Hello, thanks for sharing but that's not what God says in His word.
What scripture verse do you claim to be the source of your idea that faith is a result of salvation?
And what scripture verse do you cite to claim that you're saved now before you're even judged?
Paul said the one verse you're citing, but did you notice that Paul also warned ( 1 Cor 4:14) Christians to obey and not stray from the faith. God gives you that choice- he will allow you to commit despicable evil as we see people do every day, as is covered by the news. Christians also leave the faith, as evidenced by those we know in person and those forum groups like on Reddit where they talk about it. To deny this reality is to deny truth. Did God cause them to leave the faith? No, people did using their own freewill and bad choices. They will not be saved if they are not following Christ. Not all Christians will be "saved" on judgment day.
I don't know if you believe in freewill or not, that God is forcing you to type things on this site you don't want to say of if you believe you are doing it. If God forces you to eat things you don't want to eat like Taco Bell or ice cream. But about freewill of course there's only one truth- either its true or not, not both. And its true for me, so are people claiming its not true for them? And is that God speaking through them that its not true or is that their own doing and how can they 100% prove they are not in control of their bodies whatsoever? Some may be deceived and use this as justification to sin against God and perhaps some may be dishonest about it.
1 Cor 4:5 says to judge nothing before the Lord comes and then the Lord will then judge us, but people seem to like judging themselves as saved so some can then make excuses to disobey God.
Romans 15:5 Paul says we need endurance. He warns us, says to endure, and 1 Corinthians 9:24 says to run the race so to win the prize. The refutes the popular narrative.
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.� Hebrews 10:26, James 2:14-26, Matthew 7:21-23
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
I agree with you on the two Gospels being preached. Where some get confused is they think that means there's 2 means to salvation. But that's not so.
HERE'S A ARTICLE FROM J VERNON MCGEE ON THIS.
( This may take several posts)
Part 1.
The gospel of the kingdom is the preaching of John the Baptist: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 3:2). We do not preach that gospel today. The Lord Jesus preached it when He first began (see Matthew 4:17), and He sent His disciples out, saying, "Goto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 10:6,7). These men went out and preached that, but the day came when that changed. After His death and resurrection He said, "Don't just go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but go now to the world" (see Mark 16:15). And to the world was to be preached the gospel of Christ. Paul mentions in Romans 15:19, "I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." Read his epistles and you'll find that the gospel he preached was that of the death and resurrection of Christ. He wrote to the Corinthians and said, "I delivered unto you first of all the gospel. And the gospel I preach is the one that you believed in, the one that saved you." Well, what is it, Paul? It's "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" ( 1 Corinthians 15:3). That's the gospel, it's nothing but the gospel, and nothing else is the gospel. Even if an angel from heaven appears to you and preaches any other gospel, Paul says let him be accursed! (See Galatians 1:8.) Because there's only one gospel that we are to preach today. We do not preach the gospel of the kingdom. I wish we could get that through today to a great many who are talking about the gospel of the kingdom.
Wes gave a wise answer on Christmas. Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19, Ecclesiastes 7:7, may The HOLY Spirit teach us. John 14:26
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
2 Timothy 2:15 is a powerful verse. If we do not learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, we will be lost understanding the chain of events from the time God brought the Hebrews from the Land of Egypt until The Christ Lord Jesus died on the cross up to our time today which is approximately 2,000 years. Honestly, we do not have time. As you all noticed the rapid days go by quickly as God says 2 Peter 3:8 and you see Psalms 2:1-12
I do not mind repeating to all that the Bible is a complete book Revelation 19:13 for us today to prepare ourselves and others. I pray all to be saved. We cannot have the people caught unaware of Matthew 24:37. To rightly divide is to know for us today what we need to do. So I will say that the 11 apostles messages are important for the physical Jews Matthew 10:5-7 at the end time; and there are verses in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that pertains to a spiritual Christians of today.
God had chosen Paul to be His vessel so we can read and believe not in vain. Study the Book of Romans to Philemon because he was the Last and believe it or not the 12th Apostle Galatians 1:1, Acts 9:15, Acts 13:47, Acts 22:21, Roman's 11:13, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 1:16. After Jesus died He says Hebrews 9:14-17. Then you are Ephesians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:2 just like Romans 15:28. Ephesians 4:30 and sing Psalms 49:8, 111:9, 130:7. In conclusion my fellow-believers, Paul is sealed 1 Corinthians 9:2 by God to be our apostle today. Weneedtoputtheworkof Paul not in vain Galatians 6:11. Paul tells us Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. And the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Then we are sealed Ephesians 1:13. Perhaps you are not understanding me because Revelation 18:4, Proverbs 20:1, Roman's 7:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 3:3, and lastly Revelation 18:23. Psalm 37:1-40 then we meditate Psalms 27:1-3. Shalom/Agape.
