Discover the dispensation of grace!
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
But shun profane and vain babblings:
for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
2 Timothy 2:15-16 (AKJB)
The Dispensation of Grace
Romans thru Philemon
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"Dispensation" is Biblical
Dispensation is Biblical. A “dispensation” in the Bible is “a specific set of information God gives to man for his faith and obedience during a particular time period or age.” It is the noun form of the verb “dispense” (to distribute, supply, deliver). The English word “dispensation” appears four times in the Authorized Version King James Bible (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25).
What Is A Dispensation?
Dispensationalism is that method of reading the Bible respecting God’s progressive revelation and separate ways of dealing with humanity throughout the ages. Each distinct order of operation between God and humanity is revealed progressively and can be studied as a separate dispensation. Included in a dispensational understanding is recognition of God’s dual purpose for humanity; that is, His purpose for man on earth, and his purpose for man in heavenly places (Eph 2:10).
The Bible supports at least five prominent dispensations or separate economies in which God deals with humanity:
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Promise
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Law
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Grace (Faith)
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Kingdom
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Fulness of Times
We see the dispensation of Promise delivered by God in Galatians 3:16 which says, ‘to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.’ In Galatians 3:17,19 we read that the Law was added after the Promise because of transgressions.
The passage continues to describe how the ‘law was added because of transgressions, TIL THE SEED SHOULD COME TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE’. In Galatians 3:22 we read that the promise was made to Christ and given to them who by FAITH will believe.
Paul writes about this dispensation of faith as new information. He continues in Galatians 3:23 to explain, ‘But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.’ In Ephesians 3:2-3 Paul says:
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…” – Eph 3:2-3
and in Romans 6:14, “…for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
The faith that Paul wrote about in Galatians 3:23 was that revelation of Grace revealed to him and kept secret from the prior generations.
Paul writes of the distant future when he says in Ephesians 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”
However, the dispensation of the fulness of times will not appear before the instituted kingdom on earth that God promised to the nation Israel in Jeremiah 31 and in Hebrews 8. Hebrews 2:8 describes this future hope of the kingdom to the Hebrews in Paul’s day:
“Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.” – Hebrews 2:8
There will be time after this age of Grace is over that God will usher in the Kingdom as described in Revelation 12:10.
So then, as we understand the dispensations of God, we can better understand how to read our Bibles and God’s plan for the Ages.
The Apostle Paul was a Dispensationalist!
So was Jesus! So is Satan!
“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
if ye have heard of the DISPENSATION of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;
(as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read,
ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,
as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;”
Ephesians 3:1-5 (AKJB)
“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the DISPENSATION of God
which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"
Colossians 1:25-27 (AKJB)
“That in the DISPENSATION of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;
even in him:”
Ephesians 1:10 (AKJB)
“For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward:
but if against my will, a DISPENSATION of the gospel is committed unto me.”
1 Corinthians 9:17 (AKJB)
WAS JESUS CHRIST A DISPENSATIONALIST?
by Shawn Brasseaux
DISPENSATION CHART
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (AKJB)
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
and that he was buried,
and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (AKJB)
What is Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division
Mid-Acts dispensational Bible study recognizes the importance of the mystery of Christ revealed to the apostle Paul as doctrine particular to the church in the present dispensation (Rom 16:25, Col 1:25-27, Eph 3:2-4).
While most Bible students would make the most important division in the Bible to be between Israel and the Church or the Old and New Testaments, mid-Acts Bible study teaches the most important distinction in your Bible to be the right division between God’s Mystery purpose, “kept secret since the world began”, and God’s Prophecy purpose, which had been “spoken since the world began” (Acts 3:19-21 vs. Rom 16:25).
Understanding the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul for us clears up the theological confusion that is created by blending Prophecy and Mystery doctrines. Some controversial doctrines resolved by Pauline right division include:
Jesus instructs us to identify Paul as our pattern (1 Tim 1:16; 1 Cor 4:16; 1 Cor 11:1). A failure to operate according to the Lord’s revelations to Paul often leads to frustration with denominational traditions, including:
If you have been confused by some of these doctrines or frustrated by empty Church tradition, consider the Lord’s revelation to Paul and get some answers (2 Tim 2:7).
Basic teachings of Mid Acts Dispensational right division
– Jesus, in his earthly ministry, ministered to the circumcision. (Rom 15:8, see here)
– The mystery of Christ was first revealed to Paul (Col 1:25-26, 1 Tim 1:16, and here)
– Prophecy and mystery are different (Acts 3:19-21 vs Rom 16:25)
– Peter and Paul taught different messages (Peter prophecy, and Paul mystery: See here)
– Prophecy has been interrupted. (See here)
– The gospel of the kingdom is not the gospel of the grace of God (See here and here)
– Israel’s Church and the Church, the body of Christ, are different. (See here)
Further study:
Common Responses to mid-Acts dispensational right division.
Contradictions resolved by mid-Acts dispensational Bible study.
What is the Mystery information?
What is the Prophecy information?
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about mid-Acts.
† Dr. C.I. Scofield made this statement in the notes on Ephesians 3:6 in his popular study Bible. Scofield was neither mid-Acts dispensational, nor without error in his notes, but the mid-Acts Pauline position stands on the truth of this statement.
Why False Teachers Preach False Doctrines!
A failure to rightly divide the mystery information given to the Apostle Paul (Rom 16:25)
from the prophecy information given to God’s prophets since the world began (Acts 3:21),
produces significant doctrinal confusion.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (AKJB)
"Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
Acts 3:21 (AKJB)
"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,"
Romans 16:25 (AKJB)
"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."
2 Timothy 2:7 (AKJB)
Rightly Dividing the Word of God!
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (AKJB)
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NO MORE REVELATION FROM GOD
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We can now all potentially come unto a perfect man because that which is perfect of 1 Cor.13:10 ( full knowledge and full prophecy) came in Paul's life, and through his ministry.
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Moreover, before the full revelation of the mystery was given, God gave special gifts to men whereby these individuals would be the means of the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry.
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When the full revelation of the mystery came, these gifts also passed away! It is true that today, we have men who do the work of evangelists, pastors, and teachers. It is also clear that they do not do it on the basis of a supernatural gift, but rather on the basis of laboring in the Word and doctrine (1 Tim.5:17).
