Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 173:689 (Jan 2016)
Article: Israel And The Gospel Of Peter, Paul, And Abraham
Author: Jim R. Sibley

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Israel And The Gospel Of Peter, Paul, And Abraham

Jim R. Sibley

Jim R. Sibley is Professor of Biblical Studies, Israel College of the Bible, Netanya, Israel.

Abstract

This article examines Romans 1:16 in order to establish first that Paul taught a continuing priority for the Jewish people in evangelism and missions. Both the context and the construction of the verse support such a priority. Second, attention shifts to “the promise of the fathers” in Genesis—“in you all the families of the earth will be blessed”—and its use in the New Testament. These texts suggest the need for a broader conception of the term “gospel” than is usually considered, for the priority of the Jewish people is intrinsic to the gospel itself.

The economist George Gilder begins his secular book The Israel Test with these words: “The central issue in international politics, dividing the world into two fractious armies, is the tiny state of Israel.”1 Something similar might be said not only of nations and politicians, but also of theologians and church members—mention of Israel often sparks controversy. This is as true in practical theology as it is in doctrinal theology. Many, even among those who have a place for Israel in their eschatology are at a loss when it comes to the present responsibility of the church, vis-à-vis Israel, in evangelism and missions—what is the place of Israel in the outreach of the church?

The thesis presented here is a simple one: Scripture teaches not only that the Jewish people should be a priority in evangelism and missions, but that this priority is intrinsic to the gospel itself. It is not simply that this priority characterized the ministry of Paul, as recorded in the book of Acts; neither is it merely that this

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priority is still valid today;2 it is that this priority is intrinsic to the gospel itself. Ultimately, this is the case because it is rooted in the promise of the fathers, as recorded first in Genesis 12:3: “In you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

Jewish Priority According To Paul In Romans 1:16

No passage is more commonly used to support the priority of the Jewish people in evangelism and missions than Romans 1:16.3 Even though Romans 1:16-17 is generally id...

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