The Declaration About Us, The Gentiles
Written by: Delbert Magusara Haim
August 2012
This is now the fulfillment of the other article in titled; "Jesus And The Two Flocks Of Sheep". Just click this link for review: http://delbertstudies.weebly.com/jesus-and-the-two-flocks-of-sheep.html
Here, Paul is sending a letter to the Ephesians while he is in prison. He continuously communicates with them and refreshes their knowledge of the gospel he has preached. The content of this letter is not new unto the Ephesians regarding the “mystery” which has been kept secret since the world began and not made known unto the sons of men (the nation, Israel). They, the Ephesians already received this message when Paul was with them. Thus, when they shall read afore few words of this letter found in verse one that says “I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles”, they could quickly understand the meaning of what Paul means, which is the mystery of Christ concerning the Gentiles.
In this Chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of this mystery in the dispensation of the grace of God— that they, Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of promise in Christ.
This very amazing gift of God for the Gentiles is a mystery in time past because it was not clearly made known to all. But now, it is revealed to the apostle Paul and unto them the holy apostles and prophets of Christ.
But concerning the holy apostles and prophets of Christ who received also this gospel by the Holy Spirit, who are they by the way? And how did they receive this gospel?
In the earthly ministry of Christ, he has twelve apostles, which then became eleven when Judas betrayed Him. Then the eleven replace the part of Judas by Matthias as numbered with the eleven apostles after Christ ascended up above. And when he ascended in heaven, he appointed also another apostles and prophets, by giving gift unto men; some apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers with Paul as the chosen vessels and apostle as well. So, Christ’s apostles are twelve with Peter, the gifted men and Paul.
For this cause, many will say that the holy apostles and prophets who received this gospel were the gifted men and are not the twelve which led by Peter.
But if we read the book of Acts chapter ten of how God revealed this mystery (regarding the Gentiles) to His holy apostles, we can see that Peter also as one of the twelve, has received the same gospel of mystery that the Gentiles are partakers of the same promise in Christ. Now, we will read Peter’s vision concerning this mystery.
In our own insight, these things that Peter saw are obviously material things. But Peter is better than us who can interpret visions from God. And when he understood and interpreted what he saw, he said: “but God shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean”. Why? Because the Jewish tradition is unlawful for them to keep company, or come unto one of another nation.
So it is clear here that the Gentiles now who are the other nations, are not an unclean people anymore in the sight of God and of men in Israel for the voice said in the vision; “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” ,meaning, God cleansed them too.
Proceeding to verse eleven, Peter is clearly emphasizing there that God gave gift also unto the Gentiles as He did unto them.
And what kind of gift?
So, God gave gift unto the Gentiles which is the Holy Ghost:
1. And put no difference between us and them
2. Purifying their hearts by faith
3. And shall be saved
Now compare to Paul’s message for the Ephesians and Thessalonians.
So they, the Ephesians and Thessalonians received the gift of God which is his Holy Spirit and they became:
1. Fellowheirs, the same body, and partakers of his promise
2. By grace through faith
3. Are ye saved
Now, what can you conclude about these things? Obviously, they received the same gospel from God regarding the mystery of the Gentiles; the mystery that we are also God's people.
So be happy and have peace with Christ.
August 2012
This is now the fulfillment of the other article in titled; "Jesus And The Two Flocks Of Sheep". Just click this link for review: http://delbertstudies.weebly.com/jesus-and-the-two-flocks-of-sheep.html
- For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Eph 3:1
Here, Paul is sending a letter to the Ephesians while he is in prison. He continuously communicates with them and refreshes their knowledge of the gospel he has preached. The content of this letter is not new unto the Ephesians regarding the “mystery” which has been kept secret since the world began and not made known unto the sons of men (the nation, Israel). They, the Ephesians already received this message when Paul was with them. Thus, when they shall read afore few words of this letter found in verse one that says “I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles”, they could quickly understand the meaning of what Paul means, which is the mystery of Christ concerning the Gentiles.
In this Chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of this mystery in the dispensation of the grace of God— that they, Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of promise in Christ.
- That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Eph 3:6
This very amazing gift of God for the Gentiles is a mystery in time past because it was not clearly made known to all. But now, it is revealed to the apostle Paul and unto them the holy apostles and prophets 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 by the Spirit; Eph 3:5
But concerning the holy apostles and prophets of Christ who received also this gospel by the Holy Spirit, who are they by the way? And how did they receive this gospel?
In the earthly ministry of Christ, he has twelve apostles, which then became eleven when Judas betrayed Him. Then the eleven replace the part of Judas by Matthias as numbered with the eleven apostles after Christ ascended up above. And when he ascended in heaven, he appointed also another apostles and prophets, by giving gift unto men; some apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors, and teachers with Paul as the chosen vessels and apostle as well. So, Christ’s apostles are twelve with Peter, the gifted men and Paul.
- And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Eph 4:11
- And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Act 1:24
For this cause, many will say that the holy apostles and prophets who received this gospel were the gifted men and are not the twelve which led by Peter.
But if we read the book of Acts chapter ten of how God revealed this mystery (regarding the Gentiles) to His holy apostles, we can see that Peter also as one of the twelve, has received the same gospel of mystery that the Gentiles are partakers of the same promise in Christ. Now, we will read Peter’s vision concerning this mystery.
- And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Act 10:11-16
In our own insight, these things that Peter saw are obviously material things. But Peter is better than us who can interpret visions from God. And when he understood and interpreted what he saw, he said: “but God shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean”. Why? Because the Jewish tradition is unlawful for them to keep company, or come unto one of another nation.
- Act 10:28 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.
So it is clear here that the Gentiles now who are the other nations, are not an unclean people anymore in the sight of God and of men in Israel for the voice said in the vision; “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common” ,meaning, God cleansed them too.
Proceeding to verse eleven, Peter is clearly emphasizing there that God gave gift also unto the Gentiles as He did unto them.
- And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like “gift “as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Act 11:13-18
And what kind of gift?
- And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Act 15:7-11
So, God gave gift unto the Gentiles which is the Holy Ghost:
1. And put no difference between us and them
2. Purifying their hearts by faith
3. And shall be saved
Now compare to Paul’s message for the Ephesians and Thessalonians.
- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:8
- That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Eph 3:6
- He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:8
So they, the Ephesians and Thessalonians received the gift of God which is his Holy Spirit and they became:
1. Fellowheirs, the same body, and partakers of his promise
2. By grace through faith
3. Are ye saved
Now, what can you conclude about these things? Obviously, they received the same gospel from God regarding the mystery of the Gentiles; the mystery that we are also God's people.
So be happy and have peace with Christ.