Pauline Dispensationalism

[CarolLyn]

I can assure you , the scriptures never contain one iota of any preaching by Paul of the kingdom of heaven on earth that Peter and the 11 preached.Paul neither preached "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" nor offered Israel the kingdom as did Peter in Acts 2.

When Paul went into the synagogues of the Jews he first preached tothem that Christ was the Messiah,only so that he could follow with the Gospel that Christ died for their sins, which is the essence of his Gospel of Christ (grace.)

OK, thanks for your answer. I wondered if he might have preached the Kingdom message in his early days, right after his conversion. It doesn't actually say there what his message was, specifically. But I thought perhaps when he said "And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more," he could have been referring to someone there in Ephesis who had been with him in Jerusalem in his early days before his revelation(s).

Possibly referring to this time period:

Acts 9: 27. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30. Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Do you think maybe during this time, he might have preached the same message the apostles were preaching?

Then, it says in Acts 22: 17. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
18. And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
20. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
21. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Thanks, and God bless!

[BlessedinHim]

Acts 20: 24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Can someone please explain this...Did Paul preach both the gospel of grace and the gospel of the kingdom?

I would think that could be so, since they were all preaching together in some places, up until they were first called Christians in Antioch, and there abouts the time that Paul went off on his own with Barnabas. Otherwise, dont you think that if there were being preached 2 different gospels at the same time it would have been confusing?

Earlier, I was going through the book of Acts verse and chapter looking for this double gospel thing, and I had not yet found it, but I only got to chapter 15. And in several places they are preaching together, the apostles and Paul. That would explain why I couldnt find the difference to the point I had gotten to.

I still dont quite understand the why of the difference. That part still is not apparent to me.

But what is apparent to me now is this, that a Jew who converts to Christianity is no longer a Jew if he has truly converted, neither are we any longer considered Gentiles once we are truly converted, for we have becomes sons and daughters by adoption.

From Post 301,

Then, it says in Acts 22: 17. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
18. And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
20. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
21. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

so that makes even more sense, I wish I had finished the verse and chapter by verse and chapter. Wow.

[Aliya]

BlessedinHim, I know you're working through Acts. I haven't studied a lot of that book yet on this issue, as I started from Paul's letters. I'll be moving on to this soon. This was in the church bulletin last week at the church I attended. It says it can be used without charge, but I couldn't find it online. So I typed it.. all credit is given.. I think that covers any copyright issues, but if not, mods, please let me know and I'll email this directly to anyone who is interested.

I think I have checked for typos; if any verses seem out of place, please fault me first and have me go check the original

The Transitional Nature of the Book of Acts
Bible Briefs: A Ministry of Bible Doctrines to Live By, Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI

Most people will, in their study of the Bible, recognize and acknowledge that God has progressively unfolded His plan for man. The means, He has added more and more meaning and given new light as the ages of time advanced. Few, however, see that such advances include administrational or dispensational changes. It seems that many grow “near sighed” instead of attaching the truth to the proper administration by rightly dividing (2 Tim 2:15). The following is an attempt to illustrate the transitional and dispensational nature of the Book of Acts.

The Two Divisions of the Book:

• In the first half of Acts, the ministry of Peter, the “Apostle to the circumcision,” is preeminent (Acts 1-12).
• In the second half of Acts, the ministry of Paul, the “Apostle to the uncircumcision,” is preeminent (Acts 13-28).

The conclusion is obvious: There is a change in leadership

The Changing Witnessing Patterns

• In the first half of Acts, Gospel witness is limited to the “Jews only” (Acts 11:19)
• In the second half of Acts, the Jews were given priority in hearing the Gospel (Acts 13:26, 46; Romans 1:16)
• But, after the closing of Acts, the Gospel witness is given without any racial priorities (Rom 3:2, 10:12, Titus 2:11)

The Change of Gospel Content:

• The Gospel of the Kingdom (Luke 3:3-16; 18:13-26, Acts 2:38; 22:16). Look at the common question in each of the above Scripture passages - “What must I do to be saved?” Check out the answers
• Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 16:30-31; Ephesians 2:8-9)

When seen side by side… the conclusion is obvious – a change is taking place.

