Category: Gospel

Paul here (and in chapter 3) seeks to downplay his personal abilities and proclamations, instead showing the Corinthians that the true power for salvation was in God’s word.  He said in 3:7 that he was not “anything.” He stated in Romans 1:16 that the power of God to salvation was in the message of the gospel, not in the messenger.

So, here in chapter two he affirmed it wasn’t in his abilities of wisdom that salvation came. Only that in weakness, fear and much trembling he preached only Christ and Him crucified.

This demonstrates and important truth that Paul emphasized in all of his epistles. The power that brings redemption does not come from men, but from God. Not in human wisdom, but “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

His conclusion here is an important one. We should not consider any success we have in Christ to be because of us!  It is because of the power of God!

The text of Ephesians 3 references the “fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” (9). While it was hidden through the ages, it was finally revealed as first came John, then Jesus Himself, and then the ambassadors that Jesus sent into the world, inspired by the Holy Spirit (cf. John 15:13-15).

Those who lived faithfully toward God, but lived and died before Jesus, “did not receive the promise” apart from us (Hebrews 11). Paul writes about this in 2 Corinthians 3:15-16, “But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.”

Peter referred to the prophets who sought to know this mystery, but Peter made clear that the prophets were ministering to those of us who live in these last days, when the gospel of Christ would be preached, “things which angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12).

So in the revealing of that mystery, we return back to our initial text in Ephesians 3. It has now been revealed “by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (5). This revealed mystery is encapsulated in the promise that all men, both Jews and Gentiles, “should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (7).

The text of Acts reveals the preaching of Jesus’ completed gospel, with power, for the first time. It was accompanied with power from the Holy Spirit.  One sign given as seen in our text is the gift of tongues or languages.  The apostles were able to speak to the audience “each in our own language in which we were born” (8) through the power of God.

Some mocked in response, “They are full of new wine” (13). This contention was obviously false.  Getting drunk does not make one a polyglot. Setting aside Peter’s objection that it was still early in the day, what they claimed simply was not possible.

The other response was perplexity and amazement (12), as God’s intended.  The fact that on that day 3,000 became obedient to that gospel (41) with growth continuing in the days and weeks to come indicates clearly both the power of God, and the significance of Pentecost. It was the establishment of Jesus’ church, as God has in these “last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2).

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. His conviction made him always to be willing to proclaim boldly God’s message. His example is one we seek to emulate (2 Timothy 1:8-12).

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There are a number of occasions where the apostle Paul used the metaphor of a door to refer to an opportunity. For example, when Paul and Barnabas gave a report to the church in Antioch, Luke records, “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27). Paul himself wrote to the Corinthian church, saying in 1 Corinthians 16:8-9, “But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” He wrote again in  2 Corinthians 2:12, “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed to Macedonia.” Continue reading “An Open Door” →

In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response.  “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”

The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?.  It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture.  Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging.  Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Continue reading “The Passion of Gospel Preaching” →

Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text.  The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ.  Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied.  God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.

The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it.  It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15).  However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.”  For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16).  The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls!  If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!

The calling in Christ is described by Paul here. In calling, we must determine how we are called. It is through the gospel of Christ. God is not capricious, giving his grace to some, but denying it to others. The reason why so many who are humanly wise, mighty and noble are not of the elect is they choose not to be!  They trust and depend upon themselves rather than upon God (cf. Proverbs 16:18).

God champions the humble.  What He considers to be valuable differs greatly from the world’s definition of value.  God chooses that which indicates man’s dependence upon Him, rather than things which promote selfishness and arrogance.  Why?  “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (29).

Accepting God’s wisdom, His righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), and the blessings that accrue from our relationship to Him, this is what God desires for us. Don’t glory in yourself (pride); instead, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (31).

The gospel does not condemn us. We are drowning in a sea of sin, and the gospel is a life preserver that when heard can be grasped or refused.

The message of the cross, the gospel of Christ, is the means by which God saves man, cf. Romans 1:15-16. Here it is contrasted with the wisdom of the world. The world has always allayed against God and His will. Nevertheless, God chose to save those He could through the preaching of the gospel message. Faith in Christ is the means to salvation. Without believing the testimony of scripture, a man is doomed to salvation.  “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (21).

It is interesting to note that even God’s foolishness is incomparable  to the wisdom of man. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (25).

Unfortunately, to most, the preaching of the gospel appears as foolishness, or a stumbling block.  There are few who are interested in God and His word.  They are arrogant in their so-called wisdom, and instead of believing and obeying, they refuse.

Truly, the way is difficult and the gate is narrow! (cf. Matthew 7:13).

A number of warnings concerning improper attitudes toward the word of God, given by the writer of Hebrews.

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Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, though he was “one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8), said in 2 Corinthians 11:5, “I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.”

His apostleship was given directly by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9:15-16), and both his own epistles and Luke’s record of his ministry (Acts) attest to the truth of this. But the next words written, in 2 Corinthians 11:6,  give a very good reason for Paul’s success, “Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge.”

There is great reward, both for the teacher and the student, when knowledge is shared. It doesn’t matter if the speech or ability is limited.  Paul is proof of this, and expressed it wonderfully through his pen.

Some disagree.  Some said about Paul,  “For his letters, they say, ‘are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.’” (2 Corinthians 10:10). What an inept and inappropriate criticism.  What Paul was preaching was the gospel of Christ, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16).  The proof is evident.

If you have little talent, but you have studied and know God’s word, share it!  Let the power of God come, not by eloquence, but from the scriptures themselves. It is there from whence true power comes!

Paul did not have a dislike for the law of Moses. Though his reputation was often attacked, Paul realized the main purpose of that Law. It is “to bring us to Christ” (cf. Galatians 3:24). It was good. But, it had to be used correctly. It had to be obeyed.  The law of Moses is not where redemption is found, it was given to prepare and lead to redemption.

The law is abused by the disobedient. He includes in this passage a sampling of that.  He references the unholy and profane. Individuals like murderers, fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, perjurers. These are not exclusive, they are representative of all types of sin.

But, the law is contrasted with what Paul refers to as “the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (11). The abuse of the law does teach an important truth, such sins are “contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel” as well, and worthy of judgment, (cf. Romans 1:28-32). The law also is not the end all.  The glorious gospel of God, committed to Paul, is.

A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, the value of the gospel of Christ to the Apostle Paul.

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The week of a gospel meeting can be challenging as we set aside time throughout the week to come hear the Bible taught by qualified men.

The week reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4. He made the point that our physical existence prepares us for our eternal reward with God. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels” (7).  As such Paul characterized his teaching in this way, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

This is true both for the teacher and the student. Paul was very aware of his mortality, and yet endured even through suffering to prepare himself and his hearers for eternity.  Our treasure in heaven is most important, and we have an opportunity this week to allow the “inward man” to gain great advantage through our worship and the teaching we will receive.

It is a question of importance and priority. Other things press upon us each day, but occasionally we set things aside to attend and luxuriate in a spiritual feast. “Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. ¹³ With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. ¹⁵ I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. ¹⁶ I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:12-16).