Chapter II
The Word or the Term Gospel in the New Testament
The contradictions, discrepancies and differences between the principles and concepts of the Gospels and the principles and concepts of the Old Testament, as is shown in the previous chapter, are insufficient and not enough alone to prove that it's a new religion, unrelated with the religion of the prophets of the children of Israel, and were not written by the revelation or inspiration of the Holy Spirit, from the point of view of the churches. The Gospels authors and the rest of the New Testament authors, especially Paul, who was fully aware these contradictions, discrepancies and differences, or more precisely, he who has founded them, for this he sought in his letters to justify these contradictions, discrepancies and differences, as shown previously, and considered that this issue is not because of difference sources, but the principles and the concepts of his beliefs have been hidden from all of the former prophets, and has been revealed to him and his followers! As in the following texts:
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
1 Corinthians 2:8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles —
Ephesians 3:2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
Ephesians 3:3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
Ephesians 3:4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
Ephesians 3:5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
Ephesians 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
Ephesians 3:7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
Ephesians 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Ephesians 3:9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 3:10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began
Romans 16:26 but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith —
In these texts Paul says that the principles and concepts which based on worshiping three gods, who incarnated in the flesh, or at least one of them, according to the faith of every church of the various churches, and they had been flogged, and mocked and spat on them, and crucified and died; was a secret hidden from all Prophets, and that this mystery has not been revealed to anyone else, but only to him and the saints!
This is true in this sense only, because there is no one of the former prophets had spoken about such as this perception about the LORD the Creator of the heavens and the earth, but what is the reality of this mystery which Paul had spoken about?
The reality of this mystery can be recognized by comparing it with the other mysteries which Paul had told to his followers, as in the following text:
1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —
In this text Paul reveals another mystery, which was not known by anyone else before him, and has not been seen by anyone else after him, which is that he and his followers would not pass away until the next coming of Jesus, which is what he says more clearly in the following text:
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Yet, unfortunately, the history has shown that this mystery was not true, and he and his followers had fallen asleep, and after them dozens of generations, thus, the failure to achieve this mystery shows that the first mystery is not true, and is not from the Revelation or by the Word of the Lord, because if it was from the Revelation or by the Word of the Lord; it should not contradicts the texts of the revelation in the Old Testament that confirms the greatest fact in the cosmos; which is the Oneness of the LORD the Creator, and worship Him alone, and the lack of the true gods with Him or beside Him, and with the clarity of this fact, but I will mention text from the Old Testament refutes all the words of Paul and the others that the Lord the Creator of the heavens and the earth hid some secrets from the former prophets, which is as follows:
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
The Lord the Creator does not say any word unless it is a clear; and reveals His secret to the prophets, especially His Oneness, and the lack of the true gods with Him or beside Him, who participated with Him in creating the heavens and earth, or deserve to be worshiped with Him or beside Him, thus, this text invalidates all the words of Paul and the others about hiding the mystery of the Trinity.
The insistence of the New Testament authors and the churches considering that the New Testament and their beliefs are an extension of the Old Testament and its principles and concepts, requires us to examine the Gospels in the New Testament objectively and subjectively, i.e., study the meaning of the word Gospel, and the places mentioned therein, and the purpose of writing the Gospels, and the methods and ways of writing, and the lost Gospels which are mentioned in the Letters of the New Testament. As well as study the texts of the Gospels which were quoted from the Old Testament. This will give us a clear idea of the reality of the Gospels, and if they had been written by the revelation or the inspiration of the Holy Spirit or not, and the sources that were relied on to write the Gospels.
The Word or the Term "Gospel" in the Letters of the New Testament
The Letters of the New Testament are a collection of letters talking about the disciples after Jesus ascension into heaven, whether by talking about their lives and their activities as the letter Acts of the Apostles and some of Paul's letters, or by trying to resolve the practical and theological problems which they have faced at that time, such as a warning of the differences that were taking place among the disciples and the followers, or to prove that Jesus is the Christ, and he who was intended in the prophecies of the Old Testament, or to prove that the Law no longer binding them, not only the circumcision, or the Sabbath but even the rest of the laws, and other issues that summoned the research and debate at that time, and the last letter is the book of Revelation, which is talking about the signs of the End of Time, and the end of life on Earth.
