Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: Gospel of the Kingdom

Introduction Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the

truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

The term circumcision is only found once throughout the first four books of the New Testament and it is

when Jesus was referring to the ritual of circumcision (John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you

circumcision; not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers; and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a

man). Stephen used the term circumcision in Acts 7:8 when referring to the covenant given by God to

Abraham. The first use of the term circumcision, as referring to an Israelite, occurs when Luke writes

about Peter (Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision…) witnessing Cornelius and those in his

household receiving the Holy Ghost. Circumcision, as used by Luke and by the Apostle Paul in his

epistles, represents the Israelite people or Jews as they are most often referred to.

Jesus was born a Jew. He was a minister of the Jews (circumcision) and his ministry was confined to the

Jews. Although Jesus dealt with a Canaanite woman and a Roman centurion, he did not minister to them

the good news of the kingdom.

The confirmation of promises was the fulfillment of the covenants God made with the fathers (Abraham,

Isaac, Jacob, and David), which was accomplished by Jesus Christ coming unto his own (the Jews) to be

their king (John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not). Those promises from God

were NOT made to Gentiles. God NEVER made any covenants or promises with Gentiles. (Ephesians

2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called

Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that

time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the

covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:)

ye were without Christ = Jesus did not minister to the Gentiles (Uncircumcision)

being aliens = foreigners

from the commonwealth of Israel = the nation of Israel

strangers from the covenants of promise = God made no covenants or promises with Gentiles

having no hope = Nothing to look forward to

without God = Gentiles were pagans (heathens) and did not worship God

For approximately two thousand years, from Adam to Abram (Abraham), God dealt with the human

race. During that time God made a covenant with Noah, which was his promise to never destroy the

earth again by a flood. Noah was neither Gentile nor Jew. Approximately two thousand years before the

birth of Jesus, God pulled Abraham aside and made several covenants with him. The descendants of

Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, became the children of Israel. Beginning

with chapter 12 in the Book of Genesis, where God first spoke to Abraham, and going all the way

through the Old Testament, through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and through the early chapters of

Acts, God primarily dealt with Israel (the Jews).

Genealogy of a King Matthew 1:1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of

David, the son of Abraham:

The promises of a nation (people) and a land of their own (Israel) were given by God to Abraham. Since

the nation of Israel began with Abraham, the genealogy of Jesus as King of Israel begins there as well.

The Messiah (Israel’s king) would be a descendent of David, who was a descendent of Abraham.

The INITIAL Purpose Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name

JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Luke 1:29-33 And when she saw him, she was

troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. [30] And the

angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. [31] And, behold, thou shalt

conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. [32] He shall be great, and

shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father

David: [33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no

end. Zechariah 14:9 And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord,

and his name one.

Jesus, whose very name means savior, shall save the Jews (his people) from eternal death (their sins).

The angel Gabriel greeted Mary, told her she would bring forth a son, and she was to call his name

JESUS. God shall give the throne of David to Jesus and he shall reign over Israel (the house of Jacob -

the twelve tribes - the Jews) for all eternity. The throne of David is a real throne on the earth and for an

earthly kingdom. The throne and kingdom are not symbolic or spiritual or in the heavens but are tangible

and real.

The appearance of angels or the occurrence of supernatural events was commonplace in scriptural times,

which included the time of Jesus’ ministry. People were not frightened by such things taking place.

Mary was not frightened but troubled as to why the angel told her she was highly favored of God. If

angels appeared unto someone today they would most certainly be frightened and not think it

commonplace.

Jesus is the Son of God (Luke 1:34 …shall be called the Son of God) so how could the throne he shall

be given be the throne of his father David? The only way David could be a forefather to Jesus is if we

consider the human (man) side of Jesus. Mary’s conception is of the Holy Ghost but the child she shall

have is human. However, we know Jesus is both God and man (John 8:58 Jesus said, unto them, Verily,

verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am). Mary, a descendent of David, sees her son as

growing up and becoming the king of Israel, as spoken to her by the angel Gabriel.

Speaking of someone’s “name” refers to the position held by that someone and the authority granted to

their position. Jesus Christ’s position is that of king and “one Lord” means there will be no other kings

when he is king. “His name one” means everyone, everywhere on the earth, will universally agree that

Jesus is the one and only king. He will rule with absolute authority in the kingdom to come, for God is

sovereign and answers to no one.

