we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. We are all family in Christ Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters I ask you to remember this Galatians 2:22-23. Another thing I want you to remember if you don't have love you don't have any foods of the spirit because Love Never Fails. I hope to write to you again bye-bye love you all. Smiley face
Paul's command (not a request) in 2 Timothy 2:15 - "rightly dividing the word of truth" - makes no sense if there is nothing to divide.
The Greek word translated "rightly divide" means to "cut straight" or "make a correct partition." Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) to handle God's Word carefully, recognizing distinctions God Himself has placed in it. The Bible is one unified revelation, but within it God deals with different people in different ways at different times (dispensations). For example:
Law vs. Grace: God gave Israel the Law through Moses ( Exodus 20), but through Paul He revealed salvation by grace apart from the Law ( Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:16). If we blur these, we end up mixing works with grace.
Israel vs. the Church: Israel was promised an earthly kingdom ( Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 19:28), while the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling ( Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20). If we confuse these, we misapply promises and commands not meant for us.
Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of Grace: (yes, there is more than one Gospel in the NT) Jesus and the 12 preached "the gospel of the kingdom" to Israel ( Matthew 4:23; Galatians 2:7-9), while Paul was given "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Both are true, but they serve different purposes in God's plan.
So Paul's point is: don't blend everything together as if it all applies in the same way to everyone. To "rightly divide" is to discern God's progressive revelation - prophecy vs. mystery, Israel's promises vs. the Church's hope, law vs. grace. If you don't divide, you end up in contradictions and confusion.
Christ is omnipresent and not bound by the limits of time or space. When Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," He declared His constant presence with every believer, no matter where they are. David proclaimed in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." This eternal reality points us to Christ as God in the flesh ( 1 Timothy 3:16), unlimited in His power and presence.
When Jesus walked the earth, His physical body was localized, but after His resurrection and glorification, He transcended all limitations. In John 14:18, He promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." This is fulfilled through His Spirit indwelling each believer ( Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:9-10). At the same time, He intercedes at the right hand of God ( Hebrews 7:25), proving He can be present in heaven and in the hearts of His people simultaneously.
Christ Himself said in Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, "Christ liveth in me." Yet John also saw Him walking among the seven churches ( Revelation 1:13). These passages show that Christ is not confined but active everywhere at once.
This truth is a source of comfort: He hears the cry of the saint in a prison cell, strengthens the missionary across the seas, and walks beside you today. Truly, He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ( Matthew 1:23), never distant, never absent, always present to guide, comfort, and uphold His people.
I believe during Jesus ministry he preached the kingdom Gospel to the lost sheep of Israel.
I also believe the kingdom message has been suspended until the Jews call upon the Lord during the Great Tribulation.
I believe this is shown in " Hosea 5:15" I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
Also Jesus quotes Psalms 118:26 in Luke 13:35.
Listen to King David beginning from verse 22 to get the context. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. Psalms 118:22-26
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commissions the Apostles to go reach all nations though their primary mission was to the Jews and Paul's was to the Gentiles.
I believe this was to bring all under the ministry of the cross for salvation apart from the kingdom message until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
When I read Galatians 2:9-19 it seems that Paul expects Peter and the other Jews to walk according to the Gospel of grace rather than mixing laws of the Kingdom message and the liberty of the New covenant.
Grace was preached in rituals in the OT and played out in the NT.
Grace never changed throughout the Dispensations.
However the mystery and revelation began to unfold and faith being displayed differently.
"Faith looking foward and Faith looking back as revelation was being revealed.
There's still eye opening for Israel yet to come!
This eye opening will bring in the Davidic Kingdom.
I appreciate your careful observations about James and the Law, but from a dispensational perspective we must carefully note both his audience and his program. James 1:1 makes it clear that his epistle is written "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." That identifies his readership as Israel, not the Body of Christ. Paul confirms this distinction in Galatians 2:9, where James, Peter, and John agreed to minister to "the circumcision," while Paul was sent to the Gentiles. This is a vital dispensational boundary marker.
You are right that James uses the Law to show the seriousness of sin and the impossibility of keeping it perfectly. Yet his emphasis on "works" still reflects Israel's prophetic, kingdom program, where faith and obedience were tied together under covenant expectations. For example, Jesus in Matthew 5-7 taught that righteousness for Israel's kingdom hope must be lived out, not just professed. James echoes that when he insists that faith without works is dead ( James 2:20). These "works" were not simply the fruit of faith in the Pauline sense, but the evidences of a faith that endured under trial and proved covenant loyalty.
Paul, on the other hand, reveals the mystery program where justification is by grace alone through faith alone apart from works ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-10). For the Body of Christ, works follow salvation as fruit, not as a condition of proving faith for covenant standing. James does not lay out the finished cross-work as the sole basis of justification the way Paul does in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, because his focus is not on the revelation of the mystery but on exhorting Israel's believing remnant to live consistently with their kingdom calling.
Thus, while James highlights the vitality of true faith, dispensationally we must recognize he writes within Israel's program, not Paul's. Both are inspired, but they address distinct audiences under different dispensations-how anyone misses this is beyond me.
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
The twelve apostles were sent to Israel under the kingdom program ( Matthew 10:5-7; Galatians 2:7-9). Their preaching emphasized repentance, water baptism, and works consistent with faith ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; James 2:17-24). For them, faith that did not produce works was considered dead. So, none of the twelve are recorded as preaching "faith without works."
The Apostle Paul
Paul, however, is unique. He is the only apostle who clearly taught justification by faith alone, without works of the law.
Examples:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." ( Romans 3:28)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works..." ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." ( Romans 4:5)
Paul preached a new revelation of grace ( Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:11-12), distinct from the kingdom message of the twelve. His gospel revealed that salvation is entirely a gift, apart from law-keeping or works.
The twelve never preached "faith without works." Their message tied faith with repentance and obedience under Israel's covenant program.
Paul alone preached faith without works-the gospel of the grace of God for Jew and Gentile alike.
Question...Should works follow after we are saved
Yes - but it's very important to keep the order straight.
Salvation Is by Grace Alone-Period!
Paul makes it absolutely clear: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by faith alone in Christ's finished work, not by anything we do before or after.
I see what you're getting at. The statement you shared is a very common way of harmonizing Paul and James, but from a dispensational perspective, it's not fully accurate.
1. Different Audiences and Programs
Paul was given a unique revelation of the "mystery" ( Eph. 3:2-9; Col. 1:25-27). His gospel was apart from the law and revealed the Body of Christ, made up of Jew and Gentile with no distinction ( Rom. 3:28; Gal. 3:28).
James, by contrast, wrote specifically "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). His context was Israel's kingdom program, where faith and works were still tied to Israel's covenantal promises. To Israel, repentance and righteous deeds were outward proofs of loyalty to Messiah and readiness for the kingdom ( Matt. 5-7; Acts 2-3).
2. Paul vs. James on Justification
Paul: "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" ( Rom. 3:28). He teaches that works have no role in obtaining salvation; salvation is fully secured by Christ's finished cross-work.
James: "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:24). James is not explaining justification in the same sense as Paul. He's speaking to Jews who already believed in Messiah but needed to show faith through active obedience-because their kingdom hope required perseverance and visible faithfulness.
To smooth this over by saying "James just meant evidence" doesn't fully deal with the tension. James places salvific weight on works in his program, while Paul excludes them in ours.
3. Progressive Revelation Explains the Difference
James wasn't contradicting Paul, but he wasn't teaching Paul's message either. At the time, Israel's prophetic program had not yet been fully set aside, and the Body of Christ revelation was still unfolding. Galatians 2:7-9 shows the clear division: James stayed with the circumcision; Paul went to the Gentiles with the gospel of grace.
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
Galatians 2:7-9 - Clear distinction: "the gospel of the circumcision" committed to Peter, "the gospel of the uncircumcision" committed to Paul.
In summary: James addresses believing Jews within the kingdom program, while Paul's epistles reveal the mystery program forming the Church, the Body of Christ. Two gospels, not contradictory, but distinct according to God's dispensational plan.
I realize Lbooth1955 that we have discussed this matter before, but thought to address a few points. Paul was called to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, just as the other apostles to Israel ( Galatians 2:7), but was their Gospel presentation any different where repentance, baptism and faith in Jesus was absolute for all men, without any compromise? I read your distinction between them, particularly that the message to the Jews was based on an earthly kingdom hope and Paul's to the Gentiles was on the revealed mystery of the union of Jew & Gentile in one Body, & Grace through Faith apart from the Law.
