NEW YEAR'S EVE – TIME FOR REFLECTION, REGRET, RENEWAL

Dear Readers,

2013 is nearly over and it's time to take a deep breath and remember the wild, bumpy ride I've been on since right after the year began!

I had just retired in December of 2012 and was looking forward to devoting more time to learning Mid Acts doctrine and connecting with the many wonderful grace believers I know and love.  A thorny issue appeared, however, in an online Bible study I regularly attended, regarding whether the "mystery" Paul writes of in his letters is really "unsearchable" or kept secret in the Old Testament. (Read more here.)   In my determination to prove that it was "hid in God" as Paul claimed in Ephesians 3:9, I stumbled upon a website in which Brian Kelson explained the differences in ministries within Paul's letters.  (Here's Brian's new site:  Acts 28.net).   These differences held the answer to my dilemma, and I was forced to change my entire worldview!  

The logic of the Acts 28 position is inescapable, wherein when Israel's hope of the kingdom was temporarily set aside after Paul's declaration in Acts 28:25-28, his ministry of presenting their Messiah to Israel and of inviting the Gentiles to share in the kingdom Christ would usher in (when Israel had accepted that Messiah) came to an end.  Paul then declares the "revelation of the mystery" he received at that time in a circular letter to all the churches in Asia that is popularly titled, "Ephesians."   It is this "revelation of the mystery" – as opposed to the "revelation of the mystery" of Romans 16:25 that concerned the preaching of the gospel which, although kept secret since the world began, "now is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets" (in other words, searchable) – that declares a new creation of God, the "one new man," the "church, the body of Christ, with a glorious heavenly hope (not an earthly kingdom hope) made possible when anyone anywhere trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and what he accomplished through his shed blood at Calvary.

This means that Paul's letters written during the Acts period were part of his ministry of proclaiming the attainability of the earthly kingdom to, first, Jews, and then Gentiles that might believe.  Finally!  I could read and understand the analogy of the olive tree in Romans 11!   It means just what it says!  What a refreshing concept!  And when Paul writes that he and his coworkers are "able ministers of the new testament" in 2 Corinthians 3:6, it's because they are!  No scripture wrangling necessary!   Paul quotes from the Old Testament in his Acts period letters because he was holding forth the hope OF the Old Testament!   The so-called “rapture” of his Acts period letters is a description of kingdom saints being resurrected and caught up to Christ as he descends to the earth in his second coming; it’s not about a pre-trib rescue for the body of Christ at all.

My biggest regret, apart from having proselytized fellow saints with Mid Acts error, is that for so many years I refused to apply God's forgiveness through his Son Jesus Christ to all that trusted him after he had paid the full penalty for all sins, including those of his chosen people!  2 Corinthians 5:18-20 was written while God was stretching forth his long suffering to his chosen nation in hopes they would believe and he could grant them their blessed hope, the kingdom on earth, so the fact that "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them," is a fact that encompasses Israel as well as the Gentile nations during the Acts period when their kingdom was on offer, as well as the world today during the dispensation of the Grace of God when our heavenly hope is on offer!   Granted, there were and are Mid Acts teachers that proclaim the truth that Israel too was reconciled to God by the work of Christ (i. e., the late Keith Blades of Enjoy the Bible Ministries and Michael McDaniel of the Millennium Bible Institute); but I chose to believe Mid Acts teachers that insisted Israel had a law/works clause in their plan of salvation.   Yes, the Jews still possessed the Law of Moses; but obedience of it determined, not their salvation, but their position and inheritance in the coming kingdom – just as our works will determine our position and inheritance in the heavenly places!

Lord God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am so thankful that even my sin of denying your grace to your chosen nation of whom Paul was inspired to write, "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" (Romans 11:26-27), is forgiven because I have trusted your Son!   Thank you for your servant, Brian Kelson, who gave so generously of his time in helping me understand your marvelous plans; and for those that have come along with me on this exciting journey!   I await the appearing of your Son Jesus Christ when we shall appear with him in glory; and I pray I can be of some use to you in declaring your marvelous all-encompassing grace to a lost world!

Happy new year to you all.  No matter where you stand on this issue, I love you and look forward to spending eternity with you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Deborah
 

Is the creation of 2Cor.5:17 and the new creature of Gals.6, the creation of the one new man found in Ephesians 2?

Is the creation of 2Cor.5:17 and the new creature of Gals.6, the creation of the one new man found in Ephesians 2? 

Brian Kelson answers:
 
Mid-Acts and Acts 28ers agree, there are many wonderful truths in Paul, but here is where we differ, not all of those truths are about us today.
Certainly the Jew and Gentile believers of Galatians were justified without the works of the Law for example. They were made righteous by grace through faith but those believers were not members of the church which is His Body, they were the seed of Abraham and to be blessed with faithful Abraham in the Promised Land as Gals.3 clearly says.
Having failed to test the things differing in Paul (Phils:1:9-10), Mid-Acts believe everything Paul wrote contains within it some unveiling of the mystery of Ephesians. They believe the Acts period was a transition; Paul had some progressive revelation which was finalized, or reached its ultimate revelations in Ephesians and Colossians. This we continue to find from Paul’s writings is indeed scripturally groundless on both points. The very subject matter of Paul’s letters negates this misplaced viewpoint and divides his letters into two distinct dispensational groups.
During the Acts period Paul was witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. He held embraced the hope of Israel, worshipped the God of Israel’s fathers, and had not offended the Jews in anything, Acts 24:14, 25:8, 26:6-7, 22, & 28:20. I’m certain if Paul had preached during Acts, the truth of Ephesians that the Jews
no longer held any dispensational advantage, he would have offended many.
Where Mid-Acts fail (and most other Christians for that matter), is in their inability to distinguish between redemptive truths common to all dispensations and dispensational truths unique to each one. Redemption through our Lord’s shed blood, faith and righteousness reckoned are not unique to our present calling, they can be found in type, shadow and prophesy from page one of the sacred Word. Certainly, some of these precious redemptive doctrines are highlighted and expounded in Paul’s Acts period letters but this fact does not demand or prove in any way that the nation of Israel had been set aside and/or our new calling was introduced or being unfolded.
Because of this failure to rightly divide continuing and discontinuing truths, many Mid-Acts (MAs) doctrines are supported with an eisogetical understanding of certain Scriptures. With their viewpoint firmly entrenched, they read into Paul’s Acts letters the later truths of Ephesians not actually there.
2Cor.5:17 is a case in point. Here the words “if any man” be IN CHRIST, he, that ONE, is a new creation. Without a thought to the context, many Mid-Acts brethren will unite this passage with Eph.2 which speaks of a new creation where God has made of Jew and Gentile one new man. In their minds, they believe this proves the Mystery was in Paul during Acts. They claim this creation of 2cor.5 is the new creation of Ephesians 2 but the context of Corinthians will not allow
this. Rather than note carefully the context, they are dragging back into Corinthians, truths which are impossible to fit there.

Ephs.2:11-17 says clearly that “in Christ” God has created of the both, (Jew and Gentile) one new man. This is not any man being a new creation in Christ; this
is two groups of believers being created one new group in Christ; the great church which is His Body. Corinthians is about an individual being a new creation in Christ which is not the Ephesians creation. This error of Mid-Acts has resulted from not dividing the things differing.
Now let us examine the context of Corinthians which forbids this Mid-Acts joining of things differing. In the very next chapter 2Cor.6:2, Paul encourages the Corinthians that they receive not the grace of God in vain and this is not the dispensation of the grace of God for he immediately quotes Is.49:8 thus;
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.[Is.49:8]) 2Co 6:1-2
Here is Isaiah 49:
Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; Isa 49:8
Isn’t the Word of Truth amazing? 2Cor.6 is an inheritance on the earth as per the very OT passage Paul uses. This has already been confirmed with 1Cor.15 which we shall see shortly.
Is.49 is the very chapter in which the command to turn to the Gentiles is the one given Paul in Acts 13:
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth (Is.49:6). Act 13:46-47
Paul turned to the Gentiles according to a command of prophesy from Is.49 in Acts 13. Paul did not turn to the Gentiles because any revelation of the new creation of Ephesians 2 had been given him. It is Is.49 in Acts 13 and the encouragement for the Corinthians in 2Cor.6 is from Is.49, no change, nor progression, still none other things than the prophets and Moses did say should come. Despite these contextual restraints, MAs insist the creation of 2Cor.5 is that of Ephesians 2. Nope, not a right division chance of that.
2Cor.6 is the OT. The Gentiles saved in Acts 13 are included according to the same OT prophesies which are about the Israel and the Promised Land, not heavenly places. Is.49:7, 10, 13. Is.42:1, 6 are interesting and should be read here with Acts13:47, 26:23.
How can 2Cor.6 be the mystery of Ephesians? It can’t be. How can the creation of 2Cor.5 be the new creation of Jew and Gentile out of Eph.2? It can’t be, the context will not allow such a Mid-Acts convenience. Also of interest in 2Cor.6 is the fact that Paul uses the OT to establish the relationship between the Corinthians and God the Father
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living

