Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ( 1 Corinthians 1:25).
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. ( Romans 1:22-25).
2 Thessalonians 2:11
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Man has often sought one of two courses. The first result of man's degenerate state is wars; whether we look at the first murder involving Cain the firstborn son of Adam and Eve and their second child Abel; or the wars early on in Genesis and overall violence and corruption of the earth. The second is the attempt to replicate a "utopia" on earth. Often especially with the kings; emporers and dictators that came later on we see both occuring at the same time. This theme was apparent in ancient Rome and Greece where the materialism along with worship of idols led to eventual moral malaise and the self destruction within of civilizations which we see so often today.
It is clear that we are heading for the final consummation; the final dictatorship of the Beast Antichrist so clearly described in Revelation; and seen in repeated past rulers who partially fulfilled the prophecies as to the character. His end is thus ( Psalm 2:9-10)
The Lord will devour them in his anger,
and fire will consume them.
10 None of their descendants will survive;
the king will kill them all.
Always keep in mind that we CANNOT escape judgment without Christ; OR the call to worship Antichrist if unregenerate.
Hello Meek and seek. I had read through Lbooth1955's understanding of 2 Peter 1:20 and then your reply and wondered what you found in his reply that was inaccurate. What he shared was the correct application of biblical hermeneutics, which must be foundational in the reading of the Scriptures. If we get that wrong then everything we build upon it will be in error. And that probably accounts, in the greater part, for so many different interpretations and applications of the Scripture.
You quoted in part 1 Corinthians 2:4,5, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." When Paul spoke and wrote to the Church there, the Holy Spirit enabled him to bring together all of the Scriptures that properly and correctly manifested Christ Jesus, showing that Jesus was truly God's Love declared by the giving of Himself for their sakes. The world thinks that is ridiculous ("the wisdom of men" & 1 Corinthians 1:18)), for man must pay for his own sins and hope for God's acceptance. But Paul stood against the wisdom of men (Gentiles) and those who sought signs (Jews), but proclaimed what all the Scriptures testified of Jesus.
Once as a high-ranking Jew, Paul believed he understood the Scriptures correctly and so taught others. But when he came to faith, he had to count all that understanding 'loss and dung' as the Spirit enabled him to understand the Word correctly. Did he then lose sight of the correct understanding of Israel's history, God's Plan for them and for the Church (of both Jew & Gentile), and of things future? Not at all. All that God had proclaimed concerning National Israel still holds true and will come to pass. Then Jesus came and brought believing Jew & Gentile into the one Body. Correct distinctions need to be maintained or else we can make the Bible mean anything we want to suit our theology. GBU.
Dear everyone, NOTHING comes into being without God's will. It's that simple. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Often when I sit and look out over the landscape that stretches out in an endless road. And I see blue after blue on the horizon of mountains rising above each other. "Was that all"? How inadequate I often feel when the days go by nonstop. Have I built anything that will stand, today? Do you know, only God knows. He who knows everything in advance. He who knows whom He would choose. The weakest and the least stand still in Deuteronomy 7:6-7 That is my full conviction. But He has given the Call to all people, and He sees who are willing to sit on the wall. He understands who is willing to take up their cross and follow Him. Can you believe He is saddened by all the deniers? If a scripture seems incomprehensible to someone, so be it. You get it piecemeal and divided; a human brain cannot embrace everything that the Lord gives at once. Once in my youth I always shared Jeremiah 30:1 in conversation with people who believed that we all have one and the same God, all over the globe. See that whoever can. We also grow in the Lord Jesus as He wants. I must not believe even if I read hundreds of pages that everything is digested and understood. If we see a film once, it shows us another side the next time, which we did not see at all the first time. Was that understandable? I'm going to do a favor and then do an everyday thing like make blackcurrant juice. Before the magpie takes it out there, but it has to have something too. But I am going now, we hear later, love you all.
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
Romans 15:29
"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."
Romans 15:16
"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
As you wrote, "Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection"; if so, then it wasn't simply a case of preaching to a people & baptising as "a required sign of repentance and national obedience", but a grievous failing by Peter to correctly understand & communicate the difference between what was performed under the Old and what baptism meant under the New Covenant. If this wasn't communicated to the Jews who were being saved and baptized, then Peter's baptising was no different to John's, thus was meaningless in its proper context.
With that in mind, would it then be correct to say that Paul himself didn't fully comprehend this matter of water baptism being Israel-specific & its cessation under the New Covenant? For he himself baptized others ( 1 Corinthians 1:14-16), for which he never apologized nor revised his thinking and practise. Even though v17 states that he was "sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel", it is clear that that was not his emphasis in ministry, leaving the matter to others, but I fail to see where water baptism was done away with because of Paul's special revelations or any time after.
Even Peter, now an older man, would declare in 1 Peter 3:21, "..baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"; that any salvific merit in water baptism was not in the removing of the external grime (as pertaining to Jewish washings), but it answered to a clear conscience before God (of what God had done in Christ and the baptizee's confession & identification with Him). Onto Page 3.
Paul made this statement in 1 Corinthians 1:10 because the Corinthian church was experiencing division, strife, and factionalism, which threatened the unity and effectiveness of the body of Christ. Here's a breakdown of why he said this and what it means:
1. Context: A Divided Church
The Corinthian believers were aligning themselves with different human leaders:
Some claimed to follow Paul,
Others followed Apollos,
Others followed Cephas (Peter),
And some claimed to follow only Christ ( 1 Cor 1:12).
These divisions were not just personal preferences but had become spiritually damaging, undermining the unity that should characterize the Church, the Body of Christ.
2. Paul's Appeal: In Christ's Authority
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."
Paul wasn't appealing based on his own authority, but in the name of Jesus Christ, their common Lord. This emphasizes that Christ-not any man-is the basis for unity.
3. The Goal: Unity in Mind and Judgment
"...that ye all speak the same thing... be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Paul wanted them to:
Speak the same thing: Be doctrinally sound and unified in the gospel message (not mixing law and grace, or kingdom and mystery programs).
Be perfectly joined: He called for spiritual harmony and mutual love.
Same mind and judgment: They were to have a shared understanding of truth, and apply sound judgment in spiritual matters.
4. Why It Matters
Paul understood that division weakens the testimony of the church, distracts from the gospel of grace, and hinders spiritual growth. Since we are one Body in Christ ( 1 Cor 12:12-13), unity in truth is essential to function properly.
In short, Paul said this because unity in the Body of Christ must be based on sound doctrine, shared spiritual identity in Christ, and a common purpose-not on personalities, traditions, or human wisdom.
