… and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.
Summary: Sometimes, the simplest thing is to tell it like it is.
Imagine how Paul felt.
It had been seventeen years since God had got ahold of him. Instead of believing in the Bible, Paul was suddenly convinced that Jesus was God’s Son. That changed everything for Paul. Suddenly, the Scriptures he was so fond of toting around took on a new meaning. Like a kaleidoscope changing with the twist of the viewing tube, Paul’s view of Scripture changed instantly, too. But was it the right view? After seventeen years, he had to know. Did he come because he wanted to? He comes in response to a revelation from God.
And what does he do?
He presents the church leaders in Jerusalem with his gospel. He shares with them the glory of God’s Good News that had been shown to him after meeting Jesus. And what did Jesus tell him?
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
What else did Jesus tell Paul?
“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one;’” (Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Application: Do a gut check. Are you calling on the name of the Lord?
Food for Thought: There are many things that Paul writes about in his letters. What are your favorite descriptions of Paul’s gospel?
There are many things that Paul writes about in his letters. What are your favorite descriptions of Paul’s gospel?
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Romans 8:14
Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Ephesians 3:7
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ( reminds me of an old war quote )
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Thank you, Anon!
Nice selection of verses!
Well, the Romans road that you describe here is certainly one of my favorite descriptions. But I particularly like the apparent creed of the early church that he mentions in 1 Corinthians 15: 1 – 5. It is simple, concise and clear.
1Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance a : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.
Thank you, Rich!
I like how the 1 Corinthian 15:5 passage ties Paul back with Peter (Cephas) and the Twelve. That brings us full circle to Paul coming back to Jerusalem to meet with the “esteemed leaders.”
01-20-2024, There are many things that Paul writes about in his letters. What are your favorite descriptions of Paul’s gospel?
My favorite “ Go To “ verse in the Bible is Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Paul was inspired by God to write many letters in support of these words from Jesus Christ which have always provided guidance, and clarity as I have come to many forks in the road and have been given the power to back up my bus.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Romans 8:14
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23
Great choices, Ron!
I like your “go to” verse: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
That puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it? 🙂
It surely does Brother. When your at that fork in the road, and must
make a choice.
Ron