We note here that Paul was willing to be cut off from Christ because of the unbelief of his fellow Jews. Moses also had this same tender agony concerning Israel.

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. (Exodus 32:32)

The believing Jews considered themselves more favored in God's sight than were the believing Gentiles, and Peter was afraid of the devout Jews.

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. (Galatians 2:11,12)

The original Church was thoroughly Jewish. We do not understand how the concept grew that the Gospel of Jesus is a Gentile religion. We do know, however, of the promises of Scripture that in the last days the Lord will turn once again to His chosen people, the Jews.

And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place from where I caused you to be carried away captive. (Jeremiah 29:14)

Jews wrote the New Testament. We gain a better understanding of the New Testament when we think of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven as being primarily a Jewish religion, and realize deeply that the participants and events of the Book of Acts, as well as the writings of the Apostles, must be viewed from this perspective.

The Apostle Paul, the principal writer of the New Testament, was an exemplary Jew.

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; (Philippians 3:5)

The Epistle to the Romans, in particular, was written by Paul to Jews to explain to them the transition from Moses to Christ.

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? (Romans 7:1)

"I speak to them that know the law."

Paul argued that Jews are not saved by the works of the Law of Moses but by faith in the atonement made by the Lord Jesus. Today's Gentiles, misunderstanding the Jewish environment in which Paul labored, think Paul meant that people are not saved by righteous behavior but by faith in Jesus. In their ignorance the Gentile believers have contrasted faith in Jesus with righteous behavior. The result of such ignorance has been the destruction of the moral strength of the churches.

To be continued.