- Jul 7, 2005
- 57
- 1
- Faith
- Protestant
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Republican
Hello everyone
On several posts concerning eschatology I have seen those who say Israel and the Church are two different and distinct entities... I used to believe that to be the case but I no longer hold to that understanding. I am not any type of scholar just one who wants to know the truth... Scripture states 1 Cor 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. That being the case, if teachers teach students, who, with time become teachers, we should be able to follow a school of thought... That being said here is my post Concerning the "Israel of God"
I had this all connected with links to the source but I am new and not allowed to do that yet...
Justin Martyr, (100-165) Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew, Chapter XLIV
And you deceive yourselves while you fancy that, because you are the seed of Abraham after the flesh, therefore you shall fully inherit the good things announced to be bestowed by God through Christ. For no one, not even of them, has anything to look for, but only those who in mind are assimilated to the faith of Abraham, ... So that it becomes you to eradicate this hope from your souls, and hasten to know in what way forgiveness of sins, and a hope of inheriting the promised good things, shall be yours. But there is no other [way] than this,-to become acquainted with this Christ
Geneva Bible (1599)-(Calvin)
6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the (n) Israel of God.
(n) Upon the true Israel, whose praise is from God and not from men; (Romans 2:29).(
... a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (Rom 2:29 NIV))
Matthew Henry (1706)
v. 16 he pronounces a blessing upon all those who walk according to this rule: And as many as walk according to this rule peace be upon them, and mercy upon the Israel of God. The rule which he here speaks of may signify more generally the whole word of God, which is the complete and perfect rule of faith and life, or that doctrine of the gospel, or way of justification and salvation, which he had laid down in this epistle, namely, by faith in Christ without the works of the law; or it may be considered as more immediately referring to the new creature, of which he had just before been speaking. The blessings which he desires for those who walk according to this rule, or which he gives them the hope and prospect of (for the words may be taken either as a prayer or a promise), are peace and mercy peace with God and conscience, and all the comforts of this life as far as they are needful for them, and mercy, or an interest in the free love and favour of God in Christ, which are the spring and fountain of all other blessings. A foundation is laid for these in that gracious change which is wrought in them; and while they behave themselves as new creatures, and govern their lives and hopes by the rule of the gospel, they may most assuredly depend upon them. These, he declares, shall be the portion of all the Israel of God, by whom he means all sincere Christians, whether Jews or Gentiles, all who are Israelites indeed, who, though they may not be the natural, yet are become the spiritual seed of Abraham; these, being heirs of his faith, are also heirs together with him of the same promise, and consequently entitled to the peace and mercy here spoken of. The Jews and judaizing teachers were for confining these blessings to such as were circumcised and kept the law of Moses; but, on the contrary, the apostle declares that they belong to all who walk according to the rule of the gospel, or of the new creature, even to all the Israel of God, intimating that those only are the true Israel of God who walk according to this rule, and not that of circumcision, which they insisted so much upon, and therefore that this was the true way to obtain peace and mercy. Note, (1.) Real Christians are such as walk by rule; not a rule of their own devising, but that which God himself has prescribed to them. (2.) Even those who walk according to this rule do yet stand in need of the mercy of God. But, (3.) All who sincerely endeavour to walk according to this rule may be assured that peace and mercy will be upon them: this is the best way to have peace with God, ourselves, and others; and hereupon, as we may be sure of the favour of God now, so we may be sure that we shall find mercy with him hereafter. 4. That he had cheerfully suffered persecution for the sake of Christ and Christianity,
John Gill (1697-1771)
and upon the Israel of God;
which is a further description of the persons, for whom he prays for these blessings; and is not to be understood by way of distinction from them, but as an amplification of their character; and as pointing out the Israel, by way of emphasis, the Israel, or Israelites indeed, the spiritual Israel, as distinct from Israel according to the flesh; see (1 Corinthians 10:18). The "Israel of God", or as the Arabic version reads it, "Israel the propriety of God", which he has a right unto, and a claim upon; who are chosen by him, Israel his elect; who are redeemed by him, out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; who are called by his grace, and are styled Israel his called; who are justified in his Son, and by his righteousness; and for whose sake he is exalted as a Prince and a Saviour, to give them repentance and remission of sin; and who are, or will be saved by him, with an everlasting salvation; and is a name that includes all God's elect, whether Jews or Gentiles: though it may have a particular respect to such of the Israelites, or Jews, God had foreknown and reserved for himself; and who believed in Christ, and walked as new creatures, without confidence in the flesh. The Jews themselves own, that strangers, or proselytes, shall be called by the name of Israel; so they (Jarchi & Abarbinel in Isa. xliv. 5. ) explain (Isaiah 44:5) , latter part.
