Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, (Peter nor any other Disciple taught the Gospel to Paul)but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Jesus told Paul what to Preach to the Gentiles. On the other hand, Paul taught the Gospel which he preached to the Gentiles to the 12 Apostles, including Peter. Galatians 2:1-2 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." And it was at least 14 years after the resurrection. THERE YOU HAVE THE SCRIPTURE, NOT MY WORD BUT GOD'S WORD.
Paul, who you claim, preaches a different gospel than the apostles,
made it a practice to preach in synagogues in the cities he enters.
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into
the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both
of the JEWS and also of the GREEKS believed." Act 14:1
"And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the
JEWS and the GREEKS." Act 18:4
"And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which
dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both JEWS and
GREEKS." Act 19:10
"Testifying both to the JEWS, and also to the GREEKS, repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Act 20:21
ANSWER: Yes Paul preached to both Jews and Gentile. That what the Lord Jesus Christ told him to do. Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Neither Jew nor Greek... ANSWER: Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." Notice that the verse didn't say what they believed, but only that both had the same Lord.
"There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ
Jesus." Gal 3:28
"Where there is neither GREEK nor JEW, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all,
and in all." Col 3:11. ANSWER; Romans 3:30 "Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." MORE: Galatians 2:7-8 "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:)" NEXT POST:
Just to expand on the year "around 55 AD" when Paul writing the epistle to Corinth. Also you stating that the time between the Death of Jesus and His appearing to Paul on the road to Damascus being 8-9 years or 36-37 AD. I have never heard of that number. So you have learned the death of Jesus to be around 25-26 AD? I have learned that the Lord appeared to Paul sometime around 2-3 years after His death.
As also hearing lectures from Dr Gary Habermas who expands on this timeline. Which agree with several other sites of the chronological studies of that time. As I'll just leave a simple timeline and some verses of "around" times. As no one knows the exact year of the death of Jesus Christ I will be using the year 30 AD as most like to use.
30 AD Death of Jesus Christ.
32-33 AD The Lord appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus Acts 9:1-20.
35-36 AD After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter Galatians 1:18.
49-50 AD Then 14 years after I went up again to Jerusalem Galatians 2:1.
50-51 AD Paul arrives at Corinth
51-52 AD Paul was in Corinth 1.5 years and brought before Gallieo Acts 18:11-12.
54-55 AD Paul is in Ephesus, staying there 2-3 years, which is where some believe he wrote the epistle to Corinth.
As there was a first letter, or "previous letter", written to Corinth, from Paul, which is no longer extant. Paul noting he wrote them and epistle previously in ( 1 Corinthians 5:9.
With all of these dates I'm sure they can be moved around a little as all being "about". Things we know of are the reign of Gallio to be of 51-52 AD. Which has been inscribed in stone.
Skip also did quote ( 1 Corinthians 11:23. Stating that Paul did "receive of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you". Which I'm sure Skip knows. In Galatians 1:13 the word "see" is the Greek word G2477. Meaning "to find out, learn by inquiry" or "to gain knowledge of by visiting".
Just to give some friendly information. God Bless.
Skip Vought, You said this: Paul, writing the the church at Corinth in about 55, records how he had DELIVERED to them what he had RECEIVED: received many years earlier when he had visited Peter and James in Jerusalem some 3 years after his Damascus Road conversion.
Paul disagrees with you, Read this: Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Jesus gave Paul the exact word of the Gospel that he preached to the Gentiles.
The amount of time between the death of Jesus, and His subsequent appearance to Paul would be 8 or 9 years around 36 or 37A.D.). so Paul would have been in his early 30's when Jesus appeared to him, and he became a Christian.