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The issue today is God working through a yielded believer by His completed Word (rightly divided), which enables the church to enjoy the blessings that were once imparted as supernatural gifts (Phil.2:13; 2 Tim.2:21).
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Those who fail to recognize the distinctiveness of Paul and his authority to the Body of Christ by the Word of God are not fit to be ministering to anyone in the Body because they have proved themselves to be unfaithful!
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Why Preaching Peter Makes Us All Liars
Acts 2:38 is no doubt one of the most popular verses in Acts chapter 2. It is used quite often by those that make water baptism part of the gospel, but it is most often quoted out of context. What about the rest of Peter’s message?
If you think our pattern begins at Pentecost, then why don’t you ever hear Peter’s sermon at Pentecost repeated in its entirety from pulpits today?
Perhaps it is because repeating Peter’s Pentecostal message in its entirety would make us all liars. Preaching Acts 2:14-39 to the church today would feel awkward, out of place, doctrinally incorrect, and, at best, incomplete.
Here are half a dozen lies that would be spoken if you preached Peter’s message to your church.
“ye men of Judaea… ye men of Israel” – Acts 2:14; Acts 2:22
Peter specifically addressed Jews and Israel on the day of Pentecost. This is not merely a problem of a different audience, because Peter deliberately excluded Gentiles knowing the kingdom was promised to Israel (Acts 2:39; Acts 3:25-26).
Furthermore, he had not yet learned the acceptance of Gentiles by God (Acts 11:18), and Peter’s ministry was to Jews only before he was pushed to visit Cornelius (Acts 11:19).
By taking this approach, you would be neglecting to preach the gospel of Christ to all: Jew and Gentile, without difference (Rom 1:16; Gal 3:28).
“this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” – Acts 2:16
Would you dare say this from a pulpit? Especially after the hullabaloo that has recently passed about the end of the world in September, that is now come and gone, and become the laughingstock of Bible Christianity.
The “this” Peter refers to are the supernatural prophesies uttered by the power of the Spirit in the languages of the world. Is this your ministry? Do you speak in tongues? If you are not, then you are lying that Pentecost is your pattern.
Pentecostals for over a century have claimed passages like this to support their confusing and chaotic utterances, when in actuality the words at Pentecost were all understood, and spoke to “that” which Joel prophesied: the restoration of Israel’s kingdom and language. Joel did not speak about the mystery church of today (Rom 16:25).
So, whether you are part of the tongue talking groups, or not, it would be wrong to repeat “this is that”. Salvation is not being today in Zion and in Jerusalem (Joel 2:32).
“a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs… as ye yourselves also know” – Acts 2:22
No one alive today has seen Jesus live among us. None of us has a genuine memory of Jesus of Nazareth. No one today is witness to a single miracle of
Jesus while he was on earth.
All that we know of him we read from inspired scripture. Yet, Peter was using their memory of these miracles to prove who Jesus was. Knowing Jesus and remembering his miracles is a prerequisite for the unbelievers listening to Peter’s message.
“ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” – Acts 2:23
I did not do this, and neither did you. Everyone that delivered Christ to council, nailed him to the cross, and cheered at his death sentence is now dead.
Peter is blaming that generation with the murder of Jesus, and we do not fit in the audience. The only way we can see our guilt in the death of Christ is according to the mystery when we realize that he purposely died for our sins, and so our sins made his death necessary.
Meanwhile, we are told to glory in the cross (Gal 6:14); whereas every time Peter mentions it in Acts 2, it is a shame to Israel.
Preaching that I crucified Christ with my wicked hands would be a spiritual lie; preaching Christ dying willingly for my sins is the gospel not preached at Pentecost.
“whereof [the resurrection] we all are witnesses” – Acts 2:32
No one has seen Christ resurrected since the days of Paul. Paul declares that last of all he was seen of him (1 Cor 15:8).
We believe the death and resurrection of Christ because of the scripture records, not because of a promise that God has given to appear personally before each person that believes.
“he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear… ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” – Acts 2:34; Acts 2:38
Peter was offering the same thing that was happening to all the believers at Pentecost to the unbelievers at Pentecost. If you do not have a public testimony of the Spirit’s gifts, and if the Spirit does not empower those you baptize to do what they did at Pentecost, either God is a liar, or you are (Rom 3:4).
Pentecost was a one-time event that fulfilled prophecy toward Israel. The revelation of the mystery of Christ, his church, and the gospel of grace was not yet known.
Stop the Lies
The ministry of Peter and Paul were different.
These statements were not lies when Peter spoke them at Pentecost, but by repeating them today in our churches they become lies. This should be a good indication that the message and ministry of Peter at Pentecost is not our pattern.
The pattern of God’s grace sent to unbelieving Gentiles is found in Paul’s epistles. Paul’s ministry began in the middle of the book of Acts after Israel had rejected the Pentecostal promise of the last days and the earthly kingdom.
Whereas preaching Peter’s message would make me a liar, there is no problem reading what Paul wrote in the book of Romans in my church without a lie. This is what should be done more often.
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WHAT IS THE LARGEST CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION?
Answer. The largest Christian Denomination in the world is the Church of IGNORANT BRETHREN.
Paul writes "I would not you be ignorant" several times in his Epistles and yet the vast majority of Christians are just that. They are ignorant on the Revelation of the Mystery, Paul's gospel and apostleship as the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Many are ignorant as to when the church truly began in this Dispensation of the Grace of God.
Many think we the church today have replaced Israel or believe we are spiritual Israel, while nothing could be farther from the truth.
The vast majority of Christians fail to rightly divide the word of truth and have little or no understanding on dispensational teaching. And when it comes to Body Truth they are ignorant to the fact that our instructions today are found only in the epistles of Paul (Romans through Philemon KJV).
Because of these things they have joined the Church of Ignorant Brethren. The Body of Christ isn't found anywhere else in scripture except the teachings of the apostle Paul.
Mid Acts 9 through Philemon KJV until the Rapture. Dispensational study matters.
By Jon Tisch
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Do you know the will of God?
Before learning to discern God’s will through right division it is common to be on a lifelong journey to discover God’s will.