Question...Should we can't mix the kingdom program (preached by Peter, James, and John) with the mystery gospel given to Paul, focus on right division of Scripture ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Let's affirm that all Scripture is inspired and that both Peter and Paul were called by God. The issue isn't about rejecting any part of the Bible but understanding God's progressive revelation.
Peter and the 12 preached the kingdom gospel-a message prophesied in the Old Testament ( Acts 3:21-24). It focused on Israel, the coming earthly kingdom, and required repentance, water baptism, and obedience to the law ( Acts 2:38; Matthew 19:17). This message was based on Jesus being Israel's promised Messiah and King, And was the correct message for that time.
In contrast, Paul received his gospel by direct revelation from the risen Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12). Paul called it the mystery, which had been hidden from ages past but revealed through him ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-5). His message centered on justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works ( Romans 4:5), and introduced the Body of Christ, a new creation made up of both Jews and Gentiles with a heavenly hope, not an earthly kingdom, this is key. (not a earthly kingdom)
Mixing these programs leads to confusion-especially on salvation, baptism, and the church's identity. In Acts 15 and Galatians 2, even the apostles agreed that Paul had a distinct ministry to the Gentiles, apart from the kingdom program of Peter and the 12. Paul even said, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17), showing a break from the earlier kingdom requirements. "BAPTISM WAS A KINGDOM REQUIREMENT"
Understanding these differences helps us rightly divide God's Word and see how the church today operates under the dispensation of grace, not under Israel's kingdom law. This isn't rejecting the gospels or Peter or the other 11-it's honoring God's design by keeping the messages in their proper place.
Re: Acts 2:38. I believe that the inclusion of baptism in his Gospel message, was simply Peter's obedience to the Lord's command given to him (as also given to the other apostles), shown in Matthew 28:20,21: 'to go, teach, baptize'. Anything less would have meant disobedience. And even Paul continued to follow this practise declaring in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16. It is true, that Paul stated that "Christ sent him not to baptise, but to preach.." and yet he baptized. So, it should be understood that baptizing believers was left to others (the Church?) to perform while Paul focussed himself more on preaching the Gospel. Probably similar to an evangelist (e.g. the late Billy Graham), who makes preaching his primary work and left the counseling and baptism of new believers to others.
And for James 2:17-26, it is understood that he didn't support faith + works required for salvation, rather his message here is from verse 14. He questions the authenticity of one's faith, where works resulting from that faith is absent. And he gives the example of a fellow-believer found in a destitute condition. Can a true believer lovingly tell that poor soul, 'God bless you brother - I will pray for you that God provide for your needs'? Rather, the saving faith that is in us, by the Holy Spirit, urges us to render all support necessary, being the very hands of compassion & provision to that needy one. So, the examples of Abraham & Rahab are valid, except their faith was not based on the Gospel, but their belief in God working out His purposes, resulting in their works revealing their faith in Him. Onto Page 2.
Many struggle with this, asking: Is this how Christians today are supposed to live? But by asking who Jesus was speaking to (Israel, under the law) and the purpose of His message (to reveal the heart of the law and the need for a Savior), we can appreciate this passage without misapplying it to the Church.
Water Baptism vs. Spiritual Baptism
Denominations often argue over the mode and necessity of water baptism. But Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel." He also teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that believers are baptized spiritually by the Holy Spirit into one body.
By taking Scripture slowly and comparing passages, we see a distinction: Israel's program included ceremonial water baptism, while the Body of Christ is identified by a spiritual baptism that unites believers with Christ.
Spiritual Growth Through Personal Bible Study
Removing denominational blinders doesn't mean rejecting all church teaching-it means testing all things by Scripture ( Acts 17:11). It means valuing God's Word above tradition. When believers study independently, prayerfully, and slowly, they grow in spiritual maturity, discernment, and unity in the faith ( Ephesians 4:13-14).
Rather than being tossed around by conflicting doctrines, they become rooted and grounded in truth.
Conclusion: Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture
The Word of God is not contradictory-it is consistent, powerful, and alive. Apparent contradictions often arise when Scripture is taken out of context or forced to fit a denominational mold.
When we remove these blinders and let the Bible say what it says-word by word, verse by verse-we discover clarity that religion often clouds. The confusion created by mixing Israel's law-based program with the Church's grace-based calling is resolved by rightly dividing the word of truth and taking time to let the Scriptures speak for themselves.
c. Paul's baptism. I mentioned this earlier with Scriptures that Paul continued to baptize, at least accepted its relevancy, during his ministry. I quoted, Acts 18:7,8 (Jews and Gentiles in Corinth); Acts 19:1-5 (disciples at Ephesus); Romans 6:3,4 (the meaning & relevance of water baptism); 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (Paul's ministry was to preach the Gospel, but he still baptized); Colossians 2:11,12 (baptism as identification with Christ). So baptism in water was still very much practised during Paul's ministry. I can't think of any Scripture showing that Paul "later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him."
So it's not that Peter refused to preach Paul's message-it's that his role ended as God transitioned to a new dispensation. He respected Paul's calling but didn't cross over into a ministry that wasn't his.
In Summary
Peter didn't preach Paul's mystery message after meeting Paul because:
It wasn't his calling-his ministry was to the Jews.
He recognized Paul's unique revelation but didn't claim it for himself.
God was transitioning to the Body of Christ through Paul, not blending the two programs.
On another note...
Why did Paul get baptized?
Paul was baptized early in his conversion ( Acts 9:18; Acts 22:16) because at that time, God was still dealing with Israel under the kingdom program, where water baptism was required as a sign of repentance ( Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38). Paul's baptism was part of this transitional period.
However, after receiving the revelation of the mystery, Paul came to understand that in this new dispensation of grace, water baptism was no longer required for salvation. He later wrote:
"Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17)
So, Paul was baptized as part of the old program still active when he was saved-but he later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him.
Paul's teaching on baptism is distinct from the Jewish water baptism practiced by John the Baptist and the apostolic baptism Peter preached at Pentecost. Here's a breakdown of how Paul viewed and taught baptism within the dispensation of grace:
1. Water Baptism Not Central in Paul's Ministry
Paul was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel:
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel"
- 1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)
This is a strong statement. Unlike Peter ( Acts 2:38), Paul separates water baptism from the gospel message of grace. While water baptism continued for a time (as with early Jewish believers), it was not a requirement for salvation under Paul's gospel.
2. Spirit Baptism Into the Body of Christ
Paul emphasizes a spiritual baptism, not involving water, which places the believer into the Body of Christ:
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
This baptism is not performed by man, but by the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief. It aligns with Paul's core doctrine of salvation by grace through faith-with no physical work (like water baptism) required.
3. Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection
Paul also teaches a symbolic baptism in Romans 6:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
- Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
This speaks of a positional truth: the believer is spiritually united with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Again, this is not water baptism but a spiritual reality that takes place when one trusts the gospel.
Summary:
Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38) required repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins-part of the Kingdom gospel to Israel.
Paul's gospel ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9) presents salvation by grace through faith, without works, and emphasizes Spirit baptism into the Body of Christ, not water baptism.
Paul downplayed water baptism in favor of the spiritual baptism that unites us into one body.
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Romans 12:2
Andbenot conformed to this world: butbeye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, andperfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Now Ibeseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that therebeno divisions among you; but that yebeperfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully knownmydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
Should we baptize a baby ? ? I got baptized as a baby and don't remember it and didn't understand it . As a grown man, I got baptized twice, but I was still confused why we had to do it. The church told me it wasn't for Salvation, it's a membership and an example of Jesus Christ resurrection.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made ofnoneeffect.
Jesus Christ only baptized his disciples only.
John 4:2
(ThoughJesushimselfbaptizednot, but his disciples,)
The baptism of Moses was not water, the Jews walk the sea on dry land.
1 Corinthians 10:2
And were allbaptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Apollos only knew the Baptist of John. John baptized in water .
Acts 18:25
Thismanwas instructed in thewayofthe Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the thingsofthe Lord, knowing only the baptismofJohn
My question is, why are we baptizing a baby when they don't understand. I don't believe that Jesus Christ was baptize as a baby ?
Romans 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as werebaptizedintoJesusChrist werebaptizedinto his death?
Today, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit, the minute we believe the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we allbaptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
May we all believe that baptism is in the Holy Spirit by believing the gospel of grace.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Holy Spirit baptized me into Christ Jesus by believing the gospel.
Why should we be " in Christ " ? ? Who invented " in Christ " ? Are special people become " in Christ " ?
When Jesus died and was Resurrected, He took the Saints from the grave with Him . Every Jew that got saved , they became in Christ .
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also wereinChristbefore me.
All Salvation from the time Jesus Christ death, burial and resurrection are saved " in Christ " automatically. Apostle Peter recognized his Jewish followers as " in Christ ".
1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that areinChristJesus. Amen.
Apostle Paul recognized his followers as " in Christ".
2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with youinChrist, and hath anointed us, is God;
Because of Jesus Christ being the redeemer for the whole world on the cross and finished nailing everything, we are now justified and it didn't cost anything but our faith in believing.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that isinChristJesus:
We that are all saved in the Body of Christ.
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one bodyinChrist, and every one members one of another.
We can receive wisdom for being in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are yeinChristJesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Some would say " who in the world is Jesus ", I would say , God manifested in the flesh in the trinity of the Godhead. Jesus Christ wants us to know his words .
John 5:39
Searchthescriptures; for inthem ye think ye have eternal life: andthey arethey which testify of me.
Jesus Christ died for all of us to have eternal life in the Heavenly Places .
2 Corinthians 5:15
And that hediedforall, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him whichdiedforthem, and rose again.
Now that Jesus Christ finished everything and nailed it on the cross , we are to live in His resurrected Life today and not focus on his fleshly walk.
2 Corinthians 5:16
Wherefore henceforthknowwenoman after the flesh: yea, though we haveknown Christ after the flesh, yetnow henceforthknowwehimnomore.
Jesus Christ wants us to focus on things ahead, like his resurrection.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but topreachthegospel: not with wisdom of words, lestthecross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Jesus Christ wants us to love one another in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 16:24
Mylovebewithyou all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
A elephant can find water miles away and other animals will follow. The Bible is water of life, Jesus Christ wants us to find His word today .
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ray , 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 life is in the word of truth
"The difference between Calvinists and Arminians lies not in whether there are two wills in God, but in what they say this higher commitment is. What does God will more than saving all?
The answer given by Arminians is that human self-determination and the possible resulting love relationship with God are more valuable than saving all people by sovereign, efficacious grace. The answer given by Calvinists is that the greater value is the manifestation of the full range of God's glory in wrath and mercy ( Romans 9:22-23) and the humbling of man so that he enjoys giving all credit to God for his salvation ( 1 Corinthians 1:29)."
Therefore this perspective would say that God desires all to be saved but this "desire" is fundamentally different than what God ultimately determines or decrees to happen.
(2) All Persons Without Distinction. This perspective views that when Paul explains that God desires "all people" to be saved he is not referring to all persons without exception, but to all persons without distinction. In other words, Paul is not referring to God's desire for all individuals who have ever lived, but to all kinds of people. God is not only the savior of Jewish people, but of non-Jewish people as well.
After explaining that we should pray for "all people" because God desires "all people" to be saved because Jesus gave himself as a ransom for "all people," Paul concludes with this: "For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth," 1 Tim 2:7. Why does Paul need to insert that little parenthetical oath (I swear I'm not making this up!). Likely because so few of the early Christians believed that people who were not Jewish could actually be saved.
In Acts 15, there has to be an entire church council held to figure out whether or not its okay for Gentiles to become Christians.
Men who share the Mind of Christ don't live as individual persons of flesh; they are dead/crucified in ONE sacrificed, yet revived, body of fleshbelieving, by faith, that their spirits are Quickened to Eternal Life and hidden with Christ as ONE, New Man. They occupy this world to be daily reminders of God's Sacrifice for the sins of all flesh.
Fuji thank you for sharing John chapter 4. I can read this chapter and find so much wisdom.
I find this very interesting because Apostle Paul didn't baptize many people. " 1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. "
John 4:2
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
It amaze me that she claim Jacob as of her father and was not even a Jew herself. " Romans 2:29
But he is aJew, which is oneinwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. "
John 4:12
Art thou greater than our fatherJacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Because Jesus told her, she had five husbands, she believed the more. " Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of theLordare in every place, beholding theevilandthegood. "
John 4:18
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly
When God made Adam and Eve, they were both soul and spirit first. God made them at the same time. " Genesis 1:27
So God createdmanin his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. "
John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus had a command to the twelve: " Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commandedthem, saying,GonotintothewayoftheGentiles, and into any cityoftheSamaritans enter yenot: "
John 4:27
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
John 4:42
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:31 - That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
The word glory KAUCHASTHO is the word boasting. So, if God does something great, the believers are not supposed to put on a flesh show, a human show. God hasn't chosen us because of our abilities. God has chosen us because we are the chiefest of sinners, and hopefully you're one of those that the world has rejected. You're just not able to fit in.
People that don't fit in with the world have an easy time walking with the Lord. If you surrender your life to Christ, you'll find your identification. It's the people that have a lot of involvement with the world that say "I can't give up that success. I can't give up this, and I can't give up that!"
