Bible Discussion Thread

Acts 2:38 is not your mail, it belongs to the jews only.

You must rightly divide the word... 2nd Tim. 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Our mail as gentiles comes from Paul...

Romans11:13

"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." - Paul's own declaration

Acts9:15

"This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." - God's commission of Paul

Acts22:21 & Acts26:17-18

"Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles."

"From the Gentiles-to whom I am sending you" - Reaffirming his mission to the Gentiles

Galatians2:7-9

Paul recounts: "James, Cephas, and John gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised [Jews]." - Church recognition of his distinct role

Ephesians3:8

Paul states: "to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" - Emphasizing his calling and the scope of his ministry

1Timothy2:7

"For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." - Paul's self-identification

Summary Table of Key References

ScriptureContextRole Affirmed

Romans11:13Paul addressing Gentile believersExplicit self-identification

Acts9:15 Commission by Christ to AnaniasDivine mandate to Gentiles

Acts22 & 26Paul recounting his calling in defense or testimonyRepeated confirmation of his assignment

Galatians 2:7-9Jerusalem Council fellowship and allocation of ministryRecognition by other apostles

Ephesians3:8Paul's summation of his divine missionPreaching "unsearchable riches"

1Timothy2:7Paul's declaration to a younger church leaderOfficial title "apostle of the Gentiles"

Final thoughts...I hope this helps.

The kingdom message preached by Peter was directed primarily to Israel and was rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Peter called the Jewish people to repentance and faith in Jesus as their promised Messiah and King, who would restore the earthly kingdom to Israel. This message emphasized Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the necessity of repentance, water baptism, and the works consistent with the law. On the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2), Peter proclaimed that the events taking place were in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy and urged the nation of Israel to "repent and be baptizedfor the remission of sins" ( Acts 2:38).

In contrast, Paul's grace message was a distinct revelation from Christ, revealed after Israel's rejection of the kingdom. It was directed to both Jews and Gentiles and centered on the "mystery" of the Body of Christ, a truth hidden in previous ages ( Ephesians 3:1-9). Paul preached salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works or the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9). His gospel emphasized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the sole basis for salvation ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and he never required water baptism as part of the gospel. Paul's focus was heavenly, not earthly-believers were no longer awaiting a physical kingdom but were members of a spiritual body with a heavenly hope.

While Peter's message looked toward the restoration of Israel's earthly kingdom, Paul revealed a new dispensation, the age of grace, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Christ. Peter's audience was the nation of Israel, under covenant promises, while Paul's audience was the Church, the Body of Christ, under the administration of grace. These differences reflect not conflicting messages, but distinct programs in God's plan-one prophetic and earthly, the other mysterious and heavenly.

No, they not end up in a hell of torment.

Follows a brief explanation to support the my answer.

That is because Jesus will come to judge His own. The fact of He be the Judge of the Christians shows that there is judgment reserved for the believers, and not a condemnation automatic to the hell.

If we go to automatic to this point of reasoning and debate that occurring.

I will leave for who has more theology, but 2 verses of the Theological Base,

The Scripture affirms that:

"For it is necessary that all of us appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive according to the good or the bad that he may have done through the body."

- 2 Corinthians 5:10

In other words, even the saved Christians will be judged, not for eternal condemnation, but for giving of account. It is the Bma, the judgment seat of evaluation of the works of the saved. That implies that:

Even if there be sin and fall, the judgment of Christ separates what is true from the false.

The judgment is not automatic or "impersonal", but done by the One who died for us.

Besides that:

"The Lord knows the who are His"

- 2 Timothy 2:19

Jesus disciplines His children, and if someone is truly born again, even if fall gravely, will be treated with justice, mercy and correction. The lack of repentance visible may indicate that never there was true regeneration, but only God knows the heart.

Therefore, we must not presume automatically the eternal destiny of anyone, for only Christ is worthy to open the book and judge rightly ( Revelation 5:9).

amen, well said.