God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (Lev.26:12). Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (Numbs.16). 2Co 6:14-18
Those Acts period Corinthian believers had separated themselves from unrepentant Israel (Acts2:40), and were typified in those who had done the same back in Israel’s picture salvation. Unrepentant Israel was destined to experience God’s wrath which does not mean dispersion in the world and a new dispensation introduced.
God was their father, they were His sons and daughters and all based upon Lev.26:12 and Numbs.16. That is not the church which is His Body in 2Cor.6 and it is not the new creation of Ephesians in 2Cor.5.
These OT passages of Paul are the basis of hope for the Corinthians during Acts;
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved..... 2Co 7:1
What promises? The promises found in the very OT passages Paul had been using, not the promises given in a dispensation hidden away from previous ages and generations and hid in God.
Now here is another fascinating thing about 2Cor6 and verse 2. In it Paul uses “today” found in Is.49, and this same prophetic appeal is found in Hebrews albeit from another prophet. Notice in this Hebrew appeal Moses is in the house, but the Lord over the same house, which house the Hebrew and Corinthian believers constituted. This is not the church which is his Body since Moses was never a servant in our calling;
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Heb 3:5-9
Here is the Old Testament “today” warning of Hebrews 3:5-9;
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. Psa 95:7-11
This is a quote from Ps.95 as you can see, which Psalm speaks of the Lord as a great King in whose hands are the deep places of the earth and the strength of the hills. This is Hebrews, hardly heavenly places. Here is the hope given in Hebrews;
For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto

mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb 12:18-23
In Hebrews the believers had come to Mt Zion, the church of the first born and an innumerable company of angels, where the Trumpet of the OT is featured along with the New Covenant, Hebs.12:18-24. Hebrews knows nothing of the present dispensation of the mystery where Zion, Angels, the New Covenant and the church of the firstborn have no place.
The Hebrews were warned with a look back to Israel’s typical salvation accompanied with the emphasis on “TODAY” and the things held in hope were the fulfillment of Israel’s greater salvation. But these things are also featured in Corinthians.
This "today" warning in Hebrews harmonizes with the today emphasis of Is.49 in 2Cor.6.
In 1Cor.10, Paul warns the Corinthians from the failures in the wilderness, just like Hebrews;
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 1Co 10:1-10
The today warning in Corinthians is for those who were partakers of the earthly calling just as the today warning was for the Hebrews who would partake of that same earthly calling. The Corinthians were also waiting for the Trumpet and the resurrection to the earth. This is proven in 1Cor.15 which resurrection is Is.25 as follows;
And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. Isa 25:6-10
Which mountain is it in Isaiah 25? The prophet has already written about it in an earlier chapter;
The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up

to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isa 2:1-5
The Trumpet resurrection of Is.25 in 1Cor.15 is to Mt Zion. The Hebrews had come to Mount Zion and a Trumpet. Will we yet embrace the falsehood that the creation of 2Cor.5 is some isolated part of the mystery of Ephesians found among such an earthly setting? Impossible, the creation of 2Cor.5 must harmonize with the earthly calling in view.
2Cor.5 is about the new creation of an individual who is looking for that very resurrection to the earth. The ones who had believed into Christ at Corinth, were warned about “today”, and had been warned by a reference back to those who were without faith in the Exodus just as the Hebrews were warned.
Mid-Acts leave Hebrews out of Paul which is a convenient position for them. It would be so inconvenient if MAs included Hebrews in Paul because then they would need to acknowledge the dispensational harmony of Hebrews and Corinthians. Acts 28 recognizes that Hebrews and Corinthians were both written in the Acts period before the revelation of The Mystery of Ephesians.
Here are other dispensational features of the Acts period common to Corinthians and Hebrews.
In Corinthians, Paul declared those believers had been confirmed with supernatural gifts unto the Trumpet coming of the Lord which was near for not all of them would die;
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Co 1:4-8
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 1Co 7:29
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come. 1Co 10:11
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. 1Co 15:51-52
Here are the same supernatural gifts, the ends of the ages and near return of the Lord as found in Hebrews where we have already seen the Trumpet and the assembling of the believers on Mt Zion;
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:4-5
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Heb 9:26
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Heb 10:37

Can we see these clear and consistent dispensational things in both Hebrews and Corinthians? Notwithstanding the creation of 2Cor.5 is not the one of Ephesians, but suppose we imagined it to be so, could we force it into Hebrews? Absolutely not! Can we force it into Corinthians? Absolutely not!
Paul also refers to a new creature in Galatians 6, another letter written during the Acts period. Could this creature or creation, be that of Ephesians? Mid-Acts certainly think so but does the context allow this? Here is the passage;
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal 6:14-16
This context is equally contrary to the Mid-Acts view that this creation is that of Ephesians 2. Israel, nor the Israel of God have no place in our present dispensation of grace having been put aside at Acts 28. So what is this new creature? Paul had already written about the impotence of circumcision or not back in chapter 5 where faith is the key;
Behold, I, Paul, say to you that if you are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do all the Law, you who are justified by Law are deprived of all effect from Christ; you fell from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness out of faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any strength, but faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you that you do not obey the truth? Gal 5:2-7
Those who returned to seeking righteousness by works had fallen from grace, the grace faith brings. Paul has already expounded the righteousness apart from the law obtained by grace through faith, and faith is the key to this new creature. Faith brought sonship, the blessings of Abraham and an earthly inheritance;
Then He supplying the Spirit to you and working powerful works in you, is it by works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that those of faith, these are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations through faith, preached the gospel before to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all nations be blessed." So then those of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Gal 3:5-9
Abraham believed God, faith in Abraham was reckoned to him for righteousness and these Jews and Gentiles of the Acts period were the sons (heirs) of Abraham. In this regard Isaac, the heir given Abraham so long ago, typified these Acts period believers, Gals.4:29. The same faith which made them righteous, made them the seed of Abraham;
But before faith came, we were kept under Law, having been shut up to the faith about to be revealed. So that the Law has become a trainer of us until Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But faith coming, we are no longer under a trainer. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many as were baptized into Christ, you put on Christ. There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3:23-29
Since Paul had already declared these justified Jewish and Gentile believers as the seed of Abraham by faith, it is contextually impossible for the new creature of the last chapter to be the new creation of Ephesians 2. The one new man is

