PETER IN JERUSALEM—PAUL IN ROME - J. C. O'Hair

PETER IN JERUSALEM—PAUL IN ROME

Pastor J. C. O’Hair

It will prove both profitable and interesting to study God’s programs from the time of Peter’s question in Acts 1:6 to Paul’s statement in Acts 28:28. Note Peter’s question to Christ; Wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? This question meant “wilt Thou, Lord, at this time build again the tabernacle of David, prophesied in Amos 9:11 to 15?” Between Christ’s resurrection and ascension He spoke to Peter and the Eleven things “pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3). But their question, in Acts 1:6, proves that they knew nothing of the program of Ephesians 3:1 to 10, “the dispensation of the grace of God” and the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6. They tarried at Jerusalem and when the day of Pentecost, the Jewish feast day, fully came, something happened. The Holy Spirit came in power, not in the form of a dove as in the case of the Lord Jesus, but “there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” (Acts 2:3). They had obeyed Luke 24:49 and tarried in Jerusalem. They were still in Jerusalem in Acts 8:1, Acts 15:1 to 19 and Galatians 2:1 to 14.
Now by the way of contrast, note Paul’s statement in Acts 28:28: “the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles.” This was about 30 years later. Paul was not in Jerusalem, but many miles away, in Rome. There is a great difference between restoring the kingdom to Israel and sending salvation to Gentiles, because of God’s awful judgment upon the kingdom nation. (Acts 28:25 to 28 - Romans 11:5 to 11).
On Israel’s feast day, Pentecost, Peter and the Eleven stood up, in Jerusalem, (12 apostles) and addressed Jews, all the house of Israel, (12 tribes). Acts 2:5 - Acts 2:36). Twelve is the number of Israel; not the number of the Body. It was unlawful for them to fellowship or come unto Gentiles. (Acts 10:28). Peter and the Eleven preached to Israel concerning Joel’s prophecy, David’s prophecy, and what Samuel and all the prophets had foretold concerning Israel’s kingdom blessing; “these days.” (Acts 2:16 to 32 - Acts 3:19 to 21 - Acts 3:24).
Some time after Paul reached Rome he became the prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ, because Christ revealed from heaven a message and program for Gentiles, called “the mystery of Christ,” “the mystery of the gospel,” “the dispensation of the mystery,” “the unsearchable riches of Christ,” “the eternal purpose of God.” (Colossians 4:3 and 4 - Ephesians 6:19 and 20 - Ephesians 1:9 - Ephesians 3:8 to 11 and Ephesians 3:1). All of this had to do with the heavenly position of members of the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6, and nothing to do with “these days” of Acts 3:24 and 21.
Let us now note a most important question copied from a pamphlet, published and distributed by the Moody Bible Institute for the past 25 years. (By A. E. Bishop and Dr. C. I. Scofield):
“IS IT THE SPIRIT OF GOD, OR SATAN, WHO TURNS THE EYES OF SINCERE CHRISTIANS BACK TO PENTECOST AND AWAY FROM THE GOAL PLACED BEFORE THEM IN EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS?”
In progressive revelation, in doctrine, God’s instructions are “on to perfection” (Hebrews 6:1 to 3); and not “back to Pentecost” before the dispensation of grace for Gentiles began. Another popular cry is, “give me the program of Jesus.” This means to study Paul’s ministry in the light of the Four Gospels, which is a reversal of God’s way.
With Mr. Bishop’s question, let us carefully consider a most important truth by the pastor of the Moody Church (his lectures on Romans 16:25 and 26).
“THE MYSTERY WAS NOT HID IN THE SCRIPTURES TO BE BROUGHT TO LIGHT EVENTUALLY; BUT WE ARE DISTINCTLY TOLD IT WAS HID IN GOD UNTIL SUCH TIME AS HE CHOSE TO MANIFEST IT.” “THIS WAS NOT UNTIL ISRAEL HAD BEEN GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE CHRIST BOTH IN INCARNATION AND RESURRECTION.”
Study Pentecost for Israel in the light of the mystery for Gentiles. Note in II Timothy 2:8 and 9 - Colossians 4:3 and 4 - Colossians 1:24 to 26 - what Paul suffered for us.

Posted By – Cecil Spivey

Cspivey1953@gmail.com

 

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