Ronnette (My Prayers to ALL) See YOU in the cloud on 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - 2 years ago
Myfarewellmessagetothissite Matthew 10:14, Luke 9:5. God tells me to go back and convince one more time the people reading this site-must know that God sent his only begotten Son to destroy sins. He died once for all of us Galatians 3:28 in a very powerful way. A pattern that is similar in the Old Testament-sacrificial shedding of blood of the lamb. God knows we cannot save ourselves. So we need a Saviour Jesus Christ. He did it for us All. My prayers are to help everyone understand this basic concept and many will be saved. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. We do not believe in vain, nor we put the work of ALL apostles, most especially Paul who was the last apostle to write plethora of information for everyone to be saved. Remember the Bible is complete by itself. God gave us a free gift of grace Romans 5:15-18. The ten Commandments are for us to see how sinful we are. That is why Paul calls it a schoolmaster Galatians 3:24-25. So when you believe, trust and have faith in Jesus Christ's blood that He shed for our sins Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10 we die with Him Galatians 2:20. That is the baptism without submerging yourself into the water Acts 1:5, Acts 10:47,Roman's 6:3, Galatians 3:27, 1 Corinthians 10:2. We are not divided Christians 1 Corinthians 1:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12:13. Once you are saved you are sealed Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 1:22, John 6:27. Jesus sent Paul to seal us Gentiles Romans 15:28. So grieve not Ephesians 4:30. When the Holy Spirit is in you you do not want to commit sin, if you do, you are letting your old self to dominate your spirit. We are walking in the Spirit of God. God already won. Do not let Satan defeat you (on going Spiritual warfare) that is why let every thought to be with God 2 Corinthians 10:5. I came back to fulfill with the help of the Holy Spirit to ask that you trust only Jesus and not yourself here on earth. Let Jesus do the rest. It is indeed true OSAS.Sealed is sealed.You reap what you sow on earth. Peace&joy to ALL.
David, we do not know that Paul was the only one who was given the teaching on the Body of Christ. We have not heard what the other apostles and disciples knew, preached, or wrote. so, I don't believe that your statement that Paul alone was given this teaching by the Lord and that Jesus did not also give it to the other apostles. Paul did not evangelize ALL of the Gentile world. Many of the disciples and apostles went to areas Paul never did and preached the Gospel. I believe that they had all of the knowledge that Paul had. But, as it happened, mostly Paul's writings have survived from that time period to be included in the canon of N.T. Scripture.
To make a statement that Paul alone had the teaching of the Body of Christ is to argue from the point of absence of extant recordings of what the other apostles taught. We do not know what they taught, so we cannot definitively say they did or did not have the fullness of information that Paul also received from the Lord.
I must clarify that in Ephesians 3:2 it does say "dispensation of the grace of God, which was given to me for you." (NIV)
This does not indicate that it is a period of time, rather that Paul has been given the administrative task of dispensing the Gospel to the Gentiles as God called him to do.
There is not a mention in the Bible of any":
of the "dispensations" listed by Darby and espoused by ardent dispensationalists. I prefer to speak about God revealing Himself and His plan/promise of salvation across the ages, not all at once, but as an unfolding from time period to time period until it reached it's fulfillment in Jesus.
I do not have a problem with people thinking of dispensations in this way, but I do not follow the thinking that there are 7 dispensations across times. I believe that the redemptive plan of the Godhead has remained the same since before creation. It was promised and prophesied until it reached its end in Jesus Christ.
I think that many dispensationalist teach error concerning that there are multiple ways for people to be saved across the ages, not one way, that of faith in God's promised salvation in a Redeemer to come, for the O.T. saints, and in the Redeemer who has come, for N.T. believers. I think also many these people teach error when they say that the only Scripture that applies to Gentiles are the epistles of Paul. Because of these errors, I cannot embrace dispensationalism.
I agree with you. I have noticed Dispensationalism has a negative interpretation and understanding. Maybe I will not use the word. I use Dispensation only on what Paul mentioned 4X on his epistles. But I think we have the same understanding. I am happy to have found someone like you. Agape.
The Bible does not say anywhere that we are in the "dispensation of Grace". That is an invented phrase from the likes of James Nelson Darby, who began this dispensational teaching in the 1830's. Since the scriptures do not teach this, I consider it false teaching.
Praise and glory to God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man do account of us, as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Let us grow in Charity and grace in One BODY OF CHRIST. Agape.
Ronnette I absolutely agree with your reading of scripture, Jesus Christ came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel as stated in the gospels and the church epistles. The apostle paul was specifically called out to the gentiles because the judeans were still
working in the law although they were operating GODS GIFT OF GRACE. The APOSTLE PAUL WAS SPECIFICALLY GIVEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ONE BODY IN CHRIST Ephesians 3:1-9 also Colossians 1;25-29. Thats why Romans through thessalonians
is the complete knowledge of the operation of the church in the grace administration or age.
Giannis, there is a segment of the Christian population that adheres to dispensationalism. I have been aware of this for a long time. You can look it up on the internet.
What Ronnette is espousing is called ultra-dispensationalism and is new to me. I researched it last night to find out more. I suggest that you do too in order to understand more of what believe. I do not support her views.
About dispensation, I asked the question because I figured it's about some kind of specific belief among some christians. Is there a belief that is called "dispensationalism"?
Now about that "properly dividing the word of truth" that Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15
The very precise meaning of the greek word "orthotomisis" that has been translated in KJV as "properly dividing' is exactly that. BUT in greek it literally means "teaching the word of God property". It has another meaning than what it sounds. It has nothing to do with division. This is one of these words that when translated in other languages exactly as it is, it looses its actuall meaning. Probably its very initial meaning was to "divide between the right and false Word of God", so actually meaning to teach the proper Word of God.
