CHART OF THE BOOK OF ACTS
Viewed Prophetically and Dispensationally

     This table shows some of the characteristics of God's programs, beginning when He offered to restore the kingdom to Israel.  It indicates the dispensational changes that occurred after Israel (at Jerusalem) rejected the witness of the Holy Spirit (with the stoning of Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit).  Finally, after the leaders of the dispersed Israel rejected God's word (at Rome, Acts 28:28), God withdrew His offer to restore all things which He had spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since time began. (Acts 3:19-21).  At this time the great Mystery was revealed, and very significant changes began to be dispensed to His "gathering" the Body of Christ.  Much more information could be added, but this should be a good beginning.

 

 

Acts 2 - 8

Acts 8 - 28

After Acts 28:28

Characteristics of the period

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) fulfilled.

Mystery of Israel's blindness

The great Mystery (secret) hid in God.

The offer of the millennial kingdom

Offer officially made. Acts 3:19-21

Offer is still available, God's longsuffering.

Offer of the kingdom is now in abeyance.

Israel's response to the offer

Jerusalem Jews reject it. Acts 4 - 8

Jews of the dispersion reject it.

The King & His kingdom are now fully rejected by all Israel.

God's way of reaching Israel

Call to repentance. Ceremonial washing away of sins.   Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16

Call to repentance. Mystery of Israel's blindness. Gentiles saved to cause jealousy to Jews Rom 11:11; Acts 22:21.  Israel to either be saved or hardened.

Mystery of Israel's blindness is abolished. Individual Jews now approach God simply as sinners. No covenants are in force including God's new covenant with Israel.

Israel's access to God

Access to God as a covenant people. "To you first" Acts 3:26

Access to God as a covenant people.  "To the Jew first" Rom. 1:16; 2:9-10. "It was necessary" Acts 13:46

Jews are no longer "first" or have covenant preference. Individual Jews are now no different from gentiles. They approach God simply through God-given faith, entirely apart from previous covenants with Israel.

Gentile's access to God

Gentiles are outsiders, dogs, unclean, unworthy.  Had Israel repented, it would have been a light for Gentile salvation under "kingdom" conditions..

Acts 10:35 "in every nation...acceptable" (no longer unclean). But "To the Jew first, and to the Greek" Grafted into the olive tree (a symbol of the new covenant).

Has non-discriminatory access to salvation simply through God-given faith, entirely apart from God's covenant with Israel.

Spiritual position of a Jewish believer

Kingdom of priests Ex. 19:6. 

Jews and Gentiles one in Christ, but Jews could be "zealous of the law" Acts 21:20

No distinction. Individual believers one in Christ. Not judged for meat or drink.  Col. 2:16

Spiritual position of a Gentile believer

If Israel had repented Gentiles would have been Israel's saved bond servants under "kingdom" conditions.

Jews and Gentiles one in Christ, but must not eat things strangled, or blood. Acts 15:28-29; Lev 17:10-14

No distinction. Individual believers one in Christ. Not judged because of meat or drink.  Col. 2:16

Sphere of blessing for a Jewish believer

Millennial blessing on earth under the spiritual blessings of the new covenant to be made with Israel & Judah. Acts 3

Millennial blessing on earth under the spiritual blessings of the new covenant made with Israel & Judah. Acts 26:6-7; 28:20; Jer 31; Ezek 36

In the heavenlies in Christ.  New covenant offer withdrawn, but many of its spiritual principles continue in the present dispensation.

Sphere of blessing for a Gentile believer

EXCLUDED:  If Israel had believed, Gentiles would be subordinate servants to the priestly nation in the millennium on earth.

Grafted directly into Israel's covenant blessing.  Millennial blessing on earth under Israel's new covenant.  Rom. 11 olive tree.

In the heavenlies in Christ.  New covenant offer withdrawn, but many of its spiritual features carry over and apply today.

Miracles & Signs (tongues, healers, direct revelations) These signs shall follow believers.  See list of signs in  Mark 16:17-18.  Signs meant to convince Jews, 1 Cor 14:22; Acts 11:17 Signs occur throughout the Acts. But compare the differing list of gifts in 1 Cor. 12:28 with the gifts in Eph 4:11 Sign gifts withdrawn since they are no longer pertinent for convincing Israel.  Compare gifts in 1 Cor. 12:28 with Eph. 4:11.
The ekklesia, God's church, assembly, (or gathering of believers). Promised in Mat. 16:18-19. Inaugurated at the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).  Only Jews included. The same "church" but now Jews and Gentiles form one body in Christ on earth, with the previously revealed millennial blessing on earth. The same "church" but now Jews and Gentiles form one body in Christ, with spiritual blessing in the heavenlies.