King of the Jews Matthew 2:2 & 2:6 Where is he that is born King of the Jews?... [6] And thou

Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come

a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

The chief priest answered Herod’s question by referring to what the prophet Micah had written

concerning where the King of the Jews would be born. (Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,

though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to

be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting). Israel knew their

promised king (Governor) would be born in Bethlehem and would rule God’s people Israel (the Jews).

God considers the people of Israel his chosen and covenant people. God loves everyone, including

Gentiles, and he does not want to see anyone, Jew or Gentile, lost to an eternal separation from him.

However, God considers the people of Israel (the Jews), his chosen people.

Nathanael knew that Jesus was the promised king after Jesus told him he saw him under the fig tree

(John 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of

Israel). Nathaniel, now one of Jesus’ disciples, did not say Jesus was the king of the world or king of the

Jews and Gentiles, but rather Jesus was the King of the Jews (Israel). All during Jesus’ ministry the

disciples never called Jesus by his name. Instead, they always referred to him as Lord or Master, which

was an appropriate way to address a king. This is consistent in all four of the Gospels.

The Proclamation of John the Baptist Matthew 3:1-2 Now in those days John the Baptist came,

preaching in the wilderness of Judea, [2] saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Turn away from your sin for the kingdom of heaven is here and now.

The foretelling of John the Baptist: Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare

the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple…

The Kingdom of God is the authority of God from everlasting to everlasting; it is of righteousness and

holiness. The Kingdom of Heaven refers to God's rule on the earth; the earthly sphere within the

Kingdom of God and it pertains to the coming Messianic reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. The

phrase "kingdom of heaven" is used more than 30 times in the Book of Matthew and is not found in any

other book of the Bible. Wherever Jesus is, there the kingdom of heaven will be. A kingdom cannot be a

kingdom without a king and a king is not a king without a kingdom. Those two things go together.

The Kingdom of God: Spiritual – Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the

kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with

observation: [21] Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within

you.

The Kingdom of Heaven: Political/Physical – John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this

world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to

the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus was sent to the people of Israel (Jews). John 1:31 And I knew him not:

but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

Why a Water Baptism Matthew 3:5-6 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the

region round about Jordan, [6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins...

Jews in Israel went to John the Baptist and confessed their sins and were baptized in water.

Before God gave the Israelites the Law, via Moses and the Ten Commandments, he made a promise to

them that they would become unto him a kingdom of priests. Every Jew would be a priest of Jehovah

(Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests…). A priest is an intercessor between man

and God. The Jews would be the intercessor between God and the Gentiles.

The LORD commanded Moses to bring Aaron and his sons in front of the congregation and wash them

with water as an initial preparation for the priesthood (Leviticus 8:6 And Moses brought Aaron and his

sons, and washed them with water). As Judaism progressed through the years the priests made it a ritual

to often wash or cleanse themselves. In order for Israel to become a nation of priests in the kingdom to

come, all those who would enter the kingdom must first go through the ritual of a water cleansing. Water

baptism symbolically represents the cleansing for priesthood. John the Baptist was performing this

cleansing in order to prepare all of Israel to become a kingdom of priests.

From the Koine Greek word baptizo: To cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with

water.

A Baptism Without Water Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he

that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with

the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

John the Baptist tells of the one to come after him (Jesus is the “he” in “he shall baptize”) who shall

baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Jesus will baptize the apostles with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost and he will baptize the nation of Israel

with fire as they go through the Tribulation. Once again for emphasis: Jesus will be the one doing the

baptizing at both Pentecost and during the Tribulation. Neither of those baptisms involves water.

Preaching the Gospel Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for

the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their

synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all

manner of disease among the people. Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages,

teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and

every disease among the people. Mark 1:14-15…Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the

kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye,

and believe the gospel. Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and

village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him.

Jesus taught in the synagogues and preached the gospel of the kingdom message. He healed all sickness

and disease among the Israelites (the people) within the borders of Israel (Galilee).

The word gospel means good news or glad tidings. Jesus proclaimed the good news that the kingdom

was here and now! It was the same gospel of the kingdom message John the Baptist had been

proclaiming. Jesus confined his ministry to Galilee and never went to a Gentile nation such as Egypt or

Greece. Also, he knew the Jews would want proof that he was the Son of God so he performed miracles,

signs, and wonders (1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign…).

