Why does Paul call it "MY gospel?"

[eph3Nine]

Scripture Reading: Romans 16:25



In three places, the Apostle Paul refers to the message committed to him as "my gospel" (Romans 2:16; 16:25; II Timothy 2:8). Why does Paul personalize the gospel in this way? It is surely not out of pride or egotism, for Paul's words were written by divine inspiration.

Paul called his message "my gospel" to set it apart from the message preached by the Twelve Apostles. For you see, none of these could call their gospel "my gospel" because it was not just revealed to one of them, but to all twelve. But when God unveiled His message for the new dispensation of grace, He chose to reveal it to and through only one man, the Apostle Paul. But someone will ask, "Didn't the apostle preach the same Lord Jesus Christ as the Twelve Apostles?" The answer is, yes, but in a different way. In the words of our text, Paul preached Jesus Christ "according to the revelation of the Mystery which was kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25b).

The gospel preached by the twelve pertains to Christ's offer of the kingdom to Israel, and is called, appropriately, "the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23). Paul's gospel pertains to God's gracious offer of salvation without works during this resent dispensation of grace, and is called, appropriately, "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). The majority of churches seem intent on mixing these two messages, but the Word of God maintains a clear distinction between he two. By the grace of God, let us boldly proclaim the gospel of the grace which Paul so passionately referred to as "my gospel."

 

[Ebb]

This was one of the first heresies Paul addressed:

12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. I Corinthians 1:12-15
​

 

[eph3Nine]

This was one of the first heresies Paul addressed:

12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. I Corinthians 1:12-15


​

Are you saying that Paul preached AGAINST the very thing he was trying to convey? That makes no sense does it? Paul went to great lengths to make sure that his apostleship AND message were clearly seen as UNIQUE and separate from that of Peter and the body.

Jesus IS the same yesterday, today and forever...in His character. However, scripture tells us that His methods of dealing with mankind HAVE changed. IF they hadnt, you would be making sacrifices for your sins and building arks.

 

[msortwell]

Are you saying that Paul preached AGAINST the very thing he was trying to convey? That makes no sense does it? Paul went to great lengths to make sure that his apostleship AND message were clearly seen as UNIQUE and separate from that of Peter and the body.

Jesus IS the same yesterday, today and forever...in His character. However, scripture tells us that His methods of dealing with mankind HAVE changed. IF they hadnt, you would be making sacrifices for your sins and building arks.

In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Was it a different "gospel" than the redeeming truth under which Peter and the other apostles were justified?

Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel, with the same result, as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?

Mike

 

[eph3Nine]

In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Paul was given a NEW gospel to preach...one not associated with the nation Israel. Paul was saved on an unscheduled visit from the RISEN Lord...He didnt know Christ according to the flesh (ie: according to his earthly ministry)

Was it a different "gospel" than the redeeming truth under which Peter and the other apostles were justified?

Yes...please see the original post for references.

Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel, with the same result, as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?

not the same gospel at all. Not with the same result either. One is saved unto an earthly hope...Israel..Kingdom gospel. One is saved unto a HEAVENLY hope..body of Christ...gospel of the GRACE of God/ or the MYSTERY.

God sees no jew or gentile today, circumcised or otherwise. We are all on the same level playing field. The gospel today is one of GRACE alone thru faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. The special status of the nation Israel was REVOKED when God set her program ASIDE for a time and made of her "just another nation". "He concluded them ALL (both Israel AND the gentiles) in UNBELIEF, so that He could have mercy upon ALL". This NEW economy of God that we are presently in today has NO special status for Israel. God is building a BODY made up of jew and gentile alike...this ONE body concept and the two being ONE was UNHEARD of in the program of times PAST.

If you would like more information, I have a free book to offer entitled "God had a SECRET" and I would be more than happy to send it to you FREE of charge.

Mike[/QUOTE]

 

[msortwell]

My original question . . .

In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Paul was given a NEW gospel to preach...one not associated with the nation Israel. Paul was saved on an unscheduled visit from the RISEN Lord...He didnt know Christ according to the flesh (ie: according to his earthly ministry)

I think I understand what gospel you believe Paul to be preaching. The question I asked was, to what gospel did Paul respond for his own salvation, and what will he receive because of that response? I did not ask what gospel Paul preaches.

