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THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:25
“Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” What momentous words are these. Apparently there is a day coming, and maybe soon, when the last Gentile will be saved into the Body of Christ. At that moment the Church will be caught away to meet the Lord in the air. The mystery of blindness to Israel ends as the mystery of the rapture of the Church begins. The age of the Gentiles will be over:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
The bodies of dead believers will be transformed and we who are alive will receive immortal bodies and together in our new bodies we will rise to meet our Savior in the air. Notice how Paul explains it in I Thessalonians chapter four: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
This catching away to meet the Lord in the air is the “high calling” that Paul talks about in Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This is the “blessed hope” of every believer to soon meet our Lord in the air. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13
As soon as the Gentile Church is caught away, God will again begin dealing with Israel. The prophesied Peace Treaty of Daniel 9:27 will be signed. The two witnesses and the 144,000 converted Jews will begin their ministries. The Temple will be rebuilt and sacrifices reestablished in Jerusalem. The seven-year long Tribulation will have begun.
THE STORY OF THE GENTILES IN SCRIPTURE
Today we Gentiles are the recipients of the wonderful Grace of God in a marvelous way. However, such was not always the case. The place of the Gentiles in the Old Testament is briefly summarized by Paul in the following two verses:
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Ephesians 2:11,12 Thus the only hope of a Gentile in the Old Testament was to become a Jew by circumcision and immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath). The immersion had to be complete with every hair under the water. The candidate went under the water a Gentile and came out a Jew. Nor was it any better for Gentiles during the time of the four Gospels. Notice the commission that Jesus gave to his Twelve Apostles:
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:5-8
For some strange reason many feel that Gentile salvation began at the beginning of the Book of Acts. Notice, however, how the book begins:
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Acts 1:6
The question was not, “Wilt thou at this time turn to the Gentiles and begin the Body of Christ?” but, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” They were interested in Israel’s kingdom where they would be sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. They had no desire to turn God’s blessings over to the Gentiles.
Many others believe that Gentile salvation and the Body of Christ started at Acts two on the Day of Pentecost. A careful reading of Acts two, however, shows no reference to Gentiles whatsoever. In fact, it specifically states that those converted that day were “Jews and proselytes” (Gentiles who have already become Jews). Notice:
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:5, 10 Also notice who Peter addresses on the Day of Pentecost:
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Acts 2:22
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:36 Some will say that if the message was not sent to the Gentiles in chapter two then maybe it was in chapter three. But listen to Peter in chapter three when he explains the healing of the lame man:
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Acts 3:12
Well then, if it didn’t start in chapter three, perhaps it began in chapter four. A careful search of this chapter also finds no mention of the Gentiles but rather again:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:8-10
So again, the Gentiles are completely left out and the message again goes to: “all the people of Israel.” Some will say that surely by chapter five the message must have gone to the Gentiles. But let us look at the record:
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them (the Apostles) without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:26-33
Scripture records Israel’s rejection of God the Father in the Old Testament, their rejection of God the Son at Calvary, and here in Acts 6, 7 and 8 their rejection of God the Holy Spirit in the death of Stephen, a man full of the Holy Ghost:
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:8
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:54,55
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7:58
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:1
Acts chapter nine records the conversion of the murderer of Stephen, the chiefest of sinners, Saul of Tarsus.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:1,2,3
At Paul’s conversion, he was commissioned to be the Apostle to the Gentiles:
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 9:15
Acts 13 records the ministry of Paul to the Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Acts 13:2
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Acts 13:14
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:44-48
Paul’s ministry in Europe is recorded in Acts 18. As usual, he goes to the Jew first but when they reject his message, he turns to the Gentiles:
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
Acts 18:1
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Acts 18:4
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 18:6 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Acts 18:7
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18:9-11
Paul’s final attempt to reach his fellow Jews was in Rome as recorded in Acts 28:16-28:
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Acts 28:16, 17 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:23-28
This is their final rejection of Christ as their Messiah. Paul now turns to the Gentiles and they will receive his message.
