WEDNESDAY January 27, 2021

Right Hand of Fellowship

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
Galatians 2:7-9

The Apostles were agreed, it was God who worked through Paul to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, and Peter who effectively ministered among the Jews. It was the same God working in and through them both. God used Paul and Peter to give the salvation message to Jews and Gentiles.

The Apostles straightened out the problem, and shook hands on it. Paul was to do what God has called him to do––preach to the Gentiles. Peter and the rest of the Apostles should continue their ministry work among the Jews. They were in unity as they worked together to proclaim the Gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ––so important. Although sent to the Gentiles, when Paul encountered opportunities to minister to the Jew, he used the Old Testament Scriptures to defend his case.

Although some Jews are saved today, the majority of Jews are atheistic; they do not believe in God. In witnessing to a Jew, at first, I try not to make mention of Jesus’ name. I like to take them to the book of Isaiah and ask the question, “Who is this talking about?” They will usually reply, “The nation of Israel.” Yet Isaiah described Jesus, the suffering Servant. I take them to Psalm 22, which speaks about the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Jews do not believe Jesus was the Son of God. They take issue with the New Testament. Jews are looking for the Messiah, but he already came! Now they will receive the false Messiah––the Antichrist.

The Bible is God’s declaratory revelation to man containing the great truths about God, man, about history, about salvation, and about prophecy that God wanted us to know…
~John F. Walvoord~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!