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Berean Expositor Volume 1
Some differences between the dispensation before
Acts 28: and that which followed.
"When that which is PERFECT is come, then
that which is PARTIAL shall be done away" (I Cor. 13: 10).
pp. 25-29
In our preceding articles we have been considering various passages of Scripture
which tend to show that the present dispensation began when Israel was set aside by the
apostle Paul in Acts 28:, and the Gentiles became peculiarly the objects of grace. In
this article we shall endeavour further to demonstrate the difference between the earlier
epistles written before Acts 28: and those written later. We first of all call attention
to the testimony of the inclusion and exclusion of certain words. Christ is never referred
to as "Shepherd" by the apostle Paul, and after Acts 28: the Lord's people are not
called a "flock," or referred to as "sheep," whilst in the Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, and
Peter all these titles are used. Israel were, and will yet be, "the sheep of His pasture."
The following list speaks for itself, the Holy Spirit definitely keeping certain words
and phrases within the bounds of the various dispensations.
Before Acts 28:
After Acts 28:
I & II Thess.,
Ephesians,
I Tim.,
Expression used.
I & II Cor.,
Philippians,
II Tim.,
Gal., Romans
Colossians.
Titus.
-
1
25
Jew
-
2
14
Israel
-
-
3
Israelite
-
-
19
Abraham
-
-
9
Moses
-
-
12
To baptize
-
2
1
Baptism (baptisma)
-
-
1
Lord's Supper
-
-
7
The loaf (in connection with the Lord's Supper)
-
-
7
The cup (in connection with the Lord's Supper)
2
-
9
Gifts (charisma) (referring to "Gifts of the Spirit")
-
-
4
Miracles
-
-
22
Tongues
-
-
7
Interpret, interpretation, interpreter
\
-
-
3
Healing
\ As
-
-
13
Prophesying
/ Gifts.
2
-
4
Prophesy
/
-
1
8
To circumcise
-
6
23
Circumcision