Paul and the Gospel of Reconciliation

One day believing priests will stand before their congregations and they will confess their religious misunderstandings, and when they do, God's people will turn from religion's mistakes, and they will stretch out their hands unto the Lord their God. When believers turn from the errs of religion to serve the Lord in truth, it is called reconciliation. The apostle Paul was appointed by God to facilitate, "the gospel of reconciliation" (Acts 13:2; 1Timothy 1:11). The intent of this gospel is to impress upon believers that it is God's will for them to stand up, by faith, and boldly confess the covenant message before that day when God arises to shake the earth, and to reconcile all things unto himself (2Corinthians 5:18-19). “Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us (2Corinthians 3:3).”

Paul purposely hid counsel for reconciliation within his letters. This concealed work was intended to be a blessing which was kept in store for end times (2Corinthians 4:3). Paul made reference to these concealed mysteries in clues which not only caused the works to be discovered, but which also supply evidence that his hidden works exist. In one of these references, Paul wrote that he administered a service which he called, An experiment of ministration: “The administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men (2Corinthians 9:12-13).” In the overall analysis of the experiment, Paul concluded that one day believer's who accepted the hidden truths of the gospel of reconciliation, would be the forerunners of the faith that would successfully yield the much anticipated fruits of rejoicing from the elect.

Paul communicated much of the gospel's counsel through his own life experiences, but he also crafted and wrote several parables around the names of some fellow-helpers, and a few churches. Proof that these parables exist is found in the words: “Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God… These things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes (1Corinthians 4:1; 4:6).” These parables were written for God's glory, and for the purpose of reconciliation. Let's begin unveiling these blessings by studying the name, Apollos, attempting to discover what truths Paul has hidden around that name.

During the days wherein Paul was writing his gospel: “A certain Jew named Apollos… mighty in scriptures, came to Ephesus (Acts 18:24).” A couple of Paul's friends, Aquila and Priscilla, overheard Apollos instructing people in the way of the Lord. They perceived that his teachings were good, but that his knowledge was incomplete: Apollos didn’t know Jesus Christ (Acts 18:25). Aquila and Priscilla took him aside, and they shared the knowledge of Jesus with him (Acts 18:26). Apollos grasped the truth of their message, and he became a strong advocate for Jesus. “He mightily convinced the Jews, publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ (Acts 18:28).”

Paul came across a few other disciples who were like Apollos, in that they hadn’t yet learned of Jesus. When Paul gave these disciples knowledge of Jesus, they refreshed him. “When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:6).” This is an understanding which was kept hidden in the Apollos parable. When perfecting truth is given unto believers who have an incomplete understanding of Jesus, then like Apollos, they will refresh and bless everyone around them with their rejoicings in the truth and in the power of the Holy Ghost. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1Corinthians 3:6).” Understanding this part of the Apollos mystery is relevant to the verse: “By an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want (2Corinthians 8:14).”

In the gospel of reconciliation, Paul brought Titus' name into the parable concerning Apollos. “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you (2Corinthians 8:23).” Titus was a Greek man, who came to know Christ through Paul (Galatians 2:3; Titus 1:4). Paul left him in Crete to teach Cretians the acknowledgment of truth, for the Cretians had a reputation for being disagreeable (Titus 1:5; 1:12). In the experimental ministry, Paul incorporated into the parable not only Titus' name, but also the situation which he left him in. Paul depicted transferring the unlearned figure of Apollos into the capable hands of a reliable teacher, saying to Titus, “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting to them (Titus 3:13).”

“As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with his brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time (1Corinthians 16:12).” If you put all of Paul's comments concerning Apollos together, then Apollos' name represents believers who have not yet known Jesus as they aught, and even with good reliable teachers, such as Titus, it is going to take some time to persuade and convince these believers to convert their understandings. In the day of Salvation, when God's unmistakable signs are witnessed, the Holy Spirit will be poured upon this group of believers, and they will become powerful witnesses that refresh the souls of the weary.

Paul also recorded and used his own life experiences and his tribulations as a pattern to show believers what suffering for the kingdom should look like. "That in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting (1Timothy 1:16)." “I desire that you faint not at my tribulations (Ephesians 3:13).” “No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto (1Thessalonians 3:3).” “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).” “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2Timothy 3:12).” Suffering for the kingdom isn’t predominately physical suffering, most often it means suffering the misgivings of others because of their misunderstandings.