Galatians 1:18-19 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother." Galatians 2:1-2 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." So, 8 years plus 3 years plus 14 years, would be 25 year after the resurrection of Jesus that Paul had the big Bible conference in Jerusalem with all the Apostles when he told the other Apostles of the Gospel that he was preaching to the Gentiles. The 12 Apostles had been preaching a different Gospel for 25 years. They never preached "how that Christ died for sins" Not once. Although the Gospel that the 12 Apostles preached to the Jews are found in about a half-a-dozen scriptures, they are basically all the same. John's Gospel is perhaps the clearest and best one. John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
I'm sorry, I don't read anymore in that Scripture, but read it as given. Paul often spoke of his life, before salvation & with Christ now, & it seems to me that the point he wanted to get across to his readers, was that the "life that he now lives" was formerly a life that was totally against & offensive to God, in spite of all his pharisaical knowledge & piety.
But now, he "counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" ( Philippians 3:8) as a further emphasis that he, who was once a somebody, became a nobody as far as man was concerned, but now a precious witness to the Grace of God, to be mightily used by God. With all this in mind, his abundant use of personal pronouns here & elsewhere, speak of his vibrant testimony to the Churches & to us of what God can do in a life once given over to religion & self-righteousness.
I think you may be seeking clarification of Romans 14:5,6 to a similar passage in Galatians 4:9,10.
As both of Paul's letters are to believers, I read the Galatians portion as applying to some who wanted to observe those aspects of the Jewish religious requirements as necessary, as opposed to the freedom believers now have in Christ, in Romans 14.
In Galatians, Paul speaks of the Jewish customs & observances (of special days & times) that were required for the performance of their religion. This went part & parcel with a strict & correct observance, & any departure from it, brought displeasure & punishment.
But when one is "in Christ", we have no such constraints placed upon us, as we look into the "perfect law of liberty" because Christ, in His Sacrifice, not only brought us a glorious salvation from sin's penalty, but also released us from the bondage to anything else (whether a Law, custom, or tradition), so that we may enjoy the liberty that comes with faith in Christ & being led of His Spirit in our lives. So in Romans 4:5,6, Paul is reminding the believers there that they are free to observe any day they wished or eat anything they desired, for they were no longer under legal constraint, but under the dictates of the conscience, as those now belonging to Jesus. And of course, the reason for Paul bringing up this matter, was the concern about a judgemental attitude, which would be prevalent especially by those coming out of Judaism & who believed that the 'old' observances were still necessary to live as a Christian. And we know that the Apostle Peter too failed momentarily in this matter of behaviour in front of Jews ( Galatians 2:11-16).
We are never to judge another, except to proclaim the Word accurately to one who is failing or departing from the teachings from the Word. Therefore, whether in our mind or action against them, we are to desist, but by loving instruction guide or warn them, leaving the matter of the soul's condition only to the Lord.
"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
Here we see the Apostle Paul's teaching on those who have sinned "in the Law" (i.e. the Jews who were given God's Law to abide by & to judge themselves as those who failed in keeping the Law perfectly), and those who 'perish' (note: not 'sinned', since sin is effected, accountable & punishable by God by the giving of a Law, Romans 3:20) without having received the Law.
So to the Jew who remains under the burden of the Law & not in receipt of God's Grace in Christ, they will be judged by the Law, & they will fail, for none could ever keep the Law perfectly ( Galatians 2:21b:"for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.").To the Gentile (non-Jew) who in days past never received or even heard of God's Laws & therefore never subject to its conditions, Paul says that these may not have the written Law in stone/parchment, but by nature perform the Law as written upon their hearts; it's now their conscience that accuses them of doing wrong or excuses their sins, that God sees & thus judges. Certainly not like getting God's Commands directly, but when both Jew & Gentile have to stand before God, the judgement meted to them will be based on the Law whether given directly or written in their hearts/consciences.
And that's why the Gospel is so important: it is salvation to all.
Adam, thanks for your comment. Yes, we daily have the choice whom we are going to serve: SIN, expressed thru our carnal nature, or the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ thru the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ, provided by Christ's death and blood sacrifice. There is a world-loving, carnal church imploding all around us today who by their works and teachings have denied Christ and His Cross, and are leading their followers unto the Broad way that leads to destruction. The Doorway to Eternal life is thru the Cross, as we take His Cross, and make it our own. ( Galatians 2:20).