not the seed of Abraham. Galatians knows nothing of the church which is His Body.
While in Galatians it is noteworthy to find the very same dispensational elements already found in Corinthians and Hebrews.
The Galatians were to enjoy the inheritance in the Promised Land, Gals.3:18, 29. They were endowed with supernatural gifts, Gals.3:1-5, 1Cor.1:4-8, Hebs6. The Galatians were anticipating the New Jerusalem referred to as their mother, Hebs.12. In Galatians, the New Jerusalem is inseparable from the prophet Isaiah;
But the Jerusalem from above is free, who is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice, barren one not bearing; break forth and shout, you not travailing; for more are the children of the desolate than she having the husband." (Is.54: But brothers, we, like Isaac, are children of promise. Gal 4:26-28
If our Apostle in Galatians 4, is inspired to turn to Isaiah 54 it would seem reasonable in our exegesis to do the same;
Rejoice, O unfruitful one that never bore; break out a song and shout, you who never travailed. For more are the sons of the desolate than the sons of the married woman, says Jehovah. Make the place of your tent larger, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings. Do not spare, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes; for you shall break out on the right hand and on the left. And your seed shall inherit the nations, and people will inhabit ruined cities. Do not fear; for you shall not be ashamed, nor shall you blush; for you shall not be put to shame; for you shall forget the shame of your youth, and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. For your Maker is your husband; Jehovah of Hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called. For Jehovah has called you as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when you were rejected, says your God. Isa 54:1-6
I love the way the Lord is so emphatic at the close of the chapter;
.....This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah. Isa 54:17
The prophet speaks of a wife, an inheritance of the nations and ruined cities and righteousness that is FROM Jehovah. This righteousness had already been proclaimed in Is.45:15-15 and chapter 52. This is so consistent with Paul’s Acts period redemptive and dispensational preaching. Paul preached about righteousness by faith through grace but directed every saint to the promises made to the fathers as their hope. Abraham was heir of the world in Roms.4 and the righteousness of the faithful was directly from the Lord. But I digress. In Galatians 4, Paul had linked the New Jerusalem with Isaiah and maybe the word wife is the key. The New Jerusalem is called the Bride, the Lamb’s wife in Rev.21:9 where the Lord makes all things new.
Those who love to rightly divide the Scriptures and compare spiritual with spiritual, will reject out of hand any imaginations that the creature of Gals.6 and the new creation of 2Cor.5 are the one new man of Ephesians 2. The dispensational contexts of Corinthians, Galatians and Hebrews are on the same page; they will not allow such a terrible eisogesis. Written during the Acts period, they know nothing of the present dispensation of the grace of God given by revelation to Paul after Israel was put to one side at Acts 28.

These consistent links in the Acts period letters soundly affirm that the dispensation in view is a continuation of that of Isaiah, Malachi and Matthew and Corinthians and Galatians are not speaking of the creation of Ephesians 2.

Does James 2:24 Teach Justification Unto Eternal Life by Works for Kingdom Saints?

James and Paul are on the same page, faith obedience has a crown in view.

Jas 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Jas 1:4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Jas 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Thus the salvation of their souls in this context is in regards to a crown of life, not life.

Jas 2:16  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Jas 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Jas 2:21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Jas 2:22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Jas 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Abraham was made righteous by faith in Gen.15 not in Gen.22. In Gen.22 Abraham was tried by God and the righteousness Abraham obtained was that of obedient faith, and thus Abraham is featured in Hebs. 11 as an over comer, one who is rewarded by God.

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Heb 12:11  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Without faith as a servant of GOD, it is impossible to please Him. This is not about initial salvation. Paul speaks of it here;

Rom 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

How can Paul write of service unto righteousness? The righteous walk follows the faith into Christ. If the faith is not then expressed in the service unto righteousness, then no crown.

2Ti 4:6  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

James and Paul both speak of walking as believers, going onto perfection, trying of faith, enduring to please God.

Thus our mid-acts brothers are confusing initial salvation and the worthy walk that follows.