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
It seems that there are some who are having difficulty in understanding and or believing Paul's unique position regarding this present dispensation. Listed below are 4 scriptural references to this FACT.
The Scriptures are very clear in naming Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles.
Here's a structured look with direct support from the Bible.
YES I said from the Bible! If any can show me from the scriptures otherwise I'll be happy to look at it.
Paul Identified as the Apostle to the Gentiles
Romans 11:13 - "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office."
Paul explicitly calls himself the apostle of the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:7-8 - "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"
Here Paul distinguishes his commission to the Gentiles from Peter's commission to Israel (the circumcision).
Acts 9:15 - The Lord said of Paul to Ananias: "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."
From the very beginning of Paul's calling, his mission to Gentiles was central.
Ephesians 3:1-2 - "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."
Paul makes clear that his ministry was uniquely tied to God's grace toward the Gentiles.
Summary
Paul is directly and repeatedly identified as the apostle to the Gentiles in Scripture.
His apostleship is distinct from the Twelve, who ministered primarily to Israel.
Through Paul, the "dispensation of the grace of God" was revealed and proclaimed among the nations.
Ephesians 2:14,15, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 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."
Hebrews 8:6,7, "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second."
Hebrews 8:13, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
2 Corinthians 3:6, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
Galatians 2:16,21, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Blessings.
It seems as though Paul was being a little sarcastic. That's what I like about Paul. He doesn't hold back!
In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul is giving instruction concerning the legalists. The legalists were teaching that faith alone in Christ was not enough for salvation, that you also had to be circumcised.
In Acts Chapter 15, when the Jerusalem council got together, they were debating whether the Gentiles should have to live under the law. But Paul says in Galatians 2:19, for I through the law died to the law, that I might live unto God.
But these legalists were saying that a person must keep the law in order to be saved, and that they must be circumcised. This was their way of proving your spirituality. In the first 12 verses of Galatians Chapter 5, Paul is talking to the Galatians about these legalists.
In Galatians 5:2-4, he says, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
What's interesting is in Verse 11, Paul is calling them brethren. He says if I yet preach circumcision (because there were some that said Paul preaches circumcision), why do I suffer persecution? Why are the people who preach circumcision, why are they persecuting me? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. If Paul preached circumcision and not Christ, then there would be no offence of the cross. But now he's being persecuted.
Verse 12 which you mentioned, he says I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Paul says if circumcision carries any spiritual weight (which was the legalist way of thinking), maybe they ought to be castrated, a very sarcastic "dig" by Paul about the mutilation of the flesh!
If they want to be spiritual, let them be castrated. I wish they were cut off. And that's exactly what it means.
We see this in Matthew 16:24. But then again in Luke 9:23 it says that we are to do this daily. Basically, Jesus is giving conditions of discipleship. He starts out by saying that if anybody desires to come after Me. This means to come behind Him and follow Him wherever He goes. This would be the opposite of someone saying I believe in you and then going their own way. If anybody desires to come after me (that's the first condition), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
The word "deny" means to reject. After a person surrenders to Christ, their human nature, ego, and desires continue to function. The Bible tells us that human desires (flesh) come up against, and attack the things of the Spirit as He is trying to lead us in our life.
Jesus said if you're going to make a decision to come after me and follow me, then you are going to have to reject yourself. Whatever we think, or feel, we're going to keep thinking; we are going to keep feeling, but whatever it is, we are going to have to reject it!
Secondly, and to your question on "take up his cross daily," this literally means day after day. What this is making reference to, and we see this in Romans Chapter 6 which tells us that Jesus died our death. In Galatians Chapter 4, it says that those who are of Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ lives in me." You see, when Jesus substituted Himself to die our death on the cross for our sins, that was our death. The Bible says we were crucified with Him.
This is what He crucified. I have died, but I keep living because Christ is in me. So, I find that my daily battle is not against Satan. I find that my personal life is trying to get down off that cross and back into circulation in the world again. But Jesus said take up his cross daily. That's what we are to do.