When we stand on the TRUTH of God's Word, we need not FEAR or be INTIMIDATED by ANYONE. In an earthly sense in the early Church, Peter had "rank" on Paul; Paul was the newcomer to the Faith. But Paul KNEW Jesus, and Paul KNEW Peter was WRONG in this matter. Paul PUBLICLY rebuked Peter because Peter was PUBLICLY relegating the Gentiles to a "2nd place status", which was completely CONTRARY to the TRUTH of the Gospel. Paul rebuked Peter not only for Peter's sake, but for the CHURCH'S sake!
"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".
Very true, God's Word is unchanging - and "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good". By it man ought to live & by it man will be judged.
But "thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift" that those who are in Christ "are now delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter" ( Romans 7:6). But for those under the Law (the unsaved Jews) & others who believe that the Law is still obligatory for them, then "if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" ( Galatians 2:21).
Hi Ronald, thank you for your comment & when I saw your quote, Galatians 2:20, I remembered that that was my key verse when sharing my testimony at a Nazarene Church while serving with a Christian Mission in Dewsbury, U.K. So that came as a precious reminder & one to reflect upon. And you're quite right, I think most of us contributing on this Site, won't take personal credit for what we share, as we write what we understand from God's Holy Word & being led of His Spirit. I realize that others could say the same, yet interpret the Word quite differently, which of course gives different points of view for others to consider. However, we come, I trust, with a real sense of brotherly unity in diversity because of our 'common' faith. We could never claim to be the repository of Truth, but to declare what the Word says with the Light we've received.
No, I'm not a pastor - just a lowly child of the King, ever amazed as to "why, unworthy as I am, (God) claimed me for His own". (From the hymn, "I know not why God's wondrous Grace"). I live in Perth, Australia, having experienced a mighty conviction & moving of the Spirit in October 1979 whilst in my quarters in the Air Force in Canberra. My life of unbridled sin was brought before me, receiving a special piercing visit by God's Spirit that brought me to my knees in tears. And in a moment those tears turned to joy as His confirmation & peace filled me, so if anyone should've entered the room, I would have been deemed a ripe candidate for urgent psychological help.
I have shared many Bible studies over the years, particularly during my time in Pakistan & India, but now am retired in Perth, the city my family moved to from India 54 years ago. Anyway, that's a quick brief to give you some background but to also acknowledge the great value of the many others who also share here, of what the Lord has revealed to them in their studies in the Word.
REVELATION 20:4 ... and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded (by truth, sword of God)... There is sin in deception (flesh) and no sin in truth (Spirit). Galatians 2:20 I (the flesh) am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live (but am dead); yet not I (because I am dead), but Christ (Spirit of God) liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh (which is dead) I live by the faith (not my faith because I am dead) of the Son of God (Spirit). Colossians 3:3-4 For ye are dead (can the dead sin), and your life is (become the life of the Spirit) hid with Christ in God. (vs) 4 When Christ (in Spirit, in truth), who is our life (Spirit) shall appear (be revealed), then shall ye also appear with him in glory (God). Ephesians 1:22-23 And (the Father) hath put ALL things under his feet, and gave him to be head (because we have been beheaded) over ALL things to the church (your body), (vs) 23 Which is his body (because you are dead), the fullness of him (the Spirit of God) that filleth ALL IN ALL. Colossians 1:18 And he is the head (because you have been beheaded by the sword of God, truth) of the body, the church, the firstborn from the dead (but you were resurrected with him into life)..... Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you (because the carnal head is dead, beheaded by the sword of God, truth) which was also in Christ Jesus (now the new head).......
