Topical Bible: The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First

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The concept of the Gospel being preached to the Jews first is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the historical and theological priority given to the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan. This principle is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel and is evident in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostolic mission.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates this principle clearly in his epistle to the Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). This statement underscores the chronological and theological order in which the Gospel was to be proclaimed, highlighting the Jewish people's unique role in salvation history.

Jesus' Ministry

Jesus' earthly ministry was primarily directed toward the Jewish people. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus states, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" . This focus is further emphasized in His instructions to the disciples: "Do not go on the road to the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel" (Matthew 10:5-6). These directives reflect the initial phase of Jesus' mission, which was to fulfill the promises made to the patriarchs and to offer the Kingdom of God to Israel.

The Apostolic Mission

Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the apostles continued this pattern. The early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles depict the Gospel being proclaimed first in Jerusalem and Judea, the heartland of the Jewish people. Peter's sermon at Pentecost, addressed to "Men of Israel" (Acts 2:22), marks the beginning of the Church's mission. The apostles consistently preached in synagogues, as seen in Paul's missionary journeys, where he would first engage with the Jewish community before turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).

Theological Significance

The priority of the Jews in the proclamation of the Gospel is not merely a matter of historical sequence but is deeply rooted in God's covenantal faithfulness. The Jewish people were the recipients of the Law, the Prophets, and the promises of the Messiah. As Paul writes, "Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the Law, the temple worship, and the promises" (Romans 9:4). The Gospel's initial focus on the Jews honors these divine commitments and underscores the continuity of God's redemptive work from the Old Testament to the New.

Gentile Inclusion

While the Gospel was preached to the Jews first, it was always intended for all nations. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19, commands the disciples to "make disciples of all nations" , signifying the universal scope of the Gospel. The inclusion of the Gentiles is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). The early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized this inclusive mission, as evidenced by the Council of Jerusalem and the ministry of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

The Gospel's initial proclamation to the Jews first is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people and serves as a foundation for the universal mission of the Church. This principle highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ, the Savior of both Jews and Gentiles.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 24:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gospel was Preached to Jews and Gentiles in Hades.
... For God is not only Lord of the Jews, but of all ... If, then, He preached the Gospel
to those in the flesh ... did not for the same cause preach the Gospel to those ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the gospel was preached.htm

The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of ...
... them that bring glad tidings of good, who preach the gospel of peace ... however, it
was a new god that was being preached, what sin had the Jews committed, in ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter v the first epistle to.htm

Of the Harmony Between the First Three Evangelists in their ...
... Evangelists in Their Accounts of the Occasion on Which the Jews Asked the ... days, as
He taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxix of the harmony between.htm

Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... one of his peculiar characteristics, that he preached the Gospel ... place to the preaching
of the Gospel, which is ... John himself, in answer to the Jews, says that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm

Heralds of the Gospel
... in Thessalonica, in Corinth, in Ephesus, and in other important centers, Paul and
his companions in labor preached the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... When the Jews contradicted and blasphemed, "Paul and Barnabas waxed ... writing to the
Colossians, refers to the gospel as that "which was preached to every ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... Sidenote: The Gospel preached in Antioch ... of the Sauline persecution was the preaching
of the Gospel in the ... city of Antioch by the Greek-speaking Jews who sought ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... Gentiles as well as Jews, in the death of Jesus, the gospel was soon preached to
the Jews, and within a short time it was preached to the Gentiles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

The Work of Paul.
... "Straight way" he proclaimed Christ in the synagogues, and confounded the Jews of
Damascus, proving that Jesus ... He preached the gospel of free and universal ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 32 the work of.htm

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... his teachings before going outside to those in no wise akin to the Jews. ... (4) Peter
preached to Cornelius a ... (6) Paul the chosen vessel to bear the Gospel to the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm