Hey I've been listening to some MAD sermons lately and trying to wrap my head around it. MAD *seems* to imply that Paul was the first person added into the Body of Christ "creature" in the mid Acts time frame. Also this verse strongly implies it as well:
1Ti 1:16 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.
But then we also have this:
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
To me this implies that either:
1) Jews following the Gospel of the Kingdom can be considered to be "in Christ" which may not be the same as being "in the Body of Christ"?
or
2) The Body of Christ existed before Paul was placed into it.
Any thoughts? Thanks.
1Ti 1:16 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.
But then we also have this:
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
To me this implies that either:
1) Jews following the Gospel of the Kingdom can be considered to be "in Christ" which may not be the same as being "in the Body of Christ"?
or
2) The Body of Christ existed before Paul was placed into it.
Any thoughts? Thanks.