These letters will be significantly helpful in our search for the true meaning of word "gospel", because they talk about how the disciples' preaching was, and the sources which they had relied upon.
The Word or the Term "Gospel" in the Letters of Paul
Paul the Apostle is the most important figure in the Christianity faith, he who established its principles and concepts, and defended it, as it appears in the Acts of the Apostles and his letters, which are considered part of the New Testament, which are fourteen letters, so, how did Paul preach?
Did he preach through the four Gospels or through his own gospel?
And if he had preached through his own Gospel; what are the sources of this Gospel?
And if he has his own Gospel, what is his position on it, and what is the position of the churches on his Gospel?
Finally, are there other Gospels except the four Gospels and the Gospel of Paul, and what is his position on them?
These questions and others will be answered through studying the word "gospel" in Paul's Letters, and due to its importance and numerous texts, will be divided into several sections, the first is the texts that talk about the Gospel of God, the second is the texts that talk about the Gospel of Christ, the third is the texts that talk about the Gospel of Paul himself, the fourth is the Position of Paul on his Gospel, the Position of Paul on those who have hid his Gospel, the Position of the Churches on the Gospel of Paul and the Lost Gospels in Paul's Letters, the fifth is Paul and the Word of the Lord, Paul and the Holy Spirit, Paul and the Revelation and Paul and the Old Testament, the sixth is Paul and the words of Jesus, Paul and the Four Gospels and Paul and his letters, below is a review to them.
The Gospel of God
Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
Romans 1:2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
Romans 1:3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
Romans 1:4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
This text shows the true meaning of the word "gospel", and the sources that were relied upon by Paul and the others, so, the gospel means the written texts in the Old Testament on the lips of the prophets that talk about a man of the descendants of David; who will come in the End of Time and governs the world, which Paul said, and others authors as well, it was talking concerning Jesus because he is of the seed of David according to the flesh, as well as he rose from the dead, but what doubts the reality of these words is the saying of Paul that Jesus is of the seed of David according to the flesh. This saying is wrong for two reasons. The first is that Jesus said that the Christ is not the son of David! As in the following texts:
Matthew 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Matthew 22:42 saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David."
Matthew 22:43 He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’, saying:
Matthew 22:44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"‘?
Matthew 22:45 "If David then calls Him ‘Lord’, how is He his Son?"
Matthew 22:46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
Mark 12:35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?
Mark 12:36 "For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool’.
Mark 12:37 "Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?" And the common people heard Him gladly.
Luke 20:41 And He said to them, "How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David?
Luke 20:42 "Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand,
Luke 20:43 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."‘
Luke 20:44 "Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?"
These texts confirm that the Christ is not the son of David, which means that Jesus; if he was the Christ he will not be of the seed of David according to the flesh as Paul has stated in the text, because the Christ who has been mentioned in the Psalm is the Lord of David, not his son, so how can we reconcile between Paul's words and the words of Jesus himself?!
The second reason is the saying that Jesus is the son of David; and this proves that Joseph the Carpenter is the father of Jesus according to the flesh, because the genealogies that have been developed to Jesus in the four Gospels attributed him to Joseph the Carpenter, and did not attribute him to Mary, which I talked about it in detail in the book "Jesus the Son of Joseph the Carpenter … Confusing Questions".
As for his saying "who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead". This view is wrong for a simple reason that Jesus was not the first one who rose from the dead, because the Old Testament mentions several stories that talked about some people who had been resurrected from the dead, as was the case with Elijah and Elisha, when they resurrected some people after their death, (1 Kings 17:17-24), (2 Kings 4:18-37) and (2 Kings 13:20-21), however, the Old Testament did not say about those who were resurrected from the dead that they have become sons of God. Moreover the Old Testament recounts a story about resurrecting thousands of the children of Israel, and did not say they have become sons of God or gods, as In the following text:
Ezekiel 37:9 Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live."‘"
Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Ezekiel 37:11 Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off’!
Ezekiel 37:12 "Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Ezekiel 37:13 "Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.