Without right division the Bible is beyond understanding, so we look to our heart’s desires and life’s circumstances for clues to what it is.
Telling ourselves that the unknown outcome is in God’s hands, we take blind steps towards our own ends while remaining ignorant of His will.
This is all a deception, and the greatest one there is: we do our own will, and in hindsight call it God’s.
It is a lie that God’s will is beyond understanding. It is a greater lie that we can do God’s will without knowing what it is.
If you do not know God’s will, then you are not doing God’s will. To do God’s will you must first know it.
If you do not know God’s will you cannot live a life in Christ. Ignorance of God’s will condemns us to death.
If you are ignorant of God’s will, and continue to say you are living your life for the Lord, you are only deceiving yourself.
The truth is you are doing your own will, and calling it God’s. This is rebellion.
Right division is a giant arrow pointing you to God’s plainly revealed will in the Bible.
Learn God’s will here: 1 Tim 2:4, Eph 1:9-10, Eph 3:8-10, 1 Thess 4:3, and 1 Thess 5:16-18.
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” – Eph 5:17
It would be wise to stop the search.
For His glory,
By Justin Johnson “no longer looking
THE BODY OF CHRIST IS NOT IN A COVENANT TEACHING REINFORCED
by Jon Tisch
The Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy states:
STUDY to shew thyself APPROVED UNTO GOD (it says to be approved unto GOD, not to be approved unto MAN, not to be approved unto your Pastors, not to be approved unto BIBLE SCHOOLS, not to be approved unto DENOMINATIONAL POSITION)
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of truth (it says rightly dividing the word of truth, meaning word of TRUTH from another word of TRUTH, NOT word of truth from ERROR).
False Teachers with DEADLY DOCTRINES are those teaching the Bible but NOT RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Bible, they're being SCRIPTURAL but NOT DISPENSATIONAL.
The CHURCH, the Body of Christ is a MYSTERY. The New Covenant was PROPHESIED, it was NOT in any way the mystery church, teaching that it is, is a FRAUD. The implementation of the New Covenant for Israel is HALTED it will only BE RESUMED when the fullness of the Gentiles be come. It will fully be implemented during the millennial reign of Christ on Earth promised for the House of Israel and the House of Judah. See references, the Bible, the Word of God:
Rom 11:25-27 KJV
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that BLINDNESS IN PART IS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED: AS IT IS WRITTEN, THERE SHALL COME OUT OF SION THE DELIVERER, AND SHALL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB: For this is my "COVENANT" unto them, WHEN I SHALL TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS."
Act 3:18-19 KJV
"But those things, which God before had shewed by the MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that YOUR SINS "MAY BE" BLOTTED OUT, when the times of refreshing shall come FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD;"
Be always IN THE CONTEXT NOT OUT OF THE CONTEXT. Never assume something when the scripture doesn't say so or else you're just speculating, and that is NOT and will NEVER be acceptable. Do NOT jump or you'll miss the whole thing and fall into fallacious conclusion. Classic example: Eph 2:12 and Eph 2:19.
If we ignore the verses between Eph 2:12 and Eph 2:19, we could easily jump to the wrong conclusion that the mystery church is Israel now and the true recipients of Israel’s covenants of promise.
Between Eph 2:12 and Eph 2:19 there is a dispensational change. That is to say Paul explains a change in God’s revelation concerning how he relates to us and we to him.
In Ephesians 2:12 Paul is explaining the way God related to the world in “time past” as seen in the previous verse.
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;” – Ephesians 2:11
In time past God purposed to work through Israel to bless the nations. Israel was the channel of blessing from God to the world. No one had closer access to God than did a Jew.
Jews were separated from Gentiles by their God given covenants, circumcision, and laws.
In time past, Gentiles had no access to God or his blessings except through Israel and their covenants. Gentiles had no hope without Israel, the created nation of priests.
But now, it is different.
A DISPENSATIONAL CHANGE
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” – Eph 2:13
In a single verse Paul leaps a dispensational boundary from how God operated in time past, to describing how God operates now.
Now, Gentiles have the privilege of being “in Christ Jesus” by the blood of Christ offered to all, both those that were far off in time past, and those that were nigh in time past (Eph 2:17).
No longer do Gentiles need to go to Israel or be partakers of their covenants of promise to receive hope and blessings from God.
Eph 2:13 describes their privilege of gaining access to God and his blessings by means of the blood of Christ.
Instead of requiring Israel to offer sacrifices to make peace with God, Gentiles could now glory that Christ Jesus is our peace (Eph 2:14).
The same Christ according to the mystery has broken down what separated the Jew and Gentile in time past, and which, at that time, gave Israel special access to God and salvation.
Now, all have free access to God through Jesus Christ by the preaching of the cross.
Paul continues to explain the change in Eph 2:15-16. Whereas in time past there were two peoples (Jew and Gentiles), there is now only one man.
Moreover, the one man is a new man, being neither Jew nor Gentile.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” – Gal 6:15
Both Jew and Gentile are reconciled to God equally in one body by the cross (Eph 2:16).
In time past, the house of God was the house of Israel. But now, the house of God is a body of believers in Christ.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Cor 3:16
Gentiles do not need to go through Israel to be reconciled. They now have access in the “one body” of Christ.
Gentiles do not need to partake in Israel’s covenants of promise to have peace with God. They can now be saved freely by the cross (Eph 2:8-9).
Eph 2:18 explains the benefit and privilege that is now accessible to Gentiles.
In time past it would’ve been a privilege to be part of Israel, and heir to Israel’s covenants, because it would grant exclusive access to God and his blessings.
But now, access to the Father is offered freely to all men through Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.
“For through [Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” – Eph 2:18
Men no longer need to be citizens of Israel to have access to God. We need to be members of the one body of Christ, the new creature.
Neither do men need to be heirs of Israel’s covenants to receive blessings from God. We need to be part of God’s promise in Christ to offer salvation freely to all men by his grace (Eph 3:6).
In time past Gentiles were aliens from Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise given to Israel, making them far off from the only channel of access to God and his blessings.
But now, a new channel of direct access to God is revealed for both Jew and Gentile which is through the Lord Jesus Christ according to the gospel of the grace of God.