The Jews believed, THEN they had to be water baptised, then they kept the LAW. If we follow Peter's words, repent then be baptised in Acts 2, and follow Peter's gospel in Acts 3Act 3:19  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;
we will never be trapped by this mixed arguing mid-acts keep stumbling upon and tripping others. Water baptism is not before Repentance, nor before the pricking in their hearts of the Holy Spirit. The laver in the tabernacle was placed AFTER the altar of sacrifice, being baptised into Moses (1Cor.10) was after the shed blood in Egypt.

James refutes the mid-acts arguments. James is about faith being followed by good works which is exactly what Paul says in Eph.2:8-10.

Stuart Allen's audio series on James A545 onwards on this page is rewarding, http://www.bibleunderstanding.com/allen4.htm

Blessings

Brian

What does 2 Cor. 5:16 (knowing Christ no longer in the flesh) mean to Paul's Acts ministry?

What does 2 Cor 5:16 mean with regard to believers no longer knowing Christ according to the flesh (according to His earthly ministry) if Paul was yet preaching Him as Messiah in the synagogues...preaching Him according to the flesh?

It's a long context, and we can't isolate this part, so here it is: 2Co 5:11  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2Co 5:12  For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
2Co 5:13  For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
2Co 5:14  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
2Co 5:15  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2Co 5:16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Co 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2Co 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

I think, one died, then all were dead, and henceforth not living for ourselves, but unto Him that died and rose again are contextual defining elements. These are the things said before. Then Paul says, therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away. This is what is said after. Here is the central portion as it were;

2Co 5:15  And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2Co 5:16  Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Flesh and spirit are recurring themes in Paul. Living unto Christ meant he no longer knew any man after the flesh. Knowing Christ after the flesh could mean Paul knew Christ before being in Christ?

In Roms.7 he wanted to serve the Law in newness of spirit, but he was carnal (fleshly). Walking by the Spirit, in newness of life, Roms.8 was how he wanted to know Christ now, being lead by the Spirit and not the flesh, see also Gals. 5.

While this might not explain it fully, and to be sure, this is the best I can do off the top of my head, the passage/context removes any possibility for the unrelated view that this has to do with Christ's earthly ministry.

Stuart Allen's audio number A468 might be helpful, I can't remember its content. ON this page http://www.bibleunderstanding.com/allen4.htm

Where's a good overview of Acts 28?

If you had to recommend one source - book or online article - giving a simple overview of Acts 28 and the practical implications of it for our Christian lives, what would it be? 

I'm not sure if such a source exists.  Our website is a huge one with mixed Acts 28 dispensational truth and practical out workings of it; but together in one place?   Mr. Welch's Alphabetical Analysis is worthy of your library or you can find it here in pdf form http://www.bibleunderstanding.com/pdfwritings.htm 

What is the place of the book of Hebrews, assuming Paul did write it?

What is the place of the book of Hebrews, assuming Paul did write it? Even if he did not, and assuming it does have a relatively late date, what is its purpose in light of the revelation of the mystery in Ephesians?

Brian responds:  

This is an interesting read regarding Hebrews authorship on this link http://www.bibleunderstanding.com/biblestudies.htm under "Various Subjects".

Hebrews sits perfectly in the Acts period and is in full harmony with Romans, Galatians, Corinthians and Thessalonians. Hab.2:4 is found in Hebrews 10, Romans 1, and Gals.3 and Habakkuk is about the earth;Hab 2:14  For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

When Israel were unfaithful, (like the Acts period) the Lord made an oath the goal of which flows on through the prophets to Paul during Acts;
Num 14:21  But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.Psa 72:18  Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. Psa 72:19  And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.Isa 11:9  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Isa 11:1  And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:Isa 11:10  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Rom 15:12  And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Rom 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The hope of Hebrews and Romans is the realization of the oath of the Lord in Numbers 14.

Hebrews fits perfectly into this earthly redemptive theme. As Paul was a minister of the New Covenant, 2Cor.3, then Hebrews brings this forth beautifully. Paul wrote in Romans the Day was at hand, 13:11-12, the night far spent, Hebs.10 speaks from Hab., of yet a little while. Trumpets in Corinthians, Thessalonians, and Hebrews. The Day of the Lord in Thessalonians is the Day of Roms.13, and the book of Revelation. We who are alive and remain of Thessalonians are not the we of today. The seed of Abraham in Hebs.2 is in harmony with Gals.3

The writing of Hebrews might be late in the Acts period, which shows the consistency of the Acts period hope, namely that of Israel, cp Acts 26:6-7.

What is the hope of the church, the body of Christ?

In practical terms, what is the Christian's hope as found in Paul's final letters?

Brian's response:
 
Eph.2:4-8 and Col.3:1-4. The Appearing is not a rapture. We shall appear with Him in glory, where He is seated at the Father's right. This is way above the clouds and air. Clouds and air are inseparable from the earthly Israel purpose. Practically, we will arrive in time for that appearing with the same power which raised Him from the grace to the Father's right, Eph.1:18-2:9, the power in us is according to the power in Him.

Is There Still the Hope of the "Rapture"?

