Continuation of Paul's Epistle to The Romans part 2

From the teaching 2/18/12

Continuation of Paul's Epistle to The Romans

part II

The Canon of the New Testament:

Canon (defined): The word canon is derived from the Greek word Kanon which means a reed, and then a rod, or bar, which because it was used for measuring it came to mean a “standard.”

At the third council of Carthage (397 AD) the Western Christian Churches settled on the final form of the New Testament Canon. Thus by the end of the 4^th century all 27 books were received. Once discussions resulted in the recognition of the 27 canonical books of the New Testament Canon, there have been no more moves within Christendom to add to it or take away from.

The 5 tests to determine Canonicity

The following principles were used to determine a books place in the Canon

1.Apostolicity: Was the book written by an apostle or one closely associated with the apostles? This question was especially important in relation to Mark, Luke, and Acts, as Mark and Luke were not among the original twelve.

2.Spiritual Content: Was the book being read in the churches, and did its content prove a means of spiritual edification?

3.Doctrinal Soundness: Were the contents of the book doctrinally sound? Any book containing heresy, or that which was contrary to the already accepted canonical books was rejected.

4.Usage: Was the book universally recognized in the churches, and was it widely quoted by the Church Fathers?

5.Divine Inspiration: Did it give true evidence of divine inspiration? This was the ultimate test, everything finally had to give way to it.

Rom. 1:1:Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Gal. 1:15:But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:



 17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.



 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.



John 14:28: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

II Corth. 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Rev. 20:11:And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.



 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.



 14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.



Rom. 12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.



 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The Beginning Teachings of Paul's Epistles

From the teaching 2/11/12

The Beginning Teachings of Paul's Epistles

The Book Of Romans

Brief description of the Roman Empire

At the time when the New Testament was written the entire civilized world, with the exception of the little known kingdoms of the Far East, was under the domination of Rome. From the Atlantic Ocean on the West to the Euphrates River and the Red Sea on the East, and from the Rhone River to the Danube River, the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains on the North, to the Sahara Desert on the South, stretched one vast empire under the headship and virtual dictatorship of the Emperor called both “King” and “Augustus” in the New Testament. Rome took it's name from the capital city in Italy, the original settlement from which the Roman state grew. It was founded in 753 BC and was at first a community comprising a union of small villages in its vicinity and ruled by a King. About the beginning of the 5^th century BC it had achieved a degree of solid political organization under a republican form of government. Through 500 years of almost uninterrupted war, Rome grew from an obscure village on the banks of the Tiber River to become the ruling empire of the world. The rapid territorial expansion brought great changes in the life of the Roman people. As the military leaders gained a taste of power, they began to use their armies not only for foreign conquest, but also for supremacy at home. In a constant succession of civil wars, one after the other strove to make himself master of the Roman State until until finally Augustus, as he was called by the Senate, succeeded in exterminating his opponents in 30 BC, and became the first emperor. Under his rule the Roman imperium, or power of the Imperial State was thoroughly established. He ruled wisely and well. Politically it was a compromise between the old republicanism and dictatorship that Julius Caesar had advocated.

Statements regarding the Book of Romans

1. The 6^th of Paul's letters written from Corinth, about 58-60 AD, sent to Rome by Phoebe (Chapter 16:1).

2. Romans is 1^st in order of the Epistles doctrinally. It contains the ABC's of Christian education.

3. It is the very foundation of church teaching. If we are wrong in understanding here, we shall be wrong elsewhere.

4. The great theme is the Revelation of God's wrath against sin.

5. The righteousness through faith is the grounds of justification.

6. Romans makes the whole world guilty before God and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ.

7. The prominent feature is the large doctrinal section, (Rom. 1:16-8:39). God's method of dealing with the Jews and Gentiles individually is in this section.

8. Their relationship dispensationally, is in (Chapter 9:1-11:36)
9. The rest (chapter 12:1-16:27) is practical, showing the result of salvation.

Rom. 1:1: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Servant (defined):

1. A bondman, one who is the entire property of another.
2. Slave.

Called (defined):

1. Divinely selected and appointed to an office.

Apostle (defined):

1. One sent with the power of attorney to act in the place of another,

the sender remaining behind. God sends one to do what he, himself

would do if he went.

Separated (defined):

1. set apart
2. severed

Romans 1:5: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

 6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:



 7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.



 8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.



 9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;



 10Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.



 11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;



 12That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
 13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.



 14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.



 15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.



 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.



 17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul The Apostle With The Heavenly Calling part II

From the teaching February 4, 2012

Paul The Apostle With The Heavenly Calling part II

I Corth, 9:16: For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

 17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.



Col. 1:25:Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;



 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:



 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:



 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:



 29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.



Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,



 2And 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.



 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:



 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.



 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.



 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.



 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.



 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.



 10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.



 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,



 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.



 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:



 14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.



 15But 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:
Chosen Vessel (defined):

1. Divine Selection

 16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.



 17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.



 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.



 19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.



 20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Gal. 1:1: Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

and...

:6: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.



 8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.



 9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.



 10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.



 11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Paul The Apostle With The Heavenly Calling

From the teaching 1/28/12

Paul The Apostle With The Heavenly Calling

Psa. 90:2: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Jerm. 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

 6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.



 7But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.



 8Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.



 9Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Gal. 1:1:Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

and...

:11: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.



 13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
 14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.



 15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,



 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:



 17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.



 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.



 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

Born in Tarsus, Acts 22:3:. Tarsus, A city of Silicia, the capital of the province from AD 72, and the birthplace, and the early residence of the Apostle Paul. The city stood on the Cilician Plain, a little above sea level and some ten miles inland. The Cydnus provided an exit to the sea. Tarsus was an ancient city, the seat of a provincial Governor when Persia ruled, and in the days of the Greek Syrian Kings, the center of a lumbering and linen industry. Acts 18:3, probably refers to an associated skill, the manufacturer of a rough goat hair cloth (for tent making). During the first century, before Christ, the city was the home of a Philosophical School, a university town, where the intellectual atmosphere was colored by Greek thought. Tarsus stood at a confluence of East and West. The wisdom of the Greeks, and the world-order of Rome, mingled with the good and ill of Oriental mysticism, were deep in it's consciousness. A Keen-minded Jew, born and bred at Tarsus would draw the best from more than One World.

Acts 22:14: And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

 15For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Acts 26:13: At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

 14And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.



 15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.



 16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;



 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,



 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.



 19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: