“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm
the promises made unto the fathers: “ – Romans 15:8
Purpose:
Jesus’ role in His ministry of the circumcision is described by three characteristics according to Romans 15:8:
1. He came to the Jews
2. He taught the prophetic truth of God
3. He came to confirm the promises made unto the fathers
Outline:
1. He came to the Jews – “a minister of the Circumcision”
a. Covenant of Circumcision was given to Abraham and the Jews – Genesis 17:10-14
b. Israel was to be separate from the Gentiles – Deuteronomy 7:1-5
i. This separation by the law and the covenants created a ‘middle wall of
partition’ – Ephesians 2:14
c. Israel was God’s chosen people – Deuteronomy 7:6
d. Jesus came to His own – these were Jews – John 1:11
e. Jesus was sent only to Israel – Matt 15:24
2. He taught the prophetic truth of God – “for the truth of God” – Psalm 119:142
a. Christ came in accordance with God’s plan for the earth
i. There was a prescribed time for the coming of Christ – Daniel 9:24-27
b. Christ came preaching the message of prophecy to the Jews
i. He taught the law – Psalm 78:1-7 – Matthew 23:2-3
ii. He taught the kingdom – Isaiah 9:6-7 – Mark 1:14
iii. He taught the tribulation – Daniel 9:27 – Matt 24:15-21
3. He came to “confirm the promises made unto the fathers”
a. 3 elements of the Promises:
i. Land promise
ii. Seed promise – “Great Nation” – Kingdom
iii. Blessing promise – Channel of Blessing – Law – Messiah
b. Promises made unto the fathers
Abrahamic Promise Genesis 12:1-3
Everlasting Promise Genesis 13:14-15
Land Covenant Genesis 15:5,18-21
Covenants of Promise Genesis 17:2-9
Covenant of Circumcision Genesis 17:10-14
Confirmed to Abraham Genesis 22:15-18
Confirmed to Isaac Genesis 26:1-4
Confirmed to Jacob Genesis 28:12-14
Without the epistles of Paul and the revelation of the mystery, this is all that we would know about as to why Jesus came as a man.