When it is heard that Paul’s mystery gospel includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ some properly identify the teaching of the cross before Paul by Jesus and Peter.
However, when we look closely at how the cross is foretold we see that there are different ways to talk about the cross. While there is a teaching of the cross according to prophecy, it is Paul that reveals the preaching of the cross according to the revelation of the mystery.
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Prophecy (Jesus Christ & Peter) |
Mystery (Apostle Paul) |
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1. To fulfil the writings of the prophet (Luke 18:31-34, 24:44, Acts 3:17-18) 2. A sign of the Messiah (John 2:18-21, Matt. 12-40) 3. To sit on the throne of David (Acts 2:30, 3:19-20) 4. To shame the nation of Israel (Acts 2:23,36; 3:12-15; 4:10; 5:30, 7:51-54) 5. For Israel’s forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:21; 5:31, Luke 1:66-75, Rom. 11:27, Daniel 9:24) 6. For Israel’s repentance of sin (Acts 2:37-38; 3:19, 26; 5:31) 7. Needed for Israel’s restoration (earthly)– (Acts 1:6; Daniel 9:24) |
1. To preached Christ according to the Mystery (I Cor. 2:6-9, Rom. 16:25) 2. Power of God and Wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:18, 24) 3. To sit the heavenly places (Col. 3:1, Eph. 1:20, 2:6) 4. For the body of Christ’s glory (Gal. 6:14, I Cor. 1:29-31, 2:7, 2 Thess. 2:14) 5. Forgiveness for all— (Rom. 5:6-8, I Tim. 1:11-16; 2:5-7; 2 Tim. 1:9-11) 6. To save them that believe (1 Cor. 1:21, Rom. 1:16, Eph. 1:13) 7. Needed for the Reconciliation of all things (heavenly & earthly)— (Col. 1:20, 2:10,15) |
Conclusion
The cross of Christ according to prophecy was one more event needed in the fulfillment of God’s promises to the nation Israel to have dominion on the earth. It was all searchable in the prophets (John 5:29, Luke 24:44, Acts 3:18).
What was kept secret was the preaching of the cross as the gospel that freely saves all men. The cross of Christ according to the mystery is the channel of God’s unsearchable riches of grace:
“ That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him…” – Eph 1:10
Evangelist Rodgie Quirante
The Workman’s Treasure Study Series