Ezekiel 37:14 "I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it," says the LORD’."
This text talks about the resurrection of thousands of slain of people from the dead after their bones became dry, and they have been cut off before Jesus hundreds of years, not the resurrection from the dead after three days only, as is written in the Gospels about Jesus, yet the Old Testament did not say that they have become gods, but their resurrection and opening their graves and coming up from the graves is a proof of the greatness, and the glory of the LORD the Creator and His ability and the Oneness of the LORD who has resurrected the people from dead, who is definitely not the person who died and was buried in a tomb!
The previous text shows that the Gospel of God, which Paul had preached, is his understanding of the Old Testament texts, otherwise, if Paul was preaching through the Gospel which he has received from the Revelation or the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit he would not write down these errors!
Romans 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
Romans 15:16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient —
Romans 15:19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
In this text Paul says that he might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (non-Jewish), ministering the gospel of God, or proclaiming the gospel of God, and the question that arises here is what is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep it?
As for his attempt to demonstrate the credibility of his words through the signs and miracles which he has said and done, this is not a real evidence, because the Old Testament showed that those who call to worship other gods with the LORD the Creator or beside Him, even if they did miracles and signs; they do not tell the truth, as in the following text:
Deuteronomy 13:1 "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,
Deuteronomy 13:2 "and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’ — which you have not known — ‘and let us serve them’,
Deuteronomy 13:3 "you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 13:4 "You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.
Deuteronomy 13:5 "But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst.
Thus, the signs and miracles are not a proof that Paul tells the truth as long as he calls to worship other gods with or beside the LORD the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it!
2 Corinthians 11:5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.
2 Corinthians 11:7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.
In this text Paul says that he has preached the gospel of God free of charges, so what is the meaning of the gospel of God in this text, does it mean the four Gospels, or his own gospel which he has received through the Revelation or the Spirit, or it is his understanding of the texts and prophecies of the Old Testament?
As for the four Gospels, he did not mean them, because they have not been written at that time, as it is well known, and as for it being a special gospel which has been received through the Revelation or the Spirit this is possible, but what calls into question the credibility of this possibility two things. The first is the loss of this gospel. The second is that the context of the text shows the meaning of talking about the gospel of God in this text, as well as the whole letter, that Paul was defending himself and his way of preaching by saying that he did not preach another Jesus, or a different gospel, but preached as the most eminent apostles, and this confirms that the word "gospel" does not mean a special book, but the way of preaching, because if he was talking about a special book, there would not be a disagreement and conflict between Paul and the Apostles, but in their ways of preaching, and for this he was proud of himself; saying "But I do not think I am in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles'', "I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge", and the knowledge which Paul has mentioned here is not a revelation or an inspiration of the Holy Spirit, because if so, he should proclaim it, as the Prophets of Israel did, but it was his understanding of the texts of the Old Testament; because he quoted hundreds of texts from it, nevertheless he did not write about Jesus in line with the four Gospels only a few texts.
1Thessalonians 2:2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
1Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
1Thessalonians 2:4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
1Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness.
1Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
1Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
1Thessalonians 2:8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
1Thessalonians 2:9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
In this text Paul says that he has been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel of God which he had preached to his followers.
So what is the Gospel of God, and why the churches did not keep it, as kept the Paul's Letters which have mentioned this Gospel?!
1Timothy 1:11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
New International Version
1Timothy 1:11 That conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
In this text Paul says that the gospel of God was entrusted to him, which is not written in the New Testament, so why the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God has been disappeared, which was entrusted to Paul?
Does it possible to say that the gospel of the glory of the blessed God that was entrusted to Paul is not the word of God?!
And if the Gospel of God which was entrusted to Paul is not the word of God, why the churches considered that his letters, which indicated to the Gospel of God, are the word of God and part of the New Testament?!
The Gospel of Christ
Romans 1:9 For 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.
New International Version
Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you.
In this text Paul says that he served his god in preaching the gospel of his son with his spirit, or with his whole heart, which might be understood from this saying that there was the Gospel of Christ with Paul, so why the churches did not keep the gospel of the son of god, if it was a book, or a revelation, or inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and what is this gospel?
