𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗩𝗦. 𝗔𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗨𝗟 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬

JOHN THE BAPTIST MINISTRY VS. APOSTLE PAUL MINISTRY

(Kingdom Preparation vs. Grace Proclamation — Rightly Divided)
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

INTRODUCTION

Many sincere believers confuse John the Baptist’s ministry with Paul’s ministry, blending kingdom doctrine with grace doctrine. Scripture, when rightly divided, shows they are distinct in purpose, audience, message, and dispensation.

Today we will clearly contrast JOHN THE BAPTIST and THE APOSTLE PAUL, so we may stand firmly in the gospel for this present Dispensation of Grace.

PROPHETIC MINISTRY (John) vs. PAULINE MINISTRY (Paul)
Matthew 11:13; Ephesians 3:1–3

A. John Stood in Prophecy – “All the prophets… until John”
B. John Closed the Prophetic Line – Last Old Testament prophet
C. Paul Revealed the Mystery – Hidden from ages, now revealed
Dispensational Insight:
John looks backward to prophecy fulfilled; Paul looks forward to mystery revealed.

KINGDOM MESSAGE vs. GRACE MESSAGE
Matthew 3:2; Acts 20:24

A. Repent for the Kingdom – Earthly, Davidic kingdom
B. Conditional Entrance – Repentance and fruit required
C. Gospel of Grace – Free, unmerited salvation
Kingdom postponed; grace proclaimed.

WATER BAPTISM vs. SPIRIT BAPTISM
Matthew 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:13

A. John Baptized with Water – For repentance
B. National Preparation – Israel called to cleanse
C. Spirit Baptism – Into one Body (no water)
Water fades; Spirit baptism remains.

ISRAEL-CENTERED MINISTRY vs. GENTILE-FOCUSED MINISTRY
Luke 1:16; Romans 11:13

A. John to Israel Alone – “Children of Israel”
B. Covenant People Addressed – Abrahamic nation
C. Paul to the Gentiles – Apostle of the uncircumcision
National program paused; Body of Christ formed.

LAW-NEAR MINISTRY vs. LAW-FREE MINISTRY
Matthew 3:8–10; Romans 6:14

A. Fruit Required – Evidence demanded
B. Wrath Announced – Judgment near
C. Grace Reigns – Not under law, but grace
John warns of wrath; Paul proclaims righteousness.

EARTHLY HOPE vs. HEAVENLY HOPE
Matthew 3:12; Philippians 3:20

A. Earthly Kingdom Hope – Messiah ruling on earth
B. Fire & Judgment – Wheat and chaff separated
C. Heavenly Citizenship – Seated in heavenly places
Israel waits for earth; the Church waits for heaven.

DECREASING MINISTRY vs. DISPENSING MINISTRY
John 3:30; 1 Corinthians 9:17

A. John Must Decrease – His role completed
B. Temporary Assignment – Preparation only
C. Paul Dispenses Grace – Steward of the mystery
John steps aside; Paul steps forward.

REPENTANCE PREACHING vs. RECONCILIATION PREACHING
Matthew 3:1–2; 2 Corinthians 5:19

A. Repentance for Israel – National call
B. Confession Required – Works evident
C. Reconciliation Offered – God not imputing sins
Repentance fades; reconciliation reigns.

TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY vs. TRUTH FOR TODAY
Acts 19:1–5; Ephesians 3:2

A. John Belongs to Transition – Law to Kingdom
B. Incomplete Understanding – Before the cross was explained
C. Paul Gives Truth for Today – Dispensation of Grace
John prepared the way; Paul defines the way.

CONCLUSION

John the Baptist was great—
but Paul is God’s chosen apostle for today.
Romans 16:25
“According to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery…”
Confusing John with Paul leads to doctrinal confusion.
Following Paul brings clarity, confidence, and peace.

CALL TO ACTION

Stop mixing kingdom repentance with grace salvation
Start standing in Pauline truth
Believe the GOSPEL that saves today:
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

John preached “Prepare the way”
Paul preached “It is finished”
Rightly divide—or wrongly apply.
Follow the Apostle of Grace.