In examining the differences between the gospel preached by the twelve apostles and

the gospel preached by the apostle Paul, it is important to approach this from a biblical
and dispensational perspective. Dispensationalism is a theological framework that views
history as a series of distinct periods, or dispensations, during which God deals with
humanity in different ways.

Gospel of the Kingdom by the Twelve Apostles:

1. Content:
 The gospel of the kingdom, preached by Jesus and the twelve apostles,
was primarily focused on the establishment of God's physical kingdom on
earth.
 It emphasized the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies related to the
Messiah and the coming kingdom.
2. Target Audience:
 Initially, the message was directed to the Jews, as they were expecting the
fulfillment of the promised kingdom based on their covenant relationship
with God.
3. Nature of the Kingdom:
 This gospel proclaimed the imminent arrival of the messianic kingdom,
where Jesus would reign as the promised King in Jerusalem.
4. Commission:
 The twelve apostles were instructed by Jesus to preach to the lost sheep of
the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-7).

Gospel of Grace by Apostle Paul:

1. Content:
 The gospel of grace, preached by the apostle Paul, focused on the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the
offer of salvation by faith alone.
 It emphasized God's grace as the means of salvation apart from the works
of the Law.
2. Target Audience:
 Paul's ministry was directed not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles,
breaking down the distinction between Jew and Gentile in the body of
Christ.
3. Nature of the Kingdom:
 While the gospel of grace acknowledges the future kingdom, its primary

emphasis is on the spiritual kingdom established through faith in Christ.
4. Commission:
 Paul received a specific commission to be the apostle to the Gentiles
(Romans 11:13). His ministry extended beyond the boundaries of Israel.

Gospel of Circumcision and Gospel of Uncircumcision:

1. Gospel of Circumcision (Kingdom Gospel):

 This term is often associated with the gospel of the kingdom proclaimed
by the twelve apostles.
 It signifies the connection between the coming kingdom and the sign of
circumcision, which was a covenant requirement for the Jewish people.
2. Gospel of Uncircumcision (Gospel of Grace):
 This term is linked to Paul's gospel of grace.
 It highlights the universal nature of salvation offered to both Jews and
Gentiles without the necessity of adhering to Jewish laws and customs,
such as circumcision.

Dispensational Correlation:

1. Transition:
 The transition from the gospel of the kingdom to the gospel of grace
marked a dispensational shift, emphasizing God's plan for the church age.
2. Inclusivity:
 The gospel of grace, associated with the uncircumcision, reflects the
inclusive nature of salvation for all, irrespective of ethnic or religious
background.
3. Revelation to Paul:
 The unique revelations given to Paul regarding the mystery of the church
and the gospel of grace indicate a new dispensation in God's dealings with
humanity (Ephesians 3:1-6).

In summary, understanding the biblical and dispensational context helps to appreciate

the distinct messages preached by the twelve apostles and the apostle Paul, as well as
the correlation between the gospel of the kingdom (circumcision) and the gospel of
grace (uncircumcision)
The distinction between the Gospel of the Twelve Apostles and the Gospel of the
Apostle Paul is a topic often discussed in biblical and dispensational theology. This
perspective draws on certain passages in the New Testament, primarily focusing on the
teachings of the Twelve Apostles (associated with the ministry of Jesus during His
earthly life) and the unique revelations given to the Apostle Paul.

Gospel of the Kingdom by the Twelve Apostles:

1. Message:

 The Twelve Apostles preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, emphasizing the
imminent establishment of the earthly kingdom promised to Israel (Matthew
10:5-7).

2. Emphasis:

 Emphasized the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the arrival of the
Messiah to reign over Israel (Matthew 4:17).

3. Target Audience:

 Primarily directed to the Jewish people (Matthew 10:5-6).

4. Circumcision Connection:

 Correlated with the Gospel of Circumcision, as it was closely linked to the

covenant promises made to Abraham and the need for adherence to Jewish
customs, including circumcision.

Gospel of Grace by Apostle Paul:

1. Message:

 Paul's emphasis was on the Gospel of Grace, centered on the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles (1
Corinthians 15:3-4).

2. Emphasis:
  Focused on the unmerited favor and grace of God extended to all who believe in
Jesus Christ, irrespective of their previous religious affiliations (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. Target Audience:

 Directed to both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the dividing wall between
them (Galatians 3:28).

4. Uncircumcision Connection:

 Correlated with the Gospel of Uncircumcision, as it emphasizes faith in Christ

rather than adherence to Jewish laws and rituals, including circumcision (Romans
4:9-12).

Dispensational Perspective:

1. Transition:

 The transition from the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Gospel of Grace is often
seen as a dispensational shift, marking the change in God's dealing with
humanity.

2. Pauline Revelations:

 The unique revelations given to Paul, as recorded in his epistles, unveil the
mystery of the Church, the Body of Christ, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's
redemptive plan (Ephesians 3:1-6).

