Paul's Premature Gentile Ministry

 [Editor:] Paul declared himself to be “one born out of due time” (I Corinthians 15:8; KJV), or of a “premature birth” (CV). Or as other translations render it:

 

“untimely born” (ASV; ALV)

“out of the right time” (BBE)

“not fully developed” (JMNT)

“unseasonable birth” (REB).

 

Prophetically, the Gentiles were to be blessed through Israel’s spiritual and national rise. Speaking of the future glory of Israel, Isaiah writes:

 

Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the Earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising (60:1-3).

 

During the Pentecost Administration, along with Israel, Paul brough the nations a sampling of the coming Kingdom. They,

 

… tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the coming age (Hebrews 6:4).

The prophetic intent of this premature Gentile ministry was to provoke Israel to jealousy (Romans 10:19; 11:11, 14; c.f., Deuteronomy 32:31).


- Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.

Bible Student's Notebook

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