I am tempted to infer from your answers that Paul, although a circumcised Jew, responded to, and was redeemed under, the same gospel as the gospel that he delivered to others. However, in light of the response to one of my follow-up questions, I must still be confused relative to your theology.

My follow-up question was, "Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel . . . as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?"

The answer given was . . .

not the same gospel at all. Not with the same result either. One is saved unto an earthly hope...Israel..Kingdom gospel. One is saved unto a HEAVENLY hope..body of Christ...gospel of the GRACE of God/ or the MYSTERY.

[emphasis mine]

I will admit that it is difficult to interpret your response because you speak of "one" doing thus, and a different "one" doing so, without explaining which "one" does each. Please try to communicate complete thoughts. You are writing to some who have never been exposed to the details of the theological position that you are forwarding. It may be perfectly obvious to you which "one" you speak of within a certain context, but it prevents me from understanding your response.

Trying to fill in the blanks, of what was NOT said in your response I came up with the following . . .

[Paul was] not [justified by] the same gospel [as the one he preaches] at all. Not with the same result either. One [a pre-resurrection (or crucifixion?) Jew] is saved unto an earthly hope...Israel..Kingdom gospel. One [a gentile or a post resurrection (or crucifixion?) Jew] is saved unto a HEAVENLY hope..body of Christ...gospel of the GRACE of God/ or the MYSTERY.

But that was obviously not what you meant, because it would contradict the following information that you provided.

God sees no jew or gentile today, circumcised or otherwise. We are all on the same level playing field. The gospel today is one of GRACE alone thru faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. The special status of the nation Israel was REVOKED when God set her program ASIDE for a time and made of her "just another nation". "He concluded them ALL (both Israel AND the gentiles) in UNBELIEF, so that He could have mercy upon ALL". This NEW economy of God that we are presently in today has NO special status for Israel. God is building a BODY made up of jew and gentile alike...this ONE body concept and the two being ONE was UNHEARD of in the program of times PAST.

So, I will ask my questions again and, if you have time, please provide your responses in complete sentences which express your complete thoughts. It would be appreciated. Again you are dealing with some that are new to your theological position.

Question 1. In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Question 2. Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel . . . as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?

If you would like more information, I have a free book to offer entitled "God had a SECRET" and I would be more than happy to send it to you FREE of charge.

Thank you but no.

By His Grace,

Mike

 

[eph3Nine]

Question 1. In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Question 2. Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel . . . as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?

Paul was saved under the gospel of the GRACE of God.

answer nbr 2. Yes

 

[msortwell]

Question 1. In light of what "gospel" was the apostle Paul redeemed?

Question 2. Was Paul justified consistent with the same gospel . . . as the one he preaches, and is that gospel available to the circumcised Jew of today?

Paul was saved under the gospel of the GRACE of God.

answer nbr 2. Yes

Was Paul the first person to be saved under the gospel of the Grace of God? If not, who was the first messenger of this gospel, and where is the account within the Scriptures of these new gospel conversions?

Mike

 

[eph3Nine]

Was Paul the first person to be saved under the gospel of the Grace of God? If not, who was the first messenger of this gospel, and where is the account within the Scriptures of these new gospel conversions?

Mike

Yes..Paul was the FIRST one to be saved under the gospel of the GRACE of God.

1 Timothy 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.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Look at Acts 9:15 Notice the order of the people he was to go to. NO longer the Jew FIRST..hmmmm...I wonder what that signifies?

The 12 apostles were to go to the Gentiles AFTER the nation of Israel had repented (acts 1:8 and Isaiah 48:20) BUT ISRAEL DID NOT REPENT!!!!!

The Gentiles NOW, are being saved thru the FALL of Israel (Romans 11:11,12) and this, by the Gospel of the GRACE of God revealed to the apostle PAUL.

According to PROPHECY, the Gentiles were to be saved thru the SALVATION of Israel (Isa. 11:1, 10; Romans 15:8-12) But according to the MYSTERY, salvation has come to the Gentiles through the FALL of Israel.