Lbooth1955

I have been reading this thread and I must agree with Chris and the witness of Scripture that Paul and the other apostles all preached the same gospel of Jesus Christ as they ALL received this gospel directly from Jesus, the apostles did after the resurrection when Jesus taught them what they needed to know to take the gospel to all the world; and Paul received it from Jesus when he was in Arabia for a time before meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem. When he did meet with James and Peter all attested to preaching the same gospel ( Acts 15-council of Jerusalem).

Can you show me in Scripture where it says that Peter preached a different gospel than Paul and where Paul taught that believers are not to be baptized? Can you show me in Scriptures where Pau; claims that the gospel he preached was different than that of Peter and the other apostles? I have never read any of these things in Scripture.

Thank you

Paul's teaching on baptism is distinct from the Jewish water baptism practiced by John the Baptist and the apostolic baptism Peter preached at Pentecost. Here's a breakdown of how Paul viewed and taught baptism within the dispensation of grace:

1. Water Baptism Not Central in Paul's Ministry

Paul was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel:

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel"

- 1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)

This is a strong statement. Unlike Peter ( Acts 2:38), Paul separates water baptism from the gospel message of grace. While water baptism continued for a time (as with early Jewish believers), it was not a requirement for salvation under Paul's gospel.

2. Spirit Baptism Into the Body of Christ

Paul emphasizes a spiritual baptism, not involving water, which places the believer into the Body of Christ:

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"

- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

This baptism is not performed by man, but by the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief. It aligns with Paul's core doctrine of salvation by grace through faith-with no physical work (like water baptism) required.

3. Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection

Paul also teaches a symbolic baptism in Romans 6:

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"

- Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)

This speaks of a positional truth: the believer is spiritually united with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Again, this is not water baptism but a spiritual reality that takes place when one trusts the gospel.

Summary:

Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38) required repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins-part of the Kingdom gospel to Israel.

Paul's gospel ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9) presents salvation by grace through faith, without works, and emphasizes Spirit baptism into the Body of Christ, not water baptism.

Paul downplayed water baptism in favor of the spiritual baptism that unites us into one body.

Thank you very much for your study; it made me realize how the apostles' timeline is organized. If you allow me, I will briefly summarize your post as follows:

Peter's foundation of salvation in the beginning:

Faith + works of the Law.

Paul's foundation of salvation:

Faith alone, by grace.

Role of the Mosaic Law:

Peter still observed it in the beginning (until Acts 10);

Paul considered it fulfilled in Christ.

Gentiles:

Peter - initially hesitant;

Paul - fully included by faith.

Repentance:

Peter adjusts according to God's revelation;

Paul emphasizes inner transformation by the Spirit.

Is faith without works sufficient for salvation? Peter - No (in the beginning);

Paul - Yes, works are the result, not the cause.

Reference: Acts 10:9-15

Peter is confronted with a vision from God, where he is invited to eat animals considered "unclean" by the Law.

Peter replies:

"I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

The divine voice responds:

"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

At this point, Peter begins to understand that spiritual purity no longer depends on ceremonial Law.

Change of mindset:

Peter repents from his legalistic thinking.

He obeys God's instruction and goes to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile.

Reference: Acts 10:44-48

The Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household - even before baptism.

Peter is surprised:

"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Peter baptizes them in the name of Jesus.

Peter acknowledges that God shows no partiality.

Peter's conclusion: Salvation is also available to the Gentiles - by faith - yet still accompanied by obedience and baptism.

The Kingdom Gospel preached by Peter and the Grace Gospel revealed through Paul represent two distinct programs in God's redemptive plan.

1. Peter's Kingdom Gospel (Faith + Works) - For Israel and the Little Flock

Peter's message centered on Israel's prophetic hope, the coming earthly kingdom, and the Messiahship of Jesus. This gospel required faith in Jesus as the Messiah, but it also included repentance, water baptism, and adherence to the law, as seen in Acts 2:38:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." ( Acts 2:38, KJV)

Key elements:

Audience: Jews (especially "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matthew 10:5-6)

Content: Jesus is the promised Messiah; repent and be baptized.

Requirement: Faith plus works (baptism, continued obedience).

Goal: Entry into the earthly kingdom promised to Israel ( Luke 12:32 - "little flock").

James 2:24 supports this...

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

This shows that under the Kingdom Gospel, works confirmed faith for salvation, especially for the Jewish remnant.

2. Paul's Grace Gospel (Faith Alone) - For the Body of Christ

Paul preached a new, previously hidden "mystery" gospel revealed to him by Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-9). This message was not based on Israel's covenants or prophecy, but on grace alone through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Key elements:

Audience: All (Jew and Gentile alike), forming the Body of Christ.

Content: Christ died for our sins and rose again.

Requirement: Faith alone (no works, no law, no baptism required for salvation).

Goal: Salvation unto a heavenly inheritance ( Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3).

Romans 4:5 is definitive:

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is

Did they both preach Jesus as Savior, of course, but the requirements for salvation changed with Paul.

Hello Chris,

Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.

That would be like trying to mix oil and water.

PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW

Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)

Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)

Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises

Supporting Scriptures:

Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"

Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"

Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)

PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS

Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)

Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)

Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)

Supporting Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"

Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"

Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."

Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"

Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):

Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.

Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.

Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.

thanks again, God Bless!

Thanks Lbooth1955 for those thoughts. Unfortunately, I don't share your understanding as I believe the core message of the Gospel was the same one preached by both Peter and Paul. As stated earlier, their audiences were different, inasfar as Peter ministered to the circumcision and Paul to the uncircumcision, but both taught repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Blessings.

Chris,

The programs changed from faith with works to Grace alone.

The Apostle Paul's message, often called the "gospel of grace," centers on the revelation that salvation is offered freely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the Law. Unlike the message given to Israel under the Law, which required obedience to commandments and rituals, Paul's message reveals a new dispensation where both Jews and Gentiles are made one in Christ. In passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28, Paul emphasizes that righteousness is imputed by faith alone, and that boasting in works is excluded. This gospel was a "mystery" revealed to Paul ( Ephesians 3:1-9), setting his ministry apart from the prophetic program previously known, I.E. Peters message.

Paul also taught that believers today are part of the "body of Christ," a spiritual organism distinct from the nation of Israel. Members of this body are sealed with the Holy Spirit and blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places ( Ephesians 1:3, 13). Paul's message includes not only justification by faith but also identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection ( Romans 6:3-5), offering believers a new walk in the Spirit rather than under the Law. His grace-centered gospel calls for no physical circumcision, temple worship, or adherence to Mosaic ordinances, but rather a life transformed by Christ's indwelling presence and the hope of heavenly glory.

Thanks.

Page 1.

Thanks again for your replies Lbooth1955. I've read through them and noted what GiGi has also responded, with good questions to you; so I won't repeat them here.

Though I would say, that I tried to do some research on this interesting perception of Peter preaching a Gospel of Grace under the Law, whereas Paul preached Grace alone. I referred to a long well written article by Shawn Brasseaux: "Did Peter and Paul preach the same message". I believe that he too aligned with your understanding, but the points that stood out to me, were still more in line with the secondary points of the ministry of the Gospel rather than its core (essential) points.

He raised Paul's use of the "revelation of the mystery", that some of Paul's words "were hard to be understood", "the Gospel of the uncircumcision & the Gospel of the circumcision", Peter's statement in Acts 2:38 as opposed to Paul's in Acts 16:31, or even Paul's reference to "my Gospel being kept secret". Having considered these points, I still fail to see any clear deviation from the pure Gospel message that both apostles preached, rather their words were given as they were led to speak (and act upon) that Christ might be magnified & that all men (whether Jew or Gentile) would turn to Him in faith. For the Jew, to cast off the adherence to the Law for salvation (for the compulsions of the Law & Grace through Faith are totally incompatible); and for the Gentile, to turn from idols receiving God's Grace by His Son through Faith.

Onto Page 2.

Page 2. Lbooth 1955.

It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".

So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.

And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.

So it's not that Peter refused to preach Paul's message-it's that his role ended as God transitioned to a new dispensation. He respected Paul's calling but didn't cross over into a ministry that wasn't his.

In Summary

Peter didn't preach Paul's mystery message after meeting Paul because:

It wasn't his calling-his ministry was to the Jews.

He recognized Paul's unique revelation but didn't claim it for himself.

God was transitioning to the Body of Christ through Paul, not blending the two programs.

On another note...

Why did Paul get baptized?

Paul was baptized early in his conversion ( Acts 9:18; Acts 22:16) because at that time, God was still dealing with Israel under the kingdom program, where water baptism was required as a sign of repentance ( Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38). Paul's baptism was part of this transitional period.

However, after receiving the revelation of the mystery, Paul came to understand that in this new dispensation of grace, water baptism was no longer required for salvation. He later wrote:

"Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17)

So, Paul was baptized as part of the old program still active when he was saved-but he later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him.

Blessing Friend.

Page 1.

Thanks you Lbooth1955 for your posts to me. I've had to collate them so that I'm reading the pertinent ones, since they now appear quite scattered in this long thread. To the points you raised:

a. Romans 16:25, "..according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". When I read Paul writing of "my gospel", I don't believe he is suggesting that the Gospel he preached was different to anyone else's Gospel & understanding, rather, that it was the Gospel that was placed upon him to preach which may have had various emphases that others didn't bring up: as when one shares the Gospel to those of another religion - that presentation would be different in parts.

You quoted Ephesians 3:1-9. In verse 5, Paul writes: "Which (the mystery in Christ) in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit". Not just to Paul, but his claim that the other apostles and prophets (those given the gift by the Spirit) were also aware of this mystery, "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel". So, Peter, as the other apostles, may have spoken about this mystery, but we aren't told about this.

b. 2 Peter 3:15,16. If some things that Paul wrote were hard to understand, Peter couldn't be referring to this mystery in Christ, as Peter himself preached to the Gentiles ( Acts 15:7), which I hope we can assume that he at least had some understanding that Gentiles, along with believing Jews, would be saved the same way, viz. the Cross. "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (v9): a clear declaration by Peter that he believed that not only were Jews & Gentiles now fully in God's Salvation Plan, but that it was by faith alone that they would be saved, having their hearts purified. Onto Page 2.

Page 2.

c. Paul's baptism. I mentioned this earlier with Scriptures that Paul continued to baptize, at least accepted its relevancy, during his ministry. I quoted, Acts 18:7,8 (Jews and Gentiles in Corinth); Acts 19:1-5 (disciples at Ephesus); Romans 6:3,4 (the meaning & relevance of water baptism); 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (Paul's ministry was to preach the Gospel, but he still baptized); Colossians 2:11,12 (baptism as identification with Christ). So baptism in water was still very much practised during Paul's ministry. I can't think of any Scripture showing that Paul "later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him."

Thank you again for your time & input. Blessings.

Lbooth 1955

Scripture does not record all of the history of where the apostles went to preach or the content of their preaching other than the epistles of Peter, James, John, and Jude. But they did spread the gospel to all people as Jesus instructed them to do in Matthew 28:18-20. Because Jesus said that all power and authority was given to Himself, what He willed for the apostles to do in His name would definitely occur because, as God, whom they worshipped in vs. 17, His will would be accomplished.

As believers we ought to firmly believe that Jesus would ensure that the gospel to be preached to all people whether through the apostles, or His brothers, James and Jude, or Paul, Barnabas or Silas, would be the consistently the same, since, in time, congregations of believers would be made up of both Jews and Gentiles and would be of the same mind and belief concerning gospel truth.

For whatever reason we do not have contained in Scripture any of the preaching of other apostles, we can be assured that they all preached thesame gospel faithfully because they are called "holy" apostles by Paul.

In Scripture, Jesus Christ initially sent His twelve disciples only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus commanded them, "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." This directive limited their early ministry strictly to the circumcision, the Jewish people. Even after Christ's resurrection, Peter and the other apostles continued ministering primarily to the Jews in Jerusalem and surrounding regions ( Acts 1-7). Their ministry was rooted in the hope of Israel and the promised earthly kingdom.

Although the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15 includes the phrase "go ye into all the world," there is no biblical record of Peter, James, John, or the other original apostles ever launching widespread missions to the Gentile nations. Their continued presence in Jerusalem and their focus on the Jewish believers is affirmed in Galatians 2:7-9, where Paul writes that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to him, while the gospel of the circumcision was committed to Peter. The Jerusalem apostles gave Paul and Barnabas the "right hands of fellowship," agreeing that Paul should go to the Gentiles while they remained with the circumcision.

Only Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles ( Romans 11:13), is recorded in Scripture as taking multiple missionary journeys to distant lands-Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. These travels are thoroughly documented in the Book of Acts (chapters 13-28). Paul uniquely preached the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), revealing the mystery of the Body of Christ and salvation by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 3:1-9), distinct from the kingdom gospel preached to Israel.

Thus, Scripture consistently shows that the twelve apostles remained focused on Israel and never carried out global missionary work, while Paul alone fulfilled the calling to take the gospel to the nations.

Lbooth1955.

I just realized I left out one important Scripture, Acts 1:8 where Jesus tells the apostles that when the Holy Spirit comes they will receive power and that they would be witness unto Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even unto the uttermost parts of the world. Then Jesus ascended up to heaven.

This verse is one that shows that what Jesus commanded in Matt. 28:19-20 would indeed happen in the apostles lives and ministries. This verse is not a command, but a statement of decreed fact according to Jesus' authority that the apostles He was speaking with would indeed take the gospel to all parts of the world (which also included Paul who was saved a few years later.)

I believe in the power and authority of Jesus to carry out every aspect of this decree as He stated it. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and the power they will receive from God, the apostles did exactly what Jesus had said they would do.

If anyone would argue that this did not happen then I would say that they do not believe what Jesus said directly to the apostles and that they disbelieve that Jesus is sovereign and can bring about His will perfectly in this mission He places upon the apostles.

Lbooth1955

It is known from historical information that John discipled people at Ephesus, appointed both Polycarp of Smyrna (I believe, and Ignateus at Antioch as bishops. So it seems that he did evangelize beyond Jerusalem.

Since the Scriptures that were canonized to be included in the NT do not tell us much about the apostles in Acts we really cannot say positively that they stayed in Jerusalem or if they did travel beyond Jerusalem to preach the gospel of Jesus as He commanded. What you or I believe are assumptions ad I think we should both admit this as fact.

As for me, I do believe that each of the apostles, along with those that were present at Pentecost in the Upper Room all obeyed the command of Jesus to take the gospel beyond Jerusalem after His resurrection. And I believe that since Jesus prefaced the command with stating that He has all power and authority, I believe that that He was ensuring them that they will indeed accomplish whatever He had commanded them to do because of who they then knew who He was and worshipped him. Since I believe that Jesus is God as well as human, I understand that He had the same sovereignty as the Father and the Spirit and thus, whatever He willed to occur with the disciples after His ascension would come to pass according to what He commanded them to go and do.

Lbooth. I have read all of your posts and have heard your doctrine before and I do not adhere to it. I do not wish to engage in a prolonged back and forth with you as I will not be convinced of your way of thinking, and I don't think you will change your view either from what is stated in response to your presentation of your views.

For the record, I just encourage each reader to go to Scripture and learn, praying for a mindset that truly seeks the truth from God and asks for help in how one approaches Scripture and understand sections of Scripture in light of all the other Scriptures that teach us what God is truly like in all that He is. may all be blessed.

Acts 8:5 "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them."

Acts 8:14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:"

Acts 8:25 "And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."

Acts 8:34 "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"

Acts 8:35 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."

Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee."

Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"

Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

Acts 11:20 "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."

Acts 11:21 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."

Blessings

Peter did not preach Paul's mystery because God hadn't revealed it yet-it was hidden and later given to Paul. Peter's message was tied to Israel's prophetic program, while Paul's mystery message concerns the unprophesied Church-the Body of Christ and a new dispensation of grace.

Peter Acknowledged Paul's Revelation, But It Was Not His Commission

Peter did recognize that Paul had a unique message from God, but he did not take up preaching it himself. Instead, he stayed in his God-given role.

Peter 3:15-16 - Peter says:

"Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you... in which are some things hard to be understood..."

Peter admits Paul had special wisdom from God (a mystery), but also that it was hard to understand-meaning it was foreign to his own teaching.

Galatians 2:7-9 - At their meeting, they agreed:

Paul would go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the uncircumcision.

Peter would continue with the Jews (circumcision) under the kingdom program.

So even after meeting Paul, Peter didn't change commissions. God gave each apostle a distinct assignment.

God Was Shifting Programs, Not Merging Them

The mystery given to Paul marked a new dispensation-a change in God's dealings from Israel and prophecy to the Body of Christ and grace.

Peter was part of the prophetic program concerning Israel.

Paul was part of the mystery program concerning the Body of Christ.

Peter stepped back, recognizing that God was now working through Paul. He did not oppose it-but he didn't adopt Paul's ministry either, because God didn't call him to it.

3. Peter Disappears from the Biblical Record After Acts 15

After the Acts 15 Jerusalem Council and Galatians 2 meeting with Paul, Peter fades from the narrative. Why?

Because God was now focusing on Paul's ministry, and the kingdom offer to Israel was fading.

Peter's mission to the Jews under the kingdom program was being set aside temporarily ( Romans 11:11-15).

Dear Lbooth1955

I think that you err greatly in your thinking on this subject.

Scripture does not support the idea that God has two peoples-one earthly (Jews) and one heavenly (Church) or two gospels-one fore the Jews that differs from the one for the church.

This idea you are promoting is the presupposition of John N. Darby who created dispensationalism an promulgated it in his lifetime (1800-1860) from when he was a young man (1830's) on and those who adopt a dispensational viewpoint blanket Scripture with this same presupposition when approaching understanding of the Word of God.

It is clear in Scripture that the new heavens and new earth will be united after Jesus returns and that those who inhabit these realms with The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will be the elect angels (and any other holy spiritual beings) and redeemed elect humans. Those who remain Jews and do not believe in Jesus as their Messiah and Lord will be cast into the lake of fire with all other unbelievers, because "for they are not all Israel, which are of Israel" ( Romans 9:6) "Neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children, but in Isaac shall thy seed be called. (vs. 7) That is They which are children of the flesh, these are not the children of God, but the children of promise are counted as seed". (vs. 8)

In Romans 11 Paul says that God has not cast away his people HE FOREKNEW (which is the remnant, those elected to salvation in Christ Jesus) Vs. 2, 5. In vs. 23 Paul speaks that those of Israel who are grafted back in are only those who believe in Jesus, those who continue in unbelief will not be re-graftedm.

Vs. 26 speaks of how "all" Israel will be saved. By believing in the same gospel as the Gentiles who were grafted into the same olive tree as believing Jews of Paul's day. Because not all who are of Israel are included in Israel ( Rom. 9:6), only the remnant will be saved -those who believe the gospel and are re-grafted and take part in the one Kingdom.

