The Good News is For Jews And Gentiles
April 2, 2022
Commentary
Christians must not force their opinions on others. There are certain foundational truths that are essential to our walk with the Lord. However, there are many other matters of honest disagreement that must not be a test of our faith. We must not try to force our convictions about these matters on to other people (vv. 1-2). Paul is not arguing that we continually give in to a weak brother’s desires. We are to act in a way which will be to his lasting benefit. The spirit of love is the key to Paul’s teaching in these verses. Jesus is our perfect example of one who ministered on behalf of others and not for Himself (v. 3). Knowledge of the Scriptures affects our attitude toward the present and the future (v.4). If the Lord can receive us with the great gulf that existed between Him and us, should we not also be able to accept and help one another, even if we have minor differences? (vv. 5-7). Jesus came to bring the truth to the Jews, and to show that God is true to His promises (v. 8). Was it selfish of God to work primarily through the Jews? No, because it was through the Jews that He would send the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. Paul quotes four Old Testament passages that shows the progression of how this all happened:
1. The Jews glorify God among the Gentiles (v. 9 quoting David from Psalm 18:49).
2. The Gentiles rejoice with the Jews (v. 10 quoting Moses from Deuteronomy 32:43).
3. All the Jews and Gentiles together praise God (v. 11 quoting Psalm 117:1).
4. Christ shall reign over Jews and Gentiles (v.12 quoting Isaiah 11:10).
At the present time Israel has been set aside nationally while the Church is being formed of both Jew and Gentile. But one day in the future Israel will be restored to her place as head of the nations.
Application
Throughout History, many have hated the Jews and tried to destroy them. Even today there is much anti-Jewish feeling throughout the world. As a Christian I need to be their friend and pray for them.
Romans 15:1– 13 (NET)
1 But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. 5 Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Receive one another, then, just as Christ also received you, to God’s glory. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name.” 10 And again it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Illustration: Agnostic Got Saved Because Will Houghton Walked His Talk
There is a true story about how the Christian walk of Will Houghton, a preacher who became the president of Moody Bible Institute during the 1940s, played a large role in the conversion of an agnostic who was contemplating suicide. The skeptic was desperate, but he decided that if he could find a minister who lived his faith, he would listen to him. So, he hired a private detective to watch Houghton. When the investigator’s report came back, it revealed that this preacher’s life was above reproach; he was for real. The agnostic went to Houghton’s church, accepted Christ, and later sent his daughter to Moody Bible Institute. (H.V.L. – Our Daily Bread, September 29)