What is the Acts 28 view of the hope of the Rapture given that Thessalonians was written very early?   Does it apply to us today?   Did it ever?


Brian's response:  The rapture is a deception, IMHO.  There are Acts 28ers who hold to it.  I cover this extensively in my book. There is nothing in 1Thess.4:13-18 which says anyone, including Christ is going back into heaven. The rapture was foreshadowed in the OT, is the hope of Israel as is the fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets. IF we are reading the Feasts in Paul, we are reading none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. The Feasts were Israel's typical deliverance, these being fulfilled and about to be, are the same national deliverance of Israel with a remnant and the grace of God upon them, preserving them in their unbelief, Roms.9, 11:28.

Is Christ's Return Imminent or Are There Signs We Should Look For?

What do you believe is the prophetic timing of the Lord's appearing? That is to say...according to standard rapture timing, it is imminent, meaning nothing awaits it's happening and it could happen at any time. Would you agree that far with regard to His return? Or is there something yet to look for...the construction of a new temple in Jerusalem, perhaps...that must take place before He returns for us?

Brian answers:   Our Lord's return is some time away yet, IMHO. There is no basis for any return, or church disappearance "at any time" now. In fact, I would suggest highly unlikely for another 30-40 years.

The beasts of Daniel 8, and Rev.13 are nowhere in view, the wars and rumors of wars relate to wars in the middle east around Israel, and involve such nations as are featured in prophesy. This would include Syria, Greece, Turkey, Iran and Egypt. I believe the Temple needs to be rebuilt and feature as it is written..

I do not believe the Lord was "cut off" at the 69th week, rather the 62nd. If this be true, there remains from the cross another 56 years. The Acts period ran for about 40 years and at Acts 28 the 490 years were interrupted when Israel was set aside according to Is.6 Thus we find about 16 (or 21) years of Daniel's 490 years to run. When will these remaining years resume? I believe at the dedication of Israel's Temple.

PAUL'S CHURCHES BEFORE AND AFTER ACTS 28

 

From the Bible Understanding Newsletter:

Churches during Acts and afterwards

It would be rather silly to conclude that, because England existed prior to the Roman invasion (say AD20-40), the England today still adheres to the same religious, political and social structures of 2000 years ago.
Strangely enough, there are right dividers who think like this. They assume that because the churches to which Paul wrote existed in the Acts period, then all those churches were fully conversant with the dispensational truth for today.
By comparing the historical data of England pre Christ, with the England of today, we know of great changes. By comparing the dispensational differences within Paul's letters, we find great changes. The believers to whom Paul wrote during Acts were given one set of dispensational truths, but when he wrote to the same believers after Acts 28, new dispensational truths are seen.
This lesson we shall compare information given to the Ephesians and Laodiceans before Acts 28 and afterwards.
 

Things before Acts 28 and after. We, the Christian community, have been sideswiped with the concept that everything in the NT is about us. Thus when we read Acts and Paul's ministry to the churches during that time, we assume what he taught them dispensationally during Acts is the same after Acts. This is not so.

Paul spent over two years at Ephesus as recorded in Acts 19:1-20. It was there he found certain disciples who he re-baptized with water. These disciples were then empowered to speak with tongues and prophesy.
God did many works of power through Paul at Ephesus, 19:11-12 (see also Roms.15:16-19) and both the Jews and Greeks living in Asia heard the word of the Lord. His name was magnified among the Ephesians.

The Ephesians of the Acts period enjoyed supernatural gifts and had water baptism among them but those things belong to the earthly program. They are not part of Paul's post Acts ministry.

When Paul returned to Jerusalem via Miletus, he called the elders of Ephesus telling them he had kept back nothing profitable from them, which included all the counsel of God, Acts 20:17-27. All the counsel of God must be understood in the words of Paul recorded later in Acts when he said these words;
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.. Act 26:6-7
Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: Act 26:22 

Paul preached to the Ephesians, during Acts, all the counsel of God and that counsel was none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. Now let's look at another letter sent to the Ephesians during the Acts period.
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; Rev 2:1
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev 2:7 

This letter from the Lord himself, does not encourage the Ephesians of the Acts period with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, rather He promises access to the tree of life in the midst of paradise. Paradise is linked with the New Jerusalem which descends out of heaven, and the New Earth, see Rev.21:1-14, 22:1-5.

During Acts the Ephesians and Galatians looked to Paradise and the New Jerusalem, but after Acts Paul prayed they would know the hope of His (new) calling and the inheritance in the heavenly places, Eph.1:15-2:9.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians during the Acts period, he mentioned Paradise in 2Cor.12:1-7. Some words heard regarding the new heaven and Paradise were not permitted to be revealed, 12:4. However, Paul could and did write about Paradise, The New Jerusalem and the New Earth to the believers during Acts, see Gals.4:22-27 (and Hebrews 12:22). These were part of the whole counsel of God to the churches during the Acts period, but are absent from Paul's post Acts letters to them. The counsel of God changed at Acts 28.

