Mystery?

[timothyu]

Jesus' only gospel He taught was the Gospel of the Kingdom as we see He said numerous times in scripture. Jesus' ministry was about the good news of the Kingdom, and Paul taught the same. Unfortunately, there are only three mentions of that in Acts, and none of those teachings, for some odd reason, made it to print despite all of Paul's letters. One would think such an important leader of Gentile Christianity, such as Paul, the man whose writings we had before anyone else, would have not only written out the Gospel of the Kingdom, but that it would have also been included. Its always been a mystery.

JESUS
Luke 4: 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mark 1: 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom...

Matthew 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom

etc.

PAUL
Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Jesus' only gospel He taught was the Gospel of the Kingdom as we see He said numerous times in scripture. Jesus' ministry was about the good news of the Kingdom, and Paul taught the same. Unfortunately, there are only three mentions of that in Acts, and none of those teachings, for some odd reason, made it to print despite all of Paul's letters. One would think such an important leader of Gentile Christianity, such as Paul, the man whose writings we had before anyone else, would have not only written out the Gospel of the Kingdom, but that it would have also been included. Its always been a mystery.

JESUS
Luke 4: 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mark 1: 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom...

Matthew 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom

etc.

PAUL
Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

I am confused. Why is this a mystery? Paul spoke of the Kingdom of God more than what you have pointed out here. Besides his whole ministry, as well as all the other Apostles and Disciples, were solely based on the Good News brought forth by Jesus Christ of Nazareth,which is The Kingdom of God. The nomenclature may vary but the message is the same.
Blessings

BibleGateway - Keyword Search: Kingdom

www.biblegateway.com

 

[Clare73]

Jesus' only gospel He taught was the Gospel of the Kingdom as we see He said numerous times in scripture. Jesus' ministry was about the good news of the Kingdom, and Paul taught the same. Unfortunately, there are only three mentions of that in Acts, and none of those teachings, for some odd reason, made it to print despite all of Paul's letters. One would think such an important leader of Gentile Christianity, such as Paul, the man whose writings we had before anyone else, would have not only written out the Gospel of the Kingdom, but that it would have also been included. Its always been a mystery.

"One would think" or "one would expect" has no bearing on Scripture, which is not based on human expectations.

"Mystery" in the NT is what has never before been revealed, as in the incarnation, etc.

And the kingdom of God cannot be seen, it is spiritual, invisible (Lk 17:20-21),
it is here now (Lk 11:20, Mt 12:28) in the hearts of those where he reigns and rules,
and it is everlasting (Lk 1:33), there is no other kingdom now nor to come.

JESUS
Luke 4: 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mark 1: 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom...

Matthew 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom

etc.

PAUL
Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

 

[RandyPNW]

"One would think" or "one would expect" has no bearing on Scripture, which is not based on human expectations.

"Mystery" in the NT is what has never before been revealed, as in the incarnation, etc.

And the kingdom of God cannot be seen, it is spiritual, invisible (Lk 17:20-21),
it is here now (Lk 11:20, Mt 12:28) in the hearts of those where he reigns and rules,
and it is everlasting (Lk 1:33), there is no other kingdom now nor to come.

Jesus taught his Disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom come." The Kingdom that was "here" was here because Jesus was here during his earthly ministry. Now that he has gone to heaven, the Kingdom is not "here" but remains "near." And yes, it is still to "come."

 

[RandyPNW]

Jesus' only gospel He taught was the Gospel of the Kingdom as we see He said numerous times in scripture. Jesus' ministry was about the good news of the Kingdom, and Paul taught the same. Unfortunately, there are only three mentions of that in Acts, and none of those teachings, for some odd reason, made it to print despite all of Paul's letters. One would think such an important leader of Gentile Christianity, such as Paul, the man whose writings we had before anyone else, would have not only written out the Gospel of the Kingdom, but that it would have also been included. Its always been a mystery.

I think the "Mystery" of the Kingdom was revealed at Jesus' resurrection and with the advancement of the Kingdom membership to include the Gentiles. Also, the Kingdom had passed from an Israeli Kingdom to a Roman Kingdom.