Well, I made a research on internet to see how other English Bible versions translated this verse, and I randomly picked some and quote them below:
New International version "and who correctly handles the word of truth"
New living translation"and who correctly explains the word of truth"
American standard version "handling aright the word of truth"
Holeman Christians standard Bible "correctly teaching the word of truth"
As you can see none of them is referring to "division". I would say the last one is closer to the right meaning.
So since I think we could agree then that actually Paul says to Timothy to teach the right Word of God, can you please tell me now what in your opinion are those "more things" that Paul taught to gentiles, that do not apply to Jews?
Very interesting discussions. Are we reading the same Bible? The commentary I read and understood. Do I agree? Sometimes not all. After all it is one's opinion. More power given to us is I pray and ask God's guidance. He pretty much tells me in the Bible if it is true. All comments are very much appreciated. But to fight for the truth is not my battle. God knows the truth and we are all reading it. it seems that all of us believe in the blood Jesus shed on the cross. I would not want my fellowbelievers to be accused of being anti-Christ. Neither anybody think they are being persuaded if an opinion was rendered. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and they are all welcome. I know we are all here reading the Bible and that we all seeks the truth from God. I will continue to study and pray that truth will be taught everywhere and to anybody who likes to be saved. I am respectfully happy to hear from all comments. The truth had been written in the Bible. It is up to each individual to allow the Holy Spirit shows them the truth. There is no need for contentions because we support all that is trying to find the truth. God forbid any of us be fallen away from the truth. I can feel passion on these discussions. I pray for all of your good will. If I have one wish, I would wish that all understand the truth the same way God would want all of us to know the truth. Then all Christian denominations will be dissolved. We have a priest that is Jesus Christ. We have a king and that is Jesus Christ. We have a mediator between God the Father in Heaven and us and that is Jesus Christ. We have one Saviour and that is Jesus Christ who sits in the most holiest of Holy in the third heaven. I think we have everything we need since Jesus fulfilled all in all. We are all servants to please God and not men. May you always be at peace and joyful and healthy from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Paul was linguistically gifted both in oratory and written expression. He was also gifted with zeal for God and a strong commitment to live for Him, even before He met Jesus on that road to Damascus. God provided Paul with all of these things because He had pre-ordained that Paul would be the one to evangelize the known world (Mediterranean/Roman region) at that time. The world at that time was hellenized, learned, literate, and intellectual. So, an evangelist to the Gentile regions would need to have just the skill set, intellect, fervor, and courage as Paul possessed, along with the faith and grace given to him at conversion. So, historically, this may be why so much of his writings were preserved, dispensed to the various churches of the time, and thus included in the canon of the N.T.
I believe that God, in His wisdom, decided that Paul's writings included most of what He wished to be taught to the church, even if the other apostles taught the same things, and therefore, had mostly Paul's writings chosen for inclusion in the N.T. canon.
This does not mean that the other apostles were deficient in knowledge or what they delivered in their preaching and teaching. It just shows that God was (and is) guiding His church from the time of Jesus' calling of the 12 disciples on. We are benefactors of what all of the apostles preached. Some went to India, others to Egypt and Northern Africa, some went east, etc.
But to end this post, I think we all need to recognize when something we state is directly stated in the Bible and when something we stated is our opinion/assumption of how we interpret/understand what is stated or unstated in the history and writings of the early church.
I, too, have been following the Lord for all of my life. I am 65 years old. I cannot remember a time when I did not believe. God's calling upon me was from a very young age. Thanks for your response to me.
I have just one thing to address from your response:
You stated that Paul had more information and knowledge of the Gospel than the other apostles had. I do not concur. I know that Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would bring to remembrance in them all that He taught them. (I couldn't find the verse-this was after His resurrection, I believe.) I do not recall anywhere in the Scriptures where it says that there was this great difference in knowledge and understanding of the gospel between Paul and the other apostles.
So, therefore, what you state concerning this is really an opinion and/or assumption. And to be fair, as is my view that since Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring all He had taught them to remembrance and He sent them out to spread the Gospel to all nations long before Paul was called to be an apostle, then Jesus would have taught them all that He taught Paul, because the Holy Spirit would faithfully teach these apostles ALL they needed to know to spread the gospel, just as Paul was taught by Jesus ALL the same things He taught the apostles. God does not have a divided mindset concerning this.
We are blessed to have so much Scripture written by Paul. Unfortunately, we do not have much Scripture written by the other apostles or scribed from their preaching. Most of these that were authentic to the apostles were lost early on. But I do believe that if we had them, they would reveal that each of the apostles had as complete and knowledgeable understanding of the Gospel as Paul had received. I think that Paul was blessed with many "natural" intellectual gifts. He was highly intelligent and skilled at presenting viewpoints, arguments, and didactic teaching. He was well trained to a very high educational level.....
Serving God. In the ordinances and observances of the temple. As a nation, they did not serve him in their hearts; but they kept up the outward form of religious worship.
Day and night. With unwearied zeal; with constancy Lu 2:37. The ordinary Jewish services and sacrifices were in the morning and evening, and might be said to be performed day and night. Some of their services, as the paschal supper, were prolonged usually till late at night. The main idea is, that they kept up the worship of God with constant and untiring zeal and devotion.
