I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the founders of our nation would be confirmed.
because if you ask, “Did God keep his promises?” the answer in every case is, “Yes, through Jesus.” And so through him we say “Amen,” to the glory of God.
I have other sheep who aren’t in this sheep pen. I must bring them in too. They will also listen to my voice, and then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
to serve Christ Jesus among the Gentiles. I’m like a priest of the good news, and I want the Gentiles to be an offering that pleases God because it has been made holy by the Holy Spirit.
Remember that you used to be separated from Christ. You weren’t considered to be citizens of Israel, and so you didn’t have a share in what the covenants promised. You were without hope and without God in the world.
Think about how kind God is! But also think about how strict he is! He was strict with those who stopped following him, but he has been kind to you. So you must continue to live in his kindness. If you don’t, you too will be cut off.
That’s why the promise comes by faith, so that it can be based on God’s grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s children. That means not only those who are his children under the law, but also those who are Abraham’s children because have the same faith that he did. He is the father of us all.
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly. “We had to speak God’s word to you first,” they said. “But you haven’t accepted it, as if you think you don’t deserve eternal life. So we’re going to talk to the Gentiles from now on.
Brothers and sisters, here’s what I’m telling you. Bodies made of flesh and blood can’t inherit the kingdom of God. Things that perish can’t share in what never perishes.
Here’s what I mean. One of you says, “I follow Paul.” Another says, “I follow Apollos.” Another says, “I follow Peter.” And still another says, “I follow Christ.”