Paul indeed suffered for the cause of Christ, but he also acknowledged that blessings of the Holy Spirit rejoiced within him. The Holy Spirit worked mightily in Paul, teaching him those things which were necessary for his ministry. “As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounded by Christ (2Corinthians 1:5).” Where there is persecution for the kingdom, there is corresponding consolation. The greater Paul suffered, the more abundantly he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. That same corresponding power of the Holy Spirit works in believers who suffer for the kingdom today: “Knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2Corinthians 1:7).” Publishing the covenant message will be offensive to believers that are trusting in religious doctrines, therefore God's messengers shall suffer reproach. "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer (Revelation 2:10)." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight in glory (2Corinthians 4:17)."

Paul also hid end time understanding in a parable which he built around his journey to Rome. Each city that was named in Paul's journey provides beneficial information concerning the journey towards  "common salvation" (Jude 3). “Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome (Acts 19:21).” The progressive order to common salvation is: Macedonia, then Achaia, and then onto Jerusalem, and ending in Rome. Like a road map, this tour is leading believers to common salvation, and it begins in Macedonia. “I will come unto you, when I pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia (1Corinthians 16:5).”

“When we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus (2Corinthians 7:5-6).” Before coming to Macedonia, Paul, and those who were with him, wrestled with fears and uncertainty. “I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would (2Corinthians 12:20).” Paul's fears were that of displeasing God, and of laboring in vain (Philippians 2:16). Titus refreshed Paul. Titus was “first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia (Titus s).” Using Paul’s teachings as a guide for his congregation, Titus had successfully taught the Cretians about Christ. This church, which had formerly been famous for being disagreeable, had been converted, and Paul rejoiced at their success (2Corinthians 7:7).

The Macedonian church was selected as Paul's prototype for the parable because of their success at conversion. This church had overcome a great trial of affliction, and now they were experiencing evidence of God's favor by the riches of their increase. How did they do it? First and foremost, the congregation had prayed and given themselves to the Lord. Then they obediently gave themselves to Paul and Titus by the will of the Lord, and they continued to pray for their leaders. Whereas this church had prayed and trusted the Lord for answers, God gave them guidance in the form of rejoicings in the Holy Spirit. When Paul returned unto Macedonia, he found the church ready to assist his ministry in any way they could (2Corinthians 7:15; 8:1-5; 9:14).

“We desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also (2Corinthians 8:6).” Paul hoped that revealing Titus' story would encourage believers everywhere not to fear new truths, but to pray for guidance and do God's will, just as Titus and his church had done (Titus 1:1). In the journey towards common salvation, the Macedonian church represents planting the seeds of new understanding, and then waiting patiently to witness the fruits (1Corinthians 9:7). Paul had gone back to Macedonia to witness the fruits. “The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits (2Timothy 2:6).”

Achaia was the next scheduled stop on Paul's journey. The people of Achaia were in Christ by Paul’s apostleship, and they were waiting on Paul's return (1Corinthians 9:2). They were, in fact, waiting for answers concerning the effectiveness of Paul's new gospel. In the mean time, those who were in Christ by Paul's gospel, were provoking others to godliness by their words. "Your zeal hath provoked very many (2Corinthians 9:2)." In the parable of common salvation, Achaia's name represents believing priests which already have some confidence in the covenant message, and they have gone ahead and prepared their congregations, however they wrestle with fears and uncertainties, therefore they are waiting for undeniable evidence and for the approval of the authorities before preaching the controversial parts of the message unto their congregations (2Corinthians 4:1). "Achaia was ready a year ago (2Corinthians 9:2)."

In Achaia, Paul prearranged a hypothetical meeting to take place, for our benefit. Titus is with him, and together they brought forth a new convert: someone “chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and the declaration of your ready mind (2Corinthians 8:19).” The testimonies of Titus and this new convert are evidence and proof that Paul's gospel is the truth, and that it is of God (Acts 15:25-27). Paul prearranged this hypothetical meeting to take place in order to encourage the elect to deliver the covenant message: “Herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not (2Corinthians 8:10-12).” In essence, Paul is strengthening today's believing priests, saying: You have prepared yourselves and your congregations, because the Spirit of the living Lord is within you and he has caused you to know that the covenant message is the truth; therefore go ahead and release the message unto the people, for it is more accepted of God that you have a willing mind, then that you have all the answers.

“I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps? (2Corinthians 12:18).” In saying “I desired Titus” Paul is urging today's believers to receive to Titus' testimony, for Titus came from a converted church, with a witness. Paul suggested that these two witnesses came without selfish motives. Their reasons for journeying to Achaia, as well as for attending this hypothetical meeting, are the same reasons that Paul had for being in ministry (1Timothy 2:6). Everyone of them, were, and are, hoping to defeat and destroy the lies and errs of religion. When today's witnesses come forth with evidences and with news concerning the effectiveness of the covenant message, they too will have the same spirit and the same objective that Paul and these two witnesses had: for their desire will be to do God's will, and their hope will be to defeat religion's errs. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).”

