Dake Bible Discussion Board ⇒ Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

[Spiritblade Disciple]

What is Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is a theological perspective within Dispensationalism that posits the Church, the Body of Christ, began not at Pentecost (Acts 2), but later in the Book of Acts, specifically with Paul's ministry. This view emphasizes a distinct break between the early church in Acts and the later Pauline church, highlighting the unique revelation of the "mystery" of the Church to Paul. [1, 2, 3]

Here's a more detailed explanation:
Core Beliefs of Mid-Acts Dispensationalism:

• Distinct Church: Mid-Acts Dispensationalism emphasizes a clear distinction between the church as it is described in the early chapters of Acts (primarily involving Jewish believers) and the church that emerges with Paul's ministry. [2, 3]

• Paul's Ministry: They see Paul as the primary apostle to the Gentiles and the one who received the unique revelation of the Church as the Body of Christ. [2, 3]

• Rightly Dividing the Word: This view emphasizes "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15), meaning believers must discern which portions of Scripture are specifically for the Church today and which are for Israel or other dispensations. [2, 3]

• Mystery of the Church: Mid-Acts Dispensationalists believe the Church as the Body of Christ was a "mystery" revealed to Paul, not fully understood before his ministry. [2, 3]

• Kingdom Gospel vs. Grace Gospel: Some proponents differentiate between the "gospel of the kingdom" preached by Jesus and the apostles in the early chapters of Acts, and the "gospel of the grace of God" preached by Paul. [3]

• Different Dispensations: They see different dispensations or periods in God's plan with distinct characteristics and requirements. [1, 3]

Key Differences from Traditional Dispensationalism:

• Timing of the Church's Beginning: Traditional dispensationalism (e.g., Acts 2 Dispensationalism) generally places the start of the Church at Pentecost (Acts 2), while Mid-Acts Dispensationalism places it later, often associating it with Paul's conversion (Acts 9) or his ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 13). [1, 3]
• Role of Paul: While both perspectives acknowledge Paul's importance, Mid-Acts Dispensationalism places a greater emphasis on the unique revelation of the Church to Paul and its distinctiveness from the earlier church. [2, 3]

Points of Contention:

• "Rightly Dividing" and Interpretation: Critics argue that Mid-Acts Dispensationalism can lead to a selective reading of Scripture and an overemphasis on Paul's writings. [4, 5]
• Continuity of Scripture: Some argue that Mid-Acts Dispensationalism creates an unnecessary discontinuity between different parts of the New Testament. [5, 6]
• Heresy Accusations: Mid-Acts Dispensationalism has been labeled as heresy by some, particularly those who adhere to more traditional interpretations of Dispensationalism. [5, 7]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] http://indygracechurch.org/dispensationalism.html
[2] https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_mid-acts ... nalism.htm
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKULSOU-0do
[4] https://graceambassadors.com/what-is-mi ... t-division
[5] https://www.facebook.com/groups/reforme ... 827385255/
[6] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/17.htm?x=x
[7] https://wearereformed.com/what-is-mid-a ... tionalism/

[Spiritblade Disciple]

What are the Strongest Arguments Against Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?

Arguments against Mid-Acts Dispensationalism center on the idea that it creates an unnecessary "break" in the biblical narrative, misinterprets the "mystery" of the church, and incorrectly separates Old Testament prophetic promises to Israel from New Testament fulfillment in Christ. Critics argue that Christ's death and resurrection unified believers into One Body under a new covenant, making the distinct "kingdom church" of Acts and the "body of Christ" church of Paul's letters a false dichotomy. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Arguments against Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

• False Dichotomy of Churches: Critics argue that the Mid-Acts view incorrectly separates the early church in the book of Acts from the church described by the Apostle Paul, creating two distinct groups or "churches" instead of one unified Body of Christ. [4, 7]

• Misinterpretation of "Mystery": Mid-Acts proponents identify the "mystery" (as revealed in Paul's writings) as the inclusion of Gentiles in a distinct heavenly body, distinct from Israel's earthly program. However, critics argue that the "mystery" is the unified presence of Gentiles and Jews in the one spiritual body of Christ, not a separate body. [4, 6]

• Separation of Prophecy and Mystery: The Mid-Acts view posits that Old Testament prophecy was for a distinct future for Israel, while Paul's revelation introduced a separate, "mystery" program for the church. Critics assert this creates an unbiblical separation and that the church is the fulfillment of Israel's prophetic destiny, not a separate program. [3, 4, 6]

• Misunderstanding of Spirit-Baptism: While the Spirit-baptism is central to the Mid-Acts view, critics argue that Spirit-baptism marks the beginning of the unified One Body in Christ and was not limited to the Acts period. [4, 8]

• Misuse of "Rightly Dividing": Proponents of the Mid-Acts view cite 2 Timothy 2:15 ("rightly dividing the word of truth") to justify their separation of scriptures. However, critics argue that this text doesn't support dividing the Bible into two separate churches but rather understanding the unity and continuity of God's plan in Christ. [1, 2, 4, 6]

• Disregard for Old Testament Fulfillment: Critics contend that the Mid-Acts system fails to fully recognize that Christ's work fulfilled the Old Testament law and prophetic promises, rendering the concept of a future, separate "kingdom" church based on Israel's Old Testament identity invalid. [2, 3, 6]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/334.htm
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/reforme ... 827385255/
[3] https://puritanboard.com/threads/script ... ts.114842/
[4] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/17.htm?x=x
[5] https://gracecountrybiblechurch.com/tag ... tionalism/
[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/5426352 ... 853997073/
[7] https://www.facebook.com/groups/8253995 ... 094913449/
[8] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/18.htm

[Spiritblade Disciple]

What are the Strongest Arguments for Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?

The strongest arguments for Mid-Acts Dispensationalism include the belief in a distinct Pauline "mystery" program revealed after Paul's conversion, leading to a shift from a kingdom-focused gospel for Israel to a grace-focused gospel for the Church in Acts 10 and beyond. Proponents argue this requires recognizing a significant break between the salvation offered in the early chapters of Acts and that described in Paul's epistles, advocating for a "rightly dividing" of the word of God to distinguish between Israel's prophetic program and the Church's mystery program. [1, 2, 3]

Here's a breakdown of the key arguments:

• Paul's Distinct Apostleship and the "Mystery" Program: Mid-Acts teachers emphasize that Paul was uniquely chosen to reveal a "mystery" (a secret previously hidden) that began to be disclosed after his conversion. This mystery, which includes the Church as the "Body of Christ," was not prophesied in the Old Testament and represents a distinct program of God compared to the prophetic program previously presented to Israel. [2, 3, 4, 5]

• Shift in Gospel Emphasis: They argue that the gospel message in the early chapters of Acts (e.g., Pentecost) was kingdom-focused, with signs accompanying it, and was primarily directed to Israel. After Paul's revelation, the gospel shifted to one of grace through faith in Christ's shed blood, becoming a grace-oriented salvation for all humanity. [1, 2, 6]

• Significance of Acts 10 and Paul's Revelation: A key point is the salvation of Cornelius and other Gentiles in Acts 10. Proponents believe this event marks the beginning of God's revealed program for the Church as the Body of Christ, distinct from the earlier kingdom program for Israel. [1, 6, 7]

• "Rightly Dividing" the Word of Truth: The principle of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) is central to Mid-Acts theology. This involves recognizing the difference between Israel's prophetic program and the "mystery program" of the Body of Christ, which was revealed through Paul. [2, 3]

• Separation of Israel and the Church: Mid-Acts Dispensationalism maintains a clear distinction between God's program for the nation Israel and His program for the Church, the Body of Christ. This prevents a blending of law and grace and clarifies the distinct roles and purposes of both. [2, 8, 9]

• Paul Interprets Paul: There is an emphasis on letting Paul interpret his own writings and the revelations given to him, as he was the chosen spokesman for the Body of Christ in this dispensation of grace. [2, 3]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_mid-acts ... nalism.htm
[2] https://www.facebook.com/groups/3539790 ... 461833748/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSlw_0r8xLs
[4] https://gracecountrybiblechurch.com/tag ... tionalism/
[5] https://sljinstitute.net/pauls-epistles ... ncipation/
[6] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/18.htm
[7] http://indygracechurch.org/dispensationalism.html
[8] https://faith.edu/faith-pulpit/posts/di ... -theology/
[9] https://www.facebook.com/groups/reforme ... 827385255/

[Spiritblade Disciple]

Q1: To my knowledge, Dake did NOT embrace Mid-Acts Dispensationalism. Any ideas as to what passages of scripture Dake might cite to refute Mid-Acts Dispensationalism?

[Spiritblade Disciple]

Q2: Have you studied Mid-Acts Dispensationalism? If so, have you embraced Mid-Acts Dispensationalism? Why or why not?

[Spiritblade Disciple]

As both Charles Stanley and Mid-Acts Dispensationalists believe in Once Saved Always Saved (Eternal Security), I asked Google's AI to compare their dispensational positions.

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism v. Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley's dispensationalism and Mid-Acts dispensationalism are different theological frameworks that share some core beliefs but differ on a central issue: when the Church, the Body of Christ, began. [1, 2]

Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]	Charles Stanley's Dispensationalism (Traditional)	Mid-Acts Dispensationalism
Beginning of the Church	Pentecost (Acts 2): The Church began on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given to believers. This event marked the start of the Church Age, when believers are baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit.	Mid-Acts (Acts 9 or 13): The Church, the Body of Christ, began with the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Possible starting points are Paul's conversion (Acts 9) or his first missionary journey (Acts 13).
Role of Peter	Peter is an apostle who ministered to both Jews and Gentiles during the early Church period. His ministry is viewed as continuous with Paul's, with a unified gospel.	Peter's ministry was part of God's prophetic program for Israel. His gospel message is considered distinct from Paul's, and the Church is not built upon Peter's ministry.
Role of Paul	Paul's ministry to the Gentiles is a continuation of what began at Pentecost. He received greater revelation regarding Jew-Gentile unity but not a completely different gospel.	Paul is considered the apostle exclusively for the Body of Christ. He received a unique revelation concerning the "mystery" of the Church, which was not known in previous dispensations.
Gospel	The core gospel message of salvation by faith in Christ remains consistent throughout the Book of Acts and the New Testament.	There is a shift in the gospel message. The early chapters of Acts contain a "gospel of the kingdom" for Israel, while the Epistles of Paul reveal the "gospel of grace" for the Church.
Water Baptism	Water baptism is seen as a continuing practice or ordinance for believers, as demonstrated from Pentecost onward.	Water baptism is often viewed as a ceremonial ordinance belonging to Israel's program, and not for the Church today.
View of the Book of Acts	The entire book of Acts describes the transitional period that saw the birth and early growth of the Church. It is all instructive for the Church today.	The book of Acts is divided into two parts based on the supposed shift. The latter part, focusing on Paul's ministry, is most applicable to the Church.

Summary of the key difference
The main point of contention is how to "rightly divide" the word of truth.

• Charles Stanley's view, which follows traditional dispensationalism, sees a clear dividing line between Israel and the Church, with the Church starting at Pentecost.

• Mid-Acts dispensationalism places the dividing line further into the Book of Acts, at the start of Paul's ministry. This position results in a rejection of certain practices and teachings from the early chapters of Acts as not applicable to the Church today. [6, 7, 8]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_mid-acts ... nalism.htm
[2] https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_mid-acts ... nalism.htm
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperdispensationalism
[4] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/17.htm?x=x
[5] https://www.spiritandtruth.org/questions/334.htm
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKULSOU-0do
[7] https://redeemingmoments.com/2022/07/26 ... tionalism/
[8] https://lionandlambapologetics.org/syst ... onalism-3/

[Spiritblade Disciple]

I also asked Google's AI to compare and contrast Mid-Acts Dispensationalism with Finis Dake's teachings:

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism v. Finis Dake
Mid-Acts Dispensationalism and Finis Dake are both forms of dispensational theology, but they differ significantly in their details and conclusions, especially regarding the beginning of the Church. A key contrast is that Mid-Acts is a specific, niche branch of dispensationalism, while Dake's theology is a broader, highly idiosyncratic system that influenced Pentecostalism.