Dear Lbooth1955

In Ephesians chapter 3 Paul explains what the mystery is that was hidden. It is the mystery of Christ (vs.4) ( Col. 1:26-27) and that this mystery was now revealed to the to the holy apostles (vs. 5) and that this mystery is not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles who would become fellow heirs with the Jews, who be of the same body with the Jews who by faith are partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel (vs.6) and that the intent of the making known to Jew and Gentiles the mystery of redemption in Christ and the fellowship of all believers (both Jew and Gentile) that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places would come to know the by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord (vs. 9-11) which Paul revealed in Eph. 1:10 and Col. 1:20 to bring together all things in Christ, both in heaven and earth, as one, for which we who believe have an inheritance (the riches of the glory in Christ- Eph. 3:8) that we who believe should be to the praise of Christ's gory who have trusted Him by the hearing of the gospel.(vs. 12-13).

So, the mystery was made known to all the apostles and all preached the same gospel. Not as you have presented in your posts.

While it is true that we hear more of what Paul preached than Peter or the other apostles in Scripture, this does not mean that the other apostles ceased to preach the gospel (which was the same as Paul's-read Acts 15 where Peter speaks in vs. 7-11).

Also in Gal. 2:7-8 it speaks of Paul and Peter preaching the gospel respectively to the Gentiles (Paul) and Jews (Peter) vs. 9, there is no indication that the gospel was different, rather their groups to which each would evangelize.

We know from the entirety of the NT witness that Paul and the apostles that they did not adhere to this focus strictly as Paul would preach to both Jews and Gentiles in the areas he went to to evangelize and Peter also preached to both groups.

oops. Christ's glory not gory.

Peter did not preach the mystery that Paul preached because the mystery was not revealed until God gave it specifically to Paul. This is a foundational point in Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, which teaches that there is a clear distinction between Peter's message to Israel and Paul's message to the Gentile-dominated Body of Christ.

The Mystery Was Hidden Until Paul

Paul clearly states that the "mystery" was kept secret since the world began and was first revealed to him:

Romans 16:25 - "...according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."

Ephesians 3:1-9 - Paul says "by revelation he made known unto me the mystery", and that it "was not made known unto the sons of men" in previous ages.

Colossians 1:25-26 - Paul was made a minister "to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest."

This means Peter could not have preached what he did not yet know.

Peter Preached to Israel, Not the Body of Christ

Peter's ministry was to the Jews (the circumcision):

Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul and Peter agreed that Peter would go to the circumcision (Israel), and Paul to the uncircumcision (Gentiles).

In Acts 2 and 3, Peter preached Jesus as Israel's Messiah, urging Israel to repent so that God could send Jesus back and restore the kingdom.

Peter's message focused on prophecy being fulfilled-not a mystery being revealed.

The Mystery Involves the Church, the Body of Christ

The "mystery" revealed to Paul involves:

Jew and Gentile in one Body ( Ephesians 3:6)

Salvation by grace without the law ( Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:28)

A heavenly position in Christ ( Ephesians 2:6)

The rapture of the Body ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

These truths are not found in Peter's early preaching in the book of Acts.

Matthew 5:17

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

Matthew 5:18

"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

Proverbs 7:2

"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."

Revelation 22:14

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Blessings

Hey Chris,

Yes, Paul preached repentance-but:

It was repentance toward God and

A change of mind leading to faith in the risen Christ

Not the same as Israel's national call to repent and be baptized under the kingdom gospel (e.g., Acts 2:38)

Paul's repentance message fits within the grace gospel revealed to him ( Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:1-9).

Matthew 24:14

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Romans 15:19

"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

Acts 20:25

"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."

Matthew 24:35

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Blessings

Hello Lbooth1955. Thanks for sharing that, but if I could focus on the point you're making here. When I read Acts 2:38 and you mentioned that 'our mail was not from that verse but from Paul', my first thought was that you would show us that the contents of Acts 2:38 were not applicable to Gentiles (i.e. about repentance, water baptism, & reception of the Holy Spirit). But as I read your other references given about Paul being the apostle to the Gentiles, and when I tried to bring in Acts 2:38 into the picture, I was left wondering as to the main thrust of your message. Maybe, you were simply pointing out, that as Peter was preaching to the Jews, Paul, later on would be appointed to preach to the Gentiles, but the message of both apostles were still the same. Or, maybe you had another interpretation on Acts 2:38? Blessings.

