Why the gospel was not for the whole world

The New Testament gospel came in two parts—two proclamations distinct from each other with respect to content, audience, and geographical reach.

The first proclamation was addressed to Israel. It was that the God of Israel would soon “judge” his unrighteous people and inaugurate a new order under the rule of Jesus of Nazareth, who had been condemned by the leaders of the nation and executed by the Romans.

The second proclamation was addressed to the nations or gentiles, and the apostle Paul was the outstanding spokesperson and herald. The God of Israel had set him apart to “proclaim the good news” (euangellizomai) concerning Jesus Christ “to the nations” (Gal. 1:15-16*).

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