BEREAN PICTORIAL CHARTS

In this Chart we endeavour to demonstrate the principle that where history ceases (so far as Israel is concerned) some element of mystery comes in. It might be the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; it might be the mysteries of God's purpose in appointing Nebuchadnezzar; it might be the introduction of the present dispensation of the mystery, but the sequence is the same. Daniel is the O.T. Paul. He became the prisoner of the Lord for the Gentiles. In the LXX of the O.T. the Greek word musterion occurs for the first time in the book of Daniel, where it is translated "secret."

In the Chart a series of downward steps is indicated by the passages referred to, commencing with the failure of Hezekiah, which introduces the prophecy concerning Babylon. The times of the Gentiles are coincident with the down-treading of Jerusalem, as Luke 21:24 will show. As Israel passed off the scene, the Gentile came into prominence.

The second illustration is taken from the first thirteen chapters of Matthew. The Messiah, Who must he the Son of David and of Abraham, is revealed as having come in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. He also is attested by the witness of a divinely equipped forerunner and a voice from heaven. By observing our Lord's words in Matt. 11:20-24, we understand that one of the objects for which the miracles were wrought was the repentance of Israel. Their non-repentance leads to the threefold rejection of Matt. 12:6, 41 and 42, where Christ is rejected in His offices of priest, prophet and king. Upon this non-repentance and rejection comes mystery in Matt. 13. It is suggestive too, that in Matt. 12:14-21, consequent upon the Council of the Pharisees, we find the reference to the blessing of the Gentiles.

The third illustration is the chief purpose of the Chart, to prove that the present dispensation of the mystery is consequent upon the rejection of Israel in Acts 28. The prophecy of Joel which underlies the teaching of the day of Pentecost is insistent upon repentance (Joel 2:12-14). The restoration of Israel is set forth in the miracle of the lame man (Acts 3), and the vision of the sheet that Peter saw (Acts 10) is an indication that Jewish exclusiveness is going.

The twofold ministry of the apostle Paul now comes to light (see Acts 20:17-24 and Acts 26:16-18),revealing that his second ministry would be accompanied with imprisonment, would be related to a second revelation from the Lord, and would he directed particularly to the Gentiles. The last "signs and wonders" that fulfil the promise of Mark 16:17,18 are recorded (Acts 28:1-10), the last reference to the "hope of Israel" is made (Acts 28:20), the last citation of Isa. 6:10 is made, and Israel become Lo-ammi (not My people, Hos. 1:9), the “salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles," and the dispensation of the mystery is made known.

The way in which lsa. 6:10 is cited at great crises in Israel's history is worthy of study.

CHARLES H. WELCH.

Berean Pictorial Charts