Was Peter a member of the Body of Christ.

Bruce Leiter

A sinner saved by God's astounding grace and love
Jun 16, 2018
782
551
81
West Michigan
Visit site
✟56,865.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
What is the Gospel?

Matthew Mark Luke and John

A major part of Christians in the U.S. base there belief in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Their whole premise and doctrinal belief is in the 2nd chapter of Acts:

The Day of Pentecost.

I dare say 90% of American churches teach this, endlessly.

So are they Jews or members of the Body Of Christ?

Acts 3:25 says these are the Jews. ..

25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Their statement of Faith is John 3:16.

Ephesian 2:
11 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;

12 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:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

==Because of His Shed Blood, salvation is offer to all races, All Gentiles.

==By Believing Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, you will be saved from the wrath of God.

...

I really don't understand your approach to the interpretation of the Bible. You say that most American Christians believe in the four gospels based on Pentecost, when the coming of the Spirit for witness happened. Do you believe that the four gospels are only for the Jews and that Peter as a Jew was, therefore, outside of the gospel of grace preached by Paul?

Do you make a difference between the 12 disciples as Jews and Christ's body, the church?

If you believe these ideas, you have to realize that the Apostle Paul was a Jew whom Jesus transformed on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). Also, Jesus restored Peter after Jesus' resurrection; he was to feed Jesus' sheep, that is, the church (John 21:15-17). In addition, Old Testament believers are included in God's people, who have true faith (Hebrews 11). Finally, the new Jerusalem described by the Apostle John in Revelation 21-22 is a figurative picture of God's people wearing a bridle dress (21:2--a definite picture of the church) and has gates with the names of Israel's 12 tribes on the gates (21:12) and foundations with the names of the 12 apostles (21:14). So God's people include both Old and New Testament believers.

The major event in the New Testament besides Jesus' death is his resurrection. I don't think the largest portion of the American church emphasizes Pentecost over those two events that God powerfully brought about to rescue us through his free gift of faith by his grace (free acceptance because of Jesus' perfect life, his substitution in death, and his powerful resurrection to give us forgiveness and new and growing life that will last forever [Ephesians 2:1-10]).
 
Upvote 0

rhern

Active Member
Jan 31, 2020
101
21
70
MANCHESTER
✟13,492.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I really don't understand your approach to the interpretation of the Bible. You say that most American Christians believe in the four gospels based on Pentecost, when the coming of the Spirit for witness happened. Do you believe that the four gospels are only for the Jews and that Peter as a Jew was, therefore, outside of the gospel of grace preached by Paul?

Do you make a difference between the 12 disciples as Jews and Christ's body, the church?

If you believe these ideas, you have to realize that the Apostle Paul was a Jew whom Jesus transformed on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). Also, Jesus restored Peter after Jesus' resurrection; he was to feed Jesus' sheep, that is, the church (John 21:15-17). In addition, Old Testament believers are included in God's people, who have true faith (Hebrews 11). Finally, the new Jerusalem described by the Apostle John in Revelation 21-22 is a figurative picture of God's people wearing a bridle dress (21:2--a definite picture of the church) and has gates with the names of Israel's 12 tribes on the gates (21:12) and foundations with the names of the 12 apostles (21:14). So God's people include both Old and New Testament believers.

The major event in the New Testament besides Jesus' death is his resurrection. I don't think the largest portion of the American church emphasizes Pentecost over those two events that God powerfully brought about to rescue us through his free gift of faith by his grace (free acceptance because of Jesus' perfect life, his substitution in death, and his powerful resurrection to give us forgiveness and new and growing life that will last forever [Ephesians 2:1-10]).

1 step at a time. lets break it down
.....
Is Peter addressing gentiles in this passage:

Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this
25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
.....

Did these Jews ever turn from the Law:

Acts 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
.....
Is it acceptable to be save by grace if you are still following the Law?

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

...
 