Gospel of the Kingdom = Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand

Note: As Moses led God’s chosen people (the Israelites) out of the land of Egypt they wanted signs from

God before they would believe.

Jesus Made it Harder to Follow the Law Matthew 5:17-22 Think not that I am come to destroy

the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. [18] For verily I say unto you, Till

heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [19]

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be

called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be

called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall

exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of

heaven. [21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall

kill shall be in danger of the judgment: [22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his

brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:

Before Jesus’ ministry - thou shalt not kill; whosoever did so would be in danger of the judgment.

During Jesus’ ministry - whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment.

Jesus was born a Jew under the Law, went about his entire ministry while under the Law and never

eliminated the Law. He never told his disciples, all of whom were Jews, to stop following the Law or

stop adhering to Judaism. Jesus came to make complete the Law and to set up the kingdom, as promised

to the fathers (Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of

a woman, made under the law).

Faith Alone Matthew 8:5-10 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a

centurion, beseeching him, [6] And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously

tormented. [7] And Jesus saith unto him, “I will come and heal him.” [8] The centurion answered and

said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my

servant shall be healed. [9] For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this

man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth

it. [10] When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, “Verily I say unto you, I have

not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Faith alone brought the centurion, who was a Gentile, to Jesus so that Jesus could speak the word only

and heal the centurion’s servant.

Jesus healed the servant but he did not minister the gospel of the kingdom message to the centurion. His

ministry was only to the Jews. He told those who were following him that he had not seen so great a

faith in all of the people of Israel.

Jesus Sent Forth the Twelve Matthew 10:5-7 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded

them, saying, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6]

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of

heaven is at hand.” Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

o Disciple – One who receives instruction from another; a follower who has learned to believe in

the truth of the doctrine of the teacher.

o Apostle – One sent forth by commission; a messenger.

In Matthew 10:1 Jesus called unto him his twelve disciples. In verses 2-4 the names of the twelve

apostles are given.

Jesus commanded his twelve apostles to go only to the Jews (the lost sheep of the house of Israel) and

tell them the kingdom of heaven is here. They were commanded to avoid the Gentiles and avoid the

Samaritans, who were half Jews. The disciples were to preach the same gospel of the kingdom message

Jesus had been preaching.

There was no other gospel at that time.

It cannot be made any clearer than Jesus personally commanding his apostles to go only to the Jews!

During his ministry, Jesus never commanded his disciples to go to Gentiles (there are no Gentiles in the

house of Israel). He even told them they would testify against Gentiles for his sake. Matthew 10:18 And

ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the

Gentiles.

The knowledge of Gentiles receiving the free gift of salvation by faith alone and not by the message

found in the gospel of the kingdom was a mystery yet to be revealed. Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret

things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our

children for ever.

Note: The twelve disciples, whom Jesus chose from within the borders of Israel, were all Jews. Saul of

Tarsus (i.e. Paul, a devout Jew and the apostle to the Gentiles) was chosen by the resurrected Lord Jesus

Christ while he was outside of the borders of Israel in Gentile territory.

Who He Came For Matthew 15:22-28 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same

coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is

grievously vexed with a devil. [23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and

besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. [24] But he answered and said, I am not

sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying,

Lord, help me. [26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it

to dogs. [27] And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters'

table. [28] Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as

thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

The woman of Canaan (a Gentile) recognized that Jesus was the king of the Jews when she said “O

Lord, thou Son of David.” Jesus did not answer her at first but after the disciples wanted him to send her

away he answered her and told her he was sent only unto the Jews (the house of Israel). Jesus then tells

her it is not right to take what belongs to the children (Israel) and give it (i.e. by way of his ministry and

his miracles) to the dogs (Gentiles).

There are no Gentiles in the house of Israel, only Jews. The lost sheep Jesus refers to are the Jews who

have lost their way spiritually. Jesus specifically said he was sent ONLY unto the Jews. Nowhere in the

four Gospels or the Book of Acts does Jesus ever say he was sent to the Gentiles.

