How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 2)

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS

(Part 2 --- Clearing up the gospel confusion)

Browse around on the internet and you will find that everyone has a different view on the gospel. It is so sad to say, but there is such confusion regarding the gospel today. The gospel is the message that has the power to save us, but if everyone has their own views and interpretations, WHO IS RIGHT?

Some argue if there is one gospel or many. Others cannot agree on what the gospel message is. Still others battle to understand how Paul fits into the picture and if his gospel is different, since he claims it to be, "my gospel" in Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, and 2 Timothy 2:8.

So, how do we get to the truth?  ——which we ALL KNOW is in the Bible; being God's infallible truth and the only valid reference we have!!! 

This million dollar question is not difficult to answer! Think of it! There is only one answer! The confusion comes because everyone has their own opinions and theories that they have pasted together based on their 'boxed' denominational interpretations and experiences. If the answer really is in the bible, then we should simply READ the bible with the understanding that between the start of the ministry of John the Baptist and the end of the ministry of Paul, there was a significant transition that took place!

Transition? Yes!

Define "transition". It simply means, the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

So, its the changing of processes or periods. If change was happening, then surely the gospel message had to change too? Maybe the confusion starts when people don't want to recognize this change and accept that there are significant factors, like the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, that could change how God would now relate to, and respond to humanity. Surely the message of the gospel would be different for people living before the cross than for those living after the cross! Surely we have to consider that the progression of these events would add something to the gospel message, or God forbid, even change the gospel message altogether based on what Christ had done, and for whom!

If we do not recognize the transition period, and practice right division according to Paul's instructions in 2 Timothy 2:15, we will never be able to accept that the gospel also changed, not only in the message itself, but also based on specific people groups. 

Confusion starts when people do not separate out the gospel of the Kingdom, from the Gospel of God, from the Gospel of Christ. We must also understand that these gospels were preached to different audiences and during a period where Paul was receiving new revelations for the Gentiles from the glorified and risen Christ. Once all these factors are accounted for, the truth of the gospels (plural), becomes clear and logical.

Notice what Paul says in the beginning of the Romans epistle,

Rom.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

How can the Gospel of Christ even be compared to the Gospel of the Kingdom which was proclaimed by Jesus in His 3-years of earthly ministry (Matthew 4:17-23), or to the Gospel of God, which the 12-Apostles were preaching during their ministry (1 Peter 4:17). These gospels are not even close to being the same message, neither are they targeted to everyone who would hear! No! They were different messages, spoken to specific groups of people.

As we continue in this study, we will have a look at the changing message and people groups as related to the transitional period throughout the book of Matthew to Acts.