For which hope's sake. On account of my cherishing this hope in common with the great mass of my countrymen. See Ac 23:6. If Paul could convince Agrippa that the main point of his offence was that which had been the common belief of his countrymen, it would show to his satisfaction that he was innocent. And on this ground Paul put his defence: that he held only that which the mass of the nation had believed, and that he maintained this in the only consistent and defensible manner--that God had, in fact, raised up the Messiah, and had thus given assurance that the dead should rise.
Ac 26:7 (KJV) Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
Our twelve tribes. This was the name by which the Jews were designated. The ancient Jewish nation had hoped to come to that promise; it had been the hope and expectation of the nation. Long before the coming of the Messiah, ten of the twelve tribes had been carried captive to Assyria, and had not returned, leaving but the two tribes of Benjamin and Judah. But the name, "the twelve tribes," to designate the Jewish people, would be still retained. Comp. Jas 1:1. Ac 26:7 Paul here says that the hope had been that of the Jewish nation. Except the comparatively small portion of the Sadducees, the great mass of the nation had held to the doctrine of a future state. This Agrippa would well know. Instantly. Constantly; with intensity; with an effort with zeal. This was true; for, amidst all the sins of the nation, they observed with punctuality and zeal the outward forms of the worship of God. Serving God. In the ordinances and observances of the temple. As a nation, they did not serve him in their hearts; but they kept up the outward form of religious worship.
Jas 1:1 (KJV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.
"The twelve tribes which are in the dispersion," or of the dispersion, This word occurs only here and in 1Pe 1:1, and Joh 7:35. It refers properly to those who lived out of Palestine, or who were scattered among the Gentiles. There were two great "dispersions" --the eastern and the western. The first had its origin about the time when the ten tribes were carried away to Assyria, and in the time of the Babylonian captivity. In consequence of these events, and of the fact that large numbers of the Jews went to Babylon, and other eastern countries, for purposes of travel, commerce, etc., there were many Jews in the east in the times of the apostles. The other was the western "dispersion," which commenced about the time of Alexander the Great, and which was promoted by various causes, until there were large numbers of Jews in Egypt and along Northern Africa, in Asia Minor, in Greece Proper, and even in Rome. To which of these classes this epistle was directed is not known; but most probably the writer had particular reference to those in the east.
The phrase "the twelve tribes," was the common term by which the Jewish people were designated, and was in use long after the ten tribes were carried away--leaving, in fact, but two of the twelve in Palestine. Benjamin and Judah.
good stuff sister, yes the gospels are the same, the new testament explains the old testament, there's no divisions
I accept the writings of ALL of the apostles and disciples included in the N.T. as being for me, not just those of Paul. This includes the four Gospels. Jesus is the one who teaches me through His Holy Spirit. His words and life story is for my application. And His Spirit teaches me from all of the N.T. Scripture writers along with the O.T. as well.
I tend to think of the lost sheep of Israel as both the house of Judah and the house of Israel, the Southern Kingdom and the Northern Kingdom. Many of the Jews returned to Jerusalem form the Babylonian captivity, but very few members of the remaining 11 tribes returned from Assyria, and those that did intermingled with the transplanted peoples that the Assyrians government moved into Israel when they took the Israelites captive. Most members of these 11 tribes and many of Judah migrated out of Mesopotamia northward into western Asia and eastern Europe, and eventually to all parts of the earth. Most of the members of these dispersed 11 tribes today do not even know that they are Israelites. So, Jesus came for these Israelites all over the world, not just for the Jews, when He made that statement you cited.
Even so, the Gospel of Christ is the same as the Gospel of the Kingdom as well as the Gospel of Heaven, and the Solitary Gospel is to be preached to all inhabitants of the world because Jesus is the Savior of humanity, not just of the Jews.
I truly appreciate your response. I am also happy that we can discuss the truth according to the word of God, KJV Bible. I really do agree with what you said that Jesus came to save all of us. So as the apostle Paul. That is why he wrote the gospel according to the scriptures in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. There is none that indicated in my explanations that Paul has a different Gospel than Jesus Christ. I simply stated that these two verses distinguishes one from the other (i.e. between v8 and v16). Come to think of it. It makes it more amazing that God is a God of number. It multiplies the 8 by 2 and you have verse 16. Anyway, I digressed. It also amazes me that in Matthew 15:24 Jesus said that. I know every word in the Bible is very important, especially inspired by God. There is no way one can understand the Bible without dividing the word of truth per 2 Timothy 2:15. That is why I study very hard. Because Jesus Christ personally selected Paul to be His last disciple, Jesus revealed to Paul more information for us Gentiles. Something that Jesus did not reveal to other Apostles. Peter even agreed that some of Paul's epistles are hard to understand. But in the end Peter agreed with Paul. I am trying not to repeat myself in every comment entry I have here. With my 60 years experienced in the world, my professional job is really not to confused people. I have noticed some understand but not many see the truth. That is why I made my comment a stimulating discussions. I truly understand your point. I also can see why people get confused on the passages. I truly believed there is a dispensation in the word of truth. For example, why do you think Jesus Christ said to His disciples in Matthew 10:5-6 to not go to Gentiles but to the lost sheep of Israel? Then in the last two verses in Matthew 28 He said to go to all Nations? If there is no dispensation, one would say Jesus is contradicting Himself. But we know God better than that. Don't we?
I know based on KJV Bible, Paul is not only an inspired man he is chosen by THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF as the last Apostle.