Jesus fulfilled the law in his sinless life and obedience unto his sacrificial death on the cross as substitute for sinners, being then raised from the dead for our justification:
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ( Romans 5:18-19)
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. ( Galatians 2:21)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ( Romans 6:14)
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. ( Romans 7:4-6)
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ( Galatians 4:21-26)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ( Galatians 5:1)
It's only through Faith in Jesus Christ can anyone stand righteously before a Holy God, anything else is works. If the Law could save us Jesus didn't need to die for our sins. The Law was perfect, it shows us our need for a Savoir. God had already plan man's redemption. The Law is like looking at your face in a mirror and seeing it need to be wash and no matter how long you stare your face remains the same, until you get soap and water to wash the mess remains. Jesus resurrection power through Faith in His finish work is what every human being needs to cleanse away our sins. All has fallen short so we all need the resurrection power of the one who died and rose again for our justification. He became sin for us who knew no sin. I'm so glad for the Grace of God. He gave me what I don't deserve. The Law was our School master to bring us to Christ. Galatians 2:16 ; 3:11-29. Thank you Lord, for all that is given to us, when we agree with you that we need to be born again. Fill us Lord with the Fruit of the Spirit so we do not walk after and in the flesh, in Jesus wonderful name, Amen.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Praise God we have been washed clean by the precious blood of Jesus and are now totally sanctified, justified & redeemed because of the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:29-30 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Galatians 2:20 King James Version (KJV) 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. That is what Christ has done for us, in us and who we are in Jesus Christ. What Glorious Salvation.
Since you feel guilt and remorse of your past sin that's a good thing. That means you genuinely regret it, but if you confessed this and repented to God already then God has already forgiven you. Hebrews 8:12. The only step remaining is you forgiving yourself and giving that burden to God. If you refuse to forgive yourself, then you might ask: what Jesus dying for you not enough? Galatians 2:21 It is for everyone else, so why not for you? He loves you that much to die for you and forgive your sin even when you mess up, even when you know better, can you accept that? Do you accept his gift?
>I feel it's unforgivable
Let's challenge this statement. This is an assumption, because you don't truly know that. It's also inconsistent with the Bible. The Bible says all sins are covered except for only one, blasphemy of the holy spirit, and that's not what you did. If your statement was true it would also be true for others too, but its not. There are countless others who have also gone through this and feel 100% forgiven. If its true for them how could a different standard apply for you?
The Bible already made its promises so if you don't believe the Bible that is another matter. You're forgiven, wiped away, and if you follow Christ you this sin is forgotten: Hebrews 8:12. It takes faith to believe the Words of God and to apply them. It clearly says you're forgiven. Believe and celebrate that and go and 'sin no more'. John 8:11
Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH in believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again!
That's IT!
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Romans 4:4
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Galatians 5:4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
I AM sticking with WHAT Paul SAYS!
You SEE Salvation is just BELIEVING in what Jesus Christ DID for US!
Thanks for the reply Chris, I'm happy to have a discussion.
This will be a multi post reply (If this website allows all of them) as there is a lot to unpack with your questions.
It seems there are some principles that need to be established in order for you to understand my position.
1. We have two Natures. There are several names for the two natures all men struggle between.
The new man and the old man, the flesh and the spirit, the carnal mind and the mind of Christ.
Romans 8:7
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
God's Law is an expression of his nature, only when walking in the spirit (the new man/nature) can we follow it.
Romans 8:8
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
(Which ties into this verse)
Matthew 3:11
"I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (This is the non literal fire)
Not only in this a spiritual fire but this fire is essential to being saved, which I believe we are not saved until we have endured to the end.
1 Corinthians 3:15
If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Galatians 5:16-17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Galatians 5:24
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the UNCIRCUMCISION was committed unto me (Paul), as the gospel of the CIRCUMCISION was unto Peter.
God is "dispensing" GRACE today. Israel's salvation in the past was based on works!
BIG DIFFERENCE!
God hid THE MYSTERY in time past BUT NOW has made known to US through Paul.
Read these VERSES very carefully . . .
Ephesians 3:1-9
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you GENTILES,
If ye have heard of the DISPENSATION of the GRACE OF GOD which is given me to you-ward:
How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST)
Which in other ages was NOT MADE KNOWN unto the sons of God, as it is NOW revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the GENTILES should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by THE GOSPEL:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the GRACE OF GOD given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is THIS GRACE given, that I should preach among the GENTILES the unsearchable riches of Christ;
And to make ALL MEN SEE what IS the fellowship of THE MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
Rapture IS A MYSTERY and saved BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IS A MYSTERY!
The Word of God is CLEAR on this!