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
The Bible speaks for itself, no dictionary or man's concordance needed.
The apostle Paul is uniquely identified in Scripture as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed the mystery of the Body of Christ. In Romans 11:13, Paul declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6), Paul was sent by the risen, glorified Christ from heaven ( Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:11-12) to proclaim a new message-not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the Gospel of the Grace of God ( Acts 20:24). Paul alone speaks of the "Church which is His Body" ( Ephesians 1:22-23), a new creation made up of both Jew and Gentile, united by faith and baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Body of Christ was a mystery "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25) and not revealed until Paul. He was given this revelation by Christ directly ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27) and is the only apostle who teaches its doctrines-such as salvation by grace through faith without works ( Ephesians 2:8-9), the heavenly position of believers ( Colossians 3:1-4), and the rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation for this present dispensation of grace ( 1 Corinthians 3:10). The other apostles, including Peter, recognized Paul's distinct apostleship and agreed to confine their ministry to the circumcision, while Paul went to the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:7-9).
No other apostle is identified in Scripture as the apostle of the Body of Christ. Only Paul received the full revelation of the mystery, the doctrines, and the heavenly calling of the Church. Therefore, Paul stands alone as the God-appointed apostle to the Body of Christ.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Renewing the theme of Christ's knowledge of upcoming death on the cross; it is hard not to sympathize with the disciples who were "exceedingly sorry" ( Matt. 17:23) or something to that affect. For Christ to be able to even concentrate on anything else is remarkable at least looking at my own pitiful faith and willingness to die for Christ. This may be the best kept secret in the Gospels; we see it later on ( Galatians 2:20); but Christ was in some sense dying to self even though He had no sin; His life demonstrated total dependence on the Spirit. Doing this explains what only saying what the Father tells Him to say ( John 12:49) demonstrates. Jesus wasn't going to operate in His own strength; even though He was sinless it would involve deviating from His call and mission which would have been wrong. These actions would cause Him to be promoted in some ways as a man as the Father gave Him "all authority in heaven and earth" ( Matt. 28:18); along with other promises for His upcoming Millennial reign. As the Creator surely He had all authority in one sense; but in God's Divine plan He would have to come first as the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 before coming back in vengeance and flaming fire ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8). This illustrates how He as the first of the firstfruits came before the rest of the N.T. saints and how we; in turn can gain rewards through obedience; including martyrdom with specific crowns for this and other works of the Spirit in a believer's life and faith walk.
As a general statement we can also say that Christ was never half hearted about anything. Whether it was care for His mother during His crucifixion delegated to John; telling all the woman at the well had done; rebuking the religious establishment for hypocricy; overturning the moneychangers we see righteous love and indignation.
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance for sin in the gospel of grace , we believe only . 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
7We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance in the gospel of grace.
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
Acts 15 is a turning point for Paul and Peter. Peter had to defend Apostle Paul for the word of truth to the Gentiles. Apostle Peter knew that Jesus Christ had given him a new revelation that was hidden from the beginning of this world.
Acts 15:7-11
7And 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.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now 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?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.
we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. We are all family in Christ Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters I ask you to remember this Galatians 2:22-23. Another thing I want you to remember if you don't have love you don't have any foods of the spirit because Love Never Fails. I hope to write to you again bye-bye love you all. Smiley face
Paul's command (not a request) in 2 Timothy 2:15 - "rightly dividing the word of truth" - makes no sense if there is nothing to divide.
The Greek word translated "rightly divide" means to "cut straight" or "make a correct partition." Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) to handle God's Word carefully, recognizing distinctions God Himself has placed in it. The Bible is one unified revelation, but within it God deals with different people in different ways at different times (dispensations). For example:
Law vs. Grace: God gave Israel the Law through Moses ( Exodus 20), but through Paul He revealed salvation by grace apart from the Law ( Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:16). If we blur these, we end up mixing works with grace.
Israel vs. the Church: Israel was promised an earthly kingdom ( Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 19:28), while the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling ( Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20). If we confuse these, we misapply promises and commands not meant for us.
Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of Grace: (yes, there is more than one Gospel in the NT) Jesus and the 12 preached "the gospel of the kingdom" to Israel ( Matthew 4:23; Galatians 2:7-9), while Paul was given "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Both are true, but they serve different purposes in God's plan.