THE APOSTLE OF GENTILE BLESSINGS
Chapter 11 of the Book of Romans was written near the end of the Book of Acts. Paul has just been rejected by his fellow Jews and has now wholeheartedly turned his ministry to the Gentiles: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Romans 11:13
Paul not only speaks to the Gentiles but also makes it abundantly clear that he is the Apostle to the Gentiles. Moses was not, nor was Isaiah or Daniel or John the Baptist or Peter or James the Lord’s brother. All these were messengers to Israel. Indeed, James proudly addresses his epistle to: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. James 1:1
And Peter in his first epistle does the same: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1 These “strangers scattered throughout Pontus…” are the same Jews of the dispersion that were addressed by James. (Peter’s reluctant message to the gentile Cornelius was his second use of the Keys to the Kingdom of God. He used the keys to the Jews first on the Day of Pentecost and now to the Gentiles here with Cornelius. It was an invitation into the Kingdom, not an invitation into the Body of Christ. See chapter 5). So it was Paul, and no other, that was called to be “the apostle of the Gentiles.” Paul also says in this 13th verse, “I magnify mine office.” which means, “I lay great stress on this.” The fact that Paul, and Paul alone, was the Apostle to the Gentiles was so important to him that he laid great stress on this truth, as we should.
In Romans 11:15 Paul begins the Parable of the Olive Tree. It is easy to interpret this parable if we peek ahead a little to verse 25 where Paul tells us that “blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” This means that the branches of the Olive Tree that are broken off represent the unbelieving Jews of Israel. The branches that are grafted into the good Olive tree from the wild Olive tree represent believers from the Gentile nations.
In the Gospel of the Grace of God today, believing Jews and Gentiles are united together into the Body of Christ. With this preparation we are now in a position to read and understand the parable: For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:15-25
So, everything is clear. The Jews rejected Christ and crucified Him. God in turn blinded them and gave his blessings to the Gentiles. Once the last Gentile is saved and the Church, the Body of Christ is raptured, God again will turn to Israel in the judgments of the Great Tribulation. This is the prophesied “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” It ends after seven years with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Christ to the earth to once again claim His Jewish people as it is written:
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Romans 11:26 The “Deliverer” is none other than our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will deliver them from Armageddon and then establish them in the Millennial Kingdom where the Twelve Apostles will “sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mt.19:28)
THE GENTILES UNSEARCHABLE RICHES We now come to the book of Ephesians and the full revelation of the mystery of Gentile blessings in the present Age of Grace. Paul again informs us that he and he alone, is the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 3:8
Let us examine more of Ephesians chapter three starting with the first verse:
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Ephesians 3:1
Throughout his epistles Paul insists that he is the apostle to the Gentiles. He reiterates it again in verse 2:
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Ephesians 3:2
Paul now informs us of the name of the present age of the Gentiles which he was then just ushering in. It is called: “The Dispensation of the Grace of God.” We are no longer living in the dispensation of Law or Covenants but in the age of Grace. How thankful we should be for that. Paul now informs us how he received his special Gentile message:
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Ephesians 3:3,4
Paul did not receive his knowledge of the mystery of the Gentiles from Peter or the other Apostles. Here he informs us that God gave it to him by revelation. Indeed, in II Corinthians 12:7, Paul tells us that he received an “abundance of revelations” from God.
Verse 5 now gives the reason why this mystery of the Gentile dispensation of Grace was never known by any of the Old Testament prophets or New Testament Apostles:
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Ephesians 3:5
It is now easy to understand why there is no reference to the “mystery” of the age of Grace in Bible writers apart from Paul. They simply had no knowledge of it. As we will see in a moment, it was hid in God.
These later “holy apostles and prophets” are Paul’s converts and appointees such as Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Barnabas, Tychicus, Epapharoditus, Epaphras, Aquilla and Trophimus. Paul now explains “the mystery” of the Gentile age of Grace:
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Ephesians 3:6
This great mystery tells us that believing Gentiles, who were no people and without hope in the world in the past are now united into the “body” of Christ with believing Jews in the present. Christ is the head and we are members of His body. Note Ephesians chapter 2:
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Ephesians 2:14-18
Now back to chapter 3. Paul now once again reiterates that it was he and he alone that had this ministry to the Gentiles:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 3:7, 8
Language cannot be clearer or more emphatic than this. This Gentile ministry was committed to Paul and to him alone. He was to disseminate it through faithful men as we have already seen:
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul continues his instruction in Ephesians 3:9:
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Ephesians 3:9-12
Now we receive our commission. It is “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.” As Gentiles, these are our marching orders. Yet, how many ministers are preaching “the Mystery” today?
Note again how Paul emphasizes that this Mystery to the Gentiles has always been kept secret until revealed to him. In verse nine he talks about “the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” No wonder Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, James or John never knew it. They couldn’t. It was “hid in God.”
