August 31, 2003

A MINISTER OF THE CIRCUMCISION

Romans 15:8-13

  "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers..." (Romans 15:8). Paul's words here are the foundation of all dispensational teaching because they reveal the true character of Christ's earthly ministry and the dispensational place of the four Gospels. This idea is contrary to so-called Christian orthodoxy, but it is in perfect harmony with the scriptures which declare that the Lord Jesus did not come to start something new, but to "confirm" and fulfill God's promises made to the fathers long before. And Paul continued, "...that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy" (15:9).

   The Gospel records are plain, that the Lord's primary ministry was toward Israel . He said, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel " (Mt. 15:24). And, "Let the children first be filled..." (Mk. 7:27). That Israel had first priority none can deny, but that the Gentiles should be excluded is far from the Bible's teaching.

   In Romans 14:1--15:7 the weak and strong were admonished to be receptive and kind to one another. But the weakness was illustrated in matters of dietary restriction and holy day observance indicating that week believers were probably Jewish. They were slow to give up the law and rest wholly on God's grace. They also seemed reluctant to grant Gentiles the status that even their own Jewish scriptures declared. Paul quoted the Law, Psalms, and Prophets, as it is written, "For this cause I will confess to Thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name" (Psa. 18:49) ...again, "He saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles , with His People" (Dt. 32:43) ...again, "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud Him, all ye People" (Psa. 117:1) ...again, Isaiah saith, "There shall be a Root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles Hope" (Isa. 11:10, Rom. 15:9-12).

   "Now the God of hope fill you (Gentiles) with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope..." There is no division in Hope!

   And Paul was persuaded that they were "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another" (15:13-14). God fills, and the saints are "full," "filled," and able to respond in grace. God accepted "the offering up of the Gentiles..." Now will the believers at Jerusalem accept the gift Paul brought from the Gentiles? (15:31)

Ivan L. Burgener