Rightly dividing the Word of truth. Part 48

Rightly dividing the Word of truth.

This is part 48 in a series of 53 articles about RIGHTLY DIVIDING GOD’S WORD OF TRUTH. All scripture quoted will be from the King James Bible.

Part 48 continues with some Bible contrasts. Special Abbreviations: (e.g.) meaning “for example” (ff.) meaning “following verse or following verses” (EP) meaning Earthly Program—(HP) meaning Heavenly Program

(EP) Peter’s Authority: While on earth, Christ gave to Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Peter’s power included “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:16-19). In early Acts, Peter exercised this authority. Peter led in replacing Judas, explaining Pentecost, stating salvation, condemning deceivers, and receiving Gentiles (Acts 1:15ff; 2:14ff; 37-38; 5:3ff; 15:7-11).    ———    To be continued

(HP) Paul’s Authority: From heaven, the Lord later “appeared unto” Paul (Acts 26:15-19). Paul received his message “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:1-3). Paul often stressed his special authority. He magnified his office as “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13). Paul wrote that he “should not be ashamed” to “boast somewhat more of our authority” (II Cor. 10:8). Believers are repeatedly commanded to follow Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:9; et al). Then we read that Paul “withstood” and “blamed” Peter (Gal. 2:11ff). Peter (Cephas) saw that Paul had authority “unto the heathen” and “wisdom…hard to be understood” (Gal. 2:9; II Pet. 3:15-17).

(EP) Jewish Church: Israel under Moses was called “the church in the wilderness” (Acts 7:37-38). To “all ye the seed of Israel” the Lord says, “In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee” (Psa. 22:22-23). Hebrews quotes that Psalm “saying…in the midst of the church [congregation=church]” (Heb. 2:12). Christ and His apostles were “not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:5-6; 15:24). His Jewish disciples are called a “church” in contrast to “an heathen” or Gentile (Matt. 18:17). At Pentecost, Peter spoke only to “the house of Israel” and “the Lord added to the church” which already existed (Acts 2:36,47). Peter said that “all the prophets… foretold these days” (Acts 3:24).

(HP) Body Church: The Apostle Paul alone wrote of “the church, which is His [Christ’s] body” (Eph. 1:22-23). In God’s present church “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek,” “there is neither Jew nor Greek…for ye are all one in Christ” (Rom. 10:12; Gal. 3:28). This Body Church was “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations” (Col. 1:24-27; Eph. 3:4-6).

 (EP) “Jesus”: The Gospels use this single name hundreds of times to record events during Christ’s time on earth. Before His birth it was written, “thou shalt call His name JESUS,” the name linked to His humiliation to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Only unbelievers, enemies, and demons addressed Him as simply “Jesus” (e.g., John 6:42; 18:5; Luke 4:33-34). His disciples never spoke to Him without some title of reverence (John 13:13).   ———-        To be continued