the believer: saved, sealed and seated in christ in heavenly places
July 28, 2024, 10:45 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, Sunday Bible:
In chapter 9 Paul addresses both the 'saints' who are circumcised, and the uncircumcised 'called to be saints' where this study will follow the context to understand the audience being addressed.
In verses 17 the word "dispensation" is used where we will need to ensure we understand the different senses in which the word can be used to avoid misunderstanding the passage. Many denomination are very uncomfortable with the word 'dispensation' as it is disruptive to the unfortunate doctrinal 'position' of there being only 'one people of God': when one takes a 'position', the position will need to be defended which might include attacking another understanding. Today, a dispensational understanding of the Bible is unreasonably criticized by many Bible expositors often for the reason the word is poorly understood. This next study will make the effort to better understand what Paul is teaching in verses 16-18.
In verse 19 to the end of the chapter we will learn the method and approach Paul used to minister to his pervasively mixed audience of Hebrews to whom Paul taught there should be no schism. Once we understand Paul's method we will see the error of the 'Two Sendings of Paul' doctrine and also the unfortunate misunderstanding of E. W. Bullinger's teaching that Paul did not go to the 'Gentiles' until after Acts 28.
Berean Bible study