Gospel of the Kingdom Confession of Faith Matthew 16:13-19 When Jesus came into the

coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of

the prophets. [15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and

said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed

art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in

heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my

congregation*; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys

of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and

whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah…King) thereby making his confession of faith or

profession of faith as the phrase is used today. He will be given the keys to the kingdom of heaven and

he will keep those keys for a millennium! Whatever Peter will bind or loose in heaven will also be

bound or loosed on earth since those two places will be one in the same during the millennial kingdom.

The kingdom of heaven is wherever Jesus is; therefore, the kingdom on earth will be Heaven on earth.

*The King James Version, as well as most other translations, uses the word “church” as the translation

for the Greek word ekklesia (ekklesian, ekklesias or ekklisiai). Ekklesia translates from the Greek to the

English as an assembly or congregation. King James commanded the translators to use a set of fifteen

rules as guidelines for the translation process. Rule number 3 - The Old Ecclesiastical Words to be kept,

viz. the Word Church not to be translated Congregation. William Tyndale was the first to translate the

Greek New Testament to an English New Testament in 1526. He had no rules restricting him while he

did his translation. The Tyndale Bible always uses “congregation” for all forms of ekklesia.

Jesus said “upon this rock” he would build his congregation. In scripture, Christ is always the Rock and

he is the foundation for the assembly or congregation to be built upon. Paul writes of only one

foundation that has been laid, which is Jesus Christ (1st Corinthians 3:11-12 For other foundation can no

man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold,

silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble).

All those saved by the preaching/teaching of the gospel of the kingdom made a profession of faith

similar to the one Peter made. Other examples of the gospel of the kingdom profession of faith:

o John 11:26-27 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me (Jesus) shall never die. Believest thou

this? [27] She (Martha, sister of Lazarus) saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the

Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

o Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God,

and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

o Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he (the

Ethiopian eunuch who had come to Jerusalem to worship) answered and said, I believe that

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

All of the previous examples occurred before the gospel of Christ had been revealed to Paul. Jesus never

told Peter or Martha they were wrong in their confession of faith or they must believe in his death, burial

and resurrection for their salvation. Philip preached things concerning the name of Jesus Christ and then

baptized many men and women. The Ethiopian eunuch made a confession of faith very similar to what

Peter said in Matthew 16:16. Peter, Martha and the Ethiopian eunuch were all saved by believing the

gospel of the kingdom message.

When studying the Bible one cannot read about a particular event in scripture and assume those involved

at the point in time for said event know of something that is to happen in the future. For example:

Martha knew she would enter into the Lord’s kingdom and have eternal life someday and she proved it

by telling Jesus she believed him to be the Christ, the Son of God. We do not have to assume Martha’s

salvation was because she knew Jesus would be crucified, buried, and raised from the dead on the third

day, even though today, we know those events happened shortly after Martha’s encounter with Jesus.

The Bible is God’s timeline of information. If God has not said it then we are not expected to believe it.

God reveals whatever He chooses to reveal and He does so whenever He chooses to do so (see

Deuteronomy 29:29).

Jesus Will be Crucified Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his

disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and

scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Mark 9:32 But they understood not that

saying, and were afraid to ask him. Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this

saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Additional verses in the Bible that contain a reference to Jesus saying he was going to be killed, buried

and rise again the third day include Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:18-19 and Luke 9:22. In Mark 9 and

Luke 18, God’s word specifically states that the disciples did not understand the death, burial, and

resurrection of their Lord. Those things were hid from them (see Deuteronomy 29:29).

If the disciples had understood the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus then they would have been at

the tomb on Sunday morning, before sunrise, waiting to greet their Lord again. Peter and John ran up to

the tomb Sunday morning, they were not there waiting. John went into the tomb after Peter had gone in.

John 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

During Jesus’ entire ministry Peter and the other disciples never equated salvation to a gospel whereby

one simply believed Jesus died for their sins and then rose from the dead. Peter tried to stop the handing

over of Jesus to the Gentiles by using his sword and cutting off the ear of a servant named Malchus.

Peter was protecting his King! All of mankind should be thankful Peter was not successful in stopping

the very thing that later would provide a means of salvation for Gentiles and Jews alike.

What Must I do to Have Eternal Life Matthew 19:16-21 And, behold, one came and said unto

him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him,

Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep

the commandments. [18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not

commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [19] Honour thy father and thy

mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [20] The young man saith unto him, All these

things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect,

go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and

follow me.