Upvote 0

throughfiierytrial

Truth-Lover
Supporter
Apr 7, 2014
2,836
794
✟516,876.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I really don't understand your approach to the interpretation of the Bible. You say that most American Christians believe in the four gospels based on Pentecost, when the coming of the Spirit for witness happened. Do you believe that the four gospels are only for the Jews and that Peter as a Jew was, therefore, outside of the gospel of grace preached by Paul?

Do you make a difference between the 12 disciples as Jews and Christ's body, the church?

If you believe these ideas, you have to realize that the Apostle Paul was a Jew whom Jesus transformed on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22). Also, Jesus restored Peter after Jesus' resurrection; he was to feed Jesus' sheep, that is, the church (John 21:15-17). In addition, Old Testament believers are included in God's people, who have true faith (Hebrews 11). Finally, the new Jerusalem described by the Apostle John in Revelation 21-22 is a figurative picture of God's people wearing a bridle dress (21:2--a definite picture of the church) and has gates with the names of Israel's 12 tribes on the gates (21:12) and foundations with the names of the 12 apostles (21:14). So God's people include both Old and New Testament believers.

The major event in the New Testament besides Jesus' death is his resurrection. I don't think the largest portion of the American church emphasizes Pentecost over those two events that God powerfully brought about to rescue us through his free gift of faith by his grace (free acceptance because of Jesus' perfect life, his substitution in death, and his powerful resurrection to give us forgiveness and new and growing life that will last forever [Ephesians 2:1-10]).
Following your logic Jesus was outside the Gospel...He was a Jew in His earthly life.
 
Upvote 0

Alain Valdivia

“Domine miserere nobis. Parce nos in Christo.”
Jul 9, 2018
94
46
22
Cape Coral
✟25,537.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Of course he was. He was the very man that became the visible pillar of the Church. He was the man whom Christ said that He will give the keys of the kingdom. It was upon him that Christ would build His church. As Tertullian said, “Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called ‘the rock on which the Church would be built’ [Matt. 16:18] with the power of ‘loosing and binding in heaven and on earth’ [Matt. 16:19]?”
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Mark Quayle

Monergist; and by reputation, Reformed Calvinist
Supporter
May 28, 2018
13,005
5,622
68
Pennsylvania
✟780,935.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Widowed
Peter continue preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom

Paul was given the gospel of Grace

Acts 20:24-25 King James Version
24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
.
There has only ever been one Gospel. Redemption. Both Peter and Paul taught it.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: JacksBratt
Upvote 0

Mark Quayle

Monergist; and by reputation, Reformed Calvinist
Supporter
May 28, 2018
13,005
5,622
68
Pennsylvania
✟780,935.00
Country
United States
Faith
Reformed
Marital Status
Widowed
Was Peter included in the Gospel of Grace.

Was Peter a member of the Body of Christ.
There has only ever been one Gospel. Redemption. Peter and Paul both taught that Gospel.
 
Upvote 0

lsume

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Mar 14, 2017
1,491
696
70
Florida
✟417,518.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
What is a "fatal" or "big" mistake?
The beauty for us in the story is that Peter denied Christ before he was born again.

In Luke 22:32, Christ is Speaking to His Apostle Peter and referencing what Peter is to do when he is Converted. Until I had the experience myself I was unaware of it. I had proclaimed to have it. I was wrong. Knowing doesn’t keep you from sin. Christ protects you from sin both from the inside and the outside. He is The Author and Finisher of our faith.
Luke.22
  1. [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Matt.18

[3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  1. Mark.4
    [12] That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
 
Upvote 0

rturner76

Domine non-sum dignus
Supporter
May 10, 2011
10,483
3,582
Twin Cities
✟724,718.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Green
Was Peter included in the Gospel of Grace.

Was Peter a member of the Body of Christ.

In a word YES.

I am not totally sure how/when this happened but at some point in the history of the church, Paul's teachings have been seen as a contradiction to Peter.

Here is/was what has muddied the waters so to speak.