1 Corinthians 2:4 - And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom. The word enticing is the Greek word for persuasion. It was not with persuasive words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
What a tremendous verse!
1 Corinthians 2:6 - Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
The word perfect, TELIOS, denotes somebody who is saved and complete. It is the same word that Paul used in Colossians 2:10, that we are complete in Him.
1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
That little term "freely given" is the Greek word CHARISMA, which means expression of grace. We've received the Spirit of God so that we can know the things that are freely graced to us of God.
1 Corinthians 1:8 - Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concerning Christ, who shall also confirm (Again, the word establish). He will establish you unto the end, because God is faithful! So not only are you established now in Christ, but this same Jesus is going to establish you all the way to the end. Paul is giving them a promise. He will establish you unto the end because God is faithful. He keeps his word.
Romans 1:21 - For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching. Literally, the Greek word isn't preaching. It's the preached message. It pleased God that through the foolishness of the gospel message to save them that believe. How can words on a page be used to save anybody? God's Spirit uses it. That's His designed plan!
1 Corinthians 1:24 - But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Notice the two things. Greeks seek wisdom, and the Jews seek a sign. Christ is the power, and Christ is the wisdom to everybody who believes!
1 Corinthians 1:26 - For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
The word noble means wellborn, born into nobility. I can't recall where I read this, but Queen Elizabeth, several years ago when she visited Canada, she was asked if she's a Christian. She said yes. And she said this was her favorite verse, 1 Corinthians 1:26. She says my favorite letter in the alphabet is the letter "M." She says not many noble. She said if the "M" wasn't there, it would be not any noble. So, she says not many. She said I was born into nobility and I believe!
1 Corinthians 1:2 - Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. Sanctified is a Perfect Tense word that means they are in a condition. Sanctified means to be set apart for Christ. When the Holy Spirit comes into my life, I am set apart and I belong to Jesus Christ.
They are called saints. Again, the words "to be" are in italics because it's not in the original text. They are saints by calling. The word saint doesn't mean purity. It means position. You are set apart. The word saint and the word sanctified both come from the same Greek word (HAGIOS). It means to be set apart for Christ. So, Christ called them, and they responded to Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ
He says grace to you, and peace. Grace is the normal greeting to the Gentiles, especially to the Greeks. And peace is the normal greeting to the Jews, the Hebrew people.
He says grace and peace. The source: from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace can only come from God as His favor and His peace. Those are the normal ways of addressing a letter in Greek. They were in scrolls, so you wanted to unroll the scroll to see first of all who wrote it and who it's written to. And then the third element is always a thanksgiving from the writer. Paul follows that in that form in every one of his letters except for Galatians.
1 Corinthians 1:6 - Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
That the testimony of Christ has been established amongst you. The testimony of Christ was confirmed. The word confirmed is the Greek word BEBAIOS which means to establish somebody. The testimony of the Lord has been established amongst you.
1 Corinthians (Letter to a Carnal Church containing Correction and Instruction)
(1 Corinthians Part 1):
1 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
As I noted before in an earlier study, in all of Paul's letters, the words "to be" are in italics. It's because it is not in the original Greek transcript. He is literally saying that he is a called apostle. He's expressing what kind of apostle he is. He is an apostle by calling. It was his emphasis that this is not his ambition or his choice. The word apostle means someone sent out with a commission.
Notice that he claims himself not only to be a called apostle, but he is an apostle of Jesus Christ, not of people. In Galatians 1:1, Paul told them that he is an apostle, not through men, not from men (plural) meaning a committee, nor through a man (singular), meaning no human element appointed him. His appointment to be an apostle came from God.
So, number 1, he's a called apostle. Number 2, he's an apostle of Jesus Christ. And again, in Galatians 1:10, Paul says if I try to please men, I would no longer be a servant of Christ. That's a verse that needs to cut through the heart of every person in the ministry. If you represent Christ and His word, you can't work for anybody else. You've got to represent Christ and His word. And then thirdly, he's an apostle through the will of God. This is God's will for his life. Again, not ambition nor appointment.
Thanks for your further comment Lovealot19. In reference to Proverbs 8:22-31, I read it as applying solely to Wisdom & it is Wisdom that speaks here (even as that whole chapter indicates).
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
God always knows the greatest goal in any situation and the perfect way to achieve it. Therefore, His way to save sinners is perfect in every way. This way is through the incarnation of God the Son, Jesus, in His perfectly lived human life, in His terrible suffering and death on the cross, and in His glorious and triumphant resurrection from the dead. In this way, sinners are made humble and God is glorified. It is the perfect plan and there can be no other way that is better tha what God in His wisdom decided before creation in the covenant to save sinners. If there was a better way, then God would have done that, but there is no other way to accomplish God's greatest goal in saving sinners that through Jesus Christ and His work.
In this post on GOD IS WISE I will draw from John Piper's article mentioned above: "The Great Work of the Only Wise God"
because it is really an excellent one in addressing God's wisdom in saving sinners and in keeping His covenant with Israel.
The Work of Christ and the Wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe" where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jew a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Firstly in Hebrew the word "wisdom" is of feminine gender, that is why it is described as "she". Similarly in greek too.
Some christians claim that the wisdom mentioned in Proverbs is the person Jesus. Which, God's wisdom(literally), took the human nature and became the man Jesus. They use scriptures like 1 Corinthians 1:30, "
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:". also other similar verses, too. Others believe that the above verse is irrelevant and it just means that through Jesus God has revealed His wisdom to people. GBU
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
My interpretation: textual evidence scriptures( 2 Corinthians 4:14 )To be delivered to become like God and becoming like God through sacrifice of praise and fruit of your lips giving thanksguving.
Interpretation- The act of interpreting,explanation of unintelligible words in language that is intelligible.
The new testament( New Convenant) was written in Greek
How to keep faith and have the victory over compassion not to come up short to become like God Philippians 4:13 KJV 1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV
John 15:26 KJV But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
That the testimony of Jesus Christ will bless you in all ways in life to have what you want.- 2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV.
My interpetation and spoken by Reginald Taylor Jr is plain and evident"(token " Not to be in state of hunger, depression, poverty" becoming wealthy and rich which is the new Convenant.- Psalm 112:3 KJV Proverbs 23:7 KJV
The testimony of Jesus Christ has blessed me - Psalm 112:3 KJV believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ( 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 7:26, Joshua 1:8)
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None of the authors of the New Testament ever used any of those Hebrew names for God. They just called Him ""Lord" (in grk Kyrios, Master). I believe Matthew, Luke, Mark, John, Paul, Peter, Jude and James knew exactly what they were doing and what whas right to call God. So don't let yourself be confused by people who try to take advantage of maybe not so good knowledge of yours of the Bible to promote their beliefs. On top of that the name of God in New testament is "Father", just that and only that.