John Wesley (1754-1765)
6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule
1. Glorying only in the cross of Christ.
2. Being crucified to the world. And,
3. Created anew.
Peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God Which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule.
Adam Clarke (1762-1832)
Verse 16. As many as walk according to this rule] tw kanoni toutw? This canon; viz. what is laid down in the preceding verses, that redemption is through the sacrifice of Christ; that circumcision and uncircumcision are equally unavailable; and that none can be saved without being created anew. This is the grand canon or rule in Christianity.
Peace be on them] Those who act from this conviction will have the peace and mercy of God; for it is in this way that mercy is communicated and peace obtained.
The Israel of God. The true Christians, called here the Israel of God, to distinguish them from Israel according to the flesh.
John Nelson Darby (1800-1882)
To the believer the world has its true character; for, in fact, in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value (all that has passed away with a dead Christ), but a new creature, according to which we estimate everything as God estimates it. It is to such, the true children of God, that the apostle wishes peace. It was not Israel circumcised after the flesh that was the Israel of God. If there were any of that people who were circumcised in heart, who gloried in the cross according to the sentiments of the new creature, those were the Israel of God. Moreover every true Christian was of them according to the spirit of his walk.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown (1871)
as many contrasting with the "as many," Galatians 6:12.
rule literally, a straight rule, to detect crookedness; so a rule of life.
peace from God (Ephesians 2:14-17, 6:23).
mercy (Romans 15:9).
Israel of God not the Israel after the flesh, among whom those teachers wish to enrol you; but the spiritual seed of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:9,29, Romans 2:28,29, Philippians 3:3).
Barton Johnson (1891)
15-18. In Christ Jesus. See note on 5:6. Circumcision in itself is a matter of indifference. To be a new creature, neither Jew nor Gentile, but a child of God is essential. 16. This rule. The one just named in verse 15. A benediction is pronounced upon all such. And upon the Israel of God. Rather, Even upon, etc. The Greek word often means even, and does here, as the Israel of God does not differ from those who follow "this rule." 17. From henceforth let no man trouble me. Dispute my apostolic authority. I bear in my body the marks, etc. He bore on his body too many evidence of what he had suffered for Christ. As slaves were often branded by their master's name, so he had the brand of Christ upon him in his scars. Compare 2 Cor. 11:24, 25. 18. Brethren. This is his parting benediction. It rests not upon the flesh against which he had warned them, but upon the highest part of their being, the spirit.
James Burton Coffman (1980's)
And upon the Israel of God ...
It is surprising that any could misunderstand this, as if Paul were, in any manner, invoking a blessing upon racial Jews. "Israel of God," in the true sense, with Paul, was never racial Israel, but the spiritual Israel. See Rom. 2:28,29; Rom. 4:13-16 and Rom. 9:6-8. This meaning of "spiritual Israel," of course, included all of every race, including Jews, who accepted Christ. "Israel of God," according to Wesley, means "the church of God, which consists of all those, and only those, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule."
This benediction is not addressed to two distinct sets of persons (those who walk by this rule, and upon the Israel of God) but upon the same set of persons addressed in two ways, as if he had said, "Yea, upon the Israel of God.
Cyrus Ingersoll Scofield (1843-1921)
The silence of Scofield concerning "the Israel of God" is deafening...
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, (NIV)
Rom 9 through 11 which climaxes with the picture of the olive tree and the phrase "all Israel will be saved" (Rom 11:26) stresses the integration of Israelites and Gentiles. Some have interpreted the phrase "all Israel will be saved" to a mass conversion of the Jews just before Christ's return. This projection into the future seems unwarranted. In Rom 11:17-24 branches of unbelieving Jews are broken off from the trunk of physical Israel and wild branches of believing Gentiles are grafted in, leaving a tree of believing Jews and Gentiles.
Now you know who my teachers are, who taught you...?
Respectfully
Mark G.
