Paul Preaches to Jews & Gentiles in Rome (Pt 2)

We see the very end of Acts takes up the theme of the Kingdom of God that was introduced at the beginning of Luke in Luke 1. As we close out the series on Acts, we discuss key passages in Luke/Acts about the Kingdom of God and the status of the Jews.

Jews and Gentiles enter the kingdom when they turn to Christ and serve Him as the promised King, the descendant of David. Jesus reigns from heaven at the right hand of God (Psalm 110:1). Jesus is God the Son, who keeps the promises given in the Old Testament.

We discuss passages in both Luke and Acts about the Kingdom of God and the fact that the end of Acts reiterates the teaching of Paul about the Kingdom. Acts does not tell us what happens to Paul at the trial before Ceasar.

That is left open ended but the promise of the Kingdom is clear throughout this two-volume work. The kingdom is present on earth in the person of Christ who is the promised King. We cite Luke 17:21 and strongly argue for the translation, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” rather than “the kingdom of God is within you.”

The Pharisees where hardly indwelt by the Lord since they were His enemies. The false version of the kingdom promotes a journey inward to find God which is the teaching of universalism and Eastern religion. Jesus reigns at the right hand of God and is coming again to bring judgment to His enemies and to reign over His own in the millennial kingdom.

There are future promises to national, ethnic Israel which we show from Acts 1 and Acts 3. The church does not replace Israel. People enter the kingdom through faith in Christ through the gospel and thus come under His reign.