Certain events in the book of Acts SHOW that a change did take place in Gods plan and program:

1. The resisting of the Holy Spirit by Israel in Acts 7:51 ..."YE (Israel) do always resist the Holy Spirit...". Israel rejected God the Father in the Old Testament; God the Son in the Gospels; and God the Holy Spirit in Acts.

This is significant to Pauls salvation as he, being both a JEW AND a Roman Citizen who happened to be present at the stoning of Stephen and actually committed the UNPARDONABLE sin referred to in scripture. This is significant in that Paul COULDNT be saved under the Kingdom gospel as that was an UNFORGIVEABLE sin in that program. God saved Paul under an entirely NEW program which was NOT in the prophetic books and which was NOT in the minds of Peter or the boys.

2. The salvation and commission of Paul to go to the Gentiles in acts 9:15 "to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings"

3. The giving of the Holy Spirit BEFORE being baptized in water (Acts 10:44) At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given AFTER they were baptized (Acts 2:38)

4. The killing of the apostle James in Acts 12:2 , thereby REDUCING the 12 apostles to 11. "And he killed JAMES the brother of John with the sword."

5. Paul starting out on his first missionary journey among Gentiles in Acts 13:2

6. The DECLINE of Peters leadership over the Apostles. ANOTHER James, who was NOT an apostle, was the spokesman in Acts 15:13-21, and made the necessary decision in verse 19

7. A definite CHANGE in the gospel message---from "REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED for the remission of sins" in Acts 2:38 to "BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST and thou shalt be saved" In Acts 16:31

8. And then the quotation of Isaiah 6:9, 10 in Acts 28:25-28.

 

[Markea]

So, Dispy has mentioned in the past that he does not believe that the BODY OF CHRIST is the BRIDE OF CHRIST... perhaps you'd share whether or not you agree with Dispy.. and if so.. then what is the BODY OF CHRIST if it is not the Bride of Christ..

ALSO.. while we're at it.. Paul himself said that there were others IN CHRIST before him according to Romans 16.. so what is your response to that..

 

[eph3Nine]

So, Dispy has mentioned in the past that he does not believe that the BODY OF CHRIST is the BRIDE OF CHRIST... perhaps you'd share whether or not you agree with Dispy.. and if so.. then what is the BODY OF CHRIST if it is not the Bride of Christ..

ALSO.. while we're at it.. Paul himself said that there were others IN CHRIST before him according to Romans 16.. so what is your response to that..

Dispy is correct. The ONLY wife that God has in scripture is the nation Israel. She is the ONLY One who entered into a marriage agreement with Him. That is what we call the COVENANT, or Testament. God entered into a marriage agreement with a NATION. She is still awaiting the consummation of her marriage. God divorced her and she is NOW "Lo Ammi"...not my people. By the way, God was legally within His rights to do so under the rules of the agreement He had with her. Infidelity gave the right of the husband to divorce the wife, even before the actual UNION took place. This is what happened with the nation Israel. God will again WOO her back to Himself in ages to COME, and she is the ONLY Wife He has.

The term the BRIDE of Christ actually isnt there. Scripture speaks of the Lambs wife and clearly identifies her as the NATION Israel.

We are His BODY, joined with the BRIDEGROOM already. Our Union is already complete. In the End, God will join ALL things to Himself, as that is His goal, but He has used the marriage IMAGERY for a reason. TO show that UNION is what He desires.

I will respond to the other issue at another time...or will let bible beleiver answer that question.

 

[Markea]

So in other words.. you're saying that we're CHRIST rather than His bride.. is that correct?

As for the other question.. why wait..? Is there a problem with giving a simple explanation..?

 

[eph3Nine]

So in other words.. you're saying that we're CHRIST rather than His bride.. is that correct?

As for the other question.. why wait..? Is there a problem with giving a simple explanation..?

Nope...thats NOT what I said. We are the CHURCH, HIS BODY. We are individual members of His Body, the NEW creation that God is building today in this present economy.

There is no simple answer to the question you asked...Im going to give someone else a chance to answer it, and Im going to look up some scriptures and study it out. Thats what we ALL should do....canned answers are for the UNINFORMED. I dont fit into that category.

 

[Markea]

Nope...thats NOT what I said. We are the CHURCH, HIS BODY. We are individual members of His Body, the NEW creation that God is building today in this present economy.

OK, so we're NOT the BRIDE..and we're not the BRIDEGROOM.. we're running out of options here..

There is no simple answer to the question you asked...Im going to give someone else a chance to answer it, and Im going to look up some scriptures and study it out. Thats what we ALL should do....canned answers are for the UNINFORMED. Im dont fit into that category.

Well, you said multiple times that Paul was the FIRST member of the body of Christ.. and you claimed it as a matter of fact.. are you now saying that you need to study that out moreso..? ? ? AND why would you give someone else a chance to answer if NOBODY ELSE believes that..? You're the ONLY one who I have ever heard making this claim.

 

[eph3Nine]

OK, so we're NOT the BRIDE..and we're not the BRIDEGROOM.. we're running out of options here..



Well, you said multiple times that Paul was the FIRST member of the body of Christ.. and you claimed it as a matter of fact.. are you now saying that you need to study that out moreso..? ? ? AND why would you give someone else a chance to answer if NOBODY ELSE believes that..? You're the ONLY one who I have ever heard making this claim.

Its clear you only want to argue. I didnt say any such thing. Paul IS the first member of the Body of Christ. What Im looking up is how to answer you biblically with regard to the second question. Do you actually READ my answers,cuz Im not about to go over things five or six times for the reading impaired.

Dont be so quick to think NOBODY else beleives this. If God said it and only ONE person believes it, then that ONE person plus God makes a majority. What you dont seem to understand is that God doesnt measure success by how many people SEE it and BELIEVE it.

Why should I be the only one answering ALL the questions on here...I believe in allowing others to do so as well. Its a great privilege to HAVE the answers to give to people, even if they arent interested in giving up their "religion" to embrace the TRUTH.

My job is to share the information I DO have. Im not on call to YOU to answer all questions ON DEMAND....LOL LOL

So cool yer jets sweetie....some of us have a LIFE outside of this here board, and I for one will not be ruled BY it or the demands of people here. You have a bible...you will be held accountable for rightly dividing His Word. You wont be able to blame any ignorance on ME.

 

[Markea]

Its clear you only want to argue.

Ok so it's arguing now because you can't answer the question to YOUR claim.

Paul IS the first member of the Body of Christ. What Im looking up is how to answer you biblically with regard to the second question. Do you actually READ my answers,cuz Im not about to go over things five or six times for the reading impaired.

Dont be so quick to think NOBODY else beleives this. If God said it and only ONE person believes it, then that ONE person plus God makes a majority. What you dont seem to understand is that God doesnt measure success by how many people SEE it and BELIEVE it.

Well, you're the ONE PERSON claiming it.. and I have YET to hear Dispy or your pal BB to back it up.. and you have said that others should think outside of the box..because let's face it.. we only gots our religion whereas you got the facts of the matter... etc etc

Why should I be the only one answering ALL the questions on here

Who said ANYTHING about ALL the answers.. I asked about YOUR CLAIM that PAUL was the FIRST MEMBER in the BODY OF CHRIST..

...I believe in allowing others to do so as well. Its a great privilege to HAVE the answers to give to people, even if they arent interested in giving up their "religion" to embrace the TRUTH.

Again.. because all they got is religion whereas you gots the facts and the truth..

My job is to share the information I DO have. Im not on call to YOU to answer all questions ON DEMAND....LOL LOL

Again, the ONE question pertaining to YOUR CLAIM that PAUL was the FIRST MEMBER of the BODY OF CHRIST.. that's all..

So cool yer jets sweetie

Ok darling.. but we're just getting warmed up..

....some of us have a LIFE outside of this here board, and I for one will not be ruled BY it or the demands of people here. You have a bible...you will be held accountable for rightly dividing His Word. You wont be able to blame any ignorance on ME.

Well if you make a claim and you're called on it.. perhaps you should answer it.. but now instead you're calling it arguing.. hey.. whatever.. it's your claim that hasn't been backed up.. but rather shown to be lacking in truth.