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Eph 2:19
There is no more separation between Jew and Gentile. We are fellowcitizens with all saints (who are no longer called circumcision nor uncircumcision, but saints).
Instead of becoming part of the house of Israel and Judah according to the old and new covenants, we are partakers of the household of God, which is the church (1 Tim 3:15).
Instead of strangers we are all familiar to God, and instead of being foreign we can now receive the benefits of God’s grace as rightful heirs in Christ (Rom 5:2, Rom 8:17).
If any be in Christ, he is no more strangers and foreigners.
Our LOYALTY must be and should always be to GOD, in His WORDS alone. NOT TO MAN, NOT TO THE DOCTRINES OF RELIGION. Exercise SOLA SCRIPTURA!
Have you ever been intimidated by the Bible?
Scripture isn’t as confusing as some may think.
Just as we have a past, present and future:
Scripture has a past, present and future.
Scripture is simply divided into: “Times Past, “But now” and “Ages to Come.”
Here is a simple breakdown of God’s timeline:
Prophecy stopped when mystery began.
Let me explain.
The nation of Israel was promised a kingdom and a King. (Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 11:1)
Jesus Christ was that promised King. (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:5)
Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom (as did his 12 disciples) for three years during his earthly ministry. (Matthew 4:23)
Jesus even specifically told his 12 disciples NOT to go to the Gentiles (non-Jew) or even the Samaritans (half-Jew) but to GO RATHER to the lost sheep of the house of Israel! (Matthew 10:5-6)
Instead of crowning him their King - Israel crucified him. (John 1:11, John 19:6, Acts 2:36)
But they didn’t know what they were doing- this is why Jesus cried: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
According the law, there were provisions for ignorance.
(Leviticus 4:13-21)
According to Luke 13:5-7 God gave the nation of Israel one year following his three year earthly ministry to repent for the murder of their promised King and receive Jesus as their King.
Jesus came for three years seeking fruit on Israel’s fig tree and found none.
Telling the dresser of the vineyard to cut it down (the fig tree which represents Israel.)
Saying “why cumbereth it the ground?”
But the dresser of the vineyard (God the Father) then says to Jesus:
“Lord, let it alone this year also till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And IF it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”
(Luke 13:8-9)
Did you see that?
If.
That’s a conditional clause.
Israel had ONE YEAR to get their house in order and to REPENT.
Because IF they didn’t…
“…after THAT (the one year extension of mercy) thou (Jesus Christ) shalt cut it down.”
From the cross of Christ to the stoning of Stephen is this one year to repent.
Some Jews believe what Peter preached they repent and get baptized in Acts 2 (Jesus called these saints the “little flock” Luke 12:32)
But the majority of Israel didn’t.
Israel (as a whole) did not repent, in fact scripture says Stephen was brought before the council of Israel and that Stephens face appears to them as if it was the face of an angel (Acts 6:15)
Stephen goes through the entire history of Israel and how they have always resisted the Holy Ghost and killed their prophets accused them of being stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears and Israel was cut to the heart-
But it doesn’t produce repentance towards God. They resist the Holy Ghost in Acts 7 and they stone Stephen.
This is where Israel fell.
Jesus cuts Israel down.
Why?
God concluded ALL in unbelief (Romans 11:32)
God had a plan that no one (including Satan!) knew about to redeem the heavens as well as the earth.
(Colossians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 2:8, Ephesians 2:2)
Suddenly, something happens that wasn’t prophesied.
Jesus saves the apostle Paul in Acts 9 giving him the “revelation of the mystery” (the revelation of the mystery is the church the body of Christ)
The same Paul that was there consenting to the stoning of Stephen was now face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why?
Jesus saves Paul for a very specific reason.
Paul was Jesus’ chosen vessel to bear his name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.
(Acts 9:15)
The church the body of Christ was never prophecied about in times past. It was a secret hid in God since the foundation of the world.
(Ephesians 3:9)
Unlike the 12 disciples, Jesus told Paul to GO to Gentiles! (1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11, Romans 11:13)
Peter (also called Cephas) James and John agreed together with the apostle Paul that they (Peter, James and John) would go to the Circumcision (Israel) and he (Paul) would go to the heathen (Gentiles)
(Galatians 2:7-9)
Paul didn’t preach the same gospel as the 12 disciples because he didn’t learn his gospel from the 12 disciples and scripture clearly tells us that
Paul had to tell the 12 disciples what his gospel was! And he didn’t even tell them until 17 years after his Damascus road salvation!
(Galatians 1:12, Galatians 2:2)
You can see that Paul and Peter (along with the 12 disciples) preached different gospels because scripture says so in Galatians 2:7
God stops the prophetic program with Israel (prophecy belongs to Israel) and he begins the dispensation of the grace of God.
From Acts 9 until the rapture we have been in the dispensation of the grace of God.
(Ephesians 3:2)
You cannot find the rapture outside of Pauls 13 epistles.
Right now, all men- no matter if they are Jew or Greek, male or female, bond or free- can be saved by trusting alone in the gospel of Christ.
(Galatians 3:28)
It’s the gospel of Christ that is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes!
(Romans 1:16)
The gospel of Christ is simply this:
“How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
This is Pauls “my gospel.”
(2 Timothy 2:8, 1 Timothy 1:11, 1 Corinthians 9:17, Romans 16:25, Romans 2:16)
Once the fullness of the Gentiles is come in: the Lord himself shall descend from heaven and he will shout with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God- he will catch away the church the body of Christ out of the earth.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Then God will once again deal with the nation of Israel according to prophecy.
A lot of people are saying that we are watching prophecy unfold today…
But prophecy buffs are ignorant of the revelation of the mystery given to the apostle Paul.
They can’t even explain why the kingdom that Christ preached on earth didn’t come.
This is why the kingdom didn’t come:
It’s because of Israel’s unbelief.
(John 12:37, Mark 6:6, Romans 11:12, Romans 11:31)
Just as Israel couldn’t go into the promised land because of unbelief.
(Numbers 14:29,32, Hebrews 3:19)
The fall of Israel is the reason for God’s mercy to all men the past two thousand years!
(Roman’s 11:11)
The word “dispensation” is mentioned in your King James Bible 4 times.
You might not be a dispensationalist- but God is.