You and I ARE GENTILES, and we had better listen to Paul and get our doctrine from him!
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David had to DO WORKS (whatever God told them to do) THEN they FOUND GRACE in the eyes of The LORD!
Yasser, you are correct in your understanding of Isaiah 66:16, 17 & it's true that the eating of swine & many other animals (as in Leviticus chapter 11) are also included. So the explanation to what you are seeing & understanding can be explained as follows:
The laws given for not eating unclean animals were God's direct command to His people, Israel. They were given because He said that these were an abomination to Him & possibly also for maintaining good health. When the Gospel came to the Gentiles, this law (as other Laws of God) could not be imposed as then it would mean that Gentiles would then first have to become Jews to then be saved (see Galatians 2:3, 4: which gives an example of Paul's refusal to have Titus circumcised, as some insisted on doing, to be able to become a Christian). As well, the keeping of Jewish laws nullified the work & results of Jesus' sacrifice for mankind's sins (i.e. one cannot mix the obedience to the Law with the gift of Grace).
So what is correct now? Well, the Jews still observe the Laws & of course, the one you mentioned, but the Gentiles have no such command. Does God then reject all those who eat unclean animals? He doesn't, because that requirement no longer has application in the New Covenant of Grace. Gentiles can still choose to refrain from pork, horse, dog, etc., but we are not judged by what we eat but what comes out of our heart ( Mt 15:17-20 gives a similar example of the Jews & eating with unwashen hands which was sin, like eating an unclean animal).
And briefly, about Paul's letters: Paul & the apostles wrote according to what they had heard from Jesus or from special revelation from Heaven (maybe, like you giving instructions to children about what you learnt from your forefathers). So those letters from them are considered true & valid as they don't contradict Christ's teaching. Even Mohammed & others claimed such authority in their teaching. So this can't be argued, it's just a question of truth of the word.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Galatians 2:16
A snowball effect. Peter was swayed by the Jews sent by James: When out of fear of offending the Jews from Jerusalem, Peter went back to following Jewish traditions. This, sent a message to the Jewish Christians in Galatia and they followed suit in separating themselves making the Gentile Christians 2nd class. Undermining the gospel itself by making justification depend on works not faith.
Peter was preaching to the Jews of the laws and a different way to the gentiles, Paul faced him on that saying we walk in faith in Christ not by the laws, Christ fulfilled the laws when he was crucified on the cross, we do not continue a sinful life style since we died with him, we walk in faith, and we speak the truth of the gospel, those are God's words. If we followed mans word we'd all perish
Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, (Peter nor any other Disciple taught the Gospel to Paul)but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Jesus told Paul what to Preach to the Gentiles. On the other hand, Paul taught the Gospel which he preached to the Gentiles to the 12 Apostles, including Peter. Galatians 2:1-2 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." And it was at least 14 years after the resurrection. THERE YOU HAVE THE SCRIPTURE, NOT MY WORD BUT GOD'S WORD.
Charles,
Paul, who you claim, preaches a different gospel than the apostles,
made it a practice to preach in synagogues in the cities he enters.
"And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into
the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both
of the JEWS and also of the GREEKS believed." Act 14:1
"And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the
JEWS and the GREEKS." Act 18:4
"And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which
dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both JEWS and
GREEKS." Act 19:10
"Testifying both to the JEWS, and also to the GREEKS, repentance
toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." Act 20:21
ANSWER: Yes Paul preached to both Jews and Gentile. That what the Lord Jesus Christ told him to do. Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Neither Jew nor Greek... ANSWER: Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." Notice that the verse didn't say what they believed, but only that both had the same Lord.
"There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither bond nor free,
there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ
Jesus." Gal 3:28
"Where there is neither GREEK nor JEW, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all,
and in all." Col 3:11. ANSWER; Romans 3:30 "Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith." MORE: Galatians 2:7-8 "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:)" NEXT POST:
Just to expand on the year "around 55 AD" when Paul writing the epistle to Corinth. Also you stating that the time between the Death of Jesus and His appearing to Paul on the road to Damascus being 8-9 years or 36-37 AD. I have never heard of that number. So you have learned the death of Jesus to be around 25-26 AD? I have learned that the Lord appeared to Paul sometime around 2-3 years after His death.
