“𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧… 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪: 𝗚𝗢𝗗’𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗”

“IN TIME PAST… BUT NOW: GOD’S PROGRESSIVE PLAN RIGHTLY DIVIDED”

Understanding the 12 Apostles and Paul in God’s Dispensational Purpose

INTRODUCTION

God’s Word does not contradict—it progresses. Confusion comes when people mix what God did
“IN TIME PAST” with what He is doing “BUT NOW.”

The Bible clearly distinguishes Israel’s Kingdom program from the Church’s Grace program. When we fail to rightly divide, we distort doctrine, pervert the gospel, and misapply Scripture.

“Rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJB)

Tonight, we will see nine biblical contrasts that prove God worked through the Twelve for Israel, and Paul for the Body of Christ—not in competition, but in dispensational order.

I. A CHOSEN APOSTLESHIP (THE TWELVE FOR ISRAEL)
Matthew 10:5–7; Matthew 15:24

A. A Directed Calling – Sent only to Israel
Matthew 10:5–6
B. A Defined Kingdom – Preaching the Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 4:23
C. A Davidic Expectation – Israel’s promised earthly kingdom
Luke 1:32–33

II. A COMMISSIONED KINGDOM (PROMISED TO ISRAEL)
Matthew 19:28

A. Thrones Promised – Judging the twelve tribes
Matthew 19:28
B. Covenant Fulfillment – Abrahamic & Davidic promises
Genesis 12:1–3
C. Conditional Reception – Dependent on Israel’s repentance
Acts 3:19–21

III. A CIRCUMCISION GOSPEL (COVENANT-FOCUSED)
Galatians 2:7

A. A Jewish Priority – “To the circumcision”
Romans 15:8
B. A Law Context – Christ ministered under the Law
Galatians 4:4
C. A National Hope – Restoration of Israel
Acts 1:6

IV. A CALLED APOSTLE (PAUL BY REVELATION)
Galatians 1:11–12

A. A Heavenly Calling – Not from men
Galatians 1:1
B. A Post-Ascension Revelation – Christ from heaven
Acts 9:3–6
C. A Unique Stewardship – Given the dispensation of grace
Ephesians 3:2

V. A CONCEALED MYSTERY (NOW REVEALED)
Ephesians 3:3–6

A. Hidden in God – Not known before Paul
Ephesians 3:9
B. Independent of Prophecy – Kept secret since the world began
Romans 16:25
C. Inclusive Body – Jew and Gentile equal
Ephesians 2:15

VI. A CHURCH BODY (ONE NEW MAN)
Ephesians 2:15–16

A. One Body – Not Israel, not nations
1 Corinthians 12:13
B. One Baptism – Spiritual, not water
Ephesians 4:5
C. One Position – “In Christ”
2 Corinthians 5:17

VII. A GRACE GOSPEL (UNMERITED SALVATION)
1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Finished Work – Christ did it all
John 19:30
B. Faith Alone – No works added
Ephesians 2:8–9
C. Full Assurance – Salvation sealed
Ephesians 1:13

VIII. A GLOBAL COMMISSION (ALL MEN, NOT NATIONS)
2 Timothy 2:2

A. Universal Scope – Jew and Gentile alike
Romans 1:16
B. Pauline Pattern – Follow Paul as he followed Christ
1 Corinthians 11:1
C. Present Mission – Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18–20

IX. A CLEAR COMMAND (RIGHTLY DIVIDE OR CONFUSE)
2 Timothy 2:15

A. Mixing Causes Error – Kingdom + Grace = confusion
Galatians 1:6–9
B. Division Brings Light – Truth clarified
1 Corinthians 2:12–13
C. Dispensational Accuracy – Sound doctrine preserved
Titus 2:1

CONCLUSION

God did not change—His dealings did. The Twelve preached to Israel, Paul preached to the world. The Kingdom gospel belongs to time past, while the Gospel of Grace belongs to but now. When Scripture is rightly divided, the Bible becomes clear, consistent, and powerful.

“But now… ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” — Ephesians 2:13

CALL TO ACTION

Stop mixing programs
Study Paul’s epistles
Reject gospel confusion
Preach the Gospel of Grace boldly

“Follow Paul as he follows Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

FINAL THOUGHTS (REMEMBER THIS!)

God works by dispensations
Israel ≠ The Church
The Twelve ≠ Paul
Prophecy ≠ Mystery
Kingdom ≠ Grace
Works ≠ Faith Alone
Earthly hope ≠ Heavenly position
Confusion fades when truth is divided
Rightly divided truth glorifies Christ