from this that although we can learn from reading the gospels (all scripture is profitable), that Jesus’ ministry on earth was to the audience of Israel.

This is confirmed by Paul in Romans 15:8:

“ Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers” – Romans 15:8

This is helpful, because Jesus told his chosen twelve apostles, “ as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). The twelve apostles were sent with the same ministry to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

This is confirmed by Luke’s statement that the apostles stayed in Jerusalem despite persecution in Acts 8:1, and that their followers, even when scattered, went only to Israel.

“ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.” – Acts 11:19

If any of the so-called “general” epistles were written between Acts 1 and Acts 11 they were written to Israel. This might explain James and 1 Peter.

To the Circumcision

Years after Paul’s ministry began, he met in Jerusalem with the chief apostles, namely Peter, James, and John.

After their meeting where they acknowledge Paul’s apostleship from the Lord, they make an agreement about to whom they should minister upon separation. Here is the conclusion:

“ when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” – Galatians 2:9

Peter, James, and John agreed that their ministry audience would be the circumcision. More clearly stated, their audience would be the believing remnant of Israel, the twelve tribes scattered abroad.

Since all of the “general” epistles were written by the apostles of the circumcision, it follows that their intended audience was the circumcision. This aligns perfectly with the repeated references to the Gentiles and lands in which the audience resides and the stated audiences found in some of the epistles.

We can safely say as a result of the apostolic agreement, that any of the so-called “general” epistles that were written by the twelve apostles after the Acts 15 agreement with Paul were written to the circumcision.

It is not coincidence that the very books that do not name a church or person were all written by apostles of the Lord’s ministry to Israel. (Yes, even Jude was an apostle – see Luke 6:16).

There was no need to identify a church by name, or a leader of one, because Israel is not the mystery church and were being led by the twelve apostles themselves.

Specific and Clear is Not General

It should now be clear that the only thing general and universal about the epistles written by the twelve apostles is the general ignorance about who the Bible says is their audience.

The audience is clear when we study the Bible dispensationally.

Not one of those epistles speaks about the mystery of Christ, the body of Christ, or the dispensation of the grace of God. Instead, they speak about promises of Israel’s coming kingdom, fulfilled prophecy, obeying the commandments, and not making the same mistakes they did in the past (being Israel).

Epistles written specifically by Israel’s apostles, about Israel’s promises, speaking to the scattered remnant of Israel are anything but general in audience.

These final books of the Bible would more appropriately be called, along with Hebrews and Revelation, the Hebrew epistles.

If they are written to Hebrews, they were not written to the new creature that is the church today.

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Praise God! 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...