Peace in Christ.
Peter preached the “gospel of the circumcision” (Jews) while Paul preached the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gentiles):
Gal 2:7-8 KJV
(7) But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
(8) (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles)
The gospel of the circumcision was preached to the first century devout Jews from every nation. (Acts 2:5) . They were devout to the law of Moses and to the hearing of the gospel.
The gospel of the circumcision involved repenting (changing their minds) and being water baptized (a final last work of the law of Moses) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and then afterwards receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
They died to the law of Moses through the law.
This gospel was directed to the first century Jews (the “circumcision”) who were devout to the law of Moses while the Temple still stood.
Act 2:38 KJV
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As Paul said: through the law, he died to the law.
The believing (in Christ) first century Jews who were under the law (while the Temple still stood) died to the external requirements of the law of Moses by being literal water baptized (as a last act of the law) so that they may receive the Holy Spirit.
Gal 2:18-21 KJV
(18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
(19) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Moses could not cross the Jordan but commanded that they go over it in order to possess the good land. The law of Moses could not be a part of it. It could not cross. The first century believing Jews died to the law via literal water baptism. Moses commanded them to go over: you SHALL go over.
Deu 4:21-22 KJV
(21) Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance:
(22) But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.
The first century Jews according the flesh were the “priests” that did bear the ark of the LORD….as they were devout in the law of Moses but believed in Jesus Christ. To them pertained the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises…
Rom 9:3-5 KJV
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
(4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
They were devout Jews from every nation who did believe in Jesus. They were the “feet” as they were the last Jews to be under the law of Moses that were to cross over the Jordan (to be water baptized) as they believed in Jesus Christ and died to the law of Moses (who could not cross over the Jordan).
Jos 3:11-17 KJV
(11) Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
(12) Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
They were baptized literally in the waters of the Jordan. By them doing so, the waters of Jordan were then cut off from the waters that come down from above.
The “waters that come down from above” is the Holy Spirit that now comes to us from Heaven by the hearing of faith.
We receive it now by the hearing of faith….and not by being water baptized. It is no longer about literal water baptism as they were “cut off” so that we are now are baptized in the Holy Spirit by the “waters the come down from above”.
(13) And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
The “feet of the priests that bare the ark” were “dipped” (Hebrew: ṭâbal) …that is, baptized…in the brim of the water. They were literally water baptized.
(14) And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
(15) And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
The "feet" of the priests that bare the ark were literally water baptized. This is why John the Baptist mentioned the "sandal" or shoes of Jesus as the shoes were taken off before they were baptized in the Jordon:
Luk 3:16 KJV
(16) John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
The literal water baptism of the devout first century Jews ended the need to be water baptized .
The priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on “DRY GROUND” in the midst of the Jordan. It is no longer about literal water. It is established now that this is no longer about literal water baptism.
The first group of Jews were the only ones that were to be literally water baptized …while the rest crossed over on DRY GROUND. All the “people”...that is, GENTILES…were clean passed over Jordan on DRY GROUND.
Joshua 3:17
(17) And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people (Hebrew: “goy”….that is, GENTILES) were passed clean over Jordan.
The gospel of the uncircumcision (the Gentiles) involved hearing the Word and believing only in order to receive the Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit by the hearing of faith ONLY.
Gal 3:2-3 KJV
(2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Having begun in the Spirit (receiving it via the hearing of faith), we are not then made complete by the flesh….by being literally water baptized.
(3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Paul was upset with Peter about this very thing. Peter compelled the first Gentiles he preached to (Cornelius) to live as do the Jews by commanding them to be literal water baptism.
The first century Jews…the circumcision… were to live to God by dying to the law through the law (by being literal water baptized).
Gal 2:14 KJV
(14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
The first Gentiles that Peter preached to heard the Word …believed…and received the Holy Spirit that “fell on them”. The Holy Spirit is the “waters that are from above”. It does not come from being literally water baptized.
Act 10:44-48 KJV
(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Notice how the “circumcision” that believed were there with Peter. Peter felt compelled by them to literally water baptize the Gentiles who heard the Word in faith and received the Holy Spirit.
But remember, what God has cleansed by His Spirit sent from above, let no man call "unclean" or common (which is "remedied" by earthly-minded men who want you then to be literal water baptized).