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 1:1 KJV
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, ." 1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,." 2 Corinthians 1:1 KJV
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)" Galatians 1:1 KJV. You may wonder why every first verse of Paul epistle wrote that's he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. I think you get the gist that Paul holds the important messages for us today. In my opinion ALL are indeed inspired by God. Agape.
There have been discussions such as this in recent months. People differ in their understanding on this. I, personally, believe that Jesus came for me, and you, and the Jew, and the Gentiles. His words are for all people, not just for the Jews. I do not elevate Paul as my singular apostles above the other apostles, nor above Jesus. If Jesus came only for the Jews, then His sacrificial death and resurrection was only for the Jews and Paul is appropriating this salvific work for the Gentiles without merit.
But, I do not believe that. I believe He is the promised Savior of Genesis 3:15 and saved all who believe in Him. He sent the Holy Spirit to all of the apostles at Pentecost, long before Paul became an apostle. The body of Christ existed before Paul became an apostle. he joined the other apostles when he was called to preach the same gospel as these other apostles to the Gentiles. The Gospel of Christ IS the gospel Paul preached. They are the same. There are not two gospels, one for Jews and one for Gentiles, in my opinion.
Well, this is my understanding on this topic, since you sought what others think about this topic.
What scripture verse do you claim to be the source of your idea that faith is a result of salvation?
And what scripture verse do you cite to claim that you're saved now before you're even judged?
Paul said the one verse you're citing, but did you notice that Paul also warned ( 1 Cor 4:14) Christians to obey and not stray from the faith. God gives you that choice- he will allow you to commit despicable evil as we see people do every day, as is covered by the news. Christians also leave the faith, as evidenced by those we know in person and those forum groups like on Reddit where they talk about it. To deny this reality is to deny truth. Did God cause them to leave the faith? No, people did using their own freewill and bad choices. They will not be saved if they are not following Christ. Not all Christians will be "saved" on judgment day.
I don't know if you believe in freewill or not, that God is forcing you to type things on this site you don't want to say of if you believe you are doing it. If God forces you to eat things you don't want to eat like Taco Bell or ice cream. But about freewill of course there's only one truth- either its true or not, not both. And its true for me, so are people claiming its not true for them? And is that God speaking through them that its not true or is that their own doing and how can they 100% prove they are not in control of their bodies whatsoever? Some may be deceived and use this as justification to sin against God and perhaps some may be dishonest about it.
1 Cor 4:5 says to judge nothing before the Lord comes and then the Lord will then judge us, but people seem to like judging themselves as saved so some can then make excuses to disobey God.
Romans 15:5 Paul says we need endurance. He warns us, says to endure, and 1 Corinthians 9:24 says to run the race so to win the prize. The refutes the popular narrative.
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.�
Hebrews 10:26, James 2:14-26, Matthew 7:21-23
Psalm 56:7kjv: My heart is fixed , O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Mark 4:39 kjv: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
Peace be still.
Romans 15:13 kjv: Now the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power
of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:30-31
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
GBU
I agree with you on the two Gospels being preached. Where some get confused is they think that means there's 2 means to salvation. But that's not so.
HERE'S A ARTICLE FROM J VERNON MCGEE ON THIS.
( This may take several posts)
Part 1.
The gospel of the kingdom is the preaching of John the Baptist: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 3:2). We do not preach that gospel today. The Lord Jesus preached it when He first began (see Matthew 4:17), and He sent His disciples out, saying, "Goto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 10:6,7). These men went out and preached that, but the day came when that changed. After His death and resurrection He said, "Don't just go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but go now to the world" (see Mark 16:15). And to the world was to be preached the gospel of Christ. Paul mentions in Romans 15:19, "I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." Read his epistles and you'll find that the gospel he preached was that of the death and resurrection of Christ. He wrote to the Corinthians and said, "I delivered unto you first of all the gospel. And the gospel I preach is the one that you believed in, the one that saved you." Well, what is it, Paul? It's "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" ( 1 Corinthians 15:3). That's the gospel, it's nothing but the gospel, and nothing else is the gospel. Even if an angel from heaven appears to you and preaches any other gospel, Paul says let him be accursed! (See Galatians 1:8.) Because there's only one gospel that we are to preach today. We do not preach the gospel of the kingdom. I wish we could get that through today to a great many who are talking about the gospel of the kingdom.
See part 2.
I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....
We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.
When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.
Deuteronomy 15:7, Job 5:16, Proverbs 19:4, Psalms 69:33, Proverbs 14:21, 2Corinthians 9:9, Psalms 68:10, Galatians 2:10, Romans 15:26, Psalms 40:17, Proverbs 22:2, Psalms 41:1, Luke 14:13, Psalms 74:21, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 28:27, Psalms 112:9, Psalms 82:3, Daniel 4:27, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 31:10,20, context Proverbs 31, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 19:7, Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Mark 10:21,
Proverbs 19:6, Esther 9:22, James 1:27,
This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,
Psalms 31:24, Ecclesiastes 3:1,
Here are some scriptures on hope, when & if anyone needs it:
Psalms 31:24, Psalms 33:18, Psalms 38:15, Psalms 71:5, Psalms 78:7, Psalms 119:114, Psalms 130:7, Psalms 146:5, Jeremiah 17:7, Ecclesiastes 9:4, Lamentations 3:21-26, Joel 3:16, Romans 5:5, 2Corinthians 1:7,
Psalms 147:11, Romans 12:12, 1Timothy 1:1, Psalms 139, Romans 8:14-39
Romans 15:4, Romans 15:13,
Hope these are encouraging
I do not mind repeating to all that the Bible is a complete book Revelation 19:13 for us today to prepare ourselves and others. I pray all to be saved. We cannot have the people caught unaware of Matthew 24:37. To rightly divide is to know for us today what we need to do. So I will say that the 11 apostles messages are important for the physical Jews Matthew 10:5-7 at the end time; and there are verses in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that pertains to a spiritual Christians of today.