On several posts concerning eschatology I have seen those who say Israel and the Church are two different and distinct entities... I used to believe that to be the case but I no longer hold to that understanding. I am not any type of scholar just one who wants to know the truth... Scripture states 1 Cor 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. That being the case, if teachers teach students, who, with time become teachers, we should be able to follow a school of thought... That being said here is my post Concerning the "Israel of God"
I had this all connected with links to the source but I am new and not allowed to do that yet...
Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. (Gal 6:16)
Justin Martyr, (100-165) Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew, Chapter XLIV
And you deceive yourselves while you fancy that, because you are the seed of Abraham after the flesh, therefore you shall fully inherit the good things announced to be bestowed by God through Christ. For no one, not even of them, has anything to look for, but only those who in mind are assimilated to the faith of Abraham, ... So that it becomes you to eradicate this hope from your souls, and hasten to know in what way forgiveness of sins, and a hope of inheriting the promised good things, shall be yours. But there is no other [way] than this,-to become acquainted with this Christ
Geneva Bible (1599)-(Calvin)
6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the (n) Israel of God.
(n) Upon the true Israel, whose praise is from God and not from men; (Romans 2:29).(
... a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. (Rom 2:29 NIV))
Matthew Henry (1706)
v. 16 he pronounces a blessing upon all those who walk according to this rule: And as many as walk according to this rule peace be upon them, and mercy upon the Israel of God. The rule which he here speaks of may signify more generally the whole word of God, which is the complete and perfect rule of faith and life, or that doctrine of the gospel, or way of justification and salvation, which he had laid down in this epistle, namely, by faith in Christ without the works of the law; or it may be considered as more immediately referring to the new creature, of which he had just before been speaking. The blessings which he desires for those who walk according to this rule, or which he gives them the hope and prospect of (for the words may be taken either as a prayer or a promise), are peace and mercy peace with God and conscience, and all the comforts of this life as far as they are needful for them, and mercy, or an interest in the free love and favour of God in Christ, which are the spring and fountain of all other blessings. A foundation is laid for these in that gracious change which is wrought in them; and while they behave themselves as new creatures, and govern their lives and hopes by the rule of the gospel, they may most assuredly depend upon them. These, he declares, shall be the portion of all the Israel of God, by whom he means all sincere Christians, whether Jews or Gentiles, all who are Israelites indeed, who, though they may not be the natural, yet are become the spiritual seed of Abraham; these, being heirs of his faith, are also heirs together with him of the same promise, and consequently entitled to the peace and mercy here spoken of. The Jews and judaizing teachers were for confining these blessings to such as were circumcised and kept the law of Moses; but, on the contrary, the apostle declares that they belong to all who walk according to the rule of the gospel, or of the new creature, even to all the Israel of God, intimating that those only are the true Israel of God who walk according to this rule, and not that of circumcision, which they insisted so much upon, and therefore that this was the true way to obtain peace and mercy. Note, (1.) Real Christians are such as walk by rule; not a rule of their own devising, but that which God himself has prescribed to them. (2.) Even those who walk according to this rule do yet stand in need of the mercy of God. But, (3.) All who sincerely endeavour to walk according to this rule may be assured that peace and mercy will be upon them: this is the best way to have peace with God, ourselves, and others; and hereupon, as we may be sure of the favour of God now, so we may be sure that we shall find mercy with him hereafter. 4. That he had cheerfully suffered persecution for the sake of Christ and Christianity,
John Gill (1697-1771)
and upon the Israel of God;
which is a further description of the persons, for whom he prays for these blessings; and is not to be understood by way of distinction from them, but as an amplification of their character; and as pointing out the Israel, by way of emphasis, the Israel, or Israelites indeed, the spiritual Israel, as distinct from Israel according to the flesh; see (1 Corinthians 10:18). The "Israel of God", or as the Arabic version reads it, "Israel the propriety of God", which he has a right unto, and a claim upon; who are chosen by him, Israel his elect; who are redeemed by him, out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; who are called by his grace, and are styled Israel his called; who are justified in his Son, and by his righteousness; and for whose sake he is exalted as a Prince and a Saviour, to give them repentance and remission of sin; and who are, or will be saved by him, with an everlasting salvation; and is a name that includes all God's elect, whether Jews or Gentiles: though it may have a particular respect to such of the Israelites, or Jews, God had foreknown and reserved for himself; and who believed in Christ, and walked as new creatures, without confidence in the flesh. The Jews themselves own, that strangers, or proselytes, shall be called by the name of Israel; so they (Jarchi & Abarbinel in Isa. xliv. 5. ) explain (Isaiah 44:5) , latter part.