It is false to assume that because the churches were established during Acts they knew the truth for today during Acts. It is equally confusing for us to read everything in the NT and assume it is about us today. God never changes as to character, but He certainly can change His revealed purposes. Therefore we must rightly divide the Word of Truth and test things differing if we seek our Lord's approval.

The church at Laodicea was established during Acts, and Paul included them in his letter to the Colossians after Acts, see Col.2:1. The Lord wrote to the Laodiceans during Acts thus;
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Rev 3:14 

Here the Lord speaks of Himself as the faithful witness. He had already used that term earlier in Revelation;
John to the seven churches which are in Asia:..... And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 1:4-6 

The Lord wrote to the Laodiceans during Acts as the faithful witness; the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. The Laodiceans of the Acts period were made kings and priests on the earth, see Rev.5:10. But after Acts 28 they were included in Paul's agonizing struggles to make known the mystery, the present set of conditions, see Col.2:23-2:2. During Acts the Lord was the Prince of the Kings of the earth, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but after Acts 28, He was revealed as the Head of the church which is His body which has nothing to do with the earth.

Rejoicing with you in the mystery of Ephesians and Colossians.

Blessings,

How Does Acts 28 Dispensationalism View Daniel's 70 Weeks?

Brian Kelson's response:

Daniel 70 weeks outline in a brief form: http://www.bibleunderstanding.com/loammi.htm

This understanding of Daniel's 70 weeks leaves Israel as lo-ammi in those first 7 weeks mentioned in Daniel 9:25.  In other words, while the angel mentioned the 7 weeks and then the 62, it does not automatically follow that the first 7 are to be included in the 70. Tradition says Christ was cut off at the 69th week, but this is impossible on a number of grounds.

1. Rome was not the source of the lawless one. Dan.8:8-9.   Only from the four divisions of Alexander's kingdom can the antichrist come and Italy is not in that division.
 

2. If the Lord died at the 69th week, then the antichrist should have been at the doors of Israel with his armies and the last week (3.5 years x 2) was upon them.  If Mid Acts wants to add another year, their point is invalid for Israel were never to be cut off at the cross – only Christ was to be cut off, "but not for himself."  Again, IF Mid Acts adds another year to the cross, it doesn't mean Israel were to be cut off, it only means the antichrist should have been there anyway, and he was not.

So, the 70 weeks actually begin from the dedication of the temple – NOT the command to restore it 49 years before.  Thus Christ was cut off at the 62nd week which is what the Angel said in Daniel 9:26.  This leaves another 8 weeks (or 56 years) of the 70 weeks (490 years) to run from the cross.

This view is also endorsed by the fact that the Acts period is a continuation of Israel's history and the Acts ran for 35-40 years.  Israel was not set aside, and so how can Christ be cut off at the 69th week? Impossible, IMHO.

Remember, Passover in the OT saw Israel under Gentile dominion; and this is repeated in the gospels. Passover was the first step in Israel's deliverance, not ever a threat to cut them off for being stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears.  Thus, Passover was the first step of deliverance, not a point where Israel was to be dismissed.

When Paul wrote of Trumpets in those Acts period letters, he was writing of another feast given to Israel: Passover/Unleavened Bread, Pentecost and Trumpets. Passover and Pentecost had been fulfilled in the gospels and Acts 2.  If Israel was cut off, then Trumpets would not have been expected in their lifetime.  We can't have Israel cut off and their Feasts expected so that Paul could write, "We shall not all die."  What was Trumpets going to be without Israel? The Thessalonian letters are all about Christ returning to the Temple and destroying the lawless one.  This is Israel through and through: prophecy and promise.

In what way did the inclusion of Gentiles by the gospel (Romans 11) provoke Israel?

Romans 10:19* But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.  [Mid Acts believes the "foolish nation" here is the Little Flock.]

Romans 11:11* I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Romans 11:14* If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Brian comments:  

Mid Acts doctrine is dragging later truth back into Romans where it will not fit.

The Gentiles of the Acts period were included according to prophesy, not the mystery of Ephesians. We have already seen this in Acts 13:47 = Isaiah 49, Acts 15:16 = Amos 9. In both these OT contexts, Israel's restoration is in view. Israel's restoration is in view in Romans 11 as well. The Gentiles of the Acts period were included by prophesy and the prophesy was about Israel's restoration.

Romans 9 says the Gentiles of Acts were the remnant of prophesy not the church which is His Body see 11:5-7. The grace of Romans 11 is the elect remnant of prophesy into which calling Paul included himself, 9:24. Paul is not writing Romans as a member of the church which is His Body.

The Gentiles of Romans were the Gentiles of prophesy.  Romans 10:19 is Moses, Deuteronomy 32:21.   Deuteronomy 32 is the Song of Moses which ends in Israel's blessing and the Gentiles blessed with her.