 

[Markea]

Then there's that other problem.. where you claim that the Body of Christ is not the BRIDE and you also claim that we're not the BRIDEGROOM... like I said.. we're running out of options here..

So what exactly is the Body of Christ if it isn't the BRIDE or the BRIDEGROOM..

 

[biblebeliever123]

ALSO.. while we're at it.. Paul himself said that there were others IN CHRIST before him according to Romans 16.. so what is your response to that..[/QUOTE]

Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

We see that Andronicus and Junia were kinsmen (relatives) and also fellow prisoners. They had been imprisoned for Christ's sake. They were 'in Christ' before Paul meaning they must have believed the kingdom gospel and been part of the little flock church. They had believed the message repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, the message preached by Peter and the eleven as well as John the Baptist. It does NOT say they were in the church the body of Christ. Paul was the first member of the church the body of Christ as he himself tell us. 1 Timothy 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.

 

[biblebeliever123]

So what exactly is the Body of Christ if it isn't the BRIDE or the BRIDEGROOM..[/QUOTE]

The body of Christ is exactly what it says in scripture, the CHURCH which is HIS BODY, the one body of believers in this dispensation of the gospel of the grace of God. Until the salvation of Paul and his apostleship and ministry, Israel had been the people of God, but now we see a new group of saved individuals being formed by God into the 'body of Christ'. Paul alone uses this phrase.

1 Corinthians 12:27, "Now ye are the BODY OF CHRIST, and members in particular."

Eph. 4:12, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the BODY OF CHRIST."

Romans 12:5, "So we, being many, are ONE BODY in Christ and every one members one of another."

1 Corinthians 10:17, "For we being many are one bread and ONE BODY..."

Ephesians 4:4, "There is ONE BODY and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling."

Colossians 3:15, "....to the which also ye are called in ONE BODY..."

This BODY is called a 'church'.

Ephesians 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

This church which is His body is made up of all Jews and Gentiles who have been saved in this dispensation. (and when saved and placed into the body there is no jew or gentile but one new man)

Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 2:14-18, "For He is our peace, who hath made BOTH one....for to make in Himself OF TWAIN one new man...and that He might reconcile BOTH unto God into ONE BODY by the cross....for through Him we BOTH have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

Romans 10:12,13, "For there is NO DIFFERENCE between the Jew and the Greek....For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be SAVED."

The BODY OF CHRIST begins with the salvation of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9).

1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 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.

 

[msortwell]

The BODY OF CHRIST begins with the salvation of the Apostle Paul (Acts 9).

1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 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.

That's it? 1Tim 1:16 is the rock upon which you break in two the Body of Christ? Because it says that, in Paul, Jesus showed forth all longsuffering "first" . . . as a pattern to them that would later believe?

The context clearly means that Paul was a pattern established before some believers who would follow. The term does not necessarily mean the absolute first of a kind. It often means the first relative to another referenced thing. Consider the following.

Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? KJV

Your method of interpretation would have the first passover celebration EVER to have occurred amoung Jesus' disciples, it including the "first day of unleavened bread."

This is the same term translated as "before" in the following verse. Again, the term simply means something that exists before something else. It does not mean the absolute first of a kind.

John 1:15
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. KJV

And again . . .

John 1:41
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. KJV

And apparently John was the first man ever to go to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. According to your interpretive approach, none had ever arrived there before.

John 20:4
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. KJV

I am sorry, but 1 Timothy 1:16 does not even hint at the possibility that Paul was the first man saved by some new way. It simply states that he preceded some, who would believe later, and he would be an example to them.

There are more examples. As Luke introduced the Book of Acts he wrote,

Acts 1:1
1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, KJV

Was he in that first verse declaring his work to be the first he ever wrote, or simply a work preceding the book of Acts? Clearly, the translaters believed that he was simply describing the relative sequence of the two books.

Do we find in Rom 10:19 the first words ever uttered by Moses?

Rom 10:19
19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
KJV

No, I am quite confident that there were many words spoken by Moses before those cited in Rom 10:19. There are, I am sure, more examples.

By His Grace,

Mike