The concept of Israel's knowledge of the Gospel is deeply rooted in the narrative of Scripture, where the unfolding revelation of God's redemptive plan is progressively revealed to His chosen people, Israel. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding how Israel was made aware of the Gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, as seen through the lens of the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Gospel, while fully revealed in the New Testament, is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. From the very beginning, God promised redemption. In Genesis 3:15, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, God declares to the serpent, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." This is seen as the first hint of the Gospel, foretelling the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and Satan.

The Abrahamic Covenant further reveals God's plan for salvation. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This blessing is understood as the coming of the Messiah, through whom salvation would be extended to all nations.

The sacrificial system instituted in the Mosaic Law also points to the Gospel. The sacrifices, particularly the Passover lamb, prefigure Christ's atoning death. Isaiah 53 provides a vivid prophecy of the suffering servant, a clear messianic prophecy that describes the redemptive work of Christ: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies and promises in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospels record Jesus' ministry to the people of Israel, where He proclaimed the Kingdom of God and called for repentance and faith. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus states, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This highlights His initial mission focus on Israel, offering them the first opportunity to receive the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, further elaborates on Israel's knowledge of the Gospel. In Romans 1:16, he writes, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This indicates that the Gospel was first presented to the Jewish people, in accordance with God's covenantal promises.

Paul also addresses Israel's response to the Gospel in Romans 10. He expresses his heart's desire for their salvation and acknowledges that they have heard the message: "But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: 'Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world'" (Romans 10:18). Despite this, Paul laments that not all of Israel accepted the Gospel, highlighting a partial hardening until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Romans 11:25).

The Role of the Apostles

The apostles played a crucial role in proclaiming the Gospel to Israel. Peter's sermon at Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2, is a pivotal moment where he addresses the "Men of Israel" (Acts 2:22) and declares Jesus as both Lord and Christ. The early chapters of Acts depict the apostles' efforts to reach the Jewish people with the message of salvation, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus.

Israel's Future and the Gospel

The New Testament also speaks to the future of Israel in relation to the Gospel. Paul, in Romans 11, discusses the mystery of Israel's partial hardening and the eventual salvation of "all Israel" (Romans 11:26). This eschatological hope underscores the enduring nature of God's promises to Israel and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

In summary, Israel's knowledge of the Gospel is a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment and proclamation in the New Testament. The Gospel was first revealed to Israel, offering them the opportunity to embrace the salvation found in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.