“Dispensation” simply means:
“Distribution; the act of dealing out to different persons or places; as the dispensation of water indifferently to all parts of the earth.”
(Webster’s 1828 dictionary)
God is dispensing his free gift of salvation today by GRACE through faith apart from works (James isn’t talking to Gentiles under grace- we’ve established that in Galatians 2:7-9) James tells us himself who he is writing to in James 1:1.
Salvation by grace through faith by trusting alone in the gospel of Christ only belongs to the dispensation of the grace of God.
Once this dispensation ends (at the blessed hope)- a person must endure to the end to be saved.
Times Past:
The Old Testament testified of the coming of Jesus Christ, Israel’s promised king.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John told of this arrival of Christ to Israel.
The book of Acts is the transition from prophecy to mystery. From law to grace. Acts is historical- not for establishing doctrine.
But Now:
Paul’s letters, Romans through Philemon, are written specifically for the church the body of Christ under grace. From Acts 9 til the rapture.
Ages to Come:
Hebrews through Revelation is to the nation of Israel in the ages to come following the rapture of the church the body of Christ.
“Times past, but now and ages to come.”
This is what it means to rightly divide the word of truth according to 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
DISPENSATIONAL TRUTHS, RIGHTLY DIVIDED
Tony Goodin
— Dispensational Bible study is the method of reading and interpreting the Bible literally, while respecting God's Order of progressive Revelation given to Man for obedience (Hebrews 1 vs 1 - 2).
— And the Right Division of Scripture is the Art of separating MYSTERY Truths from PROPHESIED Truths, and taking the firm stand that the Doctrine, Duty and Destiny of the Church today in this current Dispensation of Grace, is found in Paul's 13 Epistles alone. — Ephesians 3 vs 1 - 12
— Without Rightly Dividing, the Holy Bible cannot be understood. The Glory and Grace of Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection is clearly revealed to you, only when you Rightly Divide your King James Bible, as shown below : -
1.) The Mystery Of Christ Was Revealed FIRST TO PAUL.
— According to Prophecy, Gentiles would be saved through the Nation Israel (Isaiah 2 vs 2 - 4, 60 vs 1 - 3). In the Old Testament, Gentiles were to be saved, if they Proselyted to the Jews' Religion (Ruth 1 vs 16 - 17), or Blessed Israel in some way (Luke 7 vs 1 - 10), or Submitted to Israel's Preeminence in God's Prophetic Plan (Matthew 15 vs 21 - 28). So then, Jesus Christ saving Gentiles was not a Mystery. It was already prophesied that Gentiles would be saved through Israel's rise to Kingdom Glory, through THE FULLNESS OF ISRAEL. — Zechariah 8 vs 20 - 23 —
— But the information which God withheld from all the Prophets was that God would begin the Dispensation of Grace, to save Lost Jews and Gentiles into One Body, through Paul's Apostolic Ministry, apart from National Israel and her Kingdom Dominion (Romans 11 vs 11 - 13). Salvation coming to the Gentiles through Israel's Spiritual Fall and Blindness, was the Mystery that was kept secret, but the Lord Jesus revealed it FIRST to the Apostle Paul (Romans 11 vs 25). This Revelation of the Mystery given First to Paul, further explains that through Faith alone in Christ's Finished Cross-Work alone, through THE FULNESS OF CHRIST, would all men be saved, without National Israel, and without Israel's Laws and Covenants. — Ephesians 2 vs 11 - 22 ---
2.) Prophecy Was Interrupted By GRACE DISPENSATION.
— The Apostle Peter identifies the Pentecostal Jewish Feasts in Acts 2 as the Last days of Israel's Prophecy, and not the start of something new (Acts 2 vs 14 - 17). Prophecy is not being fulfilled today because Prophecy's chief Nation, Israel, is currently fallen, spiritually blind, and temporarily cast away (Romans 11 vs 25). Again, according to Daniel's 70 Weeks Prophecy, the next stage of Prophecy which is GOD'S JUDGEMENT AND WRATH, is still delayed. And so we ask, what explains the absence of Israel's prophesied Kingdom on Earth?; the 2000 Years gap in Prophecy?; this untold interruption in Israel's prophetic timeline? — Daniel 9 vs 25 - 26 —
— The 2000 Years gap in Israel's prophetic timeline is explained by the Revelation of the Mystery of Christ given to Paul, the last Apostle of Christ (Colossians 1 vs 25 - 26). For the past 2000 Years, we have been living in the Mystery Dispensation of GOD'S GRACE AND PEACE, as documented to us uniquely in Paul's Epistles alone, from Romans all through to Philemon (Ephesians 3 vs 1 - 6). According to the eternal Purpose of God, this interruption covers the period from Acts 9 until the Rapture of the Church today (1 Corinthians 9 vs 16 - 17). Once the Body of Christ is gathered together in the Air at Christ's future Mystery Coming, then Israel's Prophetic Clock will resume where it stopped, and God shall surely fulfil all the Kingdom Promises to Israel. Amen. — 2 Thessalonians 2 vs 6 - 8 —
3.) PROPHECY And MYSTERY Revelations Are Different.
— Prophecy refers to Revelations about God's Plan and Purpose concerning the Earth, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN by the mouth of all His Holy Prophets since the World began (Acts 3 vs 19 - 21). The main subjects of Prophecy are Israel, the Law, and the Earth. In the Bible, Prophecy is detailly documented from Genesis to Acts 8, and from Hebrews all through to Revelation (Luke 1 vs 68 - 70). These 53 Hebrew Books are addressed to the Hebrews, and not to us today, the Body of Christ Church (James 1 vs 1). Peter and the 11 Apostles preached Christ's Death and Resurrection according to Prophecy. — 1 Peter 1 vs 18 - 21 —
— But in sharp contrast, Mystery focuses on Revelations about God's Plan and Purpose concerning the Heavens, WHICH WAS KEPT SECRET since the World began, until Christ Jesus revealed it first to Paul (Romans 16 vs 25 - 26). The main subjects of the Mystery are the Body of Christ, Grace, and Heaven. The Mystery of Christ is found in Paul's 13 Epistles alone, and are addressed to the New Creature Church today (Ephesians 3 vs 7 - 9). The Apostle Paul preached Christ's Death and Resurrection according to the Mystery. — 1 Corinthians 2 vs 6 - 8 —
4.) ISRAEL And The BODY OF CHRIST Are Different.
