Barry, I compliment you on your methods of study.
The Bible is composed of progressively changing "good news or Gospels." During the Acts of the Apostles several covenants were in place, along with Paul's mystery of Christ, that was revealed to him, also progressively. In other words, God did not give him complete detail at one time. The two covenants were the Gospel of the Circumcision, and the Gospel of the Kingdom. But, as revelation of the message of grace was given to Paul, the covenant promises of the Kingdom were put on hold, because of the dis-belief of the Jews of Jesus as their Savior. The Kingdom and Circumcision covenents were bound up with "sign and wonders." Pauls Gospel was not.
As Israel persisted in rejection of Christ, Paul began with the "gospel of the uncircumsion" as a basis for the "message of reconciliation," by which both Jews and Gentiles were to become "one body in Christ." I hope you will consider that several messages were being preached during this period so you can realize why there is confusion among Christians today about doctrines on this subject.(I,m not confused.) <g>
God bless you,
James |