John Wesley (1754-1765)
6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule
1. Glorying only in the cross of Christ.
2. Being crucified to the world. And,
3. Created anew.
Peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel, that is, the Church, of God Which consists of all those, and those only, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule.
Adam Clarke (1762-1832)
Verse 16. As many as walk according to this rule] tw kanoni toutw? This canon; viz. what is laid down in the preceding verses, that redemption is through the sacrifice of Christ; that circumcision and uncircumcision are equally unavailable; and that none can be saved without being created anew. This is the grand canon or rule in Christianity.
Peace be on them] Those who act from this conviction will have the peace and mercy of God; for it is in this way that mercy is communicated and peace obtained.
The Israel of God. The true Christians, called here the Israel of God, to distinguish them from Israel according to the flesh.
John Nelson Darby (1800-1882)
To the believer the world has its true character; for, in fact, in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value (all that has passed away with a dead Christ), but a new creature, according to which we estimate everything as God estimates it. It is to such, the true children of God, that the apostle wishes peace. It was not Israel circumcised after the flesh that was the Israel of God. If there were any of that people who were circumcised in heart, who gloried in the cross according to the sentiments of the new creature, those were the Israel of God. Moreover every true Christian was of them according to the spirit of his walk.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown (1871)
as many contrasting with the "as many," Galatians 6:12.
rule literally, a straight rule, to detect crookedness; so a rule of life.
peace from God (Ephesians 2:14-17, 6:23).
mercy (Romans 15:9).
Israel of God not the Israel after the flesh, among whom those teachers wish to enrol you; but the spiritual seed of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:9,29, Romans 2:28,29, Philippians 3:3).
Barton Johnson (1891)
15-18. In Christ Jesus. See note on 5:6. Circumcision in itself is a matter of indifference. To be a new creature, neither Jew nor Gentile, but a child of God is essential. 16. This rule. The one just named in verse 15. A benediction is pronounced upon all such. And upon the Israel of God. Rather, Even upon, etc. The Greek word often means even, and does here, as the Israel of God does not differ from those who follow "this rule." 17. From henceforth let no man trouble me. Dispute my apostolic authority. I bear in my body the marks, etc. He bore on his body too many evidence of what he had suffered for Christ. As slaves were often branded by their master's name, so he had the brand of Christ upon him in his scars. Compare 2 Cor. 11:24, 25. 18. Brethren. This is his parting benediction. It rests not upon the flesh against which he had warned them, but upon the highest part of their being, the spirit.
James Burton Coffman (1980's)
And upon the Israel of God ...
It is surprising that any could misunderstand this, as if Paul were, in any manner, invoking a blessing upon racial Jews. "Israel of God," in the true sense, with Paul, was never racial Israel, but the spiritual Israel. See Rom. 2:28,29; Rom. 4:13-16 and Rom. 9:6-8. This meaning of "spiritual Israel," of course, included all of every race, including Jews, who accepted Christ. "Israel of God," according to Wesley, means "the church of God, which consists of all those, and only those, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule."
This benediction is not addressed to two distinct sets of persons (those who walk by this rule, and upon the Israel of God) but upon the same set of persons addressed in two ways, as if he had said, "Yea, upon the Israel of God.
Cyrus Ingersoll Scofield (1843-1921)
The silence of Scofield concerning "the Israel of God" is deafening...
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-- the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, (NIV)
Rom 9 through 11 which climaxes with the picture of the olive tree and the phrase "all Israel will be saved" (Rom 11:26) stresses the integration of Israelites and Gentiles. Some have interpreted the phrase "all Israel will be saved" to a mass conversion of the Jews just before Christ's return. This projection into the future seems unwarranted. In Rom 11:17-24 branches of unbelieving Jews are broken off from the trunk of physical Israel and wild branches of believing Gentiles are grafted in, leaving a tree of believing Jews and Gentiles.
Now you know who my teachers are, who taught you...?
Respectfully
Mark G.