As also hearing lectures from Dr Gary Habermas who expands on this timeline. Which agree with several other sites of the chronological studies of that time. As I'll just leave a simple timeline and some verses of "around" times. As no one knows the exact year of the death of Jesus Christ I will be using the year 30 AD as most like to use.
30 AD Death of Jesus Christ.
32-33 AD The Lord appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus Acts 9:1-20.
35-36 AD After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter Galatians 1:18.
49-50 AD Then 14 years after I went up again to Jerusalem Galatians 2:1.
50-51 AD Paul arrives at Corinth
51-52 AD Paul was in Corinth 1.5 years and brought before Gallieo Acts 18:11-12.
54-55 AD Paul is in Ephesus, staying there 2-3 years, which is where some believe he wrote the epistle to Corinth.
As there was a first letter, or "previous letter", written to Corinth, from Paul, which is no longer extant. Paul noting he wrote them and epistle previously in ( 1 Corinthians 5:9.
With all of these dates I'm sure they can be moved around a little as all being "about". Things we know of are the reign of Gallio to be of 51-52 AD. Which has been inscribed in stone.
Skip also did quote ( 1 Corinthians 11:23. Stating that Paul did "receive of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you". Which I'm sure Skip knows. In Galatians 1:13 the word "see" is the Greek word G2477. Meaning "to find out, learn by inquiry" or "to gain knowledge of by visiting".
Just to give some friendly information. God Bless.
Paul disagrees with you, Read this: Galatians 1:11-12 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Jesus gave Paul the exact word of the Gospel that he preached to the Gentiles.
The amount of time between the death of Jesus, and His subsequent appearance to Paul would be 8 or 9 years around 36 or 37A.D.). so Paul would have been in his early 30's when Jesus appeared to him, and he became a Christian.
Galatians 1:18-19 "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother." Galatians 2:1-2 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain." So, 8 years plus 3 years plus 14 years, would be 25 year after the resurrection of Jesus that Paul had the big Bible conference in Jerusalem with all the Apostles when he told the other Apostles of the Gospel that he was preaching to the Gentiles. The 12 Apostles had been preaching a different Gospel for 25 years. They never preached "how that Christ died for sins" Not once. Although the Gospel that the 12 Apostles preached to the Jews are found in about a half-a-dozen scriptures, they are basically all the same. John's Gospel is perhaps the clearest and best one. John 20:31 "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
Paul called himself "chief of sinners" somewhere else.
I think many people feel that way too. But then we roll into Romans 8: "there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...."
It's not What We Did that's impressive: it's what Jesus did that was impressive!
Amen?
But now, he "counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" ( Philippians 3:8) as a further emphasis that he, who was once a somebody, became a nobody as far as man was concerned, but now a precious witness to the Grace of God, to be mightily used by God. With all this in mind, his abundant use of personal pronouns here & elsewhere, speak of his vibrant testimony to the Churches & to us of what God can do in a life once given over to religion & self-righteousness.
on this passage?
As both of Paul's letters are to believers, I read the Galatians portion as applying to some who wanted to observe those aspects of the Jewish religious requirements as necessary, as opposed to the freedom believers now have in Christ, in Romans 14.
In Galatians, Paul speaks of the Jewish customs & observances (of special days & times) that were required for the performance of their religion. This went part & parcel with a strict & correct observance, & any departure from it, brought displeasure & punishment.
But when one is "in Christ", we have no such constraints placed upon us, as we look into the "perfect law of liberty" because Christ, in His Sacrifice, not only brought us a glorious salvation from sin's penalty, but also released us from the bondage to anything else (whether a Law, custom, or tradition), so that we may enjoy the liberty that comes with faith in Christ & being led of His Spirit in our lives. So in Romans 4:5,6, Paul is reminding the believers there that they are free to observe any day they wished or eat anything they desired, for they were no longer under legal constraint, but under the dictates of the conscience, as those now belonging to Jesus. And of course, the reason for Paul bringing up this matter, was the concern about a judgemental attitude, which would be prevalent especially by those coming out of Judaism & who believed that the 'old' observances were still necessary to live as a Christian. And we know that the Apostle Peter too failed momentarily in this matter of behaviour in front of Jews ( Galatians 2:11-16).
