Brother George,
First, thanks for the response. You laid out the relationship of the leadership during the Acts era well. You stated that you did not see where Peter and John would have been preaching a different or separate Gospel in Jerusalem than Paul was. I agree for that would have created great confusion. That Peter and the others may have continued some of their Jewish practices is very possible, though Peter's vision should have changed some of that. Paul later reprimands Peter for showing his old Jewish behavior. We cannot say that the Jerusalem Christians would have been able to continue openly their traditions (such as the temple worship) after Stephen's death and the scattering.
Which brings me to my next answer (and a question):
Yes, the early disciples neglected Jesus' instructions. Things became to comfortable, and they were not spreading out as they should have. God sent persecution via Saul to accomplish that. The ones that left carried the Gospel message wherever they went, (Acts 8:4) apparently not restricting the hearers to Jews only. These witnesses would not have had any opportunity for connection with Paul's teaching. They would have been fulfilling the Great Commission mandate. Since we do not know how far some went, is it not possible that just as Philip spoke to Samaritans (non-Jews), some of these believers could have gone throughout the then known world, speaking to whomsoever they met?
Finally, Peter preached to the Gentiles in Cornelius' house. They were received as equals when they believed. Was his "Gospel" any different than Paul's then?
Emphasis mine
Quote:
Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness [OT!], that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. [THE GOSPEL!]
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [Gentiles being baptized, Tony, and NOT John's baptism! - see next verse - They already have the baptism of the Holy Ghost and HAVE BEEN already saved!]
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
|