Lecture Notes: Understanding the Gospel in the Context of Jews and Gentiles. The Jewish Remnant

Introduction

• Welcome to live and online participants.
• Materials from previous series are available on the ministry YouTube site.
• Tonight's focus: Understanding Paul's audience in Romans - Jews and Gentiles.

Key Scriptural Background

• Luke 7: Forgiveness of sins and love as demonstrated by the story of a sinful woman and Jesus. Last lesson.
• Paul's Theology of Grace: Paul, the preacher of grace, identifies as the chief sinner.
• Matthew 22: Parable of the Wedding Feast
  • The kingdom of heaven compared to a wedding banquet.
  • Servants (prophets) invite guests (Jews) who refuse.
  • King (God) invites others (Gentiles).
  • Remnant: Those who accept the invitation.

Themes of the Lecture

• Remnant: A portion saved from the whole, especially concerning Israel.
• Invitation to the Gospel: Initially to Jews, expanded to Gentiles.
• Universal Call: God invites all, but few are chosen (those who accept Christ).

Textual Analysis

Matthew 22: Parable Expanded

• Servants/Prophets: Old Testament prophets calling to the wedding (invitation to the kingdom).
• Responses: Some ignore, others mistreat and kill the prophets.
• Consequences: Destruction as seen in the prophecy of 70 AD.
• Gentiles’ Inclusion: Invitation extended to all after Jews’ refusal.

New Testament Context

• John 6: Jesus as the bread of life, drawing all to Him through His crucifixion.
• John 12:32: Jesus drawing all people to Himself when lifted up.
• Ephesians 1 & 2:
  • Ephesians speaks of Jews as the chosen people predestined for service.
  • Gentiles brought into the covenant through Christ.

Romans 1

• Audience: Jews first, then Gentiles.
• Conversion of the Remnant: Not all Jews accept the Gospel, but a remnant does.
• Paul’s Mission: Preaching first to Jews, then to Greeks and others.

Outline

• ** I.) The Undeniable Conversion of the Remnant. verse 8
• ** II.) The Unquenchable Concern of Paul. verses 9-13
• ** III.) The Unique Categories of People. verses 13-15
• ** IV.) The Universal Call of the Gospel. verse 16

Paul's Letters & Context

• Ephesians and Romans: Jews are the chosen, tasked with spreading the Gospel.
• Acts 18: Paul’s mission work in Ephesus and the spread of the Gospel.

Main Points

• Universal Call of the Gospel: Salvation offered to all, but acceptance required.
• Jew and Gentile Unity: Brought together in Christ through the Gospel.
• Role of the Jews: Initially chosen to carry God’s message.

Closing Thoughts

• Importance of Context: Understanding Paul's writing requires context of audience and purpose.
• Prayer: Encouragement for participants to engage with and apply learnings.

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the personal decision to accept the Gospel.