The Gospel Seminar

"Luther Quotations": #16

"I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preached among the Gentiles..." (Galatians 2;2)

What was "the gospel" that Paul discussed with the other apostles at this very important meeting?

Hear Luther's explanation of Paul's  "gospel":

"The question that the apostles discussed at this meeting was whether keeping the law (PERSONAL OBEDIENCE) was necessary for justification (ACCEPTABILITY WITH GOD) or not. Paul's answer was: 'I have preached to the Gentiles according to the gospel that I received from God -faith (COMPLETELY AND ALONE) in Christ and not the law (PERSONAL OBEDIENCE); and at this preaching of faith they received the Holy Spirit...Therefore, I conclude that the Gentiles should not be burdened with the law, nor be circumcised.'
Paul, then, did not reject circumcision as a damnable thing, nor did he say or do anything to force the Jews to abandon it. But he rejected circumcision as something necessary for righteousness (ACCEPTABILITY WITH GOD), since the fathers themselves were not justified by it (see Romans 4;11)...this meeting and council decided that it (CIRCUMCISION/PERSONAL OBEDIENCE) was NOT necessary for justification and, therefore, not something to be forced upon the Gentiles....If anyone wanted to be circumcised, Paul did not compel him to remain uncircumcised , so long as the person knew circumcision was NOT necessary for justification." (underlining mine)

This is the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ! Praise Him!
                                 "To Him whom is able...to present you without
                                 fault...be glory, majesty, power and authority, through
                                 Jesus Christ our Lord..." (Jude)