The Gospels and Acts and the Proclamation of the Gospels
In my previous post “The New Testament Scripture and the Proclamation of the Gospels,” I wrote that I was going to consider the proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers in the New Testament. Most “gospel presentations” that I’ve heard and read about rely primarily on the Epistles. However, the Epistles were all written to people who were already believers. I think we can learn more about proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers by studying the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Acts.
When studying how Jesus first approached people or how he first “proclaimed the gospel,” we can begin with this passage:
From that time Jesus began to preach (proclaim), saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15 ESV)
Interestingly, when Jesus sent out the apostles for the first time, he also told them, “And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” (Matthew 10:7 ESV) Later, when he sent out 72 others, he gave them similar instructions: “Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'” (Luke 10:9 ESV)
Now, while each of these “proclamations” point to the nearness of the “kingdom of God/heaven,” that’s not what I want us to think about. Instead, notice the brevity of each proclamation and in the instructions of what those who were sent out should proclaim.
While the hearers would have some ideas about the kingdom of God, repentance, and good news, it is clear from later interactions that their understanding concerning these concepts were vastly different that what Jesus meant when he used the terms. But, he did not spend time explaining exactly what he meant. He made short and concise statements, and he told his followers to begin proclaiming the good news of the kingdom with short and concise statements.
When we get to the Book of Acts, we find something very similar when Jesus’ followers are first proclaiming the gospel to people. Even in the longest speeches (i.e., Peter in Acts 2, Stephen in Acts 7, or Paul in Acts 17), the disciples of Jesus do not spend much time explaining exactly what they mean. They make a statement about what has happened, and leave it at that.
I think this is planned, and I think we see the pattern through the Gospels and Acts.
Those proclaiming the gospel made a concise statement without getting into much explanation or argumentation. Then, they waited for their audience to respond. For those who responded positively or with interest, they spent more time explaining and teaching.
This pattern is seen clearly in several passages, but especially in this passage in Acts:
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (Acts 17:32-34 ESV)
(By the way, this pattern also explains why Paul and others write so much about the gospel – explaining and teaching about the good news and the implications of the gospel. They are writing to people who have demonstrated an interest in continuing to grow and learn and follow Jesus.)
What do you think? Was gospel proclamation to unbelievers in the Gospels and Acts shorter and with less explanation? Do you agree that we see a pattern of increased explanation only to those who positively respond to that shorter proclamation?
The New Testament Scriptures and the Proclamation of the Gospel
To say that proclaiming the gospel is an important aspect of the New Testament Scriptures would be an understatement. There are both examples of proclaiming the gospels and exhortations to proclaim the gospel found throughout the New Testament.
It is very important for those of us who are in Christ to remind each other and encourage each other about the good news of Jesus Christ! Extremely important.
However, in this short series, I want us to consider the proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers in the New Testament. Now, we know that the Epistles and Revelation were written to people who had already believed the gospel (to use Jesus’ words). They were already following Jesus and were already indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
But, what about the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and Acts? There are still arguments and discussions about whether these books were written for people who were not believers or for people who are already believers. To me, if we take John at face value, that Gospel was written (at least in part) for an audience of people who did not yet follow Jesus:
[T]hese are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31 ESV)
When compared to the Epistles and Revelation, it is more likely that the Gospel of John and the other Gospels were written for an audience of unbelievers. If Luke also wrote Acts (and I believe he did) and if he wrote it to the same person and for the same reason, then we could also assume that the Book of Acts was written (at least in part) for an audience of unbelievers.
So, in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts, we find our best examples of how Jesus and his first followers proclaimed the gospel to unbelievers.
But, have you thought about how Jesus and his first followers proclaimed the good news in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts? From what I can tell, the way that they proclaimed the gospel (at least what we read) is alot different than the way that we generally find today.
In fact, from what I have experiences, many Christians today rely more on the Epistles to proclaim the good news than on the Gospels or Acts. But, the passages quoted from the Epistles were written for people who were already believers. (I’m not saying that is wrong or invalid. I’m simply saying it’s something that I’ve noticed and find interesting and perhaps peculiar.)