“Now, behold, I go bound in spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there (Acts 20:22).” Paul’s next destination, was Jerusalem. He was determined to bring news of the gospel's success unto the awaiting religious authorities, regardless of his own personal safety (Galatians 2:2; 2:10). “I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints (Romans 15:25).” When Paul arrived, “He declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord (Acts 21:19-20).” Jerusalem, in the parable journey to common salvation, represents bringing our gifts of understanding, and our evidences of the success of the covenant message, unto the awaiting religious authorities, regardless of fears, or personal costs.

Rome finds its interpretation in the old testament. Paul was a Roman. The old testament affirms that at the end of time, fears of the oppressing sword will cause believers unto flee back to their own lands (Jeremiah 50:16; 51:9). In the journey towards common salvation, Rome represents priests returning to the places of their own assemblies, to testify the secrets of the covenant message before their own congregations, after evidence was delivered to the religious authorities. “As thou has testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome (Acts 23:11).” Paul wrote the book of Second Timothy, from Rome (2Timothy 1:17). Therefore when he penned the words, “I am now ready to be offered (2Timothy 4:6),” he was implying that Rome is about priests offering themselves before the congregation. Paul's testimony in Rome was a necessary part of the gospel's journey, because it was a pattern for the edification of today's priests. Paul's testimony there demonstrated unto today's believing priests that they will be releasing the truth of God's message before their own congregations (Ezekiel 12:16; 39:28). “I will be sanctified in you before the heathen (Ezekiel 20:41).”

Even Paul’s imprisonment provided understanding. Paul was given liberty, demonstrating that in Christ there is liberty (Acts 24:23; 2Corinthians 3:17). Yet Paul was kept bound, allowing that even Christianity is held in religious bondage. “Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children (Galatians 4:25).” Religion stands upon scripture verses which are being regarded as unchangeable laws (Galatians 3:11). Yet, God is not bound by their presumed technicalities (2Timothy 2:9). “When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away (1Corinthians 13:10).” Religion will change her ways (Hebrews 8:13) when she grasps the truth that Jesus Christ was a perfect lamb that was put to death, because his death was God's sacrifice that satisfied and fulfilled his promise to establish our covenants (Romans 15:8; 1Timothy 2:6). Salvation is, and has always been, granted unto faithful believers who have kept covenant, and that is the promise of God. “If they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect (Romans 4:14).”

For a good concluding message, consider the Greek word “phaneroo.” This word was translated into the words: appear, manifest, declared, and showed. The definition of this word is: to render apparent. This word was translated 'appear' in the verse, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4).” Choosing this particular word to be used in this particular verse, was no accident. The placement of this word is evidence that Christ's appearing will be an inward manifestation (Luke 17:21). Right along with this thought, consider a verse wherein Paul said that he and his helpers would be raised up together with us on that day: “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you (2Corinthians 4:14).” Whereas the hidden mysteries of the gospel of reconciliation have been discovered, and the secret things which Paul and his helpers did our behalf have become apparent: The relevance of Paul's ministry has been magnified, and those hidden works which they secured in the gospel of reconciliation, will strengthen today's believers. “God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6).” The love that Paul and his helpers had for the Lord, and for his people, and the works which they did because of their love, are manifesting in our minds, and in our hearts.

Scripture names certain things which will be manifested during end times, for instance: Paul’s gospel will manifest God’s word (Titus 1:3); Christ will be manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1John 3:8); the folly of people who resist the truth, will manifest (2Timothy 3:8-9); all the hidden things of scripture will manifest (Mark 4:22); and God’s will, and his judgments against those who refuse instruction, will also be manifested (2Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:18-19; Revelations 15:4). It is becoming apparent through the covenant messages, that all of the things which are prophesied to manifest, will manifest unto the hearts and minds of God's elect. “Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation (Hebrews 9:28).”

Jesus Christ went unto the cross and destroyed religion's curse (Galatians 3:13), and he secured our inheritance by the promise of God (Galatians 3:18). Don’t be afraid to cast out religion's doctrines: for God's promises are better (Isaiah 30:22). Promises which testify that believers are predestinated to receive an eternal inheritance through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:11); promises which verify that God will not hold any of our unintentional religious mistakes against us (2Corinthians 5:19); and promises which confirm that God has something better planned for his people (2Corinthians 3:10-11). When we cast out the dictates of religion, God will be our God (2Corinthians 6:17-18). "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down (Revelation 12:10)."

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2Corinthians 7:1).” Flee unto God for refuge, and lay hold of the hope which is set before us (Hebrews 6:18). “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues (Revelations 18:4).”