So Paul's point is: don't blend everything together as if it all applies in the same way to everyone. To "rightly divide" is to discern God's progressive revelation - prophecy vs. mystery, Israel's promises vs. the Church's hope, law vs. grace. If you don't divide, you end up in contradictions and confusion.
G&P
Christ is omnipresent and not bound by the limits of time or space. When Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," He declared His constant presence with every believer, no matter where they are. David proclaimed in Psalm 139:7-10, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there." This eternal reality points us to Christ as God in the flesh ( 1 Timothy 3:16), unlimited in His power and presence.
When Jesus walked the earth, His physical body was localized, but after His resurrection and glorification, He transcended all limitations. In John 14:18, He promised, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." This is fulfilled through His Spirit indwelling each believer ( Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:9-10). At the same time, He intercedes at the right hand of God ( Hebrews 7:25), proving He can be present in heaven and in the hearts of His people simultaneously.
Christ Himself said in Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, "Christ liveth in me." Yet John also saw Him walking among the seven churches ( Revelation 1:13). These passages show that Christ is not confined but active everywhere at once.
This truth is a source of comfort: He hears the cry of the saint in a prison cell, strengthens the missionary across the seas, and walks beside you today. Truly, He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ( Matthew 1:23), never distant, never absent, always present to guide, comfort, and uphold His people.
G&P
I believe during Jesus ministry he preached the kingdom Gospel to the lost sheep of Israel.
I also believe the kingdom message has been suspended until the Jews call upon the Lord during the Great Tribulation.
I believe this is shown in " Hosea 5:15" I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
Also Jesus quotes Psalms 118:26 in Luke 13:35.
Listen to King David beginning from verse 22 to get the context. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. Psalms 118:22-26
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commissions the Apostles to go reach all nations though their primary mission was to the Jews and Paul's was to the Gentiles.
I believe this was to bring all under the ministry of the cross for salvation apart from the kingdom message until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
When I read Galatians 2:9-19 it seems that Paul expects Peter and the other Jews to walk according to the Gospel of grace rather than mixing laws of the Kingdom message and the liberty of the New covenant.
Grace was preached in rituals in the OT and played out in the NT.
Grace never changed throughout the Dispensations.
However the mystery and revelation began to unfold and faith being displayed differently.
"Faith looking foward and Faith looking back as revelation was being revealed.
There's still eye opening for Israel yet to come!
This eye opening will bring in the Davidic Kingdom.
Promises will be fulfilled!
Blessings.
I appreciate your careful observations about James and the Law, but from a dispensational perspective we must carefully note both his audience and his program. James 1:1 makes it clear that his epistle is written "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." That identifies his readership as Israel, not the Body of Christ. Paul confirms this distinction in Galatians 2:9, where James, Peter, and John agreed to minister to "the circumcision," while Paul was sent to the Gentiles. This is a vital dispensational boundary marker.
You are right that James uses the Law to show the seriousness of sin and the impossibility of keeping it perfectly. Yet his emphasis on "works" still reflects Israel's prophetic, kingdom program, where faith and obedience were tied together under covenant expectations. For example, Jesus in Matthew 5-7 taught that righteousness for Israel's kingdom hope must be lived out, not just professed. James echoes that when he insists that faith without works is dead ( James 2:20). These "works" were not simply the fruit of faith in the Pauline sense, but the evidences of a faith that endured under trial and proved covenant loyalty.
Paul, on the other hand, reveals the mystery program where justification is by grace alone through faith alone apart from works ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-10). For the Body of Christ, works follow salvation as fruit, not as a condition of proving faith for covenant standing. James does not lay out the finished cross-work as the sole basis of justification the way Paul does in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, because his focus is not on the revelation of the mystery but on exhorting Israel's believing remnant to live consistently with their kingdom calling.
Thus, while James highlights the vitality of true faith, dispensationally we must recognize he writes within Israel's program, not Paul's. Both are inspired, but they address distinct audiences under different dispensations-how anyone misses this is beyond me.
G&P
Works Come After Salvation
But Paul goes on immediately in the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:10).
Works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of salvation.
The Spirit of God produces love, service, and obedience in the believer's life ( Galatians 5:22-23; Titus 3:8).