Hello Chris,

Thanks for the response...

I find the entire 2nd chapter of Acts an indictment of the Jews for murdering their Messiah not a how to be saved to the body of Christ. But a (repent) change your mind message to the Jews.

To whom was Peter addressing?

The audience in Acts chapter 2 (KJV) was primarily devout Jews from many different nations who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost (also known as the Feast of Weeks), a major Jewish pilgrimage festival.

Acts 2:5 (KJV)

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven."

These were Jews and proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism) who had come from all over the Roman world to Jerusalem.

The phrase "out of every nation under heaven" emphasizes the international diversity of the crowd.

List of Nations Present ( Acts 2:9-11, KJV):

"Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Cretes and Arabians..."

This shows that the audience included Jews from:

The Middle East (e.g., Mesopotamia, Judea)

Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)

North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Libya)

Europe (e.g., Rome)

Arabian regions

The audience in Acts 2 was...

Primarily Jewish (including native Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism)

Multinational, gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Pentecost

Devout and religiously observant, as they had made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem

This context is crucial to understanding Peter's message in Acts 2, especially verse 36, where he says:

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly..."

He was specifically addressing Israel-the Jewish people, not Gentiles.

Hebrews 8:10

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:"

Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

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."

Blessings

Hello Azzan77,

Thanks for your reply, great scriptures...

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV

Would you care to elaborate, share your thoughts on the scriptures you referenced?

Blessings!

Romans 11:17 "And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;"

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

Romans 2:28 "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:"

Romans 2:29 "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

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:"

Blessings

Blessings

Dear Friend in Christ,

Many today believe that the Church is a continuation or replacement of Israel, often calling it "spiritual Israel." However, when we rightly divide the Word of Truth ( 2 Timothy 2:15), we see that the Church-the Body of Christ-formed through the unique revelation given to the Apostle Paul ( Ephesians 3:1-6), is a distinct entity from the nation of Israel. Israel is a nation with earthly promises, covenants, and prophetic hope, while the Church is a heavenly people, formed without distinction between Jew and Gentile, united by faith alone in Christ and placed into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28).

Israel's promises were national and earthly-God covenanted land, a kingdom, and a Messiah to rule over them ( Genesis 17:7-8; Isaiah 9:6-7). These promises were never transferred to the Church. Instead, Paul reveals a "mystery" that was kept hidden from ages past ( Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26), in which God is forming a new, heavenly organism-the Body of Christ-composed of both Jew and Gentile, not based on nationality or covenant, but based on grace through faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9). Nowhere in Paul's epistles does he teach that the Church has become Israel or inherits Israel's kingdom promises.

To equate the Church with spiritual Israel confuses God's prophetic program for Israel with His mystery program for the Body of Christ. God has not abandoned His promises to national Israel ( Romans 11:1-2, 25-29). Their fullness will come in a future day, during the millennial reign of Christ. In contrast, the Church was chosen before the foundation of the world and has a heavenly destiny ( Ephesians 1:3-4; Philippians 3:20). Understanding the difference protects sound doctrine and preserves the clarity of God's distinct purposes for Israel and the Church.

Jenny - Please consider: Ephesians 2:15-17

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

And:

Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Dear "JennyL" Thank you very much for the reminder, After it stand Eph 2:19-22 Hallelujah, praise be to God the Almighty Father and Creator! Love u in Christ

Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Acts 22:16

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Acts 18:8

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."

Acts 18:8

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."

Acts 16:15

"And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

Matthew 24:35

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

Blessings

Thank you Azzan77,

These Scripture verses speak the truth and show that what Lbooth1955 teaches contradict Scripture.

May the Lord open his eyes to these truths.

Romans 13:10

"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Blessings