Question: How different are the Gospels from the other books of the New Testament?
The reason most people are confused by the Gospels seeming to not conform to the rest of the (so-called) New Testament, is because they are a continuation of the Old Testament!
As Jesus said, “I come only to the lost sheep of Israel”, Matt. 15:24.
This statement by Jesus is rarely accepted for what it is, even though it comes from the mouth of our Lord/ God!
It has to be said that understanding of Scripture is much easier when we take seriously the words in context, and the guidance of the Lord’s pronouncements!
It is clear from Acts 9 and10, that the good news of the “once for all” Sacrifice of Jesus, as the “Lamb of God” was not to be exclusively for the Jews; but for all Gentiles also, and that is confirmed in Acts 28:25–28; but as “God’s chosen people”, they were first priority!
The great apostle Paul was especially commissioned for that purpose, as the “Chosen vessel” that he was.
He was chosen because of his great knowledge of the Old Testament, and his fierce loyalty to Almighty God!
When he persecuted to death the “Christians”, he did so because of his love for his God!
This very drive in him was what God in Christ Jesus wanted to harness to convince the Pharisee leaders of Israel, to get them to join the work of Christianising Israel!
However; it remained the prerogative of the Jews up to Acts 28:28, but because of the last Synagogue in Rome rejecting his/Christ’s salvation message, Paul was told to quote Isa. 6:9–10!
When that happened, the Jews became Lo-Ammi (not My people, Hos.1), and the Gentiles became “prime object” for God’s Salvation message!
That situation remains, and the Jews can become members of Christ’s Body, but they labour under a “veil” placed by God’s Holy Spirit over their ability to understand, and the majority will remain Lo-Ammi until the time of Zech. 12:10 is reached; and at that stage they by choice can return to “Ammi” status.
That would complete the many prophecies that God will “rescue” His chosen people Israel, despite their great sin of rejecting God as their betrothed; see Jer. 31:31–34!
It is a sad fact, that the comment regarding the Gentiles in Acts 28:28, that “they will hear”, has faded in the last 50+ years; which may auger, together with other signs of the decadence that has descended on the nations of the world; that time is short regarding how long this “great Salvation” offer is available!
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