Works are a demonstration of faith, not the basis of it.
The Right Perspective
Works should follow after salvation. But they do not secure salvation, nor do they keep it. They simply manifest the new life we already have in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17).
We are not saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works.
"saved unto good works" is a short phrase with a lot of depth.
1. The Source of Salvation
When Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, he's setting the foundation:
We contribute nothing to earn salvation.
It's God's gift, given freely because of Christ's finished work on the cross.
2. The Purpose of Salvation
Right after that, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
This means that once God saves us, He also equips us for a new kind of life - a life that reflects His grace, truth, and righteousness.
"Unto good works" means we are saved for the purpose of living out the good things God intended.
3. The Role of Good Works
Not the cause, but the result: Works don't save us, but they are the evidence that we are saved ( Romans 6:4; Titus 3:8).
Spirit-enabled, not self-made: The works are produced as the Spirit lives through us ( Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13).
Witness to others: Good works demonstrate Christ's life in us to a watching world ( Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15).
The last question, are we saved by grace alone or Grace plus works?
G&P
The twelve apostles were sent to Israel under the kingdom program ( Matthew 10:5-7; Galatians 2:7-9). Their preaching emphasized repentance, water baptism, and works consistent with faith ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; James 2:17-24). For them, faith that did not produce works was considered dead. So, none of the twelve are recorded as preaching "faith without works."
The Apostle Paul
Paul, however, is unique. He is the only apostle who clearly taught justification by faith alone, without works of the law.
Examples:
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." ( Romans 3:28)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works..." ( Ephesians 2:8-9)
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." ( Romans 4:5)
Paul preached a new revelation of grace ( Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:11-12), distinct from the kingdom message of the twelve. His gospel revealed that salvation is entirely a gift, apart from law-keeping or works.
The twelve never preached "faith without works." Their message tied faith with repentance and obedience under Israel's covenant program.
Paul alone preached faith without works-the gospel of the grace of God for Jew and Gentile alike.
Question...Should works follow after we are saved
Yes - but it's very important to keep the order straight.
Salvation Is by Grace Alone-Period!
Paul makes it absolutely clear: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by faith alone in Christ's finished work, not by anything we do before or after.
see pg 2
It's great to hear from you...
I see what you're getting at. The statement you shared is a very common way of harmonizing Paul and James, but from a dispensational perspective, it's not fully accurate.
1. Different Audiences and Programs
Paul was given a unique revelation of the "mystery" ( Eph. 3:2-9; Col. 1:25-27). His gospel was apart from the law and revealed the Body of Christ, made up of Jew and Gentile with no distinction ( Rom. 3:28; Gal. 3:28).
James, by contrast, wrote specifically "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). His context was Israel's kingdom program, where faith and works were still tied to Israel's covenantal promises. To Israel, repentance and righteous deeds were outward proofs of loyalty to Messiah and readiness for the kingdom ( Matt. 5-7; Acts 2-3).
2. Paul vs. James on Justification
Paul: "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" ( Rom. 3:28). He teaches that works have no role in obtaining salvation; salvation is fully secured by Christ's finished cross-work.
James: "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:24). James is not explaining justification in the same sense as Paul. He's speaking to Jews who already believed in Messiah but needed to show faith through active obedience-because their kingdom hope required perseverance and visible faithfulness.
To smooth this over by saying "James just meant evidence" doesn't fully deal with the tension. James places salvific weight on works in his program, while Paul excludes them in ours.
3. Progressive Revelation Explains the Difference
James wasn't contradicting Paul, but he wasn't teaching Paul's message either. At the time, Israel's prophetic program had not yet been fully set aside, and the Body of Christ revelation was still unfolding. Galatians 2:7-9 shows the clear division: James stayed with the circumcision; Paul went to the Gentiles with the gospel of grace.
next pg.