— National Israel is the Circumcision, the Holy Lineage descending from the 12 Sons of Jacob, with whom Jehovah God covenanted the Holy Land, the Holy Laws, and also gave the Lord Jesus, to Lead the Israelites into Kingdom Dominion over the Gentile Nations (Romans 9 vs 4 - 5). According to God's Prophetic Plan, the Jews are THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD OF GOD, whom God created to dwell alone, and Israel shall not be reckoned among the Gentile Nations. — Numbers 23 vs 9 —
— But the Church today is the Body of Christ, the Spiritual Temple of God, the New Creature, that Workmanship of God created In Christ through reconciling Jews and Gentiles in One Body, to form the One New Man Body, with Christ Jesus as the Head, and destined to reign in the Heavenly places (Ephesians 2 vs 10 - 13). Through Faith alone in the access-giving Blood of Christ's Cross, Believers today become MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, without Israel's Law and Covenants. — Ephesians 2 vs 13 - 16 —
5.) KINGDOM Gospel And GRACE Gospel Are Different.
— Jesus Christ instructed Israel's 12 Apostles to preach the Gospel of the KINGDOM of God (Matthew 10 vs 5 - 7). Their FAITH IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, accompanied by the necessary Water and Spirit Baptism was required for Salvation, for entrance into Christ's future Millennial Kingdom on Earth. — Acts 2 vs 36 - 38 —
— But Christ Jesus gave the Gospel of the GRACE of God to Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles, to testify to us today (Acts 20 vs 24). Our FAITH IN THE PROPITIATORY BLOOD OF CHRIST'S CROSS is required for Salvation (1 Corinthians 15 vs 1 - 4). Today, Salvation by Grace means Free Justification from all sins, and Identification with the Body of Christ, and Preservation by the Seal of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 3 vs 23 - 26 —
6.) God's Purpose For EARTH And HEAVEN Are Different.
The Earth is the place where God hath purposed to establish His Kingdom Dominion over all nations, through the utilisation of the Nation Israel, the Royal Priesthood of God, where there is the Jew and Gentile distinction (Exodus 19 vs 3 - 6). In God's Plan for His Creation, ISRAEL HAS AN EARTHLY HOPE. That is, the future Second Coming of Christ the Messiah Shepherd King of Israel, to establish Israel's Physical Davidic Millennial Kingdom on Earth. — Revelation 29 vs 11 - 16 ---
Conversely, the Heavens is the sphere of Dominion where God hath purposed to Reign and Rule, through the utilisation of the New Creature Church, the Members of the Body of Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Ephesians 2 vs 20 - 23). In God's Plan for His Creation, THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS AN HEAVENLY HOPE. That is, the future Mystery Coming of Christ our Head, in the Air, to permanently remove His Body from the Earth into the Heavenly Places. Amen. — 1 Thessalonians 4 vs 16 - 18 ---
7.) Christ's Earthly Ministry Was TO THE CIRCUMCISION.
— It is Scripturally evident that the Earthly Ministry of Jesus Christ, in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was exclusively to the Jews, to the Israelites, to the Circumcision (Romans 15 vs . In His Earthly Ministry, Jesus Christ came to His own, the Jews (John 1 vs 11). God sent Jesus only to Israel (Matthew 15 vs 24). Christ sent His 12 Apostles only to the Israelites (Matthew 10 vs 5 - 7), and Christ preached Israel's Kingdom Gospel and Prophecy only to Israel (Mark 1 vs 14 - 15). Realise that there are 3 Ministries of Jesus Christ. In His Earthly Life, Jesus ministered under Israel's Old Testament, ON THE EARTH (Galatians 4 vs 4). After He died, Christ ascended and as the Great High Priest, ministered Israel's New Testament IN HEAVEN (Hebrews 8 vs 1 - 6, 9 vs 24). After the Nation Israel fell spiritually in Acts 7, Christ revealed and ministered FROM HEAVEN the New Dispensation of Grace to All Men. — Acts 26 vs 12 - 18 ---
— Since Israel has fallen, and the New Covenant Ministry is not yet complete (Romans 11 vs 26 - 28), then what Ministry is the Lord Jesus performing today that we are supposed to follow? The answer is CHRIST'S MINISTRY F R O M HEAVEN through the Apostle Paul (Romans 15 vs 15 - 16). We follow Christ today, by following Christ's Ministry through the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11 vs 1). That is, in Paul's Epistles alone, do we find the Doctrine, Duty and Destiny of the Church today, the Body of Christ, in this present Dispensation of Grace and Peace. Amen. — Ephesians 3 vs 1 - 12 —
In conclusion, the Right Division of Scripture is God's Golden Key that unlocks the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge in the Bible (2 Timothy 2 vs 14 - 15). All Inspired Scripture is profitable only when we apply the art of the Right Division of Scripture (2 Timothy 3 vs 16 - 17). Now if you are truly Saved, and you stil find difficulties in understanding your King James Bible, then, consider what the Apostle Paul says, and the Lord God shall give you understanding in all things. Amen — 2 Timothy 2 vs 7 — Amen.
HOW TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE
I remember once talking to a man zealous for God who told me that he obeyed “everything in the Bible!” His heart to obey anything the Lord instructed was admirable.
Yet, it is impossible to obey every instruction from the Lord in the Bible! There are instructions from the Lord that conflict with earlier instructions, instructions that are no longer feasible, or instructions that were simply not written to us. We would never think of following God’s instructions to Noah to build an ark, or to Peter to walk on water. We must understand the context of the instructions and obey those which are intended for our obedience.
Our job then is to discern which instructions we should obey and which we should not, the reasons why, and the context in which they should be obeyed. This is popularly called dispensational Bible study or right division.
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Question the context
Everyone divides the Bible in some way, and no one thinks they wrongly divide. To determine the context of a passage merely ask the interrogative questions: who, what, when, where, why? Here are some simple questions to ask to determine the context of a passage:
1.) Who is speaking and to whom?
2.) What are they speaking about?
3.) When are they speaking about it?