We are never to judge another, except to proclaim the Word accurately to one who is failing or departing from the teachings from the Word. Therefore, whether in our mind or action against them, we are to desist, but by loving instruction guide or warn them, leaving the matter of the soul's condition only to the Lord.
"For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
Here we see the Apostle Paul's teaching on those who have sinned "in the Law" (i.e. the Jews who were given God's Law to abide by & to judge themselves as those who failed in keeping the Law perfectly), and those who 'perish' (note: not 'sinned', since sin is effected, accountable & punishable by God by the giving of a Law, Romans 3:20) without having received the Law.
So to the Jew who remains under the burden of the Law & not in receipt of God's Grace in Christ, they will be judged by the Law, & they will fail, for none could ever keep the Law perfectly ( Galatians 2:21b:"for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.").To the Gentile (non-Jew) who in days past never received or even heard of God's Laws & therefore never subject to its conditions, Paul says that these may not have the written Law in stone/parchment, but by nature perform the Law as written upon their hearts; it's now their conscience that accuses them of doing wrong or excuses their sins, that God sees & thus judges. Certainly not like getting God's Commands directly, but when both Jew & Gentile have to stand before God, the judgement meted to them will be based on the Law whether given directly or written in their hearts/consciences.
And that's why the Gospel is so important: it is salvation to all.
"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".
But "thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift" that those who are in Christ "are now delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter" ( Romans 7:6). But for those under the Law (the unsaved Jews) & others who believe that the Law is still obligatory for them, then "if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" ( Galatians 2:21).
No, I'm not a pastor - just a lowly child of the King, ever amazed as to "why, unworthy as I am, (God) claimed me for His own". (From the hymn, "I know not why God's wondrous Grace"). I live in Perth, Australia, having experienced a mighty conviction & moving of the Spirit in October 1979 whilst in my quarters in the Air Force in Canberra. My life of unbridled sin was brought before me, receiving a special piercing visit by God's Spirit that brought me to my knees in tears. And in a moment those tears turned to joy as His confirmation & peace filled me, so if anyone should've entered the room, I would have been deemed a ripe candidate for urgent psychological help.
I have shared many Bible studies over the years, particularly during my time in Pakistan & India, but now am retired in Perth, the city my family moved to from India 54 years ago. Anyway, that's a quick brief to give you some background but to also acknowledge the great value of the many others who also share here, of what the Lord has revealed to them in their studies in the Word.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ( Romans 5:18-19)
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. ( Galatians 2:21)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ( Romans 6:14)
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. ( Romans 7:4-6)
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ( Galatians 4:21-26)
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ( Galatians 5:1)
Also, please read Romans 8.
10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Praise God we have been washed clean by the precious blood of Jesus and are now totally sanctified, justified & redeemed because of the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:29-30 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Galatians 2:20 King James Version (KJV) 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. That is what Christ has done for us, in us and who we are in Jesus Christ. What Glorious Salvation.
Since you feel guilt and remorse of your past sin that's a good thing. That means you genuinely regret it, but if you confessed this and repented to God already then God has already forgiven you. Hebrews 8:12. The only step remaining is you forgiving yourself and giving that burden to God. If you refuse to forgive yourself, then you might ask: what Jesus dying for you not enough? Galatians 2:21 It is for everyone else, so why not for you? He loves you that much to die for you and forgive your sin even when you mess up, even when you know better, can you accept that? Do you accept his gift?
>I feel it's unforgivable
Let's challenge this statement. This is an assumption, because you don't truly know that. It's also inconsistent with the Bible. The Bible says all sins are covered except for only one, blasphemy of the holy spirit, and that's not what you did. If your statement was true it would also be true for others too, but its not. There are countless others who have also gone through this and feel 100% forgiven. If its true for them how could a different standard apply for you?