God had chosen Paul to be His vessel so we can read and believe not in vain. Study the Book of Romans to Philemon because he was the Last and believe it or not the 12th Apostle Galatians 1:1, Acts 9:15, Acts 13:47, Acts 22:21, Roman's 11:13, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 1:16. After Jesus died He says Hebrews 9:14-17. Then you are Ephesians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:2 just like Romans 15:28. Ephesians 4:30 and sing Psalms 49:8, 111:9, 130:7. In conclusion my fellow-believers, Paul is sealed 1 Corinthians 9:2 by God to be our apostle today. Weneedtoputtheworkof Paul not in vain Galatians 6:11. Paul tells us Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. And the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Then we are sealed Ephesians 1:13. Perhaps you are not understanding me because Revelation 18:4, Proverbs 20:1, Roman's 7:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 3:3, and lastly Revelation 18:23. Psalm 37:1-40 then we meditate Psalms 27:1-3. Shalom/Agape.
To make a statement that Paul alone had the teaching of the Body of Christ is to argue from the point of absence of extant recordings of what the other apostles taught. We do not know what they taught, so we cannot definitively say they did or did not have the fullness of information that Paul also received from the Lord.
I must clarify that in Ephesians 3:2 it does say "dispensation of the grace of God, which was given to me for you." (NIV)
This does not indicate that it is a period of time, rather that Paul has been given the administrative task of dispensing the Gospel to the Gentiles as God called him to do.
There is not a mention in the Bible of any":
of the "dispensations" listed by Darby and espoused by ardent dispensationalists. I prefer to speak about God revealing Himself and His plan/promise of salvation across the ages, not all at once, but as an unfolding from time period to time period until it reached it's fulfillment in Jesus.
I do not have a problem with people thinking of dispensations in this way, but I do not follow the thinking that there are 7 dispensations across times. I believe that the redemptive plan of the Godhead has remained the same since before creation. It was promised and prophesied until it reached its end in Jesus Christ.
I think that many dispensationalist teach error concerning that there are multiple ways for people to be saved across the ages, not one way, that of faith in God's promised salvation in a Redeemer to come, for the O.T. saints, and in the Redeemer who has come, for N.T. believers. I think also many these people teach error when they say that the only Scripture that applies to Gentiles are the epistles of Paul. Because of these errors, I cannot embrace dispensationalism.
I agree with you. I have noticed Dispensationalism has a negative interpretation and understanding. Maybe I will not use the word. I use Dispensation only on what Paul mentioned 4X on his epistles. But I think we have the same understanding. I am happy to have found someone like you. Agape.
or meaning of what God did at the time He wanted to do it. You can put there administration of grace which is what it is.
The only time in the History of the world when by confessing Romans 10:9+10 and believing it in your heart that jew or
gentile could be born again of holy spirit and receive christ in them a resurrected spiritual body. Think about it jesus christ
is seated at gods right hand and we have that spiritual body in us. This is not believed because people say its too good to
be true. But in my mind thats how great and big our father is. Lastly look at 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 if the princes of this world
have known what god was going to do on Pentecost they would not have crucified Christ. Why because when he was alive he
was only at one place at a time, now evertime a person gets born again and really believes its christ in them. Thats how great
what we have is. Incredible but thats the truth of Gods Word.
renew our minds to the doctrine reproof and correction of the church epistles and believe Ephesians 4:1-6 it would be
spiritually a new day and time. There were no denominations in the book of acts and what Paul was always spiritually
fighting was unbelief in the body of christ due to people walking by the flesh and picking each other apart instead of
walking 1 corinthians 13. So we endeavor to walk Agapeo which is the highest calling. Love in Christ
Praise and glory to God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man do account of us, as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Let us grow in Charity and grace in One BODY OF CHRIST. Agape.
working in the law although they were operating GODS GIFT OF GRACE. The APOSTLE PAUL WAS SPECIFICALLY GIVEN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ONE BODY IN CHRIST Ephesians 3:1-9 also Colossians 1;25-29. Thats why Romans through thessalonians
is the complete knowledge of the operation of the church in the grace administration or age.
What Ronnette is espousing is called ultra-dispensationalism and is new to me. I researched it last night to find out more. I suggest that you do too in order to understand more of what believe. I do not support her views.
About dispensation, I asked the question because I figured it's about some kind of specific belief among some christians. Is there a belief that is called "dispensationalism"?
Now about that "properly dividing the word of truth" that Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15
The very precise meaning of the greek word "orthotomisis" that has been translated in KJV as "properly dividing' is exactly that. BUT in greek it literally means "teaching the word of God property". It has another meaning than what it sounds. It has nothing to do with division. This is one of these words that when translated in other languages exactly as it is, it looses its actuall meaning. Probably its very initial meaning was to "divide between the right and false Word of God", so actually meaning to teach the proper Word of God.
