But how can two groups, with such divergent backgrounds as the Jews and Gentiles, come to faith in Jesus? The answer is found in one message, the Gospel. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).
The Bible says that Jesus came "to His own" people, the Jews, but the vast majority of them rejected Him, even though He worked many signs to convince them He was their Messiah. He fed the thousands with a small boy's "lunch" (Jn. 6:1-15). He raised at least three persons from the dead: the widow's son (Lk. 7:12-17); Jarius' daughter (Mk. 5:22-43); and Lazarus (Jn. 11:1 - 12:11). And yet, they were so blinded to the truth (Jn. 14:6; Rom. 11:25; etc.). Even when Jesus rose from the dead, the religious leaders rejected Him (Mt. 28:11-15). And yet, some believed (Jn. 1:12; Acts 2:41; etc.).
While the Jews required Jesus to provide them with a miraculous sign in order for them to believe, the Gentile world would require wisdom (1 Cor. 1:22). In other words, they would need to be convinced through reasoning. In Acts 17:15-34, the Apostle Paul encountered some philosophers in Athens. The word "philosopher" is from the Greek φιλόσοφος (philosophos); the combination of φίλος (philos), meaning "a friend or lover," and σοφός (sophos), meaning "wise or wisdom." Notice he preached the Gospel: "Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead" (v. 31)! The majority mocked him, and yet, some believed (v. 32-34).
Regardless of your background, there is but one message that will save your soul:
Jesus was crucified for your sins; He was buried to prove He died; and He was raised from the dead by God, to prove His sacrifice for you was acceptable. Do you believe?
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