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
In this text Paul says that the gospel of Christ is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, whether Jew or Greek, and this indicates that there was a Gospel of Christ, so what is this gospel and what are its sources?
Paul certainly did not mean the four Gospels, because he wrote his letters before decades of writing the four Gospels, and two of them have been written by the followers of Paul i.e., Mark and Luke, so where is the Gospel of Christ, which was mentioned by Paul?!
Was it a book or a revelation and inspiration of the Holy Spirit that was received from heaven, or it was his interpretation of the texts of the Old Testament?
Paul in this text and in other texts did not say that he has received a special revelation or inspiration, but usually quotes texts from the Old Testament and interprets it to serve what he believes in, as he did in this text, because he did not quote the words of Jesus, whether from the four Gospels or through the revelation, yet he quoted the text of the Old Testament that says the righteous will live by faith!
Romans 15:19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Romans 15:20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
Romans 15:21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."
This text is an extension to the text in which Paul has spoken about the gospel of God, which we had talked about it previously, but in this text talks about the Gospel of Christ, and says he fully preached it from Jerusalem to Illyricum, and says he has always ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that he would not build on someone else's foundation, and then he cited the text of the Old Testament as it is written!
This indicates that the meaning of the Gospel of Christ is the way of preaching Christ, not a certain book, because if there was a particular book there is no meaning to this saying, as well as, this saying contradicted with what it is written in the Acts of Apostles, because there was no place which Paul went to it and was empty from some followers even in Rome. Moreover, it shows the sources of his preaching which was his understanding of the Old Testament texts, for this he had cited from the text of the Old Testament, not from the words of Jesus, whether from the four Gospels, or by revelation, yet if the churches considered that the Gospel of Christ means a certain book; they will face a serious problem, which is; why this book has been lost, and why they did not keep it, especially that Paul did not mean the four Gospels in this text, because they have been written after his letters dozens of years.
The text which Paul has cited is as follows:
Isaiah 52:13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.
Isaiah 52:14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men;
Isaiah 52:15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.
As we read in the text, it speaks of a servant of the Lord, not a son of God! This text will be discussed in detail later, because the Gospels authors have quoted it as it was talking about Jesus, but Paul has cited it concerning the way of preaching, which is inconsistent with the content of the text, as it speaks of a servant of the Lord, not about the ways of preaching. Moreover, this mistake indicates that Paul had relied upon the texts of the Old Testament to prove his preaching.
1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?
1 Corinthians 9:12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
In this text, and the whole chapter, Paul defends himself before those who were criticizing him from the Apostles, including for taking a wife and its dependence on his followers in the management of life affairs, such as eating, drinking and clothing, by saying that these things are his right if he did it, but he did not use this right, but endure all things lest he hinder the gospel of Christ, and here the gospel of Christ may means the way of the preaching Christ, or means a certain book. So, if it means the way of the preaching Christ, this means that the Apostles, including Peter, were not satisfied of his way of preaching the Christ! But if it intended a certain book, i.e., that he has the gospel of Christ; the question that arises here is why the Apostles and the churches put hindrances in front of the gospel of Christ, which was in possession of Paul, and in the end, they were able to hide it from people?!
1 Corinthians 9:18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
In this text Paul speaks about the gospel of Christ which he was preaching it without charge, so what is this Gospel, which certainly did not mean the four Gospels, and why the churches did not keep it?!
2 Corinthians 2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.
From this text we understand that Paul was preaching the gospel of Christ, and the Lord had opened a door to him, so where is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep it as they did with the four Gospels?
2 Corinthians 9:13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
In this text, and the whole chapter, Paul calls his followers the Corinthians to donate for the saints in Jerusalem, and says that the men i.e., the saints, will praise God for their generosity in sharing with them for it is a proof of their obedience confession to the Gospel of Christ, and this confirms that there was a Gospel named gospel of Christ, unless we say that the meaning of the gospel of Christ is the way of preaching, otherwise, the churches should be explained why they did not keep this gospel as they did with the four gospels?
2 Corinthians 10:14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,
2 Corinthians 10:16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
In this text Paul talks about the gospel which he came to his followers with it, so why the churches did not keep this gospel?
Galatians 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
Galatians 1:7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
New International Version
- I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:6-9)
The Epistle to the Galatians is one the most important Letters of Paul, which shows the reality of the relationship between him and the Apostles, which needs a special study, but in this book we will study the texts that related to the subject of the book, in this text we read talking about the Gospel of Christ, which some are trying to pervert it, and turning the Galatians to a different gospel, as Paul said! Some of the good people of followers of the churches might think that he was talking about non-believers or heretics, but indeed he was talking about the Apostles and disciples themselves. Because after this text he begins to listed his relationship with them and considered himself equal to them, and how he set before them his Gospel which he preached among the Gentiles ... Etc., (Chapter II). So, in this text he considered that the true Gospel of Christ is the Gospel which he had preached it, and the others are not gospel. So why the churches did not keep the gospel of Christ that was preached by Paul?
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
In this text Paul confirms the existence of the Gospel of Christ which is not the four Gospels, so where is the gospel of Christ, and why the churches did not keep it?
1Thessalonians 3:1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
1Thessalonians 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,
This text talks again about the Gospel of Christ, so where is this gospel?
2Thessalonians 1:7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
2Thessalonians 1:8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is another text which mentions the Gospel of Christ, and the question that arises is why the churches did not keep the gospel of Christ, which was with Paul and kept the four Gospels, which were written after dozens of years, and two of them have been written by his followers, i.e., Mark, Luke?!
The Gospel of Paul
Then we read texts talking about the Gospel of Paul himself, here are some of them:
Romans 2:16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
New International Version
Romans 2:16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
In this text Paul says that God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to his gospel, so where is the Gospel of Paul, and why the churches did not keep it, as they did with the four Gospels?
2Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
2Thessalonians 2:14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This text talks about "our gospel", so, whether it is a gospel of Paul, or a gospel of some people, where is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep it, as they did with the four Gospels?
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel.
New International Version
2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.
In this text Paul says that he has his own gospel, and confirms that Jesus is of the seed of David and the Christ at the same time, and this inconsistent with what Jesus himself said that the Christ is the Lord of David, not his son, as is shown earlier, (Matthew 22:41-45), (Mark 12:35-37) and (Luke 20:41-44), and his gospel does not exist!
So why the Gospel of Paul was lost, and why he committed this error by saying that Jesus was of the seed of David; if Jesus was really the Christ?!
Romans 11:25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
Romans 11:27 For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins."
Romans 11:28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
In this text Paul says to his followers that he does not want them to be ignorant of this mystery that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and so all Israel will be saved, as it is written, and then quotes text from the Old Testament, not from the words of Jesus or from the four Gospels, then says concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers, and this refers to two things. The first is the lack of credibility of this mystery, because we are now live after nearly two thousand years of the birth of Jesus and has not been fulfilled, because the Gentiles did not become Christians and the Jews did not believe in Jesus. The second is that the true meaning of the word gospel is his understanding and his interpreting of the Old Testament texts, for this he quoted texts from the Old Testament, and did not quote from the four Gospels or from the words of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
1 Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
This text is one of a few texts which Paul has agreed with what is written in the four Gospels in terms of the need to do the requirements of life to the missionaries, (Matthew 10:10) and (Luke 10:7), but we should note one point, which is if we say that the word "gospel" mentioned here means a book, so what is this gospel which Paul had preached, especially it does not mean the four Gospels, because they had been written after this Letter dozens of years?
2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,
In this text Paul says that he has sent the person whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, or who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel, according to the various versions, so why the churches did not keep this gospel, which had been served by this person?!
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Ephesians 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
In this text Paul talks about the gospel of your salvation, so what is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep it?!
Ephesians 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
In this text Paul talks about the gospel of peace, so what is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep it?!
Philippians 2:22 But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
In this text Paul talks about Timothy, who was the most famous of his followers, saying he has served with him in the gospel, or served with him in the work of the gospel, so what is this gospel which had been served by Paul and his followers, and why the churches did not keep it?!