Keeping the commandments is doing works. Selling all possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor

is doing works. Keeping the commandments is synonymous to “faith + works” since one would not

desire to keep God’s commandments (doing works) without also having faith in God. Essentially, Jesus

told the young Jewish man that his faith plus his works would result in eternal life. His faith was to be

like Peter’s confession of faith and his salvation was not by faith alone.

Note: The six commandments that Jesus told the man to follow involve man and his relationship with

man. The four commandments not listed involve man and his relationship with God.

What's in it for Me? Matthew 19:27-29 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have

forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? [28] And Jesus said unto them, Verily I

say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the

throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And

every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or

lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Peter already had his salvation so he was asking Jesus “what shall we” receive for having given up

everything and for following you. “In the regeneration” is when the earth is made new for the millennial

kingdom. Jesus told them (the disciples) they will sit upon twelve thrones in the kingdom to come. He

also said that all those who have given up (forsaken) something for my name’s sake, shall receive a one

hundredfold return and shall enter into the kingdom (inherit everlasting life).

The disciples, like we would do today, basically are asking “what’s in it for me?” “We gave up a lot to

follow you, so what will we have?” Ruling from a throne and being second in command, Jesus being

king and first in command, was worth giving up everything and following Jesus. Waiting for the return

of Christ, the establishment of his kingdom, and thrones of their own to sit upon were valid reasons for

the disciples to stay in Jerusalem.

Behold Your King Matthew 21:4-5 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

[5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,

Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem (Zion) and was announced as the King. Sadly though, not very many

Jews accepted him as their king.

Endure and be Saved Matthew 24:13-14 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be

saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all

nations; and then shall the end come.

The end that Jesus referred to is the end of the seven years of tribulation. The gospel of the kingdom,

which was preached by Jesus and his disciples during his entire ministry, is the same gospel that shall be

preached once again during the Tribulation.

Shepherd, Sheep, and Goats Matthew 25:31-34 When the Son of man shall come in his glory,

and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: [32] And before him shall

be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep

from the goats: [33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then

shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom

prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Verse 31 – The Son of man is Jesus Christ. He will come in his glory when he returns to set up the

kingdom and sit upon the throne of David. This will be at the end of the Tribulation.

Verse 32 – All those still alive at the end of the Tribulation shall stand before Jesus. They will be from

all nations of the world. Jesus is the Shepherd and he will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep

are those who believe Jesus to be the Christ and the goats are those who believe not.

Verse 33 – The Shepherd moves the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.

Verse 34 – Jesus, the King, shall let the sheep into the millennial kingdom they inherit as promised (the

covenants with Abraham) by the Father. The kingdom has been prepared since the beginning of

creation. (The goats are sent to everlasting fire. See verse 41)

Other verses which refer to the people of Israel as sheep and Jesus as the shepherd:

Mark 6:36 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward

them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they

fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Jews)

Matthew 15:24 …I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Jews)

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is

written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Jesus is the shepherd who was

crucified and the sheep are the disciples. Mark 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.)

Still no Ministry to the Gentiles John 12:20-23 And there were certain Greeks among them that

came up to worship at the feast: [21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of

Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. [22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and

again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. [23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the

Son of man should be glorified.

Certain Greeks (Gentiles) were among (standing in the crowd probably observing the activities of the

Jewish feast) them (Jews) who came to worship. They ask Philip if they could have an audience with

Jesus but Jesus did not give them one. Resurrection is how Jesus would be glorified.

The hour, or time, had not yet come for a ministry to Gentiles. After the Resurrection and at the

appropriate time (Deuteronomy 29:29 determines the appropriate time), Gentiles could come to

knowledge of salvation through the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. We know this to be true because Jesus

said he would draw all men (not just Israel) unto him. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,

will draw all men unto me.

Feed My Sheep John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of

Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He

saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest

thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because

he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things;

thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus said to Peter, Feed (take care of, minister to, and be a shepherd to) my sheep (the Jews).

There was no mention of Gentiles in what Jesus spoke to Peter. In the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke,

and John, Jesus uses the term Gentile fourteen times:

o Eight times in the Book of Matthew, where five are in a negative context, one in a positive

context (referring to a future event after he sends forth judgment unto victory), and two times in

a neutral context when quoting Elijah.

o Two times in the Book of Mark, both in a negative context.

o Four times in the Book of Luke, all in a negative context.

o Never in the Book of John.