(45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Peter then proceed to have the first Gentiles (who received the Spirit by the hearing of faith) be literally water baptized…of which Paul was upset with him about. He compelled (commanded) that they be water baptized AFTER they had receive the Spirit which came down from Heaven…falling on them.
(47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
(48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
The literal water baptism of the first Jews signified dying to the law of Moses …no longer keeping its external requirements as they changed their minds (“repent” = change the mind) and lived instead to God via Christ who gave them freedom. They did not go about rebuilding the works of the law afterwards through handwritings.
Gal 2:17-18 KJV
(17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
(18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
But now we have literal water baptism is being used by earthly-minded men to bring us into bondage (keeping the handwriting of ordinances of their church scribes).
Paul was not sent to literal water baptize…but to preach the gospel.
1Co 1:17 KJV
(17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
So that we that hear now and believe are to receive the promise of the Spirit…the “waters that are from above”. The literal water is cut off. We receive the Spirit now through faith.
Gal 3:14 KJV
(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.
The last act of literal water baptism by the first century Jews gave them freedom in Christ from the requirements of the law.
But now we see that literal water baptism is being used by earthly-minded men to bring us into bondage (keeping the handwriting of ordinances of their church scribes). They are preaching the “gospel of the circumcision” to the Gentiles by having them be literal water baptized.
In Galatians, to be “circumcised” is being used by Paul as a code word for the receiving of the gospel of the circumcision. For example, people say we “googled” the internet. If we are “circumcised”, we are hearing and receiving the gospel of the circumcision and being literal water baptized by those who are preaching it and are being led into bondage by them….into the keeping of their church handwriting of ordinances.
Gal 5:1-2 KJV
(1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
They are “bewitching” us …that is, to fascinate…our eyes with literal water baptism (a picture of Jesus Christ being crucified).
Gal 3:1-2 KJV
(1) 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?
This a “great sign” that they are performing in order to deceive us and bring us into their bondage…into the keeping of the doctrines and commandments of men that are contained in their handwritings of ordinances/dogmas.
It such a powerful sign (literal water baptism) that they are performing in front of our very own eyes that it causes even the “very elect” to pause and pay attention to.
Mat 24: KJV
(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25) Behold, I have told you before.
Peter preached the “gospel of the circumcision” (Jews) while Paul preached the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gentiles):
Gal 2:7-8 KJV
(7) But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
(8) (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles)
The gospel of the circumcision was preached to the first century devout Jews from every nation. (Acts 2:5) . They were devout to the law of Moses and to the hearing of the gospel.
The gospel of the circumcision involved repenting (changing their minds) and being water baptized (a final last work of the law of Moses) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and then afterwards receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
They died to the law of Moses through the law.
This gospel was directed to the first century Jews (the “circumcision”) who were devout to the law of Moses while the Temple still stood.
Act 2:38 KJV
(38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As Paul said: through the law, he died to the law.
The believing (in Christ) first century Jews who were under the law (while the Temple still stood) died to the external requirements of the law of Moses by being literal water baptized (as a last act of the law) so that they may receive the Holy Spirit.
Gal 2:18-21 KJV
(18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
(19) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Moses could not cross the Jordan but commanded that they go over it in order to possess the good land. The law of Moses could not be a part of it. It could not cross. The first century believing Jews died to the law via literal water baptism. Moses commanded them to go over: you SHALL go over.
Deu 4:21-22 KJV
(21) Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance:
(22) But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.
The first century Jews according the flesh were the “priests” that did bear the ark of the LORD….as they were devout in the law of Moses but believed in Jesus Christ. To them pertained the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the service of God and the promises…
Rom 9:3-5 KJV
(3) For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
(4) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
(5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
They were devout Jews from every nation who did believe in Jesus. They were the “feet” as they were the last Jews to be under the law of Moses that were to cross over the Jordan (to be water baptized) as they believed in Jesus Christ and died to the law of Moses (who could not cross over the Jordan).
Jos 3:11-17 KJV
(11) Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
(12) Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
They were baptized literally in the waters of the Jordan. By them doing so, the waters of Jordan were then cut off from the waters that come down from above.
The “waters that come down from above” is the Holy Spirit that now comes to us from Heaven by the hearing of faith.
We receive it now by the hearing of faith….and not by being water baptized. It is no longer about literal water baptism as they were “cut off” so that we are now are baptized in the Holy Spirit by the “waters the come down from above”.