1 Corinthians 1:1-2, "1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"
In verse 2 pay attention please to that "call upon the name of Jesus Christ". This is the name the ancient church called upon. It is the only name that matters and through that name (Jesus means Saviour in Hebrew, which means to call upon His sacrifice) people are saved. Nothing else.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ( 1 Corinthians 1:25).
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. ( Romans 1:22-25).
2 Thessalonians 2:11
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Man has often sought one of two courses. The first result of man's degenerate state is wars; whether we look at the first murder involving Cain the firstborn son of Adam and Eve and their second child Abel; or the wars early on in Genesis and overall violence and corruption of the earth. The second is the attempt to replicate a "utopia" on earth. Often especially with the kings; emporers and dictators that came later on we see both occuring at the same time. This theme was apparent in ancient Rome and Greece where the materialism along with worship of idols led to eventual moral malaise and the self destruction within of civilizations which we see so often today.
It is clear that we are heading for the final consummation; the final dictatorship of the Beast Antichrist so clearly described in Revelation; and seen in repeated past rulers who partially fulfilled the prophecies as to the character. His end is thus ( Psalm 2:9-10)
The Lord will devour them in his anger,
and fire will consume them.
10 None of their descendants will survive;
the king will kill them all.
Always keep in mind that we CANNOT escape judgment without Christ; OR the call to worship Antichrist if unregenerate.
You quoted in part 1 Corinthians 2:4,5, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." When Paul spoke and wrote to the Church there, the Holy Spirit enabled him to bring together all of the Scriptures that properly and correctly manifested Christ Jesus, showing that Jesus was truly God's Love declared by the giving of Himself for their sakes. The world thinks that is ridiculous ("the wisdom of men" & 1 Corinthians 1:18)), for man must pay for his own sins and hope for God's acceptance. But Paul stood against the wisdom of men (Gentiles) and those who sought signs (Jews), but proclaimed what all the Scriptures testified of Jesus.
Once as a high-ranking Jew, Paul believed he understood the Scriptures correctly and so taught others. But when he came to faith, he had to count all that understanding 'loss and dung' as the Spirit enabled him to understand the Word correctly. Did he then lose sight of the correct understanding of Israel's history, God's Plan for them and for the Church (of both Jew & Gentile), and of things future? Not at all. All that God had proclaimed concerning National Israel still holds true and will come to pass. Then Jesus came and brought believing Jew & Gentile into the one Body. Correct distinctions need to be maintained or else we can make the Bible mean anything we want to suit our theology. GBU.
1 Corinthians 1:13
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
Romans 15:29
"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."
Romans 15:16
"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."
Blessings
As you wrote, "Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection"; if so, then it wasn't simply a case of preaching to a people & baptising as "a required sign of repentance and national obedience", but a grievous failing by Peter to correctly understand & communicate the difference between what was performed under the Old and what baptism meant under the New Covenant. If this wasn't communicated to the Jews who were being saved and baptized, then Peter's baptising was no different to John's, thus was meaningless in its proper context.
With that in mind, would it then be correct to say that Paul himself didn't fully comprehend this matter of water baptism being Israel-specific & its cessation under the New Covenant? For he himself baptized others ( 1 Corinthians 1:14-16), for which he never apologized nor revised his thinking and practise. Even though v17 states that he was "sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel", it is clear that that was not his emphasis in ministry, leaving the matter to others, but I fail to see where water baptism was done away with because of Paul's special revelations or any time after.
Even Peter, now an older man, would declare in 1 Peter 3:21, "..baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"; that any salvific merit in water baptism was not in the removing of the external grime (as pertaining to Jewish washings), but it answered to a clear conscience before God (of what God had done in Christ and the baptizee's confession & identification with Him). Onto Page 3.
1. Context: A Divided Church
The Corinthian believers were aligning themselves with different human leaders:
Some claimed to follow Paul,
Others followed Apollos,
Others followed Cephas (Peter),
And some claimed to follow only Christ ( 1 Cor 1:12).
These divisions were not just personal preferences but had become spiritually damaging, undermining the unity that should characterize the Church, the Body of Christ.
2. Paul's Appeal: In Christ's Authority
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."
Paul wasn't appealing based on his own authority, but in the name of Jesus Christ, their common Lord. This emphasizes that Christ-not any man-is the basis for unity.
3. The Goal: Unity in Mind and Judgment
"...that ye all speak the same thing... be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Paul wanted them to:
Speak the same thing: Be doctrinally sound and unified in the gospel message (not mixing law and grace, or kingdom and mystery programs).
Be perfectly joined: He called for spiritual harmony and mutual love.
Same mind and judgment: They were to have a shared understanding of truth, and apply sound judgment in spiritual matters.
4. Why It Matters
Paul understood that division weakens the testimony of the church, distracts from the gospel of grace, and hinders spiritual growth. Since we are one Body in Christ ( 1 Cor 12:12-13), unity in truth is essential to function properly.
In short, Paul said this because unity in the Body of Christ must be based on sound doctrine, shared spiritual identity in Christ, and a common purpose-not on personalities, traditions, or human wisdom.
Question...Should we can't mix the kingdom program (preached by Peter, James, and John) with the mystery gospel given to Paul, focus on right division of Scripture ( 2 Timothy 2:15). Let's affirm that all Scripture is inspired and that both Peter and Paul were called by God. The issue isn't about rejecting any part of the Bible but understanding God's progressive revelation.
Peter and the 12 preached the kingdom gospel-a message prophesied in the Old Testament ( Acts 3:21-24). It focused on Israel, the coming earthly kingdom, and required repentance, water baptism, and obedience to the law ( Acts 2:38; Matthew 19:17). This message was based on Jesus being Israel's promised Messiah and King, And was the correct message for that time.
In contrast, Paul received his gospel by direct revelation from the risen Christ ( Galatians 1:11-12). Paul called it the mystery, which had been hidden from ages past but revealed through him ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-5). His message centered on justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works ( Romans 4:5), and introduced the Body of Christ, a new creation made up of both Jews and Gentiles with a heavenly hope, not an earthly kingdom, this is key. (not a earthly kingdom)
Mixing these programs leads to confusion-especially on salvation, baptism, and the church's identity. In Acts 15 and Galatians 2, even the apostles agreed that Paul had a distinct ministry to the Gentiles, apart from the kingdom program of Peter and the 12. Paul even said, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17), showing a break from the earlier kingdom requirements. "BAPTISM WAS A KINGDOM REQUIREMENT"
Understanding these differences helps us rightly divide God's Word and see how the church today operates under the dispensation of grace, not under Israel's kingdom law. This isn't rejecting the gospels or Peter or the other 11-it's honoring God's design by keeping the messages in their proper place.