4.) Why are they speaking about it?
The answers to these questions will establish a context of the passage. Sometimes you will not be able to answer all the questions. If not, answer what you can, not all the answers are necessary for understanding.
Are you in the context?
Next, you must determine if you fit in the context of the passage. If you do then obey; if not, then you must let it be as instructions not written to you.
For example, if the Devil is speaking you can determine that the lying words that come out of his mouth are not for you to obey. If God is telling Noah to build an ark, you can determine that you are not in that audience since the Flood is already past.
If God is speaking about making a covenant with Israel, you can also determine that you are not in the context since you are not Israel (if you are a Jew reading this then there are other questions you must ask).
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Rightly dividing God’s dispensations
If we ask these questions throughout the scriptures we find that many passages have the same context. We call these specific doctrinal contexts describing God’s relation to man ‘dispensations’.
We are living in the dispensation of God’s grace where Jesus gave instructions to the apostle Paul that are more excellent for us than the instructions in other dispensations (Phil 1:10, Eph 3:2) .
Jesus’ instructions to Paul revealed a mystery not known before in other ages (Col 1:26, Eph 3:5). This constituted a new context or dispensation that changed the relationship between God and man. This dispensation of God’s instructions was the last given and must be rightly divided from the others (1 Cor 15:8).
A failure to rightly divide the mystery information given to Paul (Rom 16:25) from the prophecy information (Acts 3:21) given to God’s prophets since the world began produces significant doctrinal confusion (2 Tim 2:7).
But don’t take my word for it. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
9 Reasons to Rightly Divide
When so many people seem to “get by” without the knowledge of the Bible rightly divided, it is tempting to think it does not matter greatly.
Is rightly dividing the word of truth important? Why is it important to recognize the importance of progressive revelation and the special dispensation of grace in which we now live?
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Here are a few reasons.
#1 Your Salvation
The church is facing a gospel crisis. No one can agree on what it is, or how to preach it. Christian catchphrases and slogans abound in personal testimonies causing serious doubt as to whether self-named Christians are actually trusting the gospel of Christ or not. People “receive Jesus”, “renounce sin”, and “believe God” without knowing the preaching of the cross. A failure to rightly divide often allows a cross-less gospel, which results in unsaved people thinking that they are.
#2 Your Bible
One major reason for people disbelieving the Bible is because of supposed contradictions. The vast majority of these apparent contradictions are resolved by rightly dividing the word of truth. Without right division, the Bible does not mean what it says, has mistakes, or worse, is not really the word of God.
#3 Your Understanding
Biblical illiteracy is a direct result of not rightly dividing the word of truth. I have lost count of how many people have learned right division and say something like, “my eyes have been opened, I love studying the Bible now.” Conversely, people stop studying when they can’t understand. When the scriptures are dark trusting the “professionals” to interpret becomes necessary, which means personal Bible study ceases.
#4 Your Growth and Christian Walk
Spiritual growth can only happen after people are saved (see the first item above). After salvation, not rightly dividing can severely stunt spiritual growth. If a baby Christian thinks their growth is found in keeping the law of the red letters in Matthew 5, the persistent labour of Hebrews, James, or the sinlessness of 1 John, then they are in for trouble. A Christian saved by grace needs to walk in grace, and that instruction is found in Paul’s epistles alone.
#5 Your Finances
Unless you live under a rock, everyone knows there is financial fraud in what is now a multi-billion dollar church industry. What is lesser known is that it is a direct result of wrong doctrine. You would not be the first or last Christian to place their last hope of financial deliverance on the manipulations and lies of pastors in sheep clothing that teach the law tithe principle instead of the dispensation of God’s grace toward giving.
#6 Your Marriage
Understanding the dispensational change from law to grace will forever change the way you think about your relationship to your spouse and children. The graceless face of legalism too often dwells in Christian homes and marriages. When the mystery of Christ and the church is taught, legalism is evicted, and love can grow between people that would otherwise be incompatible.
#7 Your Health
From avoiding medical help to placing all your hope in a healing, the faith of many is destroyed when bad things happen and loved ones die. Understanding what God is doing today (the dispensational question) gives you sufficient grace and wisdom to know how trouble can make your faith stronger instead of weaker.
#8 Your Career
Well meaning Christians want to serve the Lord, but do not know his will. Waiting for signs that never come, assigning divine purpose to circumstances, or moving in the wrong direction, are all career mistakes that Christians face because of a failure to rightly divide. Learning God’s will is necessary for success in the Christian life. God’s will must be rightly divided.
#9 Your Prayers
Perhaps your confusion about prayer is directly related to not understanding what God is doing today and why. After all, didn’t Jesus promise to give what we asked in his name? Once again, rightly dividing puts prayer in its proper place.
… and Many More
This is only a brief list of why right division is important, but can there be any more important reasons? I could go on and on about your joy, your peace, your politics, your future, your hope, etc, but I ran out of fingers (I need one to type).
Mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division will save you from scores of doctrinal errors, and will enlighten you to the power of God’s will (Eph 1:18; 1 Tim 2:4).
The Bible rightly divided is not only important, it is necessary. It’s time you started rightly dividing.
Join us as we continue to uncover the unsearchable riches of Christ that were kept secret since the world began, but now are made known through the revelation of the mystery (Eph 3:8-9).
All of these subjects have their own section on our website here.
Watch a chart lesson. Listen to a free seminar. Get the book Start Rightly Dividing in print. Get it for free in PDF.
DISPENSATIONAL TRUTHS, RIGHTLY DIVIDED
Learning the gospel of Christ according to the mystery is an eye-opening experience.
It is a commonly testified that learning to rightly divide Prophecy and Mystery makes the Bible “so clear”, “easy to understand”, and “just make sense”.
After being “in church” for sometimes 30-40 years people testify that learning how to rightly divide is like stained glass windows becoming clear for the first time.
Where people were once confused and blind to what the Bible said, they can now understand and see the truth of the gospel.
Paul Sent to Open Eyes
This eye opening doctrine is what Christ sent Paul to preach among the Gentiles (Eph 3:2).
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light …” – Acts 26:18
Paul prayed without ceasing that eyes would be opened to the dispensation of the gospel God delivered to him.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…” – Eph 1:18
This mystery of Christ concerns the hope of glory in heaven for anyone who believes the gospel of salvation.