The Geographical and Ecclesiastical Movement:

• In chapters 1-7 of Acts, Peter is the leader, the Twelve are active, centered in Jerusalem and the Kingdom Message goes to Israel.
• In chapters 8-12 of Acts, there is a moving away from Jerusalem. Paul is moving in and Peter and the Twelve are moving out. Samaria and the Gentiles are in the foreground.
• In Chapters 13-28:15 of Acts: Here we see only Paul. Antioch is the new center and the Grace Message goes to all men. The action moves to Antioch.
• In acts 28:16-31 of Acts: Finally, at Rome, Israel’s Kingdom hopes are temporarily set aside.

The conclusion is obvious – a change is taking place.

The Jewish Agency for Evangelism is set aside:

• Isaiah 49:6, 66:18-19 and many other Old Testament passages tell us Israel was to be the agency through which Gentiles were to be saved.
• Acts 13:46, 18:6 and 28:27-28, clearly state that this Jewish Agency for evangelism is being set aside in favor of an entirely new agency – the Body of Christ.

The conclusion is obvious - a change is taking place.

Old Testament Principles and Principles of the Dispensation of Grace Operating Side by Side:

• The Angel of the Lord (5:19, 8:26; 12:7,23; 27:23), and visions (Acts 9:10; 10:3,17; 16:9) led, guided and assisted believers. Such things were common place in the Old Testament with God’s dealing with Israel.
• The Holy Spirit is leading, guiding and assisting believers (Acts 9:31; 13:2, 15:28; 16:6; 20:23,28), which is common throughout the Dispensation of Grace.

The conclusion is again obvious – a change is taking place.

The Changing Patterns for Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism

• Before the Book of Acts: Water baptism only (Jn 1:31; 7:39; 14:17 cf Heb 9:10)
• In Acts 2:38: First water baptism, Then spirit baptism by the laying on of hands.
• In Acts 10:44-48: First Spirit Baptism, Then water baptism
• After the Acts: Sprit Baptism only (Eph4:5)

The inescapable conclusion – a change is taking place.

The Change in Financial Policies on Believers:

• Kingdom Collectivism (Acts 2:44-45; 4:33-34; 5:1-11). “Neither was there any among them that lacked.”
• Church Grace (11:29 cf Rom 15:26): “For the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.”

The Three Major Turning Points in the Book of Acts:

1. The Outrage against Stephen (Acts 7:57-58)
2. The outbreak against Paul (Acts 22:22)
3. The outgoing to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28)

What are these if not turning points? And, if they do not indicate a pointing to another dispensation, then to what are they pointing?

If the Book of Acts were a “Handbook for the Function and Operation of the Local Church today” – then we must have…

Apostolic Rulership (5:11 cf Mt 16:19, Jn 20:23)
Communal Living (2:44-45; 4:34-37; 5:1-11)
Temple Worship (2:46; 3:1; 5:42; 21:26-27)
Healings (5:15-16; 19:12)
Tongues (2:4,11; 10:46; 19:6)
Miracles (6:8; 8:6; 19:11)
Visions (11:5; 16:9; 18:9)
Laying on of Hands (8:18; 19:6)
Baptism for Salvation and gift of the Holy Spirit (2:38; 22:16)
Lawkeeping (21:20)
Women Preachers (2:17, 21:9)
Angelic Visitations (5:19, 26; 12:7,23; 27:23)

Conclusion: We must be aware of the nature of the Book of Acts lest we create hopeless chaos by mixing Jewish Kingdom truth with the Church Age truth. Please lets not be guilty of “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

Evangelist S. Lee Homoki
April 2007

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[kenod]

This was in the church bulletin last week at the church I attended. It says it can be used without charge, but I couldn't find it online.

After reading the bulletin, my guess is that your church does not believe in the gifts of the Spirit being still active in the Church today. Please correct me if I am wrong, but this interpretation of Scripture is often used to deny the work of the Holy Spirit as Paul explained it to the Corinthians.

1 Cor 12:28 NIV
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles,
second prophets,
third teachers,
then workers of miracles,
also those having gifts of healing,
those able to help others,
those with gifts of administration,
and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Experience alone is not a good basis for belief, but experience backed up by Scripture is a solid foundation. It is my experience that God still operates in the Church the same way today as He did in the early Church.

[BlessedinHim]

BlessedinHim, I know you're working through Acts. I haven't studied a lot of that book yet on this issue, as I started from Paul's letters. I'll be moving on to this soon. This was in the church bulletin last week at the church I attended. It says it can be used without charge, but I couldn't find it online. So I typed it.. all credit is given.. I think that covers any copyright issues, but if not, mods, please let me know and I'll email this directly to anyone who is interested.

