The Old Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG09

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T H E O L D T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

C. Implications of this strand of prophecy concerning Gentiles and the promise

1. Though clues were present, the promise of Messiah was interpreted as a Jewish hope (with Gentile inclusion by proselytization).

2. Even the apostles were hesitant to include Gentiles in their proclamation of the Good News and welcome into the people of God (e.g., Peter and Cornelius, Acts 10-11).

3. The time of Jesus and the apostles was a kyros moment (i.e., a time of critical importance).

a. The display of the Messiah in fulfillment of the promise, Gal. 4.4-5 (cf. Mark 1.15)

b. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who believed

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(1) Acts 2.17-21

(2) Joel 2.28-32

c. The full explanation of the Gentiles as fellow heirs and citizens in the salvation promise given to Abraham, cf. Eph. 3.4-6