3. Harmony in God's Plan:

 While there are distinctions, there is also an understanding that these messages
harmonize within God's overall plan for salvation.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, there is a recognized difference in emphasis and audience between the

Gospel of the Twelve Apostles and the Gospel of the Apostle Paul. The former
emphasizes the Kingdom promises to Israel and is associated with circumcision, while
the latter underscores the grace of God for all, irrespective of circumcision. However,
these distinctions are viewed within the broader dispensational understanding of God's
unfolding plan for humanity. The teachings complement each other in revealing
different facets of God's redemptive purposes throughout history.

The transition period from Law to Grace in the book of Acts is a crucial phase in the
early Christian church's development. This period marks the shift from the Gospel of the
Kingdom, which was primarily focused on the message of Jesus as the Messiah and the
establishment of the earthly kingdom, to the Gospel of Grace, which emphasizes
salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the expansion of God's redemptive plan to
both Jews and Gentiles.

Key Elements of the Transition Period:

**1. Day of Pentecost (Acts 2):

 The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of
Pentecost. The apostles, filled with the Spirit, spoke in languages they did not
know, and Peter delivered a powerful sermon (Acts 2:14-41).
 The emphasis in Peter's sermon is on the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy and the
proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 2:16-36).
 Many Jews responded to this message, and the early Christian community was
predominantly Jewish.

**2. The Gospel Spreads in Jerusalem (Acts 3-7):

 Peter and John perform miracles, and the focus remains on the message of Jesus
as the promised Messiah (Acts 3:1-26).
 The apostles face opposition from the religious authorities but continue to
preach about Jesus.
 The emphasis is on the continuity of God's plan with Israel through Jesus.

**3. Conversion of Saul (Acts 9):

 A significant turning point is the conversion of Saul (who later becomes the
Apostle Paul) on the road to Damascus.
 Saul, a devout Pharisee, was persecuting the early Christians, but he encounters
the risen Christ and is transformed (Acts 9:1-19).
**4. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15):

 A crucial moment in the transition is the Council of Jerusalem, where the question
of whether Gentile believers needed to follow the Mosaic law, including
circumcision, is addressed.
 The decision is that Gentile believers are not required to be circumcised or follow
the Mosaic law for salvation (Acts 15:1-29).

**5. Paul's Missionary Journeys (Acts 13-28):

 The bulk of Acts narrates Paul's missionary journeys, where the Gospel of Grace is
prominently proclaimed.
 Paul emphasizes salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the Law
(Acts 13:38-39).
 The audience expands to include both Jews and Gentiles, and churches are
established in various regions.

Significance of the Transition:

**1. Inclusion of Gentiles:

 The transition period highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive

plan, breaking down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-22).

**2. Emphasis on Faith:

 The Gospel of Grace underscores salvation through faith in Christ, irrespective of

adherence to the Mosaic law (Romans 3:21-31).

**3. Expansion of the Church:

 The Gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the known world during
Paul's missionary journeys, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

**4. Freedom from the Law:

 Believers are liberated from the burden of the Mosaic law and justified by faith in
Christ (Galatians 2:16).

Conclusion:
The transition from the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Gospel of Grace in the book of
Acts is a pivotal period in the early church's history. It involves a shift in focus from the
earthly kingdom promised to Israel to the universal message of salvation through faith
in Jesus Christ. The inclusion of Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision and
adherence to the Mosaic law signifies a profound theological shift, emphasizing the
grace of God as the central theme of the Christian message. This transition sets the
stage for the development of Pauline theology and the global expansion of the Christian
faith.

BAPTISMS IN THE BIBLE

1. Israel's National Baptism unto Moses—Placing the Nation under Moses' leadership. 1
Corinthians 10:1-4; etc.

2. Divers Baptisms of Israel's Religion as given by God under the Law. Hebrews 6:2;
Hebrews 9:10; etc.

3. Traditional "baptisms" (washings, etc.) of the ceremonies of the Jews — making void
God's word. Mark 7:1-7; etc.
4. John's Baptism of Repentance with water. Acts 10:37; Mark 1:4; John 1:31; Matthew
3:11; etc.
5. Christ's Baptism in water to fulfill the Righteousness of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Matthew 3:13-15; etc.
6. Christ's Baptism into Death. Luke 12:50; Mark 10:38, 39; etc.
7. Holy Spirit Baptism of Power performed by Jesus Christ as the Baptizer. Luke 24:49;
Acts 1:4, 5; etc.
8. Baptism of Fire in Prophetic Judgment of Israel. Matthew 3:11; Isaiah 29:6; etc.
9. Pentecostal Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus for the Circumcision, the Nation of
Israel. Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; etc.
10. Trinitarian Baptism of the Uncircumcised Nations in the Name of the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit during (or for Entrance into) the Reign of Christ's Kingdom on Earth.
Ultimate fulfillment of use to be by Israelite/Jewish evangelists after the Church is
removed, and Israel's prophesies are resumed directly. Trinitarian baptism is used by
the churches of this current age (an age of a predominantly Gentile Church) as a
testimony of singular dependence on (faith in) the Death, Burial and Resurrection of
Christ as the Saving Gospel. Matthew 28:28; etc.
11. Baptism by the Holy Spirit into Christ's Sufferings, and into the One Body ("one new
man") of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5;
Colossians 2:12; etc.
Baptism is a significant and symbolic ritual in the Christian faith, and various forms of baptism are
mentioned in the Bible, each with its distinct purpose and significance. Let's explore the different kinds
of baptism mentioned in the Bible and their purposes:

### 1. **Water Baptism:**

**Purpose:**

- Symbolic of repentance and forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).