God Bless
Thanks Lbooth1955 for your reply.
Re: Acts 2:38. I believe that the inclusion of baptism in his Gospel message, was simply Peter's obedience to the Lord's command given to him (as also given to the other apostles), shown in Matthew 28:20,21: 'to go, teach, baptize'. Anything less would have meant disobedience. And even Paul continued to follow this practise declaring in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16. It is true, that Paul stated that "Christ sent him not to baptise, but to preach.." and yet he baptized. So, it should be understood that baptizing believers was left to others (the Church?) to perform while Paul focussed himself more on preaching the Gospel. Probably similar to an evangelist (e.g. the late Billy Graham), who makes preaching his primary work and left the counseling and baptism of new believers to others.
And for James 2:17-26, it is understood that he didn't support faith + works required for salvation, rather his message here is from verse 14. He questions the authenticity of one's faith, where works resulting from that faith is absent. And he gives the example of a fellow-believer found in a destitute condition. Can a true believer lovingly tell that poor soul, 'God bless you brother - I will pray for you that God provide for your needs'? Rather, the saving faith that is in us, by the Holy Spirit, urges us to render all support necessary, being the very hands of compassion & provision to that needy one. So, the examples of Abraham & Rahab are valid, except their faith was not based on the Gospel, but their belief in God working out His purposes, resulting in their works revealing their faith in Him. Onto Page 2.
Many struggle with this, asking: Is this how Christians today are supposed to live? But by asking who Jesus was speaking to (Israel, under the law) and the purpose of His message (to reveal the heart of the law and the need for a Savior), we can appreciate this passage without misapplying it to the Church.
Water Baptism vs. Spiritual Baptism
Denominations often argue over the mode and necessity of water baptism. But Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel." He also teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that believers are baptized spiritually by the Holy Spirit into one body.
By taking Scripture slowly and comparing passages, we see a distinction: Israel's program included ceremonial water baptism, while the Body of Christ is identified by a spiritual baptism that unites believers with Christ.
Spiritual Growth Through Personal Bible Study
Removing denominational blinders doesn't mean rejecting all church teaching-it means testing all things by Scripture ( Acts 17:11). It means valuing God's Word above tradition. When believers study independently, prayerfully, and slowly, they grow in spiritual maturity, discernment, and unity in the faith ( Ephesians 4:13-14).
Rather than being tossed around by conflicting doctrines, they become rooted and grounded in truth.
Conclusion: Letting Scripture Interpret Scripture
The Word of God is not contradictory-it is consistent, powerful, and alive. Apparent contradictions often arise when Scripture is taken out of context or forced to fit a denominational mold.
When we remove these blinders and let the Bible say what it says-word by word, verse by verse-we discover clarity that religion often clouds. The confusion created by mixing Israel's law-based program with the Church's grace-based calling is resolved by rightly dividing the word of truth and taking time to let the Scriptures speak for themselves.
c. Paul's baptism. I mentioned this earlier with Scriptures that Paul continued to baptize, at least accepted its relevancy, during his ministry. I quoted, Acts 18:7,8 (Jews and Gentiles in Corinth); Acts 19:1-5 (disciples at Ephesus); Romans 6:3,4 (the meaning & relevance of water baptism); 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 (Paul's ministry was to preach the Gospel, but he still baptized); Colossians 2:11,12 (baptism as identification with Christ). So baptism in water was still very much practised during Paul's ministry. I can't think of any Scripture showing that Paul "later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him."
Thank you again for your time & input. Blessings.
In Summary
Peter didn't preach Paul's mystery message after meeting Paul because:
It wasn't his calling-his ministry was to the Jews.
He recognized Paul's unique revelation but didn't claim it for himself.
God was transitioning to the Body of Christ through Paul, not blending the two programs.
On another note...
Why did Paul get baptized?
Paul was baptized early in his conversion ( Acts 9:18; Acts 22:16) because at that time, God was still dealing with Israel under the kingdom program, where water baptism was required as a sign of repentance ( Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38). Paul's baptism was part of this transitional period.
However, after receiving the revelation of the mystery, Paul came to understand that in this new dispensation of grace, water baptism was no longer required for salvation. He later wrote:
"Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Corinthians 1:17)
So, Paul was baptized as part of the old program still active when he was saved-but he later taught that baptism was not part of the gospel of grace revealed to him.
Blessing Friend.
1. Water Baptism Not Central in Paul's Ministry
Paul was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel:
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel"
- 1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)
This is a strong statement. Unlike Peter ( Acts 2:38), Paul separates water baptism from the gospel message of grace. While water baptism continued for a time (as with early Jewish believers), it was not a requirement for salvation under Paul's gospel.
2. Spirit Baptism Into the Body of Christ
Paul emphasizes a spiritual baptism, not involving water, which places the believer into the Body of Christ:
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body"
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
This baptism is not performed by man, but by the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief. It aligns with Paul's core doctrine of salvation by grace through faith-with no physical work (like water baptism) required.
3. Identification with Christ's Death and Resurrection
Paul also teaches a symbolic baptism in Romans 6:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"
- Romans 6:3-4 (KJV)
This speaks of a positional truth: the believer is spiritually united with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Again, this is not water baptism but a spiritual reality that takes place when one trusts the gospel.
Summary:
Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38) required repentance and water baptism for the remission of sins-part of the Kingdom gospel to Israel.
Paul's gospel ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9) presents salvation by grace through faith, without works, and emphasizes Spirit baptism into the Body of Christ, not water baptism.
Paul downplayed water baptism in favor of the spiritual baptism that unites us into one body.
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Romans 12:2
Andbenot conformed to this world: butbeye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, andperfect, will of God.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Now Ibeseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that therebeno divisions among you; but that yebeperfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully knownmydoctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made ofnoneeffect.
Jesus Christ only baptized his disciples only.
John 4:2
(ThoughJesushimselfbaptizednot, but his disciples,)
The baptism of Moses was not water, the Jews walk the sea on dry land.
1 Corinthians 10:2
And were allbaptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Apollos only knew the Baptist of John. John baptized in water .
Acts 18:25
Thismanwas instructed in thewayofthe Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the thingsofthe Lord, knowing only the baptismofJohn
My question is, why are we baptizing a baby when they don't understand. I don't believe that Jesus Christ was baptize as a baby ?
