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If the twelve apostles didn’t know that Christ was going to shed His blood and die on the cross, be buried, and then raised from the dead three days later never to die again, how could anyone come to the conclusion that the pagan Gentile world knew? Christendom seems to have adopted this idea, but the answer lies in Scripture.
Today, salvation is by faith alone in the finished work of the Cross. However, the finished work of the Cross hadn’t been accomplished yet during the apostles’ time, so they couldn’t have been preaching that gospel. Luke Chapter 9 shows that even after nearly three years with Jesus, the Twelve didn’t understand the concept of the cross. Jesus himself told them about his impending betrayal and death, yet they didn’t grasp it.
Luke 9:44-45 says, “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it.
Furthermore, Luke 18:31-34 records Jesus telling the Twelve about his upcoming death and resurrection, but they didn’t understand. Jesus said, “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”
So, it’s evident that the apostles had no idea about the gospel of grace, including Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Therefore, it’s improbable that the Gentile world knew about it either. Even after the Crucifixion, the apostles didn’t fully understand Christ’s resurrection, as shown in John Chapter 20.
In John Chapter 20, after the Crucifixion, Peter and John rush to the tomb on the Resurrection morning following Mary’s report that it was empty. They look in and are in unbelief. That He was the Messiah, the Son of God Israel’s promised King? NO. Scripture says it best; Verse 9 of John 20 says, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”
How could Gentiles have known about Christ’s resurrection if even Peter, James, and John were unaware? The reality is straightforward: they didn’t know. The significance of this fact cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, tradition often obscures this truth, as much of Christendom focuses solely on pre-cross events for salvation and doctrine. However, Scripture unequivocally declares the impossibility of this perspective.
In conclusion, Scripture presents a progressive revelation, and the apostles’ lack of understanding during Jesus’s ministry highlights this fact. While we now have the full counsel of God, it’s essential to diligently study Scripture to properly understand and apply its teachings.
All Scripture was given to us for our learning that we may have comfort and hope… Romans 15:4. But we must understand Scripture is a progressive revelation. We must be diligent and study hard, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
Studying Scripture literally and in time leads to the correct context of a passage. Which then leads to the correct application.
“WHAT IS NOT PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD CANNOT BE PROPERLY APPLIED”
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