Now I imagine a bunch of hands just went up saying, “I know! I know!” And still, part will say chicken and part will say egg. But I’m not even asking about that. I am asking what came first as in to preach the Gospel for those who follow? But first, you must define which gospel. The gospel of the kingdom or the Gospel by which you are saved today (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This Gospel came to be preached first by Paul.
Now John the Baptist started the beginning of a gospel (Mark 1:1). Jesus had a gospel but he first ministered to Israel. Then we have Peter and the twelve preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Luke 9:12). The same gospel in which Peter preached at Pentecost. This is the message where Pentecostals begin and end.
But now we are left with Paul’s Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:3. Paul proclaims, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins..” He was the first to preach the Gospel of Salvation as the glory of the Cross (Galatians 6:14). Since Paul was the first to preach the Gospel. it follows that church must find its pattern (1 Timothy 1:16). That pattern can be found in the books of Romans through Philemon.
So the question is not as simple but the plan and pattern for our lives is. So hopefully, the next time someone starts the riddle of what comes first, you will not automatically think of a chicken or a egg but of the Gospel that first came to you that can save your soul.
Selah