(13) And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
The “feet of the priests that bare the ark” were “dipped” (Hebrew: ṭâbal) …that is, baptized…in the brim of the water. They were literally water baptized.
(14) And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;
(15) And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
The "feet" of the priests that bare the ark were literally water baptized. This is why John the Baptist mentioned the "sandal" or shoes of Jesus as the shoes were taken off before they were baptized in the Jordon:
Luk 3:16 KJV
(16) John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
The literal water baptism of the devout first century Jews ended the need to be water baptized .
The priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on “DRY GROUND” in the midst of the Jordan. It is no longer about literal water. It is established now that this is no longer about literal water baptism.
The first group of Jews were the only ones that were to be literally water baptized …while the rest crossed over on DRY GROUND. All the “people”...that is, GENTILES…were clean passed over Jordan on DRY GROUND.
Joshua 3:17
(17) And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people (Hebrew: “goy”….that is, GENTILES) were passed clean over Jordan.
The gospel of the uncircumcision (the Gentiles) involved hearing the Word and believing only in order to receive the Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit by the hearing of faith ONLY.
Gal 3:2-3 KJV
(2) This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Having begun in the Spirit (receiving it via the hearing of faith), we are not then made complete by the flesh….by being literally water baptized.
(3) Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Paul was upset with Peter about this very thing. Peter compelled the first Gentiles he preached to (Cornelius) to live as do the Jews by commanding them to be literal water baptism.
The first century Jews…the circumcision… were to live to God by dying to the law through the law (by being literal water baptized).
Gal 2:14 KJV
(14) But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
The first Gentiles that Peter preached to heard the Word …believed…and received the Holy Spirit that “fell on them”. The Holy Spirit is the “waters that are from above”. It does not come from being literally water baptized.
Act 10:44-48 KJV
(44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Notice how the “circumcision” that believed were there with Peter. Peter felt compelled by them to literally water baptize the Gentiles who heard the Word in faith and received the Holy Spirit.
But remember, what God has cleansed by His Spirit sent from above, let no man call "unclean" or common (which is "remedied" by earthly-minded men who want you then to be literal water baptized).
(45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Peter then proceed to have the first Gentiles (who received the Spirit by the hearing of faith) be literally water baptized…of which Paul was upset with him about. He compelled (commanded) that they be water baptized AFTER they had receive the Spirit which came down from Heaven…falling on them.
(47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
(48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
The literal water baptism of the first Jews signified dying to the law of Moses …no longer keeping its external requirements as they changed their minds (“repent” = change the mind) and lived instead to God via Christ who gave them freedom. They did not go about rebuilding the works of the law afterwards through handwritings.
Gal 2:17-18 KJV
(17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
(18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
But now we have literal water baptism is being used by earthly-minded men to bring us into bondage (keeping the handwriting of ordinances of their church scribes).
Paul was not sent to literal water baptize…but to preach the gospel.
1Co 1:17 KJV
(17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
So that we that hear now and believe are to receive the promise of the Spirit…the “waters that are from above”. The literal water is cut off. We receive the Spirit now through faith.
Gal 3:14 KJV
(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.
The last act of literal water baptism by the first century Jews gave them freedom in Christ from the requirements of the law.
But now we see that literal water baptism is being used by earthly-minded men to bring us into bondage (keeping the handwriting of ordinances of their church scribes). They are preaching the “gospel of the circumcision” to the Gentiles by having them be literal water baptized.
In Galatians, to be “circumcised” is being used by Paul as a code word for the receiving of the gospel of the circumcision. For example, people say we “googled” the internet. If we are “circumcised”, we are hearing and receiving the gospel of the circumcision and being literal water baptized by those who are preaching it and are being led into bondage by them….into the keeping of their church handwriting of ordinances.
Gal 5:1-2 KJV
(1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
They are “bewitching” us …that is, to fascinate…our eyes with literal water baptism (a picture of Jesus Christ being crucified).
Gal 3:1-2 KJV
(1) 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?
This a “great sign” that they are performing in order to deceive us and bring us into their bondage…into the keeping of the doctrines and commandments of men that are contained in their handwritings of ordinances/dogmas.
It such a powerful sign (literal water baptism) that they are performing in front of our very own eyes that it causes even the “very elect” to pause and pay attention to.
Mat 24: KJV
(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25) Behold, I have told you before.