The Gospel of the Kingdom is something poorly understood today in our age of Democracy and Religious Pluralism. Former Christian countries now believe in the Separation of Church and State, which was never on God's mind.

The Gospel of the Kingdom was clearly a form of theocracy, involving a single Religion within the State. But it was focused primarily on saving the individual 1st.

And since there was, after Israel, no representative theocracy--not until the Christianization of the Roman Empire, all that could be said about the Gospel was its message to the individual. I'm surprised, therefore, that the Gospel of the Kingdom is described in any detail as such in the Epistles either. But any time it is mentioned in the Bible that the Gospel is preached, including in the Acts, we know that it is the same Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus preached.

 

[timothyu]

were solely based on the Good News brought forth by Jesus Christ of Nazareth,which is The Kingdom of God. The nomenclature may vary but the message is the same.

Yes, His will being done, not ours. My question is if Paul spent years teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and not another, then where is it? It is evident in Jesus' teachings.

 

[timothyu]

"One would think" or "one would expect" has no bearing on Scripture, which is not based on human expectations.

"Mystery" in the NT is what has never before been revealed, as in the incarnation, etc.

Jesu spoke of the Gospel of the Kingdom all through His scripture. It was shown for what it would be and what was expected of us.

 

[timothyu]

Former Christian countries now believe in the Separation of Church and State, which was never on God's mind.

Was not what was on God's mind separation between the Kingdom and the world man has made in our own image? The two were opposites in nature. God is returning to remove the governance of man from man. Our self serving world will exist no more. If it was ever to work in partnership would not one side have to change. Are we told to choose both God and mammon?

But the point of the thread is, if it was so high on Paul's agenda as i believe it was, why are there no specific writings as we had with Jesus about this separation of wills? The Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus, the Apostles and Paul taught was a threat to the institutions of mankind. Who would benefit to have the two sides seem as one? The Adversary?

 

[Always in His Presence]

Yes, His will being done, not ours. My question is if Paul spent years teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and not another, then where is it? It is evident in Jesus' teachings.

By that reconning - neither did Peter - Neither did James - neither did the writer of Hebrews - in fact after Acts it is never spoken of again, shall we discount all the Epistles?

What was Jesus' proof that the Kingdom has drawn close? People were healed - anyone every healed through Paul's ministry of the Gospel?

Paul speaks of the 'mystery' 23 times in his letters - what do you think the mystery is? Did you not already quote it.

 

[timothyu]

what do you think the mystery is?

The mystery I speak of here is if Paul spent so much time teaching it, where is it?

 

[Clare73]

Jesus taught his Disciples to pray, "Thy Kingdom come." The Kingdom that was "here" was here because Jesus was here during his earthly ministry. Now that he has gone to heaven, the Kingdom is not "here" but remains "near." And yes, it is still to "come."

The kingdom that was here was invisible and within (Lk 17:20-21).

The kingdom came when the Spirit was poured out.
"Thy kingdom come"--let the gospel be preached and embraced, let the Son be received as their Savior, let the world be made Christ's kingdom.

 

[Dan Perez]

By that reconning - neither did Peter - Neither did James - neither did the writer of Hebrews - in fact after Acts it is never spoken of again, shall we discount all the Epistles?

What was Jesus' proof that the Kingdom has drawn close? People were healed - anyone every healed through Paul's ministry of the Gospel?

Paul speaks of the 'mystery' 23 times in his letters - what do you think the mystery is? Did you not already quote it.

Paul's , spoke about the MYSTERY in Rom 16:25 and in 26 .

Also in Eph 3:9 and in Col 1:25 and 26 and 27 >

dan p

 

[RandyPNW]

Was not what was on God's mind separation between the Kingdom and the world man has made in our own image? The two were opposites in nature. God is returning to remove the governance of man from man. Our self serving world will exist no more. If it was ever to work in partnership would not one side have to change. Are we told to choose both God and mammon?

But the point of the thread is, if it was so high on Paul's agenda as i believe it was, why are there no specific writings as we had with Jesus about this separation of wills? The Gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus, the Apostles and Paul taught was a threat to the institutions of mankind. Who would benefit to have the two sides seem as one? The Adversary?