Well, I made a research on internet to see how other English Bible versions translated this verse, and I randomly picked some and quote them below:
New International version "and who correctly handles the word of truth"
New living translation"and who correctly explains the word of truth"
American standard version "handling aright the word of truth"
Holeman Christians standard Bible "correctly teaching the word of truth"
As you can see none of them is referring to "division". I would say the last one is closer to the right meaning.
So since I think we could agree then that actually Paul says to Timothy to teach the right Word of God, can you please tell me now what in your opinion are those "more things" that Paul taught to gentiles, that do not apply to Jews?
Paul was linguistically gifted both in oratory and written expression. He was also gifted with zeal for God and a strong commitment to live for Him, even before He met Jesus on that road to Damascus. God provided Paul with all of these things because He had pre-ordained that Paul would be the one to evangelize the known world (Mediterranean/Roman region) at that time. The world at that time was hellenized, learned, literate, and intellectual. So, an evangelist to the Gentile regions would need to have just the skill set, intellect, fervor, and courage as Paul possessed, along with the faith and grace given to him at conversion. So, historically, this may be why so much of his writings were preserved, dispensed to the various churches of the time, and thus included in the canon of the N.T.
I believe that God, in His wisdom, decided that Paul's writings included most of what He wished to be taught to the church, even if the other apostles taught the same things, and therefore, had mostly Paul's writings chosen for inclusion in the N.T. canon.
This does not mean that the other apostles were deficient in knowledge or what they delivered in their preaching and teaching. It just shows that God was (and is) guiding His church from the time of Jesus' calling of the 12 disciples on. We are benefactors of what all of the apostles preached. Some went to India, others to Egypt and Northern Africa, some went east, etc.
But to end this post, I think we all need to recognize when something we state is directly stated in the Bible and when something we stated is our opinion/assumption of how we interpret/understand what is stated or unstated in the history and writings of the early church.
I, too, have been following the Lord for all of my life. I am 65 years old. I cannot remember a time when I did not believe. God's calling upon me was from a very young age. Thanks for your response to me.
I have just one thing to address from your response:
You stated that Paul had more information and knowledge of the Gospel than the other apostles had. I do not concur. I know that Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would bring to remembrance in them all that He taught them. (I couldn't find the verse-this was after His resurrection, I believe.) I do not recall anywhere in the Scriptures where it says that there was this great difference in knowledge and understanding of the gospel between Paul and the other apostles.
So, therefore, what you state concerning this is really an opinion and/or assumption. And to be fair, as is my view that since Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring all He had taught them to remembrance and He sent them out to spread the Gospel to all nations long before Paul was called to be an apostle, then Jesus would have taught them all that He taught Paul, because the Holy Spirit would faithfully teach these apostles ALL they needed to know to spread the gospel, just as Paul was taught by Jesus ALL the same things He taught the apostles. God does not have a divided mindset concerning this.
We are blessed to have so much Scripture written by Paul. Unfortunately, we do not have much Scripture written by the other apostles or scribed from their preaching. Most of these that were authentic to the apostles were lost early on. But I do believe that if we had them, they would reveal that each of the apostles had as complete and knowledgeable understanding of the Gospel as Paul had received. I think that Paul was blessed with many "natural" intellectual gifts. He was highly intelligent and skilled at presenting viewpoints, arguments, and didactic teaching. He was well trained to a very high educational level.....
Day and night. With unwearied zeal; with constancy Lu 2:37. The ordinary Jewish services and sacrifices were in the morning and evening, and might be said to be performed day and night. Some of their services, as the paschal supper, were prolonged usually till late at night. The main idea is, that they kept up the worship of God with constant and untiring zeal and devotion.
For which hope's sake. On account of my cherishing this hope in common with the great mass of my countrymen. See Ac 23:6. If Paul could convince Agrippa that the main point of his offence was that which had been the common belief of his countrymen, it would show to his satisfaction that he was innocent. And on this ground Paul put his defence: that he held only that which the mass of the nation had believed, and that he maintained this in the only consistent and defensible manner--that God had, in fact, raised up the Messiah, and had thus given assurance that the dead should rise.
Ac 23:6-11
Our twelve tribes. This was the name by which the Jews were designated. The ancient Jewish nation had hoped to come to that promise; it had been the hope and expectation of the nation. Long before the coming of the Messiah, ten of the twelve tribes had been carried captive to Assyria, and had not returned, leaving but the two tribes of Benjamin and Judah. But the name, "the twelve tribes," to designate the Jewish people, would be still retained. Comp. Jas 1:1. Ac 26:7 Paul here says that the hope had been that of the Jewish nation. Except the comparatively small portion of the Sadducees, the great mass of the nation had held to the doctrine of a future state. This Agrippa would well know. Instantly. Constantly; with intensity; with an effort with zeal. This was true; for, amidst all the sins of the nation, they observed with punctuality and zeal the outward forms of the worship of God. Serving God. In the ordinances and observances of the temple. As a nation, they did not serve him in their hearts; but they kept up the outward form of religious worship.
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.