Let us conclude our review of the Book of Ephesians by looking at Gentile salvation in this age of Grace in chapter 2:
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:4-8
THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:25
“Until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” What momentous words are these. Apparently there is a day coming, and maybe soon, when the last Gentile will be saved into the Body of Christ. At that moment the Church will be caught away to meet the Lord in the air. The mystery of blindness to Israel ends as the mystery of the rapture of the Church begins. The age of the Gentiles will be over:
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53
The bodies of dead believers will be transformed and we who are alive will receive immortal bodies and together in our new bodies we will rise to meet our Savior in the air. Notice how Paul explains it in I Thessalonians chapter four: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
This catching away to meet the Lord in the air is the “high calling” that Paul talks about in Philippians 3:14: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This is the “blessed hope” of every believer to soon meet our Lord in the air. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13
As soon as the Gentile Church is caught away, God will again begin dealing with Israel. The prophesied Peace Treaty of Daniel 9:27 will be signed. The two witnesses and the 144,000 converted Jews will begin their ministries. The Temple will be rebuilt and sacrifices reestablished in Jerusalem. The seven-year long Tribulation will have begun.
THE STORY OF THE GENTILES IN SCRIPTURE
Today we Gentiles are the recipients of the wonderful Grace of God in a marvelous way. However, such was not always the case. The place of the Gentiles in the Old Testament is briefly summarized by Paul in the following two verses:
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Ephesians 2:11,12 Thus the only hope of a Gentile in the Old Testament was to become a Jew by circumcision and immersion in a mikveh (ritual bath). The immersion had to be complete with every hair under the water. The candidate went under the water a Gentile and came out a Jew. Nor was it any better for Gentiles during the time of the four Gospels. Notice the commission that Jesus gave to his Twelve Apostles:
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:5-8
For some strange reason many feel that Gentile salvation began at the beginning of the Book of Acts. Notice, however, how the book begins:
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Acts 1:6
The question was not, “Wilt thou at this time turn to the Gentiles and begin the Body of Christ?” but, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” They were interested in Israel’s kingdom where they would be sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. They had no desire to turn God’s blessings over to the Gentiles.
Many others believe that Gentile salvation and the Body of Christ started at Acts two on the Day of Pentecost. A careful reading of Acts two, however, shows no reference to Gentiles whatsoever. In fact, it specifically states that those converted that day were “Jews and proselytes” (Gentiles who have already become Jews). Notice:
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:5, 10 Also notice who Peter addresses on the Day of Pentecost:
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Acts 2:22
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:36 Some will say that if the message was not sent to the Gentiles in chapter two then maybe it was in chapter three. But listen to Peter in chapter three when he explains the healing of the lame man:
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Acts 3:12
Well then, if it didn’t start in chapter three, perhaps it began in chapter four. A careful search of this chapter also finds no mention of the Gentiles but rather again:
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:8-10
So again, the Gentiles are completely left out and the message again goes to: “all the people of Israel.” Some will say that surely by chapter five the message must have gone to the Gentiles. But let us look at the record:
Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them (the Apostles) without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:26-33
Scripture records Israel’s rejection of God the Father in the Old Testament, their rejection of God the Son at Calvary, and here in Acts 6, 7 and 8 their rejection of God the Holy Spirit in the death of Stephen, a man full of the Holy Ghost:
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Acts 6:8
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Acts 7:54,55
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Acts 7:58
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:1
Acts chapter nine records the conversion of the murderer of Stephen, the chiefest of sinners, Saul of Tarsus.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:1,2,3
At Paul’s conversion, he was commissioned to be the Apostle to the Gentiles:
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 9:15
Acts 13 records the ministry of Paul to the Gentiles in Antioch of Pisidia:
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Acts 13:2
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Acts 13:14
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:44-48
Paul’s ministry in Europe is recorded in Acts 18. As usual, he goes to the Jew first but when they reject his message, he turns to the Gentiles:
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
Acts 18:1
And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Acts 18:4
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 18:6 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
Acts 18:7
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18:9-11
Paul’s final attempt to reach his fellow Jews was in Rome as recorded in Acts 28:16-28:
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
Acts 28:16, 17 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. Acts 28:23-28
This is their final rejection of Christ as their Messiah. Paul now turns to the Gentiles and they will receive his message.
THE APOSTLE OF GENTILE BLESSINGS
Chapter 11 of the Book of Romans was written near the end of the Book of Acts. Paul has just been rejected by his fellow Jews and has now wholeheartedly turned his ministry to the Gentiles: For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Romans 11:13
Paul not only speaks to the Gentiles but also makes it abundantly clear that he is the Apostle to the Gentiles. Moses was not, nor was Isaiah or Daniel or John the Baptist or Peter or James the Lord’s brother. All these were messengers to Israel. Indeed, James proudly addresses his epistle to: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. James 1:1
And Peter in his first epistle does the same: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1 Peter 1:1 These “strangers scattered throughout Pontus…” are the same Jews of the dispersion that were addressed by James. (Peter’s reluctant message to the gentile Cornelius was his second use of the Keys to the Kingdom of God. He used the keys to the Jews first on the Day of Pentecost and now to the Gentiles here with Cornelius. It was an invitation into the Kingdom, not an invitation into the Body of Christ. See chapter 5). So it was Paul, and no other, that was called to be “the apostle of the Gentiles.” Paul also says in this 13th verse, “I magnify mine office.” which means, “I lay great stress on this.” The fact that Paul, and Paul alone, was the Apostle to the Gentiles was so important to him that he laid great stress on this truth, as we should.
In Romans 11:15 Paul begins the Parable of the Olive Tree. It is easy to interpret this parable if we peek ahead a little to verse 25 where Paul tells us that “blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” This means that the branches of the Olive Tree that are broken off represent the unbelieving Jews of Israel. The branches that are grafted into the good Olive tree from the wild Olive tree represent believers from the Gentile nations.
In the Gospel of the Grace of God today, believing Jews and Gentiles are united together into the Body of Christ. With this preparation we are now in a position to read and understand the parable: For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans 11:15-25
So, everything is clear. The Jews rejected Christ and crucified Him. God in turn blinded them and gave his blessings to the Gentiles. Once the last Gentile is saved and the Church, the Body of Christ is raptured, God again will turn to Israel in the judgments of the Great Tribulation. This is the prophesied “time of Jacob’s Trouble.” It ends after seven years with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Christ to the earth to once again claim His Jewish people as it is written:
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Romans 11:26 The “Deliverer” is none other than our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will deliver them from Armageddon and then establish them in the Millennial Kingdom where the Twelve Apostles will “sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mt.19:28)
THE GENTILES UNSEARCHABLE RICHES We now come to the book of Ephesians and the full revelation of the mystery of Gentile blessings in the present Age of Grace. Paul again informs us that he and he alone, is the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 3:8
Let us examine more of Ephesians chapter three starting with the first verse:
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Ephesians 3:1
Throughout his epistles Paul insists that he is the apostle to the Gentiles. He reiterates it again in verse 2:
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Ephesians 3:2
Paul now informs us of the name of the present age of the Gentiles which he was then just ushering in. It is called: “The Dispensation of the Grace of God.” We are no longer living in the dispensation of Law or Covenants but in the age of Grace. How thankful we should be for that. Paul now informs us how he received his special Gentile message:
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Ephesians 3:3,4
Paul did not receive his knowledge of the mystery of the Gentiles from Peter or the other Apostles. Here he informs us that God gave it to him by revelation. Indeed, in II Corinthians 12:7, Paul tells us that he received an “abundance of revelations” from God.
Verse 5 now gives the reason why this mystery of the Gentile dispensation of Grace was never known by any of the Old Testament prophets or New Testament Apostles:
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
Ephesians 3:5
It is now easy to understand why there is no reference to the “mystery” of the age of Grace in Bible writers apart from Paul. They simply had no knowledge of it. As we will see in a moment, it was hid in God.
These later “holy apostles and prophets” are Paul’s converts and appointees such as Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Barnabas, Tychicus, Epapharoditus, Epaphras, Aquilla and Trophimus. Paul now explains “the mystery” of the Gentile age of Grace:
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Ephesians 3:6
This great mystery tells us that believing Gentiles, who were no people and without hope in the world in the past are now united into the “body” of Christ with believing Jews in the present. Christ is the head and we are members of His body. Note Ephesians chapter 2:
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Ephesians 2:14-18
Now back to chapter 3. Paul now once again reiterates that it was he and he alone that had this ministry to the Gentiles:
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Ephesians 3:7, 8
Language cannot be clearer or more emphatic than this. This Gentile ministry was committed to Paul and to him alone. He was to disseminate it through faithful men as we have already seen:
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul continues his instruction in Ephesians 3:9:
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Ephesians 3:9-12
Now we receive our commission. It is “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.” As Gentiles, these are our marching orders. Yet, how many ministers are preaching “the Mystery” today?
Note again how Paul emphasizes that this Mystery to the Gentiles has always been kept secret until revealed to him. In verse nine he talks about “the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” No wonder Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Daniel, John the Baptist, Peter, James or John never knew it. They couldn’t. It was “hid in God.”
Let us conclude our review of the Book of Ephesians by looking at Gentile salvation in this age of Grace in chapter 2:
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:4-8