Some Things Never Change

After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. [Acts 21.19]

The further I go along in the life of Paul, the more I find I do not really comprehend his life and ministry.

Paul's trip to Jerusalem was an event met with much prophecy.  More than once, Paul was discouraged from making that journey.  And, after only a short time in the city, Paul was, in fact arrested based on accusations that he taught Jews to disobey the Law.

The verse above indicates that Paul declared his ministry was to the Gentiles.  However, it occurs to me that Paul did preach to Jews at least occasionally.  Regardless, is not the Gospel the same for Jew and Gentile alike?  It seems these early believers did not know what to do with the Jew/Gentile dilemma either evidenced by James and the elders of the Jerusalem church warning Paul that trouble was near!

So, Paul was preaching that the Law was void and Jesus was the Way, correct?  Was that message designed to only be heard by Gentiles?  Was it a mistake if any Jew got wind of the Message?  Were not the Jews in need of salvation as much or more than anyone?  Why would Paul even speak of the Law as much as he did if his ministry was only to Gentiles (who had no part in the Law)?

We still deal with the Law today too.  Some things never change.  Are modern Christians bound to the Law or not?  It seems the Bible leaves a lot to the Spirit in determining what the answers to all these questions are!

Father, as a human with no Jewish lineage that I know of, I am compelled to embrace Jesus.  I would like to think even if I were a Jew that I would be compelled to embrace Jesus anyway - but I cannot say what I would do in that circumstance because I am not a Jew.  Please give me - give Your church - an understanding of the Good News... and help us to move on to greater things in our walk with You than arguing over the Law!