HOW A JEWISH FAITH BECAME PREDOMINANTLY GENTILE

Christianity arose as a movement within the Jewish community, not in the lands of the dispersion but in the land of Israel! Its Founder [Jesus] was a Jew, and so were his disciples, who in the years following his departure from them proclaimed mostly to Jews the good news he had entrusted to them. Yet in little more than a generation after his death Christianity was recognized by the authorities of the Roman Empire as a predominantly Gentile cult. THIS IS REMARKABLE!

I’m getting a new perspective on how pivotal Acts 13 is in relation to the growth and maturity of the New Testament Church!

In chapter 6, the church – becoming overwhelmed with new believers – organized with seven stewards to assist with the ministry.  Stephen – one of the seven - rose to a much larger role and in chapters 7-8 was killed as the first martyr of the church!

In chapter 9, Saul was converted. 

In Chapters10-11, God abruptly - through visions and angels – helped Peter [the outspoken voice of the Apostles] to realize that the Gospel was intended for all people – including the Gentiles!  This essentially opened the door for Paul’s [formerly Saul] future ministry!

In chapter 13, we review the calling and sending of Barnabas and Saul. But within one chapter their mission was directed almost exclusively to Gentiles! And, Paul emerged as the key to this massive transition.

The Acts narrative can be mildly deceptive for modern-day readers. Luke’s unraveling of the story of the development of the New Testament Church is accurate, but does not make us aware of the time-frame of the events. For instance, after his conversion, Paul spent time in Arabia. We know nothing of the purpose for this time. Galatians 1:18 informs us that it was three years before Paul made a trip to Jerusalem to meet with Peter! 

We know that the very significant ‘Jerusalem Council’ recorded in Acts 15, likely took place in 50 A.D. while Paul’s conversion likely took place in 34 AD – that’s sixteen years later!. By that time, James the Apostle had been killed by Herod [Acts 12:2], and James – the brother of Jesus [and author of the NT book of James] had become a significant leader in the New Testament Church.

Biblical historicist, Roland Allen singles out the decade between 47 and 57  AD:

In little more than ten years St. Paul established the Church in four provinces of the Empire: Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia and Asia. Before 47 AD there were no Churches in these provinces; in AD 57 St. Paul could speak as if his work there was done, and could plan extensive tours into the far West without anxiety…

 To observe his tireless dedication to his mission,

1.    the first missionary journey took place between AD 46-48.

2.    The second from AD 50-52; and

3.    the third from AD 53-57 when he was arrested, imprisoned in Caesarea and sent to Rome as a result of his appeal to Caesar [AD60]. 

In Ad 63 he was released from his first Roman imprisonment. He may have made a trip to Spain in AD 64. He was imprisoned again in AD 66 and martyred in AD 67.

After this, the church was led and influenced by the remaining apostles and the MANY associates/disciples of the Apostle Paul:

·         Barnabas                               Acts 13:1

·         Silas                                       II Corinthians 1:19

·         Timothy                                  Romans 16:21

·         Apollos                                   I Corinthians 16:12

·         Philemon                               Philemon 1

·         Phoebe                                  Romans 16:1

·         Priscilla and Aquila                Romans 16:3

·         Urbanus                                 Romans 16:9

·         Clement                                 Philippians 4:3

·         Aristarchus                            Colossians 4:10-11

·         Mark                                       “

·         Justus                                    “

·         Demas                                   Philemon 24

·         Luke                                       “

·         Epaphroditus                        Philippians 2:25

·         Andronicus                           Romans 16:7

·         Junia                                      “

·         Tychicus                                Colossians 4:7

And many more…                                                                                     

[resourced from https://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Pauline_Associates.htm]

The Apostle Paul’s influence in moving the church forward and into the future is inestimable!  By the end of his life, this was no longer a strictly Jewish faith!

PLUS: Remember that in 70 AD the temple was completely destroyed and the sacrificial system came to an end. The Jewish dispersion began with the fall of Jerusalem and the faith was flung to the far parts of the known world!

PRAY FOR THE PEACE [SALVATION] OF ISRAEL!

Romans 9 is a challenging chapter!  Here, the Apostle Paul expresses deep grief over the fact that so many Jews have not responded to the grace of God offered through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus.

It's a hard chapter to read and understand and I am inadequate to try to plumb its depths.  

My first query is that this was written by Paul in the first place!  He was the Apostle to the Gentiles!  Where is this deep concern for the Jewish people coming from.  When I say "deep concern", that's clear in verse 3:

"It may sound extreme; but I wish that I were lost, cursed and totally separated from the Anointed - if that would change the eternal destination of my brothers and sisters, my flesh and countrymen."  [All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted.  Remember that the words in italics are not in the original text!]

This is nothing less than shocking!  Paul grieves so deeply for his countrymen who have neglected the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would be willing to suffer eternally if they would just wake up and turn to Christ!   

The gist of this is that even while many non-Jews [Gentiles] were turning to Christ and gaining the full acceptance by God, many Jews were still trusting in obedience to the Law to keep them in a right relationship with God.  Old Covenant Jews were rejecting the New Covenant grace!  And Paul wonders throughout this chapter how these Jews can be awakened to the all-inclusive love and grace of God? 

"Even though God desires to demonstrate His anger and to reveal His power, He has shown tremendous restraint toward those vessels of wrath that are doomed to be cracked and shattered.  And why is that?  To make the wrath of His glory known to vessels of mercy that are prepared for great beauty.  These vessels of mercy include all of us.  God has invited Jews and non-Jews, insiders and outsiders; it makes no difference."  [vs.22-24]

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I am a biblically informed person, but certainly not a scholar!  However, what seems obvious to me as I read this chapter is that Paul - who had committed himself as the Apostle to the Gentiles - was still deeply concerned about the faith of his countrymen: the Jews who had failed to acknowledge faith through Jesus Christ!

As a 21st century believer, I understand the strong opinion of so many Christian leaders, churches and organizations to stand strong behind Israel!  I agree with this position!  

However, shouldn't our plea be that God would - even through the dire circumstances of the present war - awaken the Jews to the reality and necessity of a genuine faith anchored in the substitutionary death of Christ for our sins?  Hear Paul's sense of urgency!  Hear his longing for the Jews to awaken!  

I must confess that I have rarely joined Paul's passion.  I stand behind loyalty to the nation of Israel, while ignoring the fact that without Christ, the Jews will be eternally lost!  Could it be that when Psalm 122:6 exhorts us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," it is challenging us to pray for inner peace as much as the peace between individuals and nations?

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Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,

Use the circumstances that have emerged since October 7th to transform the minds and hearts of the nation of Israel.  They have held stubbornly to their understanding of You through the Torah.  Speak to the hearts of these precious children of God and arouse in them a longing for a deeper certainty that can only come by acknowledging and accepting the grace that is available to all who come to You in the name of Your only Son, Jesus!  

May Israel and Jerusalem know real peace in Him!  Amen!