This week we wish to expand on the differences between Peter’s first hand knowledge of Christ’s Ministry and Saul’s perceptions of his Mission from Jesus.
We want to take a look at these verses which come from Matthew 7:21-24 (Young's Literal Translation).
21 Not every one who is saying to me Lord, lord, shall come into the reign of the heavens; but he who is doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, lord, have we not in thy name prophesied? and in thy name cast out demons? and in thy name done many mighty things?
23 and then I will acknowledge to them, that -- I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.
24 Therefore, every one who doth hear of me these words, and doth do them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock.
Interesting choice of words Jesus chose to use here, remember it was to Peter known to them as Simon, your name is to be known as Kefa (Petre anglosized to Peter) which means Rock and upon this Rock I will build my church. Therefore if our thought processes are based in the teachings of Jesus as taught by his Rock, we should be viewed as wise men who build the house foundation upon solid rock.
Saul of Tarsus was given a missionary assignment to carry the good news (Gospel) to the Gentiles. Saul had no more right to change that message then the angel Gabriel (messenger of God) would have to change any message that God sent him to deliver.
Let us again look at Galatians Chapter 2:3, we see Saul talking about how Titus was not convinced to get circumcised by there arguments. And why should he when, Saul is teaching him that he did not have to comply to ensure his Salvation. Let us freeze frame for a moment and ask the obvious question, Salvation, from what?
It is well settled that none lest one is perfect, we all miss the mark. The word Sin has its roots in a Hebrew archery term, which means just as stated above you missed the mark. Just because we all miss the mark does not mean that we can through away our bows and arrows and quite shooting at the target in a noble attempt to hit the bulls eye. The target is the 613 Mitzvoth in the Torah which set out the meaning of Sin. If you remove the Torah/target there is nothing to require salvation from.
In continuing on our thoughts from last week over Saul’s arguments with Peter, let’s return to Deuteronomy 18:18-20, Saul is claiming to be doing all these things in the name of Jesus, and that he was instructed to do so, but his actions were not speaking for his words. Jesus never told anyone that the Law the 613 Mitzvoth no longer mattered, but quite the opposite. Where he tells those listening to him preach, in Matthew 7:21-23, regardless of the things they perform in his name, if they are not following the will of the Father Adonai, meaning the Torah Law, then I will not know you.
Peter being present through out Jesus’ ministry would have had direct understanding of the meanings of Jesus’ statement. It is well established through to many scriptures to quote here that when the disciples were confused Jesus was quick to rebuke them. This is why Peter was so vehement about the Gentiles living like the Jew (Obedience to the Torah). I would like to give Saul the benefit of the doubt he being a Pharisees and having been learned in Talmud and Torah his teachings would have limited him in his ability to separate the two.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
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