Salvation is entirely the work of Christ and cannot be improved or added to. When Jesus died on the cross, He fully paid the penalty for sin, making complete atonement for all who believe. Romans 5:8-10 shows that Christ died for us while we were still sinners; nothing we do can make that sacrifice more sufficient. Galatians 2:21 warns that trying to gain righteousness through human effort nullifies the grace of God, because if we could earn salvation, Christ's death would be unnecessary. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, rituals, or moral achievement. Adding anything implies Christ's work was incomplete, which Scripture directly contradicts. John 14:6 confirms that Jesus alone is the way; no human action supplements His finished work. When we trust Christ fully, our sins are forgiven, and we are counted righteous before God. Attempting to add to His work shifts the focus from God's provision to human effort, turning faith into a performance. True security and peace come only from relying completely on what Jesus accomplished, not on anything we can do. Salvation is therefore entirely by grace, fully sufficient in Christ, and nothing else is required.
Let me ask you, what work/thing did you add to the cross of Christ?
Galatians 2:7-9 - Clear distinction: "the gospel of the circumcision" committed to Peter, "the gospel of the uncircumcision" committed to Paul.
In summary: James addresses believing Jews within the kingdom program, while Paul's epistles reveal the mystery program forming the Church, the Body of Christ. Two gospels, not contradictory, but distinct according to God's dispensational plan.
Grace and Peace
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
It seems that there are some who are having difficulty in understanding and or believing Paul's unique position regarding this present dispensation. Listed below are 4 scriptural references to this FACT.
The Scriptures are very clear in naming Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles.
Here's a structured look with direct support from the Bible.
YES I said from the Bible! If any can show me from the scriptures otherwise I'll be happy to look at it.
Paul Identified as the Apostle to the Gentiles
Romans 11:13 - "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office."
Paul explicitly calls himself the apostle of the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:7-8 - "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"
Here Paul distinguishes his commission to the Gentiles from Peter's commission to Israel (the circumcision).
Acts 9:15 - The Lord said of Paul to Ananias: "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."
From the very beginning of Paul's calling, his mission to Gentiles was central.
Ephesians 3:1-2 - "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."
Paul makes clear that his ministry was uniquely tied to God's grace toward the Gentiles.
Summary
Paul is directly and repeatedly identified as the apostle to the Gentiles in Scripture.
His apostleship is distinct from the Twelve, who ministered primarily to Israel.
Through Paul, the "dispensation of the grace of God" was revealed and proclaimed among the nations.
Peace and Grace
Ephesians 2:14,15, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 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."
Hebrews 8:6,7, "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second."
Hebrews 8:13, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
2 Corinthians 3:6, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
Galatians 2:16,21, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Blessings.
It seems as though Paul was being a little sarcastic. That's what I like about Paul. He doesn't hold back!
In Galatians 5:1-12, Paul is giving instruction concerning the legalists. The legalists were teaching that faith alone in Christ was not enough for salvation, that you also had to be circumcised.
In Acts Chapter 15, when the Jerusalem council got together, they were debating whether the Gentiles should have to live under the law. But Paul says in Galatians 2:19, for I through the law died to the law, that I might live unto God.
But these legalists were saying that a person must keep the law in order to be saved, and that they must be circumcised. This was their way of proving your spirituality. In the first 12 verses of Galatians Chapter 5, Paul is talking to the Galatians about these legalists.
In Galatians 5:2-4, he says, "Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."
What's interesting is in Verse 11, Paul is calling them brethren. He says if I yet preach circumcision (because there were some that said Paul preaches circumcision), why do I suffer persecution? Why are the people who preach circumcision, why are they persecuting me? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. If Paul preached circumcision and not Christ, then there would be no offence of the cross. But now he's being persecuted.
Verse 12 which you mentioned, he says I would they were even cut off which trouble you. Paul says if circumcision carries any spiritual weight (which was the legalist way of thinking), maybe they ought to be castrated, a very sarcastic "dig" by Paul about the mutilation of the flesh!
If they want to be spiritual, let them be castrated. I wish they were cut off. And that's exactly what it means.
God Bless!!!
We see this in Matthew 16:24. But then again in Luke 9:23 it says that we are to do this daily. Basically, Jesus is giving conditions of discipleship. He starts out by saying that if anybody desires to come after Me. This means to come behind Him and follow Him wherever He goes. This would be the opposite of someone saying I believe in you and then going their own way. If anybody desires to come after me (that's the first condition), let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
The word "deny" means to reject. After a person surrenders to Christ, their human nature, ego, and desires continue to function. The Bible tells us that human desires (flesh) come up against, and attack the things of the Spirit as He is trying to lead us in our life.
Jesus said if you're going to make a decision to come after me and follow me, then you are going to have to reject yourself. Whatever we think, or feel, we're going to keep thinking; we are going to keep feeling, but whatever it is, we are going to have to reject it!
Secondly, and to your question on "take up his cross daily," this literally means day after day. What this is making reference to, and we see this in Romans Chapter 6 which tells us that Jesus died our death. In Galatians Chapter 4, it says that those who are of Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ lives in me." You see, when Jesus substituted Himself to die our death on the cross for our sins, that was our death. The Bible says we were crucified with Him.
This is what He crucified. I have died, but I keep living because Christ is in me. So, I find that my daily battle is not against Satan. I find that my personal life is trying to get down off that cross and back into circulation in the world again. But Jesus said take up his cross daily. That's what we are to do.
Hope this helps.
God Bless!!!
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
page 2
The apostle Paul is uniquely identified in Scripture as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed the mystery of the Body of Christ. In Romans 11:13, Paul declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6), Paul was sent by the risen, glorified Christ from heaven ( Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:11-12) to proclaim a new message-not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the Gospel of the Grace of God ( Acts 20:24). Paul alone speaks of the "Church which is His Body" ( Ephesians 1:22-23), a new creation made up of both Jew and Gentile, united by faith and baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Body of Christ was a mystery "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25) and not revealed until Paul. He was given this revelation by Christ directly ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27) and is the only apostle who teaches its doctrines-such as salvation by grace through faith without works ( Ephesians 2:8-9), the heavenly position of believers ( Colossians 3:1-4), and the rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation for this present dispensation of grace ( 1 Corinthians 3:10). The other apostles, including Peter, recognized Paul's distinct apostleship and agreed to confine their ministry to the circumcision, while Paul went to the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:7-9).
No other apostle is identified in Scripture as the apostle of the Body of Christ. Only Paul received the full revelation of the mystery, the doctrines, and the heavenly calling of the Church. Therefore, Paul stands alone as the God-appointed apostle to the Body of Christ.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
God bless,
RLW
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.
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).
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.
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!
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"
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Renewing the theme of Christ's knowledge of upcoming death on the cross; it is hard not to sympathize with the disciples who were "exceedingly sorry" ( Matt. 17:23) or something to that affect. For Christ to be able to even concentrate on anything else is remarkable at least looking at my own pitiful faith and willingness to die for Christ. This may be the best kept secret in the Gospels; we see it later on ( Galatians 2:20); but Christ was in some sense dying to self even though He had no sin; His life demonstrated total dependence on the Spirit. Doing this explains what only saying what the Father tells Him to say ( John 12:49) demonstrates. Jesus wasn't going to operate in His own strength; even though He was sinless it would involve deviating from His call and mission which would have been wrong. These actions would cause Him to be promoted in some ways as a man as the Father gave Him "all authority in heaven and earth" ( Matt. 28:18); along with other promises for His upcoming Millennial reign. As the Creator surely He had all authority in one sense; but in God's Divine plan He would have to come first as the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 before coming back in vengeance and flaming fire ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8). This illustrates how He as the first of the firstfruits came before the rest of the N.T. saints and how we; in turn can gain rewards through obedience; including martyrdom with specific crowns for this and other works of the Spirit in a believer's life and faith walk.
As a general statement we can also say that Christ was never half hearted about anything. Whether it was care for His mother during His crucifixion delegated to John; telling all the woman at the well had done; rebuking the religious establishment for hypocricy; overturning the moneychangers we see righteous love and indignation.
Peter is the Apostle of the Jews and Paul is the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Romans 11:13
For I speak to youGentiles, inasmuch as I amtheapostleoftheGentiles, I magnify mineoffice:
Apostle Paul went to the uncircumcision for the gospel of grace and Apostle Peter went to the circumcision with the gospel of the kingdom.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
May we agree Apostle Paul is not one of the Twelve because he was not qualified and it was God plan ?
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
Apostle Paul warns us of false witness.
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance for sin in the gospel of grace , we believe only . 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
7We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance in the gospel of grace.
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 15:7-11
7And 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.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now 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?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.