"The twelve tribes which are in the dispersion," or of the dispersion, This word occurs only here and in 1Pe 1:1, and Joh 7:35. It refers properly to those who lived out of Palestine, or who were scattered among the Gentiles. There were two great "dispersions" --the eastern and the western. The first had its origin about the time when the ten tribes were carried away to Assyria, and in the time of the Babylonian captivity. In consequence of these events, and of the fact that large numbers of the Jews went to Babylon, and other eastern countries, for purposes of travel, commerce, etc., there were many Jews in the east in the times of the apostles. The other was the western "dispersion," which commenced about the time of Alexander the Great, and which was promoted by various causes, until there were large numbers of Jews in Egypt and along Northern Africa, in Asia Minor, in Greece Proper, and even in Rome. To which of these classes this epistle was directed is not known; but most probably the writer had particular reference to those in the east.
The phrase "the twelve tribes," was the common term by which the Jewish people were designated, and was in use long after the ten tribes were carried away--leaving, in fact, but two of the twelve in Palestine. Benjamin and Judah.
good stuff sister, yes the gospels are the same, the new testament explains the old testament, there's no divisions
I accept the writings of ALL of the apostles and disciples included in the N.T. as being for me, not just those of Paul. This includes the four Gospels. Jesus is the one who teaches me through His Holy Spirit. His words and life story is for my application. And His Spirit teaches me from all of the N.T. Scripture writers along with the O.T. as well.
Wow I agree everything you said. You just explained it in detailed. Thank you. Agape.
I tend to think of the lost sheep of Israel as both the house of Judah and the house of Israel, the Southern Kingdom and the Northern Kingdom. Many of the Jews returned to Jerusalem form the Babylonian captivity, but very few members of the remaining 11 tribes returned from Assyria, and those that did intermingled with the transplanted peoples that the Assyrians government moved into Israel when they took the Israelites captive. Most members of these 11 tribes and many of Judah migrated out of Mesopotamia northward into western Asia and eastern Europe, and eventually to all parts of the earth. Most of the members of these dispersed 11 tribes today do not even know that they are Israelites. So, Jesus came for these Israelites all over the world, not just for the Jews, when He made that statement you cited.
Even so, the Gospel of Christ is the same as the Gospel of the Kingdom as well as the Gospel of Heaven, and the Solitary Gospel is to be preached to all inhabitants of the world because Jesus is the Savior of humanity, not just of the Jews.
I truly appreciate your response. I am also happy that we can discuss the truth according to the word of God, KJV Bible. I really do agree with what you said that Jesus came to save all of us. So as the apostle Paul. That is why he wrote the gospel according to the scriptures in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. There is none that indicated in my explanations that Paul has a different Gospel than Jesus Christ. I simply stated that these two verses distinguishes one from the other (i.e. between v8 and v16). Come to think of it. It makes it more amazing that God is a God of number. It multiplies the 8 by 2 and you have verse 16. Anyway, I digressed. It also amazes me that in Matthew 15:24 Jesus said that. I know every word in the Bible is very important, especially inspired by God. There is no way one can understand the Bible without dividing the word of truth per 2 Timothy 2:15. That is why I study very hard. Because Jesus Christ personally selected Paul to be His last disciple, Jesus revealed to Paul more information for us Gentiles. Something that Jesus did not reveal to other Apostles. Peter even agreed that some of Paul's epistles are hard to understand. But in the end Peter agreed with Paul. I am trying not to repeat myself in every comment entry I have here. With my 60 years experienced in the world, my professional job is really not to confused people. I have noticed some understand but not many see the truth. That is why I made my comment a stimulating discussions. I truly understand your point. I also can see why people get confused on the passages. I truly believed there is a dispensation in the word of truth. For example, why do you think Jesus Christ said to His disciples in Matthew 10:5-6 to not go to Gentiles but to the lost sheep of Israel? Then in the last two verses in Matthew 28 He said to go to all Nations? If there is no dispensation, one would say Jesus is contradicting Himself. But we know God better than that. Don't we?
Thank you for your response.
I know based on KJV Bible, Paul is not only an inspired man he is chosen by THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF as the last Apostle.
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," Romans 1:1 KJV
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, ." 1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,." 2 Corinthians 1:1 KJV
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)" Galatians 1:1 KJV. You may wonder why every first verse of Paul epistle wrote that's he is an apostle of Jesus Christ. I think you get the gist that Paul holds the important messages for us today. In my opinion ALL are indeed inspired by God. Agape.
There have been discussions such as this in recent months. People differ in their understanding on this. I, personally, believe that Jesus came for me, and you, and the Jew, and the Gentiles. His words are for all people, not just for the Jews. I do not elevate Paul as my singular apostles above the other apostles, nor above Jesus. If Jesus came only for the Jews, then His sacrificial death and resurrection was only for the Jews and Paul is appropriating this salvific work for the Gentiles without merit.
But, I do not believe that. I believe He is the promised Savior of Genesis 3:15 and saved all who believe in Him. He sent the Holy Spirit to all of the apostles at Pentecost, long before Paul became an apostle. The body of Christ existed before Paul became an apostle. he joined the other apostles when he was called to preach the same gospel as these other apostles to the Gentiles. The Gospel of Christ IS the gospel Paul preached. They are the same. There are not two gospels, one for Jews and one for Gentiles, in my opinion.
Well, this is my understanding on this topic, since you sought what others think about this topic.