Galatian Conundrums
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But that is because people were taught that James in acts 15 was fine with Jews not following the law.
As I have explained, James himself wanted the Jews to keep the law. Not many realised this until they take the kjv and read for themselves what was stated in acts 15
The fact that Peter was nowhere to be seen in acts 21 speak volume
I need more time than I have at the moment. I will get back later.
Still needing to go out, so running late.
Regarding Acts 15. The question here is whether Gentiles should be circumcised in order to become Jewish Christians. The answer was a firm ‘no.’ Circumcision is of the flesh and not of the heart. The flesh rots and turns to dust from where it originally came, but in Christianity we see the beauty of spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ whereby salvation is of the heart. The doctrine of physical mutilation not only denied the efficacy of the work of Christ, but ignored the great truth that ‘we are saved not by the law but by God’s grace.’
However all believers should act more like servants of the true God rather that like the average Gentile of the day. The issue was resolved, and a bridge built between the two peoples when certain cultural requirements were agreed. Namely, not eating anything that had been offered to idols and not eating the meat of any animal that had been strangled or that still has blood in it. They must also not commit any terrible sexual sins. The same was expected of both Jew and Gentile.
This settled the dispute.
Regarding Acts 15. The question here is whether Gentiles should be circumcised in order to become Jewish Christians. The answer was a firm ‘no.’ Circumcision is of the flesh and not of the heart. The flesh rots and turns to dust from where it originally came, but in Christianity we see the beauty of spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ whereby salvation is of the heart. The doctrine of physical mutilation not only denied the efficacy of the work of Christ, but ignored the great truth that ‘we are saved not by the law but by God’s grace.’
However all believers should act more like servants of the true God rather that like the average Gentile of the day. The issue was resolved, and a bridge built between the two peoples when certain cultural requirements were agreed. Namely, not eating anything that had been offered to idols and not eating the meat of any animal that had been strangled or that still has blood in it. They must also not commit any terrible sexual sins. The same was expected of both Jew and Gentile.
This settled the dispute.
Yep it is clear that gentiles were excused from the law of Moses
What was less clear is that peter wanted both Jews and gentiles to be free from the law, but James pronounced that only gentiles were to be excused.
Once you realised this, both acts 21 and the book of James become easier to understand
I would say the same to the unbelieving Jews. They were destined for hell and cutting off a little bit of skin would not save them. The sooner you realise this the better.
Accepting Christ saves from the law. That is the way to go.
Not just the gentiles. The time of reformation had come the shadow became sight …..our bloody husband Christ.. . . the sign of circumcision.
Same with the vision to Peter eat that which previous they could not. The old testament ceremonial laws where put aside for the new restored order.
One new cerimoninil law was introduced that points to the affect of the reformation . Dual in nature working as one. The head uncovered with hair covered for the woman along with the breaking of bread . A witness to the angels of the upcoming wedding supper when we have received our new incorruptible bodies.
Previously under the old order .Kings in Israel. Men and woman were separated from a High walls as one level, and another level another high wall between the Jewish woman and the gentiles. (three levels )
Woman as well as gentiles could now celebrate together having removed that Pagan barrier . The true woman's liberation
.
So, let's say for a moment that there are 2 gospels. One to gentiles and one to jews.
The one to the jews must have been incorrect? Peter not being strong enough to convince James and the rest of the jews the real gospel? So their gospel was mixed with Mosaic Law, somehow? Not sure if they still sacrificed or not. Probably did if they still had the temple.
And over the years (however many) Paul would have corrected them?
Actually by the time Paul was nearing the end of his life, most of his followers have abandoned the pure gospel of grace, I think the "men from James" (Gal 2:12) won in the end. Christians in the Body of Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, turned to the Law.
The following verses that he wrote in his last letter before his death, the letter to Timothy, sounded very sad when I read them.
2 Timothy 1:15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
Later on in chapter 4
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.1 Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
If that was the case then why is the gospel written by Paul in our bibles and not James?
Why was Paul allowed in our bibles at all?
If they won why not record their own gospel?
Thanks to the Holy Spirit perhaps, who made sure all of us now can rediscover the wonderful gospel of grace given to the Apostle Paul by the ascended Christ?
There is no necessary connection between who won and what is preserved as scripture.
st.james asked st. paul to do sacrifice and do temple rituals because of them saying st.paul was teaching people against moses.
do we know if st.james kept doing the temple all his life?
Usually there is.
See every history book ever written...
But I think you are correct about 'Thanks to the Holy Spirit'
If memory serves this is when Nero was intent on killing all Christians. He either put them to the lions or stood them by the roadside and set fire to them to illuminate the road. Many understandably denied being a Christian.
Not only peter but all the apostles and Jesus himself, according to paulines,preached a different gospel.
Peter got the revelation about the gospel being preached to the gentiles.
It was Peter that spoke at the council in Jerusalem,while paul,being in attendance stayed silent.
Only one gospel
Yet Jesus says "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" and "they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd"
John/Yahanan 10:27-30, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; neither will any man snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand: I and My Father are in accord."
John 10:16, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd."
Yes.
You and i see it as a complete theme of God and man.
The jew/gentile thinggy as very small.
The paulines see the jew/gentile deal as THE picture. They see 2 plans. One is grace,the other is law.
One for the jew,the other(grace) for the gentile.
So,to them,The nonpauline books are not for the church.
THAT IS WHY they work tirelessly to discredit Peter and the others.
They see it as a mission,and discrediting is part of their mission.
Part of their gospel.
It is logical that they would demean the gc and the power of God.