In my next post, I’m going to look at a few examples of “gospel presentation” in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts, but for now, I have a question for you:
From your reading of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts, what are some aspects of proclaiming the gospel do you think were important for Jesus and his first followers?
Scripture… As We Live It #212
This is the 212th passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
(Note: This re-mix is the “flip side” of last week’s “Scripture… As We Live It #211.”)
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble I will make it a rule that no Christian is ever allowed to eat meat again, and even questioning this rule will be considered heretical. (1 Corinthians 8:13 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Scripture… As We Live It #211
This is the 211th passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble that’s his problem because I’m free in Christ to eat whatever I want to eat. (1 Corinthians 8:13 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Scripture… As We Live It #210
This is the 210th passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word memorize, quote, and live by your favorite verses of Scripture, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Scripture as a mirror – a glimpse into love or a lack of love
This week, I’ve been asking questions about how God gets the attention of one of his children when that person is not listening to him or following him. If that person is reading Scripture, then the Holy Spirit can use that Scripture like a mirror to help the child of God to examine her life to determine whether or not she is following Jesus.
For example, consider the characteristic of love. We know that Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. We know that love is a product of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
Scripture cannot produce love. We do not love because we read Scripture, memorize Scripture, or meditate on Scripture. We only love because of the power of God working through us as we yield ourselves to his will.
However, Scripture can help us recognize whether or not we are loving – that is, whether or not we are yielding ourselves to the will of God and allowing the power of God to be demonstrated through love. If we approach Scripture as a mirror, God can use those writing to show us how we are currently living compared to how we live when we are submitting to him.
For example, even a cursory reading of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 can reflect how loving (or not) we are. Are we impatient? Then we are not demonstrating the love of God. Are we unkind? Not loving. Are envious, boastful, arrogant, or rude? Then we are hindering the work of God in loving others through us. Do we insist on having things our way? Are we easily annoyed or irritated? Do we enjoy it when others fail? Then we are not loving.
1 John is another letter that when read like a mirror can demonstrate whether or not we are hindering the love of God. Are we causing others to stumble? Do we prefer the things of the world instead of God? Do we love the other children of God around us? Are we willing to give up our lives for others? Do we share what we have with our brothers and sisters who are in need? If these things are not reflected in our lives, then according to John, we are neither loving God nor others – that is, we are not allowing God to produce love within us (regardless of what we think about ourselves).
Obviously, we can read these passages and miss what God is showing us. However, it’s also possible that God can use these passages (and others) to show us what is in our heart and lives.
And, Scripture is not only a mirror of the love (or lack of love) in our lives. That’s one important aspect of our life with Christ, however.
Has God ever used Scripture as a mirror to show you something about yourself (perhaps an area of disobedience)?
Scripture… As We Live It #209
This is the 209th passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
Nevertheless Unfortunately, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away it would be much better if I could stay with you, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you But, since I cannot stay with you, I guess I will send the Helper, who will be almost as good as having me with you physically. (John 16:7 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Scripture… As We Live It #208
This is the 208th passage in “Scripture… As We Live It.”
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake find yourself in a debate with an unbeliever, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts arguments honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you debates you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience good philosophical foundations and sound logic, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ position may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:14-16 re-mix)
(Please read the first post for an explanation of this series.)
Is this how Paul MEANT to write 1 Corinthians 12?
If you enjoy my series “Scripture… As We Live It,” then you will probably enjoy a new post by Ross at “Viral Jesus” called “I Cor. 12 Rewritten to Match Modern Church.”
While I tend to “re-mix” only one or two verses, Ross has modified almost an entire chapter to better match how some in today’s church live. Oh, I’m sure you’ll disagree with him here and there, but that’s not the point.
The point is: do we make Scripture say what we want it to say (and how we already live), or do we allow the Spirit to use what Scripture actually says to change us and how we live?
Here’s a short snippet of Ross’ Modern Ecclesiastical Version (MEV) from 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:
[12] The organization is a corporation with a 501(c)3 tax deductible status, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one organization. This, of course, has everything to do with the way business works. [13] For we were all organized by the denomination into one organization—whether Americans or those other people, rich or poor —and we were all given the one set of doctrines to profess.
Make sure you jump over to Ross’ post and read his entire re-mix of 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.
I know that some people disagree with me, but I think this is a great way to help us look at what Paul (or the other New Testament authors) actually wrote and compare that to how we actually live. It’s not always a pretty comparison.
Equipped by Itinerant Servants of God
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Ephesians 4:7-16. After focusing on our unity in Christ in Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul turns to the great diversity among the body of Christ – all worked out by the Holy Spirit according to the grace of God.
But, as he comes to the end of that passage (Ephesians 4:16), Paul stresses that the diversity is not simply a demonstration of the myriad grace of God, it is also through all of the different (diverse) parts of the body of Christ that the Spirit works to build us all up – when we are all working together as God directs us and provides for us.
In Ephesians 4:11, Paul focuses on a few of the ways that God works through his children: as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers. These people who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit and given by Jesus Christ equip the church for works of service. The evangelist, then, proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also equips other believers to do the work of service of proclaiming the gospel, even those who are not gifted as evangelists. Those gifted at teaching and shepherding not only teach and shepherd others, they also equip other believers to do the work of service of teaching and shepherding as well.
But, what about the apostle? How does the apostle equip the church? Usually, I’ve heard it suggested that apostles equip the body of Christ by proclaiming the gospel, revealing the word of God, and teaching and shepherding. But, these are actually including in the work of the evangelist, the prophet, and the teacher and shepherd. What is distinctive enough about those gifted as apostles that would cause Paul to list them separately?
There is one distinction of those gifted as apostles: they are specifically gifted to travel from place to place serving God. In other words, while they may do many other things, the gifting of apostle is primarily to do the work of the itinerant servant.
So, how does the apostle – the itinerant servant of God – given to the body of Christ by Jesus to equip the church – actually equip the church as Paul instructs in Ephesians 4:12-13? What is the work of service that the apostles equip others to do?
Just as the evangelist equips others to evangelize, and the teacher equips others to teach, the itinerant servant (apostle) equips others to travel from place to place just as the itinerant servant does. I think we see a beautiful picture of how this kind of equipping (to be itinerant servants) worked itself out in the life of some believers in this passage:
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 ESV)
While the believers in Thessalonica (a city where Paul only stayed a few weeks) did not travel as far and as wide and as often as Paul and others gifted as apostles, they did travel enough to proclaim the word of God around their region and into neighboring regions. Paul – gifted as an apostle to travel from place to place as an itinerant servant of God – had equipped them (even in a short period of time) such that they were also traveling from place to place to proclaim the word of God.
How could you see itinerant servants working today to equip the body of Christ? What are some ways that others (not gifted as itinerant servants) could serve when equipped by itinerant servants?
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Addendum: Yesterday, on Facebook and Twitter, I linked to an older post that I wrote about itinerant servants. Several new comments were pertinent to this post, so I thought I would include a couple of excerpts here:
Eric writes: What I should have said is, “I would call those people ‘Christians’ or ‘Christ Followers.’ In one way or another I think it is what we’re all called to do and by making a distinction dismisses it to the role of a few.
Mark writes: Eric suggests that Christians should be itinerant in general, and I absolutely agree, but I hesitate to make that an absolute. I’m guessing there are many Christians around the world who never leave their village/town, and certainly the duration that someone feels led to stay/go will vary widely. But I think Eric brings up a great point that in general, Christians should be less tied to some tangible thing (house/job/preference) and be more tied to the leading of the Spirit, wherever and to whomever that might lead.
Greg writes: Looking over 2 millenia of the church, we also have a really messy macro trajectory, with very little scripture to back up anything we have done or built. And yet, histories pages are filled with the love and leading of Gods people, and His blessing on all of us.
And today, I’m genuinely jealous of my children who I suspect are going to see the glory of God like few generations in history.
Itinerant indeed!