As you know Paul is often (and properly) called the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Romans 11:13 clearly tells us so, in Paul’s own words: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles.” In fact, his vast ministry was always opposed by the Jews, sometimes severely and perilously so.
Once, to further prove my point, Paul was commanded by God to “get out” of Jerusalem. (Acts 22:18 … “Make haste, and GET THEE QUICKLY OUT of Jerusalem: for THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE thy testimony concerning me.”) An imperative, a command!
Yet … he still tried to preach to the Jews everywhere he went! With minimal success and maximum opposition!
Once when preaching (on his first missionary journey, in Antioch of Pisidia) Paul was so accosted by the Jews, Luke writes: “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES.” Acts 13:45-46, wisely done, Paul!
This scenario repeats itself (today’s Lesson) on the second missionary journey, in Corinth: “And when they (the Jews) opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I WILL GO TO THE GENTILES.” Acts 18:6
Wow!
Then, upon once again resolving to obey the Lord “in going to the Gentiles” … the Lord (almost immediately) appeared to Paul, encouraging his ministry to the gentiles in Corinth! “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in THIS CITY. And he continued THERE a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:9-11
Jerusalem … GET OUT!
Corinth … STAY!
Here’s what I am saying today … when Paul preached to the Gentiles … GOD BLESSED HIM NO END! When Paul interacted with the Jews (albeit via preaching, evangelism) he met strong persecution!
Truth be told … his last trip to Jerusalem (Paul now having made a vow and having reverted to some Mosaic practices, after preaching so strongly against the Law) was warned by God … demonstrably!
On the way to the City (where he was arrested, sent to Caesarea then to Rome and detained for years) God warned Paul once more: “And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the JEWS at JERUSALEM bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.” Acts 21:10-11, in other words, DO NOT GO TO JERUSALEM!
Now read Acts 21:12, the very next verse: “And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, BESOUGHT (BEGGED) him NOT TO GO up to Jerusalem.” Another warning!
I personally believe Paul experienced a somewhat premature death (likely at the hands of Nero, in jail in Rome … initially because of Jewish hatred and accusations, false but powerful accusations). Because he did not fully pursue his ministry to the gentiles as he had been instructed.
I sit here typing and wishing Paul had kept to his resolve that day long ago in Corinth! I mean Acts 18:6 … “From henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”
Had he done so we might have another half dozen divinely inspired Epistles in our New Testament! And Paul indeed might have lived to make that long voyage to Spain, preaching to the gentiles there! Would there have been a sequel to the Book of Acts as well? (“Whensoever I take my journey into SPAIN, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.” Romans 15:24)
Students reading these line here today … STAY WITHN THE CONFINES OF GOD’S WILL FOR YOU LIVES!
After all, that (His Will) is always good and acceptable and perfect! And probably the safest place you can be!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Do not misconstrue this Lesson as being in any way anti-Jewish! I pray: “God bless those children of Abraham!” And the Lord is burdened for their salvation! And many Jewish people today are turning to the Saviour. It is just that God had chosen Paul as a Preacher to the Gentiles! And among them he did his best work.
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