PAUL AND GLOBAL REDEMPTION?

In a class called “Paul’s Jewish Focus: Romans & Galatians” taught at The King’s University, I learned that Paul, as seen on the letters to Romans and Galatians (books in the New Testament) shows his Jewish understanding of law and grace, justification by faith and how faith and works are seen together and also the nature of salvation. All these theological issues are considered on Paul’s view, as a rabbi, come from a pharisaic upbringing and practice, on Jews and first-century Judaism. The ‘Jewish Mission’ on global redemption through Jesus, came through much disputes on what was now expected for Jews and what was now expected for Gentiles. There was much theological struggles in order to keep a spirit of unity and love amongst the different groups and Paul felt strongly the calling to keep his Torah upbringing, as a Jew, to now being sent out amongst the Gentiles while dealing with the other apostles who were limited to the Jewish population. “ For He who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me (Paul) for mine to the Gentiles.” Galatians 2:8. ( Reason he is called apostle to the Gentiles).

Still, even though Paul’s understanding might have been limited by time and space( 1st century) of salvation history, he was pivotal for all future generations, even today, and to all nations, to hear the message of salvation and so bring global redemption! So in the happenings at the church in the first century, where new concepts about relationships amongst different cultures, learning to show equality amongst the different cultures, learning to show equality amongst the different groups, watching out for the “new sheep” so they would not get lost amongst the burden-imposing “ influencers” who probably were just zealous in their faith, Paul knew God was interested in the salvation of all men and nations, not only the house of Israel.

The founders of the Messianic Community in Rome were those who had returned from the day of Pentecost events. So they were Jewish believers all gun-ho for Messiah and His kingdom. The Gentiles coming in were inquiring about what they had heard about Messiah now extending salvation to them; they just needed to abide by the Jewish religious authorities, the synagogue rabbis, and so unity amongst both Jew and Gentile needed to exist. The political climate was changing in the Roman empire so interrelations between Jew and Gentile would suffer too. Paul had to move thus. All these happenings have taken place in all salvation history and are still happening today. Paul’s understanding of global redemption came through clearly through his letters for first century Rome and for all future times including today!

SALVATION TO EVERYONE
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
For it is the power of Gold to salvation for everyone who believe,
For the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1: 16.