Three times we have seen Gentiles included according to prophesy and their inclusion is in OT contexts of Israel's blessing, Acts 13, Acts 15 and Romans 10:19. So to make Romans 11 mean the Gentiles were provoking Israel into the "gospel of grace" (which they thinks means the dispensation of the grace of God, the present calling), they are out of context..

Mid Act's understanding of Romans 11 is impossible by every right division principle.

The Gentiles of Acts were part of God's process to restore Israel.

The graft-in Gentiles of prophesy were there during Acts to provoke Israel, and those graft-in Gentiles were the seed of Abraham by faith and to be blessed with faithful Abraham.  Romans speaks of the Gentiles as the remnant of prophesy, their father was Abraham who was the heir of the world, Romans 4.  This is identical to Galatians.  How can the seed of Abraham, whose inheritance is the Land given by promise, Galatians 3, and who were typified in Isaac, Galatians 4, and whose mother was the New Jerusalem, be provoking Israel into the present calling?  Impossible.

These graft-in Gentiles were there to provoke Israel to the "grace gospel," which was Jesus of Nazareth was Israel's Messiah and in him forgiveness and justification.  They were provoking Israel to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus who was the one at the right hand of God ready to return and bring in the times of restitution.  The return of the Lord (the Deliverer coming out of Zion) is the hope of all Paul's letters during Acts, including Romans. The hope of Romans 15.  Things written aforetime were written for our learning ...that we might have hope. And part of the hope of Romans 15 is Deuteronomy 32, the very passage used in Romans 10:19. The WE of hope in Romans 15 doesn't include us.  And the Gentiles of Romans 11 does not include us.

That grace gospel doesn't include the dispensational things of today. The dispensational setting of Romans from front to back is the earth.  Mid Acts can't see the difference between forgiveness and justification, and the dispensation of the grace of God in Ephesians.

Romans 11 says the Gentiles were included because Israel was stumbling; this is not Ephesians truth.  The church which is His Body is not in existence because Israel stumbled but can be provoked.

Romans 11 speaks of Israel's fullness, not a new calling. Mid Acts jumps over the parts of Romans 11 they don't like or are inconvenient.  What is Israel's fullness?  Not our calling where they have no dispensational superiority, but they did in Romans; it is Jew first from chapter 1, so how come it is Gentiles first and pulling Israel, in chapter 11?

The Gentiles were supported by the root; the Gentiles were not supporting the Jews or offering the Jews anything hid in God.

To say the Gentiles were there to stimulate the Jews into something not Jewish is back to front.  Romans 11 is not Gentiles first who were dragging the Jews along; Romans 11 is Gentiles (second) included because the Jews (first) were stumbling.  This is Jew first.  We can't have the Gentiles first and stimulating the secondary Jews into a calling never revealed to them in prophesy.  Everything Paul said until Acts 28 was "none other things..." (Acts 26:22).

The Acts period Gentiles were to stimulate the Olive Tree to fruit, not to stimulate them into another, different calling, see 11:29.  As a former Mid Acts brother pointed out, he was awakened when he realized the fruit of the tree in Romans 11, was Israel's fruit, not the Gentiles' fruit.

All Israel saved is in view in Romans 11, not the church which is His Body. Romans 11:29.

The graft-in Gentiles could be broken off in Romans 11, this is not the church which is His Body (I doubt it's the little flock either). And please note this verse;

Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

The Gentiles were included because some Jews were broken off? Is this the Gentiles of the church which is His body? Impossible, but it fits the Jew first theme of Romans from front to back.

Speaking of being cut off, Paul, like Moses in Exodus, was ready to be cut off himself for the sake of Israel. So Romans 9:1-3, 10:1 and 11:14 is understood in the earthly kingdom purpose.  Saving some of them is understood in the context of the warning Paul gave them in Acts 13. They were not warned they would be cut off and a new calling start, they were warned of the coming wrath – the northern army which would decimate the nation.  In Romans 2, Paul had written about wrath and righteous judgment of God. This is not a new calling warning.  BTW, Romans was written after Thessalonians so the wrath to the uttermost doesn't mean Israel cut off, else Romans 2 is a badly placed afterthought. See Romans 2:5 and 9. Tribulation and anguish is what Paul wanted to save some Israelites from.  He wasn't trying to save them into something not revealed, but out of something.

Nebuchadnezzar had pictured what this tribulation period would be like.  In Corinthians, Paul wrote it was the last days, 10:11; the ends of the world were upon them, not us.  In Romans 13:11-12, the same end of the ages theme is written.  Thus, those Israelites who did not repent would be under the threat of the great tribulation and wrath of God.

Paul willing to save some of his brethren didn't mean he wanted to save them into the church which is His Body, which wasn't in existence when Romans was written.   He wanted to save some of them out of wrath and into the Kingdom to judge the world and angels.  "Save" also included immortality (remember 1 Corinthians 15:  those Jews that did not repent, even if some survived the wrath and tribulation, would remain in the natural state).

Brian