Philippians 4:3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
New International Version
Philppians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
In this text Paul recommends to help two women who labored with him in the gospel, or who have contended at his side in the cause of the gospel, so if he meant the gospel here is the way of preaching; this is true, but if he meant that the gospel is a certain book or a revelation or an inspiration, as in the previous texts, here the problem arises; why the churches did not keep the Gospel which was recommended by Paul to help his followers those who have served it, and as it became known, that it does not mean the four Gospels, for they have been written after dozens of years of Paul's letters.
Colossians 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
Colossians 1:6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
New International Version
- The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the word this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. (Colossians 1:5-6)
In this text Paul says that the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for his followers in heaven and that they have heard about it in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to them, as it has also in all the world. So, if it was not the four Gospels because they have not been written yet; what is the gospel which Paul has spoken about, and why the churches did not keep the gospel, which was preached by Paul?!
Philemon 1:13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
In this text Paul says that he would like to keep one of the followers rather than Onesimus whom he sent with him the message in order to help him, while he was in chains for the gospel. So what is this gospel, which Paul speaks about it in this paragraph, and he certainly did not mean the four Gospels, and why the churches did not keep the gospel that Paul was in chain for it?
Romans 1:15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
New International Version
Romans 1:15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
In this text Paul says that he wants to preach the gospel to the people in Rome, so what is this gospel, and why the churches did not keep this gospel?
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
Philippians 1:5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
In this text Paul says to his followers of the Philippians that he always remembers them in his prayers because of their partnership in the gospel, so if the four Gospels have not been written yet, what is this Gospel which has the partnership with the Philippians, and why the churches did not keep it?
Philippians 1:7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
New International Version
Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.
In this text Paul shows his love for his followers the Philippians by saying "It is right for him to feel this way about all of them, since he has them in his heart; for whether he is in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of them share in God's grace with him". So what is this gospel which Paul talked about, and why the churches did not keep it?
Philippians 1:17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
New International Version
Philippians 1:16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
In this text Paul says that he was appointed for the defense of the gospel, and if Paul did not mean the four Gospels because they were not written at that time. So what is the Gospel which Paul was appointed for the defense of it, and why the churches did not keep this gospel?
Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.
New International Version
Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
In this text Paul says that what happened to him has actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, or has served to advance the gospel, according to the various versions, and here he did not intend the four Gospels. So why the churches did not keep this gospel, which Paul sought for the furtherance it, and advance it?
1 Corinthians 9:23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
New International Version
1Corinthians 9:23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessing.
In this text Paul says that he did everything for the gospel’s sake, that he may be partaker it with them. So where is the gospel, which Paul did everything to be a partaker as long as the four Gospels were not written at the time of writing this letter?
Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
New International Version
Colossians 1:23 If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
In this text Paul talks about the gospel which was preached to every creature under heaven, or that have been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, according to the various versions, which Paul has become a minister for it.
So what is this Gospel, and why the churches did not keep it, especially as he did not talk about the four Gospels because they were not written at that time?
Ephesians 6:19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
New International Version
- Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)
In this text Paul asks his followers in the city of Ephesus to pray for him so that he can speak boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel who is an ambassador for it in chains. So what is this gospel, which Paul wants to make known the mystery of it, and why the churches did not keep it?!
1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
New International Version
- I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. (1Corinthians 4:14-16)
In this text Paul says to his followers that they may have ten thousand guardians, or instructors, in Christ, yet they do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus he became their father through the gospel, therefore he has urged them to imitate him, although these words, the churches did not keep the gospel of Paul, who he had begotten them through it!
2Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
2Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
2Timothy 1:10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
2Timothy 1:11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
2Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2Timothy 1:15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
In this text, Paul tells Timothy that he was suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved them and called them with a holy calling, not according to their works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to them in Christ Jesus before time began, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which he, i.e., Paul, was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles, and asks him to keep the pattern of sound words which he has heard from him, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus, and tells him that all those who in Asia have turned away from him!
Although all these explanations for the importance of the gospel which he had preached, and his calling to keep his words, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus, the churches did not keep that gospel, which did not mean the four Gospels, because they were not written at that time.
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