theWORDunderstood.com

[wolfsden3]

Dan,

I think to point to one spot (Acts 10) and say something like that's not the Body of Christ I know so that can't be when the body began is a mistake that just keeps on ticking.

The entire book of Acts is a transition. If you use that logic then the Body of Christ as we know it today doesn't ever show up since gifts are still active even towards the end of Paul's ministry, God still speaks and interacts directly in the affairs of believers in a physical manner, Angels are heavily involved, and so on and so on. In fact, Paul's expectation that Christ will return is still evident even in Colossians I believe which is a post Acts book.

Clearly what you begin to see in Acts 10 isn't Gentile salvation during the tribulation as most think since Cornelius's salvation is by faith which is shown by Peter's later explanation of it in Acts 15, that he believed and was "saved". That's the gospel of grace in my view even if Peter wasn't preaching it like Paul did at that time.

Acts 15:9 tells you that their hearts were purified by FAITH putting NO DIFFERENCE between Jews and Gentiles. They believe that "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they". That sounds similar to the gospel Paul preaches and developes.

http://cf.blb.org/search/translationResults.cfm?Criteria=the+grace+of+the+Lord+Jesus+Christ&t=KJV

Galatians would indicate that Paul in fact preached a gospel which was preached prior to him ever preaching it which is an Acts 28 argument...and they're right

The thing to think about is how did that message CHANGE as the revelation progressed and Paul and Peter went to separate groups, Peter to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles.

They used different approaches all to get the same goal.

The last thing to think about is...how many years did the Acts period last? 30, 40, 50...? Paul begins his ministry under the dominion of the Apostles, as in Acts 15 when they give him letters to disseminate to the Gentiles and tell them if they follow these few things that they'll do well (Fare ye well).

That's what it's about in my view...that the Gentiles are in fact brought into the program of God (eternal life, resurrection, etc) and because they're Gentiles they clearly don't have to act as do the Jews but that causes strife and is why Paul teaches the Gentiles to have tolerance, patience, forbearance and to not offend a brother, etc.

In the end we'll all gain eternal life through resurrection and probably end up in the Kingdom on earth although I don't think this is a typical Acts 9, 13, 28 view as they typically separate out "the body" to the heavenlies and everyone that's not in the body to the earth.

If you look at Paul anywhere he thinks he'll be in the kingdom and his teaching doesn't waver post acts. I think he certainly teaches Gentile integration into the family of God with some separation because they aren't "Israel", they're adopted, made partakers, no longer aliens, etc.

You have to view it as a progression that starts from Acts 9 with Paul, Acts 10 with Cornelius onward as that's really when Gentiles start to come in like crazy. To try and point to one spot and say yup...that's where the body begins because that's us and how things are today would be impossible during a transition period, i.e. Acts.

Hope that makes sense as I know it's a lot to think about.



RW

[paulleastofall]

Hey all! Just a quick not to commemorate this topic being read over 10,000 times! WOW! So although our forum doesn't get much in the way of postings, we are happy to have some faithful readers out there and hope that you are gaining some understanding from the site here. Continue to enjoy your stay!

Later,
Paul
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1Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

[Lynn]

It is great that there are so many people out there reading, but this room feels awfully empty sometimes. So if you are one of the readers, drop a line or two. (Just a hint though, you may have to log in a few times to make the reply work.)

Welcome. I want to hear from someone.

Lynn

[paulleastofall]

I agree Lynn. It would be nice to hear from the others out there!
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1Thes 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.