First of all, Christianity was founded by and spread through the middle east by Jewish people. Jesus was Jewish as were all 12 of his disciples. Why does that matter? It matters because the FIRST very first Christians were still going to and celebrating the Sabbath, Passover, Rashashana and all of the feast days were observed.

Paul was a Roman Jew that had been totally Romanized. Yet he was still exposed to Christianity through hunting Christians and arresting and killing them. When he had his conversion that is where he brought his Gospel. He went to the Pagans and the mainstream (Gentile) world with Christ's message.

With all these droves of converts in Grece and Rome, Paul began to say people must become Jewish before they can join the Christian Church. Obviously Paul disagreed and they had some exchanges about it. In the end, the Apostles together decided that now Christianity was it's own religion and Gentiles don't have to get circumcised.

Paul's gospel speaks of redemption because basically, that's what sells. Pagans did not want to join a new religion where they had to pray however many times a day and follow all of the Levitical rules. Paul, like Jesus, knowing that following Christ was the way to salvation through free grace so everyone is welcome, you will not be abandoned. A very easy message to agree with and follow, especially considering that people were selling everything and giving it to the church so they did many works of charity wherever they went.

Paul's gospel is not meant to read all on its own. All of the books of the Bible were included for different reasons. Paul spoke about grace. James wrote about taking action, he was a motivator, Peter, being connected to the Jewish prophecy made his own case for Christ and Christian living.

Altogether there is a complete picture of how to avoid sin, build up the church and what theology to believe in terms of resurrection, sacraments etc.

There is way more to it but I can say Peter was with Christ his whole mission. Paul came after and had some more universalist ideas than others. I wouldn't throw out either one.
 
Upvote 0

Albion

Facilitator
Dec 8, 2004
111,138
33,258
✟583,842.00
Country
United States
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Married
Is it acceptable to be save by grace if you are still following the Law?

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

...

The Law wasn't repealed just because Christ triumphed over death and made salvation possible for all who believe, however.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

lsume

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Mar 14, 2017
1,491
696
70
Florida
✟417,518.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
The rock that Christ referred to was Peter’s faith.
Without faith we cannot please Him.

Christ always did that which pleased The Father. We are saved by Grace through Faith. In the parable of the wedding and few who acknowledged it, everyone was then invited. However, it was still expected that the attendees wear their better clothing. The clothing represents our soul as I understand it. We are to live a Christ Like life. Only Christ can get any of us to Heaven. Praise God for His Beautiful Grace.

Heb.11
  1. [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
 
Upvote 0

Guojing

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2019
11,773
1,309
sg
✟214,746.00
Country
Singapore
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
When many of us read Acts, we don't realize that the main theme of Acts is the following
  1. The resurrected Christ Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the good news of the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel.
  2. He ascended to Heaven and God sent the final member of the Trinity to Earth, which arrived in Pentecost.
  3. The Holy Spirit work mighty signs and wonders to authenticate their message, that the resurrected Christ was indeed the promised Messiah to Israel.
  4. Israel rejected that message repeatedly, and finally stoning Stephen, committing the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
  5. God saved Saul and revealed to him a new mystery, the Body of Christ, where Jews and Gentiles are now equal before him.
  6. Israel the nation have been set aside for this moment, while God is waiting for the fullness of the Gentiles to enter the Body of Christ.
 
Upvote 0

Guojing

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2019
11,773
1,309
sg
✟214,746.00
Country
Singapore
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Acts 15
Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Nice that you quoted Acts 15:11.

James made his final judgement in Acts 15:19. Do you think he agreed with Peter's point in v11 or did he gave his own?
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Randy777

Well-Known Member
Oct 18, 2017
1,174
312
Atlanta
✟91,969.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Nice that you quoted Acts 15:11.

James made his final judgement in Acts 15:19. Do you think he agreed with Peter's point in v11 or did he gave his own?
I think James and Peter knew they were saved by grace through faith in Jesus.

We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said.

We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
 
Upvote 0