Paul claims ownership of the gospel. Paul calls the gospel “my gospel.” In fact, Paul calls the gospel “my gospel,” three (3) separate times.
Of course, we know that the gospel is the “gospel of Christ.” No one would ever dispute that.
In Romans 1:16 Paul tells us that the gospel of Christ would come first to the Jews and then to the Greeks (Gentiles).
Romans 1:16 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.
Gospel of Christ - dispensation of the gospel of the kingdom
The Jews were given a dispensation of the “gospel of Christ” known as the “gospel of the kingdom.” This gospel, was the “good news” that the Son of God would come to earth to establish His eternal earthly kingdom, as seen in Luke 1:26-35.
In Luke 1:26-35 we read where God sends the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God, that He shall be called Jesus, that He will rule over the house of Jacob and that His kingdom will be eternal. Salvation for the Jews would come through belief of this gospel, as well as keeping the Law of Moses.
We see in Mark 1:1 where Mark introduces the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
“Jesus (while on earth) preached the “gospel of the kingdom.” The Bible references Jesus preaching the “gospel of the kingdom” in Matthew 4:17, Matthew 9:35 and Mark 1:14-15. Peter and the 11 also preached the gospel of the kingdom.
Gospel of Christ – dispensation of the gospel of the grace of God
The “gospel of Christ” that Paul claims ownership to is the dispensation of the “gospel of Christ” known as the “gospel of the grace of God.” This gospel, is the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul tells us that he received this gospel from Jesus Christ, and that we are saved by our belief of this gospel.
Below are three (3) verses where Paul claims ownership of the gospel of Christ.
Ownership Claim #1
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Ownership Claim #2
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.
In the above verse, Paul reveals that the “mystery” was the fact that God would provide salvation to the Gentiles. God had kept this hidden from Satan. If Satan had know of this, then Satan would not have crucified our Lord and Savior.
I Corinthians 2:7-8
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Ownership Claim #3
II Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.
Below, is our gospel of Christ that testifies that Christ was raised from the dead. We are saved by our belief of this gospel.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.