Removing Apostle Paul From Scriptures Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Removing Acts 9 through 28, Paul’s 13 epistles, and Hebrews would indeed create confusion about God’s will and plan for grace, as these portions of Scripture provide the clearest explanations of the transition from law to grace, salvation by faith, and the unified plan for Jews and Gentiles. Let's explore this further. --- ### **The Critical Role of Acts 9-28, Paul’s Epistles, and Hebrews** 1. **Acts 9-28: The Transition to Grace** Acts 9 marks the conversion of Paul, God’s chosen vessel to reveal the mystery of grace to the Gentiles: - *Acts 9:15*: "But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.'" From Acts 9-28, we see the progressive shift from God’s covenant with Israel under the law to the establishment of the church, a body of believers united by grace through faith. Without Acts 9-28: - The transition from Peter’s ministry to Paul’s ministry would be unclear. - The message of salvation by grace through faith would lack its historical and theological context. - The spread of the gospel to the Gentiles would remain largely unexplained. --- 2. **Paul’s Epistles: The Mystery of Grace and Salvation** Paul’s writings are foundational for understanding God’s plan of salvation under grace. For example: - *Romans 6:14*: "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." - *Ephesians 2:8-9*: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Key doctrines from Paul’s letters include: - The universality of sin (*Romans 3:23*). - Justification by faith (*Romans 5:1*). - Freedom from the law (*Romans 7:6*). - The body of Christ as a unified entity of Jews and Gentiles (*1 Corinthians 12:13*). Without Paul’s letters(13 Epistles), salvation would seem tied to works and the Mosaic law, leaving the world confused about grace. --- 3. **Hebrews: The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ** The book of Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and establishes the New Covenant: - *Hebrews 8:6*: "But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises." - *Hebrews 9:22*: "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." Hebrews bridges the Old Testament and New Testament, showing that Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the fulfillment of the law. - Without Hebrews, the Jewish audience would struggle to see how Christ completes the Old Covenant. - It would leave unanswered questions about the purpose of the law and the role of Christ as the mediator of a better covenant. --- 4. **The Law and Sin** Paul stated, “Where there is no law, there is no sin.” This is a key Pauline doctrine: - *Romans 4:15*: "Because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression." Paul explains that the law was given to reveal sin (*Romans 7:7*) and that grace now reigns through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ (*Romans 5:21*). Without Paul’s writings, the relationship between the law, sin, and grace would remain a mystery. --- ### **What Would Be Missing Without These Scriptures?** 1. **The Clarity of God’s Plan for Grace** The New Covenant, salvation by faith, and the global mission to Gentiles would be obscured. 2. **The Assurance of Salvation** Paul’s teachings on justification, sanctification, and glorification provide the foundation for understanding eternal security in Christ. 3. **The Role of the Law** Without Paul’s explanation, people would remain bound to the law or confused about its purpose in light of Christ. 4. **Unity of Jews and Gentiles** Paul’s revelation of the “one new man” (*Ephesians 2:15*) in Christ unifies believers. Without this, division between Jews and Gentiles might persist. --- ### **Conclusion** The indispensable role of Paul’s writings(13 Epistles), Acts 9-28, and Hebrews. They reveal the mystery of God’s grace, the church’s identity, and the fulfillment of the law in Christ. Without these scriptures, the world would indeed be confused about God’s will and plan for salvation. This underscores why Paul may have written Hebrews—to connect the Jewish believers’ understanding of the law with the grace revealed in Christ, ensuring the world could clearly see God’s ultimate plan for redemption.