I think I have checked for typos; if any verses seem out of place, please fault me first and have me go check the original

Thank you. CarolLyn posted the verse that showed me what you were telling me.

Acts 20: 24. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.


Acts 22: 17. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
18. And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
19. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
20. And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
21. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

All I can say is wow, I still dont know why there were 2 Gospels.

The above does say Paul first preached the Kingdom of God.

that explains why there was no confusion when the Apostles and Paul preached to the same crowd. After he received the full gospel of grace,during his trance and he was instructed to get away from the place he was in, he then went on to the gentiles to preach that gospel. and if anyone, who, whether Jew, Gentile, bond or free, chooses to actively believe they will be saved by grace.

You cant pound the word or what you think the word says, you have to let the spirit do it. amen.

[Aliya]

After reading the bulletin, my guess is that your church does not believe in the gifts of the Spirit being still active in the Church today.


I don't know what they believe at this point. I just went there for the first time and was surprised to see this in the bulletin. I know that in general they don't think much of those who claim to heal people, because you never actually see any physical change (like the blind to see, the lame to walk etc). They don't discount the working of angels, visions and dreams - I think the point is that those have a special time and place.. and generally it isn't to make televangelists rich. I'll be curious to learn more.

[Aliya]

All I can say is wow, I still dont know why there were 2 Gospels.

Romans 11 is the only reason I have found so far. Israel refused to repent of rejecting their messiah (with the stoning of Stephen) and this was done to provoke them. It seems so... simple, LOL. Maybe we'll learn more some day.

The above does say Paul first preached the Kingdom of God.

I haven't studied a lot of Acts yet. He didn't preach it in his epistles.. and that makes sense - those were written to primarily Gentile congregations and the Kingdom applies to Israel. I would assume right after his conversion, when he was learning and being transitioned into what the Lord called him to, perhaps he did, around the Jews. That seems to fit with that verse. But I cant' find it in his letters anywhere.

[BlessedinHim]

ok, now another question. The Jews who repented of the death of Christ, will they be raptured when we are or will they only enter into the millennial Kingdom? Why?

[BlessedinHim]

After reading the bulletin, my guess is that your church does not believe in the gifts of the Spirit being still active in the Church today. Please correct me if I am wrong, but this interpretation of Scripture is often used to deny the work of the Holy Spirit as Paul explained it to the Corinthians.

1 Cor 12:28 NIV
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles,
second prophets,
third teachers,
then workers of miracles,
also those having gifts of healing,
those able to help others,
those with gifts of administration,
and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Experience alone is not a good basis for belief, but experience backed up by Scripture is a solid foundation. It is my experience that God still operates in the Church the same way today as He did in the early Church.

Could it be that the intensity of the gift is not as necessary today, and the fact that we should not be seeking signs and wonders as the unsaved do in these days seek after signs and wonders? Indeed, the unsaved after the rapture will get their signs and wonders, but they will be from the anti-christ.

I believe in the gifts, but I have not seen the intensity of the gifts today that happened then as we perceive them in the written word.

Perhaps these miraculous happenings were toned down to increase the faith without sight? or to bless us more in that we believe tho we have not seen?

[Aliya]

ok, now another question. The Jews who repented of the death of Christ, will they be raptured when we are or will they only enter into the millenial Kingdom? Why?

A couple of us that are studying this (its new to all of us) were wondering that too. I haven't found a scriptural answer so far - just speculation from various people. In the Kingdom gospel, they had to just believe Jesus was the Messiah. I think the people resurrected the same day as Jesus were people who had believed in him but died prior to the Cross, so clearly they're saved.... and they died long before the criteria for salvation was the death/burial/resurrection.

I wonder how the rewards are different for the Kingdom gospel believers? For instance, the twelve are told they will rule the twelve tribes of Israel, who will rule the nations. So will OT believers. We know as the Body of Christ, we are one with Christ and joint heirs, so we will rule and reign with Him. We don't know doing what, though. I wonder if the rewards/responsibilities are different in the MK between the earthly people and heavenly people?

And of course, when Eternity starts, what then? Will we still be an earthly people (Jews) and a heavenly people (Body of Christ) or one unifed group? Scripture doesnt' say! I suppose God wants to keep some secrets. :)

Kind of fun to speculate, though.