My final thoughts on the matter of Kingdom message compared to the Salvation through Faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.
The "kingdom message" preached by Peter and the other apostles-particularly in the early chapters of Acts-was primarily directed to Israel and centered on the offer of the earthly Messianic kingdom promised in the Old Testament. This message called the nation to repentance and faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah and King, with the expectation that if Israel as a nation responded, Christ would return and establish His kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21). Peter's sermons (e.g., Acts 2 and 3) emphasized Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His resurrection, and His role as the promised Davidic King. The apostles preached "the gospel of the kingdom," which was consistent with what Jesus proclaimed during His earthly ministry ( Matthew 4:17; Luke 9:1-6).
However, this message was rejected by the nation of Israel, culminating in the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7. It is after this national rejection that God raised up Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles ( Acts 9; Romans 11:13). Through Paul, God revealed the "mystery" of the body of Christ-a previously hidden truth ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27). The body of Christ is not a continuation of Israel's kingdom program but a new entity in which there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile ( Galatians 3:28). Paul's message was the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), focused not on an earthly kingdom, but on salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.
In summary, the kingdom message was not meant for the body of Christ. It was directed to Israel, offering a literal kingdom on earth. The body of Christ, a new creation revealed through Paul, operates under a different gospel and program-centered on grace, not law or kingdom promises.
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
My final thoughts on the matter of Kingdom message compared to the Salvation through Faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.
The "kingdom message" preached by Peter and the other apostles-particularly in the early chapters of Acts-was primarily directed to Israel and centered on the offer of the earthly Messianic kingdom promised in the Old Testament. This message called the nation to repentance and faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah and King, with the expectation that if Israel as a nation responded, Christ would return and establish His kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21). Peter's sermons (e.g., Acts 2 and 3) emphasized Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His resurrection, and His role as the promised Davidic King. The apostles preached "the gospel of the kingdom," which was consistent with what Jesus proclaimed during His earthly ministry ( Matthew 4:17; Luke 9:1-6).
However, this message was rejected by the nation of Israel, culminating in the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7. It is after this national rejection that God raised up Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles ( Acts 9; Romans 11:13). Through Paul, God revealed the "mystery" of the body of Christ-a previously hidden truth ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27). The body of Christ is not a continuation of Israel's kingdom program but a new entity in which there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile ( Galatians 3:28). Paul's message was the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24), focused not on an earthly kingdom, but on salvation through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, with heavenly blessings and a heavenly hope.
In summary, the kingdom message was not meant for the body of Christ. It was directed to Israel, offering a literal kingdom on earth. The body of Christ, a new creation revealed through Paul, operates under a different gospel and program-centered on grace, not law or kingdom promises.
Blessings to all!
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
God bless,
RLW
Wow, thanks so much for that feedback. I believe you hit the mark-bull's-eye.
Thanks again have a great day my Lord bless you.
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