If Paul taught the same gospel as those before him, then why did he call it “my gospel” three times?
I would imagine to differentiate it from any other "Gospel" that was being preached.
If his Gospel was different from THE Gospel then he was a hypocrite, because he says that there is only one, Galatians 1:6-10.
Paul uses both phrases “the gospel” and “our gospel” in his epistles, but when Paul mentions “my gospel” it shows that he had a unique message.
He didn't have a unique
message - but he was called to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, and preach that salvation is through Christ, who has reconciled us to God by the cross, and not by being circumcised and keeping the food laws.
My Gospel: to Jew and Gentile
Paul’s gospel made no distinction between Jew or Gentile. All are counted in unbelief as sinners, and are judged by God without respect of persons whether given the law or not.
Therefore, Paul says:
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” –
Romans 2:16
Jesus himself taught that God knows the thoughts of our hearts, Matthew 9:4, Mark 2:8, John 5:42. In the temple, Simeon prophesied to Mary that Jesus would reveal the thoughts of many hearts, Luke 2:35.
Jesus taught that whatever people tried to hide in darkness would be revealed, Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 12:2-3. He also taught that anyone who rejected him would be judged, John 12:46, Matthew 21:42-44, and spoke of all nations of the world standing before God, Matthew 25:31-46.
This was not some unique idea given only to Paul.
During time past, Jesus’ earthly ministry, and up to his encounter with the Roman, Cornelius, there was a distinction between Jew and Gentile in Peter’s ministry preaching. The Jews had a special spiritual standing with the Lord. Gentiles did not.
That was certainly true in the OT. And yet, the Jews were supposed to be light for the Gentiles - all would come to believe in God because the Jews would model a correct relationship with God in obedience to his word.
Trouble was, that they did not and could not do this. So God made a NEW covenant. He had already promised that someone from David's line would sit on the throne forever. It was also prophesied that the messiah would be from David's line, and Jesus fulfilled that, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:69.
Jesus spoke to, and healed, Gentiles while he was on earth. He spoke of branches in the vine being cut off, and said that he had other sheep that he needed to be brought into the fold.
My Gospel to Stablish
Paul says “my gospel” is how God stablishes the Romans.
Not quite sure what you mean by that.
Paul was writing to the believers in Rome. He had not at that point visited Rome, he wrote the letter before he got there; but there were believers who had heard the Gospel and believed.
To the Corinthians, Paul claims to be the masterbuilder who lays the foundation of the grace of God upon which other men build.
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.” –
1 Corinthians 3:10
Yes, he founded the church in Corinth. He first preached the Gospel to them; when he wasn't there, and in years ahead, others would lead them on in the faith.
Resurrection According to My Gospel
Resurrection was a part of Jewish prophecy, Jesus foretold his own, and Peter preached the resurrection of Christ before Paul was saved. So how could Paul say this?
“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead
according to my gospel:” –
2 Timothy 2:8
The fact of the resurrection was prophesied, and both Paul and the twelve taught it (
1 Cor 15:11). However, the resurrection of Christ was preached by Peter as proof of his Messiahship, and assurance of the kingdom come.
Paul preached the resurrection of Christ as the means of salvation and sanctification for all humanity as part of a new creature, the church the Body of Christ.
Peter preached Jesus, crucified and raised from the dead, and that those who believed in him would receive the Holy Spirit. He said that salvation was through Jesus alone, Acts of the apostles 4:12, and even quoted from Joel, which says the same thing, Joel 2:32, Acts of the Apostles 2:21.
If Peter wrote any letters to the believers in the places that he preached the Gospel, we don't have them. Only 2 letters in the NT are by him, though many believe that he was the source behind Mark's Gospel - i.e Peter spoke/dictated to Mark, who wrote it down.
Paul’s gospel message was entirely of Christ, and so Paul stands alone in calling it “the gospel of Christ” and “Christ’s gospel”, but that he also calls it “my gospel” can only be explained by the fact that Christ gave it first to Paul exclusively.
The how do you account for the fact that
a) many were converted, became believers and received the Holy Spirit before Paul did
and b) that Paul himself said that there is only ONE Gospel, Galatians 1:6-10?