- Public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

- Identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4).

**Usage:**

- Administered by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, depending on Christian denominational practices.

- Practiced in various Christian traditions as a rite of initiation and commitment to the Christian faith.

### 2. **Baptism of the Holy Spirit:**

**Purpose:**

- Empowerment for Christian service and witness (Acts 1:8).

- Inward transformation and regeneration (Titus 3:5-6).

**Usage:**

- Given by Jesus Christ to believers after His ascension (Acts 2:1-4).

- Not administered by human hands but received as a gift from God.

### 3. **Baptism for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29):**

**Purpose:**

- The exact purpose is not explicitly stated in the Bible.

 - Interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting it may symbolize the hope of resurrection for the
deceased.

**Usage:**

- Mentioned briefly by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29 without detailed instructions.

### 4. **Baptism with Fire (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16):**

**Purpose:**

- Symbolic of the refining and purifying work of the Holy Spirit.

- Associated with judgment and purification.

**Usage:**

- Proclaimed by John the Baptist as a future event linked to the ministry of Jesus.

### 5. **Baptism into Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2):**

**Purpose:**

- Symbolic identification with Moses as the leader of Israel in the Exodus.

**Usage:**

- Paul uses this metaphorical language to illustrate spiritual truths in the context of the Israelites'
journey.

### 6. **Baptism of Suffering (Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50):**

**Purpose:**

- Associated with the idea of sharing in the sufferings of Christ.

**Usage:**

- Mentioned by Jesus in the context of His impending death and the challenges faced by His followers.

### 7. **Baptism into the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20):**

**Purpose:**

- Commissioned by Jesus as a command for the disciples to baptize new believers.

- Symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the triune God's involvement in the life of the believer.

**Usage:**

- A central and widely practiced form of Christian baptism.

### Conclusion:

The different kinds of baptism in the Bible serve various symbolic, spiritual, and practical purposes.
Water baptism is a public declaration of faith, while baptism of the Holy Spirit represents empowerment
and regeneration. Other forms, like baptism for the dead and baptism with fire, are less explicitly
explained in the Bible, leading to various interpretations. Understanding the context and theological
significance of each type of baptism helps Christians appreciate the richness of these rituals in their faith
journey.

In the Bible, various types of gatherings and assemblies are mentioned, reflecting the diversity of
worship and community structures during different historical periods. While the specific term "church"
may not always be used, the Bible does describe different types of religious gatherings and communities.
Here are some notable types:

### 1. **Synagogue:**

- **Description:** Synagogues were local Jewish meeting places for worship, prayer, and the study of
the Scriptures.

- **Scriptural Reference:** Synagogues are mentioned throughout the New Testament, where Jesus
and the apostles often taught (e.g., Matthew 4:23; Luke 4:15-16).
### 2. **The Early Christian Church:**

- **Description:** The early Christian community gathered in homes and larger gatherings for worship,
fellowship, and the breaking of bread.

- **Scriptural Reference:** Descriptions of the early Christian gatherings can be found in Acts,
emphasizing their devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47).

### 3. **Local Churches in Specific Cities:**

- **Description:** The New Testament also mentions specific local churches in various cities, such as
the Church in Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and others.

- **Scriptural Reference:** Many of the letters in the New Testament (Epistles) are addressed to these
local congregations, providing guidance and instruction (e.g., 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians).

### 4. **Seven Churches in Revelation:**

- **Description:** The book of Revelation addresses seven specific churches in Asia Minor, providing
letters with commendations and warnings.

- **Scriptural Reference:** Revelation 2-3 contains the letters to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

### 5. **Universal Church:**

- **Description:** The concept of the universal church refers to the entire body of believers
worldwide, transcending geographical and local distinctions.

- **Scriptural Reference:** The idea of the universal church is implicit in passages like Ephesians 1:22-
23, which describes Christ as the head of the church.

### 6. **House Churches:**

- **Description:** Early Christian gatherings often took place in private homes, particularly in the
absence of dedicated church buildings.

- **Scriptural Reference:** Several references in the New Testament, such as Romans 16:5 and
Colossians 4:15, indicate the existence of house churches.

### 7. **Body of Christ:**

- **Description:** The metaphorical concept of the body of Christ emphasizes the interconnectedness
and diversity of believers, each contributing to the functioning of the whole.
 - **Scriptural Reference:** This imagery is found in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 and Ephesians
4:11-16.

### Conclusion:

The Bible mentions various types of gatherings and communities, reflecting the dynamic nature of
worship and fellowship in different contexts. Whether in synagogues, local churches, house churches, or
the universal body of Christ, the Bible provides a rich tapestry of expressions of faith and community.
Understanding the diverse forms of gatherings in the Bible can contribute to a broader comprehension
of the Christian faith and its historical development.