It's also important to note that the first full seven chapters of Acts has something in mind: the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2. After the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, and Israel's acceptance of Christ as Messiah, God's wrath would be poured out, then the end would come. And Christ would return. The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, was still being given to believing Israel, and Peter and the 11 were at Jerusalem, awaiting all Israel to repent, be baptized for the remission of sins, before God's wrath could be poured out and before Christ's 2nd coming. BUt that did not happen. Only part of Joel was fulfilled. Peter knew this. And he also knew he and the 11 could not go to the Gentiles until Israel accepted the offer. Something was changing. Joel 2 was not being fulfilled in its entirety. Until Paul is saved in Acts 9, nothing makes sense in a prophetic way.
And then this mystery, hid in God from the foundation of the world is revealed to Paul. And everything changes. Although until Acts 28, Israel is still being offered the promises and prophecies concerning the return of Christ and the setting up of the Kingdom.
Once understood that the gospel of the circumcision would stay with Peter and the gospel of the uncircumcision would be preached by Paul, there was a real time of uncertainty in Israel's program. By the end of Acts, it is apparent that a change in dispensations had taken place. And that Israel had been temporarily blinded and set aside for another purpose that had never been revealed before Paul.
Thanks for the further explanation on the first seven chapters in Acts. Wonderful!
Did you notice Part Two is posted?