Good point! Yes, God makes a clear demarcation between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdoms of this world! Under the Law God made Israel make a clear separation between themselves and the pagan world around them. Christians also are discouraged by Paul from mixing with the pagan world with respect to business and marriage.

None of this means, however, that the kingdoms of this world cannot embrace the Kingdom of God in a temporal sense, which is what we've had with nominally Christian nations. So yes, the Gospel of the Kingdom does not get referred to as something presently relevant so much as being a hope for the future. Thanks. (If I'm reading too much into your own position, or mixing my view too much with your view, let me know?)

 

[timothyu]

"Thy kingdom come"--let the gospel be preached and embraced, let the Son be received as their Savior, let the world be made Christ's kingdom.

The ultimate effect being mankind will no longer put our will ahead of the will of God, which we do now practically on a daily basis

 

[Always in His Presence]

Paul's , spoke about the MYSTERY in Rom 18:25 and in 26 .

Also in Eph 3:9 and in Col 1:25 and 26 and 27 >

dan p

yes - those are six of the 23 -

 

[Always in His Presence]

The mystery I speak of here is if Paul spent so much time teaching it, where is it?

you missed it - and did not address my question

Why just Paul?? What about James or Peter or the writer of Hebrews or for that matter John.
None of them mentioned the kingdom.

 

[timothyu]

Why just Paul??

They all mention the Kingdom and detail how it is opposite to the ways of man. Paul mentions details too but I'm saying one would expect a full version of it for the Gentiles like Jesus gave to the Jews. Or were those who assembled the books content with Jesus' teachings and felt it was not necessary from Paul also if indeed he too had written about Jesus' only Gospel.

 

[Always in His Presence]

They all mention the Kingdom and detail how it is opposite to the ways of man.

Can you give me examples from their Epistles so I can better understand what you are expressing

 

[Studyman]

Jesus' only gospel He taught was the Gospel of the Kingdom as we see He said numerous times in scripture. Jesus' ministry was about the good news of the Kingdom, and Paul taught the same. Unfortunately, there are only three mentions of that in Acts, and none of those teachings, for some odd reason, made it to print despite all of Paul's letters. One would think such an important leader of Gentile Christianity, such as Paul, the man whose writings we had before anyone else, would have not only written out the Gospel of the Kingdom, but that it would have also been included. Its always been a mystery.

JESUS
Luke 4: 43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Mark 1: 14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Matthew 4: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom...

Matthew 24: 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matthew 9: 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom

etc.

PAUL
Acts 19:8 He (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the Kingdom of God

Acts 28: 23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Acts 28: 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

So then the Gospel of Christ Paul spoke of, and the Gospel of the Kingdom are the same Gospel, Yes? And like the Kingdom of God, it is found, as Paul teaches, "both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets".

This is the same place Paul teaches the Gospel of Christ is found.

Rom. 1: 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein (Within the Gospel of Christ) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, "The just shall live by faith".

From the Faith of Abraham to the Faith of David to the Faith of Rehab, Yes? "The Just shall live by Faith", Hab. 2:4 found in the Prophets both Paul and Jesus taught from.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

So then the Wrath of God is also revealed in the Gospel of Christ, the Kingdom of God. Found in the same place, "both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets". 19 Because that "which may be known of God" is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

And Paul said these were written specifically for our admonition, "Apon whom the ends of the world have come".

So then this begs the question, "Why did the Pharisees, the mainstreams religion of Paul's Time, promote another gospel?? Paul answers this as well, does he not?

Rom. 1: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, "they became fools", 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God "into an image" made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

It's not that the Jews were not given the Oracles of God, and the Gospel of Christ, the Kingdom of God defined therein. It's that they didn't believe what was written, and refused to "Turn to God", and they were blinded because of their unbelief. I believe it is the same today.

2 Cor. 3: 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon "their heart". 16 Nevertheless when it (their heart) shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

It's no wonder the Jesus "of the Bible" tells the world, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets". Where else would a man go to obey Him in His instruction to "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness"

Great Topic.

 

[Clare73]

The ultimate effect being mankind will no longer put our will ahead of the will of God, which we do now practically on a daily basis

I realize that is your point of view. . .