The names Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, as well as the term Jew, are used in the four Gospels one

hundred and eighty-three times! (Jew – 88, Abraham – 39, Isaac – 8, Jacob – 14, and David – 39)

The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all

things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Amen. Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every

creature. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be

damned. [17] And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they

shall speak with new tongues; [18] They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it

shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. [19] So then after the Lord

had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. [20] And they

went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs

following. Amen. Luke 24:45-47 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, [46] and

He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third

day, [47] and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the

nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

The last thing Jesus commanded his disciples to do, before he ascended unto the Father, was to go and

preach the gospel. Which gospel? The only gospel the disciples knew – the only gospel taught by Jesus

during his ministry – the gospel of the kingdom. Baptize those who repent and believe Jesus to be the

Messiah. Those who believed and were baptized “shall be saved” and they would also perform signs in

the name of Jesus Christ.

By the power in the name of Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed. They were to start

proclaiming in Jerusalem before going to all nations. Why did the Jews need to repent for forgiveness of

sins? (Hosea 5:15 I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence…) Their offence

was the crucifixion of their Messiah, the Son of God.

The Great Commission was directed specifically to the disciples for spreading the gospel of the kingdom

message and was not directed to us today. We don’t cast out devils, speak with new tongues (i.e. an

understandable language that one does not know to begin with), take up serpents, drink deadly things

and not be hurt, or lay hands on the sick and heal them. We could empty out the hospitals if we could lay

hands on the sick! Our commission today is to be ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ.

As the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom was failing, as well as, the end of Peter’s and Paul’s

ministries nearly forty years after Pentecost, all signs and wonders had ceased. Paul’s gospel of Christ

became the only gospel preached and new believers could not do the signs (i.e. miracles) as described in

Mark 16:17-18.

Life Through His Name John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the

Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you have life (salvation) through his

name (who he is).

John wrote that portion of scripture several years after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no

mention of salvation by believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus but rather believe Jesus

is the Christ (Messiah…King) and the Son of God. John is proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.

So Much Emphasis on the Name Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake…

Matthew 24:9 …and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake…

Luke 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.

John 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake…

Luke 10:17 …Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

John 2:23 …many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

John 3:18 …because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

In the first five verses listed above Jesus uses the phrase “for my name’s sake” and he is talking only to

his twelve disciples. He tells them of the rejection they will encounter when they preach the gospel of

the kingdom message in his name. Luke Chapter 10 tells of Jesus sending out seventy men, in pairs, to

go before him to cities and places where he was to travel. After they returned from their task they speak

of their power to rebuke devils through the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17). Many of those who saw the

miracles Jesus performed believed in his name (John 2:23). Those who do not believe in the name of

Jesus are condemned already (John 3:18). Jesus told his disciples, if they were to ask “any thing in my

name,” he would do it. Jesus was constantly using the phrase “for my name’s sake” or “in my name”

when speaking to his disciples and they learned to use those phrases as a result of his repeating those

phrases. The reference to the “name” emphasizes Jesus as the Christ (Messiah).

The following is a list of several of the verses where the “name” of Jesus is referred to:

Mark 9:39 …for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Luke 21:12 …being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

John 1:12 …to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified…

John 15:16 …that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 16:23 …verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

John 16:24 …have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Matthew 12:21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I...

Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me…

Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name…

Mark 9:41 …whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name…shall not lose his reward.

Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me…

Luke 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name…

Luke 13:35 …until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Luke 21: 8 …for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ…

John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not…

John 16:26 …ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

A Brief Summary: Jesus came unto his own (the Jews) to be their king.

Jesus’ coming was a valid offer of the promised kingdom.

The gospel of the kingdom declared that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.

The Jews rejected Jesus as their king and together with the Romans they had him crucified.

The ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy.

The Disciples were commanded by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ to continue preaching the

gospel of the kingdom.

Nowhere in the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John does Jesus ever instruct the Disciples to

preach a gospel different from the gospel of the kingdom.

The Disciples were NEVER told to stop following the Law, or stop practicing Judaism, or stop

going to the temple, which was still in full operation until 70AD.

The Disciples truly believe in the name of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to Peter “Feed my sheep.” Peter will minister to the Jews first.