October 06, 2017
Acts 2:14 (KJV) “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:”
Are we to hearken to his (Peter’s) words in this dispensation of the grace of God???
To whom was Peter addressing? “Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem,” Acts 2:14b
To whom was Peter addressing? “Ye men of Israel, hear these words;” Acts 2:22
To whom was Peter addressing? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly” Acts 2:36a
Were these actions of Peter and John of “Law” or “Grace”? “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” Acts 3:1 (note: think; be careful in your answer ? ? ? ?)
To whom was Peter addressing? “And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.” Acts 3:12-13.
Does this verse apply to Israelite & Jew; and/or also Gentile alike? “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” Acts 3:25 Relative scriptures: Ps 147:19-20; Acts 7:38; Romans 2:17-20, 3:1-3, 9:4-5.
Who said what to whom? “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,” Acts 4:8 By the Holy Ghost who was Peter speaking too?
Again talking to whom? “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,” Acts 4:10a Was “Unto you all”, to all corporately Jew and Gentile, or still just Jew with “and to all the people of Israel”. The “Unto you all” were those in attendance, “and to all the people of Israel” present and not present. One must learn to keep the words in order with the whole Isa 28:10-13 enforces this thought, verse to chapter, chapter to book, book to Bible too: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4
What was Peter’s gospel message and to whom? “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:36-38. Works centered with belief. Note: Acts 37b: “what shall we do” collective, national confession; as compared to Acts 16:30 “what must I do” a personal confession.
What was Paul’s gospel message and to whom? “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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 15:1-4. Too whom? “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:22-23. Complete faith, the believing of and in the one presented by Paul; as opposed to Peter’s professing of the gospel to “Ye men of Israel;” .
This will make some down right angry; good, if it causes one to ask God to reveal truth and not man. For those of who are so devoted to the twelves gospel apart from Paul: “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6b and “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5. God’s written instruction concerning that: James 1:5-6.
Who was Peter’s (and the elevens; Acts 2:14) message from? “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 (Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:” Romans 15:8. Knowing what that entails, will help in understanding the differences of the gospel of the twelve and Paul: gospel of the kingdom of heaven and the Kingdom of God.) Further then explain “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16
To whom was this message too; the coming kingdom of heaven? “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6
What and why did Peter and the twelve believe? “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. John 2:11. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:68
What did Peter and the elven believe of Jesus? “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16.
Back to Peter’s and Paul’s gospel then:
Peter’s instruction for salvation: Acts 2:38
1. Repent: change the mind about Christ, admit sin and believe that this man Jesus the Christ came to remove sin. “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” One needs to understand Daniel’s “Seventy weeks” Daniel 9: 20-27. That seventieth week (yet to come, known as tribulation, Jacob’s trouble (Jer 30:7); is seen in Isa 60:3 w/Gentiles coming in; and Isa 61:1-3 with Luke 4:16-30. Watch the separations in these two scriptures and punctuation marks between the two. Also concerning repenting see Acts 3:19.
2. Baptized: Water: “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” with
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, unto John’s baptism.” Acts 19:3. “And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” Matthew 3:6 Supporting scripture Mk.1:4/5
3. Receive: Gift; “and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Insights to this/these “receiving the gift”. Joel 2:28; Zech 12:10; John 7:39; Is 44:3; one must be able to discern, know the differences between first and second advents or one will, will become confused (2 Tim 2:15 is vital).
There are those today who still refuse faith and seek signs “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign;” Matthew 16:4a
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:1. The tense here is future “may be blotted out”; where as now sin has been forgiven (dispensation of the grace of God Eph 3:1-3). Sin now forgiven: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:14.
Paul’s instruction for salvation: What was Paul’s experience with receiving salvation. “And as he (Saul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven (God revealed in truth): and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? (acknowledgement, repentance) And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (submission and confession: (Romans 10:9-10 with Ephesians 2:5-10, but yet unwritten but revealed);
1. Repent: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained (Ro 2:16); whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Acts 17:30-31
2. Baptized: “For Christ sent me not to baptize (water), but to preach the gospel (1 Cor15:1-4): not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
3. Receive: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized (not water but by His Spirit) into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles (no difference now as then with Peter), whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.
4. Does Paul call or refer to Jesus as the King of King, or King Jesus, but calls Him: Ro 8:17; Eph 5:23; Col. 1:8 Does Peter refer to Jesus in this manner or as King?
Peter’s gospel: faith plus doing! do repenting, confessing sins: Lev 5:5, 16:21; Num 5:7; Neh 1:6. 9:2; Ps 32:5; 1 Jo 1:9; do baptizing, Acts 2:38, Matt 3:6, 11, 13, 14, 16, Mk 1:4, 5, 8; with law keeping, and many other commands else where. Then receive “the gift” Acts 2:38.