The Bible already made its promises so if you don't believe the Bible that is another matter. You're forgiven, wiped away, and if you follow Christ you this sin is forgotten: Hebrews 8:12. It takes faith to believe the Words of God and to apply them. It clearly says you're forgiven. Believe and celebrate that and go and 'sin no more'. John 8:11
God bless you!
The Word of God is CLEAR!
Salvation is by GRACE through FAITH in believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again!
That's IT!
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Romans 4:4
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Galatians 5:4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
I AM sticking with WHAT Paul SAYS!
You SEE Salvation is just BELIEVING in what Jesus Christ DID for US!
NO WORKS required!
This will be a multi post reply (If this website allows all of them) as there is a lot to unpack with your questions.
It seems there are some principles that need to be established in order for you to understand my position.
1. We have two Natures. There are several names for the two natures all men struggle between.
The new man and the old man, the flesh and the spirit, the carnal mind and the mind of Christ.
Romans 8:7
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
God's Law is an expression of his nature, only when walking in the spirit (the new man/nature) can we follow it.
Romans 8:8
Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
(Which ties into this verse)
Matthew 3:11
"I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (This is the non literal fire)
Not only in this a spiritual fire but this fire is essential to being saved, which I believe we are not saved until we have endured to the end.
1 Corinthians 3:15
If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Galatians 5:16-17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Galatians 5:24
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
This theme occurs throughout all of scripture.
Post continues...
Paul tells us that there were 2 GOSPELS!
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the UNCIRCUMCISION was committed unto me (Paul), as the gospel of the CIRCUMCISION was unto Peter.
God is "dispensing" GRACE today. Israel's salvation in the past was based on works!
BIG DIFFERENCE!
God hid THE MYSTERY in time past BUT NOW has made known to US through Paul.
Read these VERSES very carefully . . .
Ephesians 3:1-9
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you GENTILES,
If ye have heard of the DISPENSATION of the GRACE OF GOD which is given me to you-ward:
How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST)
Which in other ages was NOT MADE KNOWN unto the sons of God, as it is NOW revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the GENTILES should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by THE GOSPEL:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the GRACE OF GOD given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is THIS GRACE given, that I should preach among the GENTILES the unsearchable riches of Christ;
And to make ALL MEN SEE what IS the fellowship of THE MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
Rapture IS A MYSTERY and saved BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IS A MYSTERY!
The Word of God is CLEAR on this!
You and I ARE GENTILES, and we had better listen to Paul and get our doctrine from him!
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David had to DO WORKS (whatever God told them to do) THEN they FOUND GRACE in the eyes of The LORD!
That is NOT how we get SAVED!
The laws given for not eating unclean animals were God's direct command to His people, Israel. They were given because He said that these were an abomination to Him & possibly also for maintaining good health. When the Gospel came to the Gentiles, this law (as other Laws of God) could not be imposed as then it would mean that Gentiles would then first have to become Jews to then be saved (see Galatians 2:3, 4: which gives an example of Paul's refusal to have Titus circumcised, as some insisted on doing, to be able to become a Christian). As well, the keeping of Jewish laws nullified the work & results of Jesus' sacrifice for mankind's sins (i.e. one cannot mix the obedience to the Law with the gift of Grace).
So what is correct now? Well, the Jews still observe the Laws & of course, the one you mentioned, but the Gentiles have no such command. Does God then reject all those who eat unclean animals? He doesn't, because that requirement no longer has application in the New Covenant of Grace. Gentiles can still choose to refrain from pork, horse, dog, etc., but we are not judged by what we eat but what comes out of our heart ( Mt 15:17-20 gives a similar example of the Jews & eating with unwashen hands which was sin, like eating an unclean animal).
And briefly, about Paul's letters: Paul & the apostles wrote according to what they had heard from Jesus or from special revelation from Heaven (maybe, like you giving instructions to children about what you learnt from your forefathers). So those letters from them are considered true & valid as they don't contradict Christ's teaching. Even Mohammed & others claimed such authority in their teaching. So this can't be argued, it's just a question of truth of the word.