“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you… To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” – Col 1:25-27
Blinded to the Mystery
Many people and churches are filled with confusion about what is the true gospel and what the Bible teaches and for whom. This doctrinal confusion is the result of devilish doctrines and false teachers who do not respect the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul.
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” – 2 Cor 4:4
“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” – 2 Tim2:7
The gospel should be a light. The truth of what God is doing today should be eye-opening, it should makes things clear.
If the “gospel” you have been taught has been dragging you through the throes of religion and self-justification, then you do not understand the glorious truth that Christ can make you free by the gospel.
If your Bible is impenetrable, and a closed book to your understanding, then your eyes have not yet been enlightened to understand what God has revealed in the mystery of Christ.
There is a fascination these days with performing miracles of healing to make blind men see. Yet, the healer who has 20/20 vision cannot see the mystery of Christ.
What profit is there in making the blind to see, when both are ignorant of the mystery?
It is by preaching the mystery of Christ that eyes are opened to the clarity of the gospel and the truth of the Bible rightly divided. It is our duty to make all men see…
“…to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” – Ephesians 3:9
Verse List: Paul’s Special Apostleship
This page contains 53 references which show Paul’s special apostleship from the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. His position as the dispenser of the Lord’s instructions for this age is largely ignored in mainstream Christianity.
The verses appear in canonical order. Emphasis is added.
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Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for HE IS A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE THE GENTILES, AND KINGS, AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL: -
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. -
Acts 22:21
And he said unto me, Depart: for I WILL SEND THEE FAR HENCE UNTO THE GENTILES. -
Romans 1:1
PAUL, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE, SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL OF GOD, -
Romans 1:5
By whom WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE AND APOSTLESHIP, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: -
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL. -
Romans 11:13
FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES, INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE: -
Romans 15:15-16
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, BECAUSE OF THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN TO ME OF GOD, THAT I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. -
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, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: -
1 Corinthians 1:1
PAUL, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGH THE WILL OF GOD, AND SOSTHENES OUR BROTHER, -
1 Corinthians 1:17
FOR CHRIST SENT ME not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. -
1 Corinthians 3:10
ACCORDING TO THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO ME, AS A WISE MASTERBUILDER, I HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION, AND ANOTHER BUILDETH THEREON. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. -
1 Corinthians 4:9
For I think that GOD HATH SET FORTH US THE APOSTLES LAST, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. -
1 Corinthians 4:16
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME. -
1 Corinthians 9:1-2
AM I NOT AN APOSTLE? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. -
1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, A DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL IS COMMITTED UNTO ME. -
1 Corinthians 11:1
BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST. -
1 Corinthians 11:23
FOR I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: -
1 Corinthians 14:37
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that THE THINGS THAT I WRITE UNTO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD. -
1 Corinthians 15:3
For I delivered unto you first of all THAT WHICH I ALSO RECEIVED, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; -
1 Corinthians 15:9
FOR I AM THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES, THAT AM NOT MEET TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, because I persecuted the church of God. -
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Behold, I SHEW YOU A MYSTERY; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. -
2 Corinthians 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: -
2 Corinthians 11:5
FOR I SUPPOSE I WAS NOT A WHIT BEHIND THE VERY CHIEFEST APOSTLES. -
2 Corinthians 12:11
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: FOR IN NOTHING AM I BEHIND THE VERY CHIEFEST APOSTLES, THOUGH I BE NOTHING. -
2 Corinthians 12:12
TRULY THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE WERE WROUGHT AMONG YOU in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. -
Galatians 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE, (NOT OF MEN, NEITHER BY MAN, BUT BY JESUS CHRIST, AND GOD THE FATHER, WHO RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD;) -
Galatians 1:8-9
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you THAN THAT WHICH WE HAVE PREACHED UNTO YOU, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you THAN THAT YE HAVE RECEIVED, let him be accursed. -
Galatians 1:11-12
BUT I CERTIFY YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN. FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. -
Galatians 1:15-16
But when it pleased God, WHO SEPARATED ME FROM MY MOTHER’S WOMB, AND CALLED ME BY HIS GRACE, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: -
Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation, and COMMUNICATED UNTO THEM THAT GOSPEL WHICH I PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. -
Galatians 2:6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference ADDED NOTHING TO ME: -
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, when they saw that THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER; -
Galatians 2:8
(FOR HE THAT WROUGHT EFFECTUALLY IN PETER TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE CIRCUMCISION, THE SAME WAS MIGHTY IN ME TOWARD THE GENTILES:) -
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived THE GRACE THAT WAS GIVEN UNTO ME, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; THAT WE SHOULD GO UNTO THE HEATHEN, and they unto the circumcision. -
Ephesians 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: -
Ephesians 3:1-2
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU-WARD: -
Ephesians 3:3
How that BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words, -
Ephesians 3:7
WHEREOF I WAS MADE A MINISTER, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. -
Ephesians 3:8-9
UNTO ME, WHO AM LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS, IS THIS GRACE GIVEN, THAT I SHOULD PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: -
Colossians 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, and Timotheus our brother, -
Colossians 1:24-25
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: WHEREOF I AM MADE A MINISTER, ACCORDING TO THE DISPENSATION OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: -
2 Thessalonians 3:9
Not because we have not power, but TO MAKE OURSELVES AN ENSAMPLE UNTO YOU TO FOLLOW US. -
1 Timothy 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; -
1 Timothy 1:11
According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, WHICH WAS COMMITTED TO MY TRUST. -
1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; OF WHOM I AM CHIEF. -
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, THAT IN ME FIRST Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, FOR A PATTERN TO THEM which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. -
1 Timothy 2:7
Whereunto I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST, AND LIE NOT;) A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES in faith and verity. -
2 Timothy 1:1
PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, -
2 Timothy 1:11
Whereunto I AM APPOINTED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, AND A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES. -
2 Timothy 2:8
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL: -
Titus 1:1
PAUL, A SERVANT OF GOD, AND AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; -
Titus 1:2-3
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, WHICH IS COMMITTED UNTO ME according to the commandment of God our Saviour;