Romans 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as werebaptizedintoJesusChrist werebaptizedinto his death?
Today, we are baptized by the Holy Spirit, the minute we believe the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 .
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we allbaptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
May we all believe that baptism is in the Holy Spirit by believing the gospel of grace.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The Holy Spirit baptized me into Christ Jesus by believing the gospel.
When Jesus died and was Resurrected, He took the Saints from the grave with Him . Every Jew that got saved , they became in Christ .
Romans 16:7
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also wereinChristbefore me.
All Salvation from the time Jesus Christ death, burial and resurrection are saved " in Christ " automatically. Apostle Peter recognized his Jewish followers as " in Christ ".
1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that areinChristJesus. Amen.
Apostle Paul recognized his followers as " in Christ".
2 Corinthians 1:21
Now he which stablisheth us with youinChrist, and hath anointed us, is God;
Because of Jesus Christ being the redeemer for the whole world on the cross and finished nailing everything, we are now justified and it didn't cost anything but our faith in believing.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that isinChristJesus:
We that are all saved in the Body of Christ.
Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one bodyinChrist, and every one members one of another.
We can receive wisdom for being in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30
But of him are yeinChristJesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Ray, in Christ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Some would say " who in the world is Jesus ", I would say , God manifested in the flesh in the trinity of the Godhead. Jesus Christ wants us to know his words .
John 5:39
Searchthescriptures; for inthem ye think ye have eternal life: andthey arethey which testify of me.
Jesus Christ died for all of us to have eternal life in the Heavenly Places .
2 Corinthians 5:15
And that hediedforall, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him whichdiedforthem, and rose again.
Now that Jesus Christ finished everything and nailed it on the cross , we are to live in His resurrected Life today and not focus on his fleshly walk.
2 Corinthians 5:16
Wherefore henceforthknowwenoman after the flesh: yea, though we haveknown Christ after the flesh, yetnow henceforthknowwehimnomore.
Jesus Christ wants us to focus on things ahead, like his resurrection.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but topreachthegospel: not with wisdom of words, lestthecross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Jesus Christ wants us to love one another in the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 16:24
Mylovebewithyou all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
A elephant can find water miles away and other animals will follow. The Bible is water of life, Jesus Christ wants us to find His word today .
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Ray , 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 life is in the word of truth
Pt. 8
John Piper explains:
"The difference between Calvinists and Arminians lies not in whether there are two wills in God, but in what they say this higher commitment is. What does God will more than saving all?
The answer given by Arminians is that human self-determination and the possible resulting love relationship with God are more valuable than saving all people by sovereign, efficacious grace. The answer given by Calvinists is that the greater value is the manifestation of the full range of God's glory in wrath and mercy ( Romans 9:22-23) and the humbling of man so that he enjoys giving all credit to God for his salvation ( 1 Corinthians 1:29)."
Therefore this perspective would say that God desires all to be saved but this "desire" is fundamentally different than what God ultimately determines or decrees to happen.
(2) All Persons Without Distinction. This perspective views that when Paul explains that God desires "all people" to be saved he is not referring to all persons without exception, but to all persons without distinction. In other words, Paul is not referring to God's desire for all individuals who have ever lived, but to all kinds of people. God is not only the savior of Jewish people, but of non-Jewish people as well.
After explaining that we should pray for "all people" because God desires "all people" to be saved because Jesus gave himself as a ransom for "all people," Paul concludes with this: "For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth," 1 Tim 2:7. Why does Paul need to insert that little parenthetical oath (I swear I'm not making this up!). Likely because so few of the early Christians believed that people who were not Jewish could actually be saved.
In Acts 15, there has to be an entire church council held to figure out whether or not its okay for Gentiles to become Christians.
See Pt. 9
I find this very interesting because Apostle Paul didn't baptize many people. " 1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. "
John 4:2
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
It amaze me that she claim Jacob as of her father and was not even a Jew herself. " Romans 2:29
But he is aJew, which is oneinwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. "
John 4:12
Art thou greater than our fatherJacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Because Jesus told her, she had five husbands, she believed the more. " Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of theLordare in every place, beholding theevilandthegood. "
John 4:18
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly
When God made Adam and Eve, they were both soul and spirit first. God made them at the same time. " Genesis 1:27
So God createdmanin his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. "
John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus had a command to the twelve: " Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commandedthem, saying,GonotintothewayoftheGentiles, and into any cityoftheSamaritans enter yenot: "
John 4:27
And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
John 4:42
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
The Bible is a great book and is alive ...
1 Corinthians 1:31 - That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
The word glory KAUCHASTHO is the word boasting. So, if God does something great, the believers are not supposed to put on a flesh show, a human show. God hasn't chosen us because of our abilities. God has chosen us because we are the chiefest of sinners, and hopefully you're one of those that the world has rejected. You're just not able to fit in.
People that don't fit in with the world have an easy time walking with the Lord. If you surrender your life to Christ, you'll find your identification. It's the people that have a lot of involvement with the world that say "I can't give up that success. I can't give up this, and I can't give up that!"
1 Corinthians 2:4 - And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom. The word enticing is the Greek word for persuasion. It was not with persuasive words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
What a tremendous verse!
1 Corinthians 2:6 - Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
The word perfect, TELIOS, denotes somebody who is saved and complete. It is the same word that Paul used in Colossians 2:10, that we are complete in Him.
1 Corinthians 2:12 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
That little term "freely given" is the Greek word CHARISMA, which means expression of grace. We've received the Spirit of God so that we can know the things that are freely graced to us of God.
1 Corinthians 1:8 - Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Concerning Christ, who shall also confirm (Again, the word establish). He will establish you unto the end, because God is faithful! So not only are you established now in Christ, but this same Jesus is going to establish you all the way to the end. Paul is giving them a promise. He will establish you unto the end because God is faithful. He keeps his word.
Romans 1:21 - For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching. Literally, the Greek word isn't preaching. It's the preached message. It pleased God that through the foolishness of the gospel message to save them that believe. How can words on a page be used to save anybody? God's Spirit uses it. That's His designed plan!
1 Corinthians 1:24 - But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Notice the two things. Greeks seek wisdom, and the Jews seek a sign. Christ is the power, and Christ is the wisdom to everybody who believes!
1 Corinthians 1:26 - For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
The word noble means wellborn, born into nobility. I can't recall where I read this, but Queen Elizabeth, several years ago when she visited Canada, she was asked if she's a Christian. She said yes. And she said this was her favorite verse, 1 Corinthians 1:26. She says my favorite letter in the alphabet is the letter "M." She says not many noble. She said if the "M" wasn't there, it would be not any noble. So, she says not many. She said I was born into nobility and I believe!