Paul’s gospel: faith plus nothing! But Believe!!! Ro 1:16, 3:22, 26, 4:3, 5, 11, 24, 6:8, 10:4, 10, 11, 13:11. Continuing then with belief: 1 Corinthians 11x’s; 2 Cor 3x’s; Galatians 3x’s, Ephesians 2x’s Philippians once, Thessalonians 7x’s, Timothy 8x’s and Titus once. Though some may be more/less explicit of/to salvation; but still of salvation. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”1 Corinthians 1:21
Things to also consider. Concerns have risen that there were gentiles at Peter’s preaching in Acts 2. But what saith the scriptures? “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” This came about by the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities as can be read in the prophets. Here devout men were of the nations of the earth after which some had returned (law keeping in Temple sacrifice) after captivity, some 800 to 400BC years earlier (Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel). “because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:6b. Read the whole of Acts 2:1-13; then starts Peter’s sermon to those listening Jews. If one desires to investigate “captivities” of Israel and Judah, consult a concordance. Is it any different today? My wife a Filipina by birth but an naturalized American, speaks Tagalog and two other dialects, but is a US citizen by US law. Others also who have immigrated keep their native tongue alive and ways; no different than the Jew then and now.
How did the twelve disciples/apostles receive what they were to preach/teach? Three + years with God/ the LORD Jesus Christ; in who He was/is and what He had come to do. They, the twelve were looking for the coming kingdom, that kingdom of heaven given in Matthew some 30+ times. Peter’s concern for what had been given up, wondering of his reward. “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19-27-28. The request of James and John’s mother: “And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.” Matthew 20:21 Full text Matthew 20:20-28. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8. They, those of the kingdom of heaven were looking for the earthly, of that kingdom of heaven. Most misunderstand the kingdom of heaven as being in heaven and not heaven on earth by the removal of the curse as seen in Isaiah 11:1-9. See attachment “Kingdom of Heaven & of God are not the same”
How did Paul receive what he was to preach and teach? “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; (the risen Christ) 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 men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets (not the twelve) by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body (1 Cor 12:12-13), and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4): Whereof I was made a minister (Acts 9:15), according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power (1 Tim 1:15-16). 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 (not just Jews) see what is the fellowship of the mystery (1 Tim 4:10 & Titus 2:11), which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” Ephesians 3:1-12 i ask; is that the same gospel Peter and the twelve presented?
Other scriptures to consider while on this topic. Peter’s sent to Cornelius Acts 10; no presenting gospel to gentiles recorded to this point, or some 12 years later. The council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) was to bring Paul under submission of the law. “And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” Acts 15:1-2. “And being brought on their way by the church,” Acts 15:3a Verse for “of the church”; Strong’s #1577; “a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) :- assembly, church.” Beware of context when defining “church”: see Acts 7:37-39, 19:37; 1 Cor 14:28,35; 2 Cor 11:8; Eph 5:23; Col 1:18. i ask then, these references to the church, are they all of the same context? So then the use of the word church doesn’t always mean “the body” Ephesians 5:23. Nor the use as in Col 1:24 the same as in Acts or Ephesians; we need to “Study - - - - - rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Tim 2:15. Continuing then with Peter’s intervention with Cornelius. “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28 Peter still a law keeper, did what he was told, but still referred to the law when confronted by this Gentile Cornelius; thats all he had, he didn’t know grace; not yet revealed. Peter still in “law” went back to what was taught to him, “That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached (not 1 Cor 12:12-13); How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem (remember Matt 10:5-6); whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;” Acts 10:37-40. Not as in Acts 2:38; Peter never got the opportunity to present what he had given previously in Acts 2:38. But what? “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:44-48. This shows us today that there isn’t a formula to salvation other than that given to Paul to us-wards; that being again “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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 15:1-4.
“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter (doesn’t that in and of itself show a distinction between the two?); For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:(another distinction between the two?) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship (they agreed to go each their own way, to preach and present what they had been given to whom they had been sent, made a pact and shook hands on the, again, on the distinction of the two???); that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision (distinction between the two again). Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” Gal 2:7-10. Is the gospel then of the uncircumcision (Kingdom of God, Gentile received by grace through faith) committed unto Paul the same as the gospel committed to Peter which was faith plus keeping the law: are they the same then. What happened to the temple, law, sacrifice in 70 AD? it was finally removed physically as was it removed spiritually in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. There was a transitional period of the Jew, none for Gentile (Ro 11:13-24): now only one way until: “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Luke 21:24 And “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:25.
At the end of his life, Peter, had received many questions from his followers concerning what Paul was preaching; those things that were not taught by the 12. But Peter was aware enough that Paul had information that he, himself didn’t have nor the twelve had, but by the scriptures was able to show what he, Paul was teaching and preaching was correct; causing Peter to write: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Quit being a lazy Christian and “Study” but study with prayer and a humble heart as to where the Holy Spirit will be able to teach.
To consider: God through Moses instituted the law to Israel; why is hard to accept then, that, God “by grace are ye saved through faith” through Paul.
Thank You for loving me and giving me Your life. i understand, i didn’t figure it out but because i had a teachable spirit You could reveal truth that only You can reveal by Your Holy Spirit. Lord protect me and don’t allow me to become haughty and proud, show me, help me be more like You so that i may exalt you more in my weakness. In Your name, in Jesus’s name Amen . . . . . . .
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