1 Corinthians 1:2 - Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. Sanctified is a Perfect Tense word that means they are in a condition. Sanctified means to be set apart for Christ. When the Holy Spirit comes into my life, I am set apart and I belong to Jesus Christ.
They are called saints. Again, the words "to be" are in italics because it's not in the original text. They are saints by calling. The word saint doesn't mean purity. It means position. You are set apart. The word saint and the word sanctified both come from the same Greek word (HAGIOS). It means to be set apart for Christ. So, Christ called them, and they responded to Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ
He says grace to you, and peace. Grace is the normal greeting to the Gentiles, especially to the Greeks. And peace is the normal greeting to the Jews, the Hebrew people.
He says grace and peace. The source: from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace can only come from God as His favor and His peace. Those are the normal ways of addressing a letter in Greek. They were in scrolls, so you wanted to unroll the scroll to see first of all who wrote it and who it's written to. And then the third element is always a thanksgiving from the writer. Paul follows that in that form in every one of his letters except for Galatians.
1 Corinthians 1:6 - Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
That the testimony of Christ has been established amongst you. The testimony of Christ was confirmed. The word confirmed is the Greek word BEBAIOS which means to establish somebody. The testimony of the Lord has been established amongst you.
1 Corinthians (Letter to a Carnal Church containing Correction and Instruction)
(1 Corinthians Part 1):
1 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
As I noted before in an earlier study, in all of Paul's letters, the words "to be" are in italics. It's because it is not in the original Greek transcript. He is literally saying that he is a called apostle. He's expressing what kind of apostle he is. He is an apostle by calling. It was his emphasis that this is not his ambition or his choice. The word apostle means someone sent out with a commission.
Notice that he claims himself not only to be a called apostle, but he is an apostle of Jesus Christ, not of people. In Galatians 1:1, Paul told them that he is an apostle, not through men, not from men (plural) meaning a committee, nor through a man (singular), meaning no human element appointed him. His appointment to be an apostle came from God.
So, number 1, he's a called apostle. Number 2, he's an apostle of Jesus Christ. And again, in Galatians 1:10, Paul says if I try to please men, I would no longer be a servant of Christ. That's a verse that needs to cut through the heart of every person in the ministry. If you represent Christ and His word, you can't work for anybody else. You've got to represent Christ and His word. And then thirdly, he's an apostle through the will of God. This is God's will for his life. Again, not ambition nor appointment.
I know, at least I've heard this before, that this chapter is understood as a Christological application, presenting a picture of Christ rather than the eternal character of Wisdom. It is true that Christ is the revelation of God's Wisdom & Power ( 1 Corinthians 1:24), & possesses all wisdom & knowledge ( Colossians 2:3), though there is no indication in that chapter that it speaks directly of Jesus. But it does show us that Wisdom is older than creation itself & is fundamental to it ( Proverbs 8:22); that it assisted in creation as a master workman ( Proverbs 8:30), and it rejoiced in creation ( Proverbs 8:30,31). So to me, this doesn't provide any proof that Jesus (Wisdom) is "the firstborn of all creation", yet it is very true that He was involved in God's creative Work in some form or manner ( Colossians 1:15-17).
Having stated that, & from which you may have gathered, I'm a strong believer & advocate of proper Biblical hermeneutics. For without first correctly understanding what the Bible passages speak about, then one can be prone to moving in all sorts of directions of understanding, believing that we are being led by God's Spirit. Yes, it is essential to be led of His Spirit in all things, even our reading of the Scriptures, but we must also endeavor to first understand as far as is possible what exactly is being communicated by the plain understanding of the Word. So, I would encourage you to bear this in mind as you read & study God's Word. Blessings.
PT. 2
God always knows the greatest goal in any situation and the perfect way to achieve it. Therefore, His way to save sinners is perfect in every way. This way is through the incarnation of God the Son, Jesus, in His perfectly lived human life, in His terrible suffering and death on the cross, and in His glorious and triumphant resurrection from the dead. In this way, sinners are made humble and God is glorified. It is the perfect plan and there can be no other way that is better tha what God in His wisdom decided before creation in the covenant to save sinners. If there was a better way, then God would have done that, but there is no other way to accomplish God's greatest goal in saving sinners that through Jesus Christ and His work.
In this post on GOD IS WISE I will draw from John Piper's article mentioned above: "The Great Work of the Only Wise God"
because it is really an excellent one in addressing God's wisdom in saving sinners and in keeping His covenant with Israel.
The Work of Christ and the Wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe" where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jew a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Continue to Part 3
Firstly in Hebrew the word "wisdom" is of feminine gender, that is why it is described as "she". Similarly in greek too.
Some christians claim that the wisdom mentioned in Proverbs is the person Jesus. Which, God's wisdom(literally), took the human nature and became the man Jesus. They use scriptures like 1 Corinthians 1:30, "
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:". also other similar verses, too. Others believe that the above verse is irrelevant and it just means that through Jesus God has revealed His wisdom to people. GBU
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
My interpretation: textual evidence scriptures( 2 Corinthians 4:14 )To be delivered to become like God and becoming like God through sacrifice of praise and fruit of your lips giving thanksguving.
Interpretation- The act of interpreting,explanation of unintelligible words in language that is intelligible.
The new testament( New Convenant) was written in Greek
How to keep faith and have the victory over compassion not to come up short to become like God Philippians 4:13 KJV 1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV
John 15:26 KJV But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
That the testimony of Jesus Christ will bless you in all ways in life to have what you want.- 2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV.
My interpetation and spoken by Reginald Taylor Jr is plain and evident"(token " Not to be in state of hunger, depression, poverty" becoming wealthy and rich which is the new Convenant.- Psalm 112:3 KJV Proverbs 23:7 KJV
The testimony of Jesus Christ has blessed me - Psalm 112:3 KJV believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ offering the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ( 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 7:26, Joshua 1:8)
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None of the authors of the New Testament ever used any of those Hebrew names for God. They just called Him ""Lord" (in grk Kyrios, Master). I believe Matthew, Luke, Mark, John, Paul, Peter, Jude and James knew exactly what they were doing and what whas right to call God. So don't let yourself be confused by people who try to take advantage of maybe not so good knowledge of yours of the Bible to promote their beliefs. On top of that the name of God in New testament is "Father", just that and only that.
1 Corinthians 1:1-2, "1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"
In verse 2 pay attention please to that "call upon the name of Jesus Christ". This is the name the ancient church called upon. It is the only name that matters and through that name (Jesus means Saviour in Hebrew, which means to call upon His sacrifice) people are saved. Nothing else.