Feature [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]	Mid-Acts Dispensationalism	Finis Dake's Theology
Beginning of the Church	Places the start of the Church, the "Body of Christ," after the salvation of the Apostle Paul, sometime in the book of Acts. This marks a shift from the earlier apostolic ministry to Israel.	Acknowledges the "Dispensation of Grace," but does not place the beginning of the Church in the middle of Acts. Dake's system is less concerned with pinpointing this exact moment and more focused on practical benefits like healing and prosperity.
Apostleship	Emphasizes that Paul is the sole Apostle for the present church age, the "Apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13). The teachings of the original 12 apostles are considered part of the previous Jewish dispensation and are not for the Church today.	Acknowledges Paul's importance but does not disregard the other apostles' teachings. Dake's theology focuses on continuity for modern believers, particularly regarding the Holy Spirit and miraculous gifts.
The "Mystery"	Stresses that the "mystery" revealed to Paul was the previously hidden truth that Gentiles and Jews would be made equal members of one body, the Church. This mystery was unknown to the earlier apostles.	Interprets the "mystery" as one of many truths revealed in different dispensations. For Dake, the emphasis is less on the mystery itself and more on the application of Pentecostal teachings in the current dispensation of grace.
Hermeneutics	Employs a strict "rightly dividing the word" (2 Timothy 2:15) to differentiate between scripture meant for the Church (primarily Paul's epistles) and that intended for Israel.	Adopts a highly literal interpretation of scripture ("take every statement of the Bible as literal when it is at all possible"). This leads to some unique and controversial conclusions, such as God having a literal body with parts like a human.
Distinctive Doctrines	Believes water baptism was a Jewish ordinance and that for the Church today, there is only spiritual baptism. Some versions, often called Hyperdispensationalism, lead to controversial conclusions about the fate of Jewish believers and other groups.	Holds a range of idiosyncratic and controversial beliefs, including: God's physical body, a "pre-Adamite" creation, salvation by grace with added conditions (a "grace plus works" view), and the guaranteed healing and prosperity of believers.
Evaluation by others	Often criticized by mainstream evangelicals and other dispensationalists for "over-dividing" Scripture, creating unnecessary separations, and minimizing the authority of the Gospels.	Widely rejected by mainstream evangelicals and Pentecostal groups for its unorthodox and "cultic" beliefs, including racist interpretations. Despite this, his work remains influential in some Charismatic and Word-Faith circles.

[Spiritblade Disciple]

I asked Grok to define and describe Mid-Acts Dispensationalism's soteriology. And, to provide supporting scriptural references from the King James Bible. This was Grok's response:

Definition of Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, also known as Hyperdispensationalism, Pauline Dispensationalism, or the Grace Movement, is a theological framework within evangelical Christianity that divides biblical history into distinct dispensations—periods in which God administers His will differently toward humanity. It emphasizes a literal interpretation of Scripture and "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) by distinguishing between God's prophetic program for Israel (focused on earthly kingdom promises) and His mystery program for the Church, the Body of Christ (focused on heavenly blessings). Unlike traditional dispensationalism, which sees the Church Age beginning at Pentecost in Acts 2, Mid-Acts Dispensationalism holds that the current dispensation of grace began in the middle of the Book of Acts, typically at Acts 9 (with Paul's conversion and calling) or Acts 13 (Paul's first missionary journey). Prior to this, the early chapters of Acts describe a Jewish assembly still operating under the Mosaic Law and preaching the "Gospel of the Kingdom" to Israel, which included signs, miracles, and requirements like repentance and water baptism as part of national restoration. The Apostle Paul, however, received a unique revelation from the risen Christ of the "mystery" hidden since the foundation of the world: that Jews and Gentiles could be saved alike into one Body through faith in Christ's finished work, without the Law or rituals. This makes Paul's epistles (Romans through Philemon) the primary doctrinal source for the Church today, while the Gospels, Acts 1–8, Hebrews, and the general epistles are seen as transitional or primarily for Israel, though still inspired and profitable for study.

Description of Its Soteriology

Soteriology in Mid-Acts Dispensationalism centers on salvation by grace through faith alone in the current dispensation, known as the Age of Grace or the Dispensation of the Mystery. It teaches that salvation has always been by grace through faith in God's revealed word for that time, but the content and requirements of faith differ across dispensations. In prior dispensations (e.g., under the Law), salvation involved faith demonstrated through obedience to covenants, rituals, or works like animal sacrifices. However, in the present age, revealed exclusively to Paul, salvation is purely a free gift received by trusting in the Gospel of the Grace of God: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. This gospel was a mystery not prophesied in the Old Testament or preached by Jesus in His earthly ministry or by the Twelve Apostles early on, who instead proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom with its focus on Israel's Messiah and national repentance.

Key elements include:

• Faith Alone, Without Works: No human effort, merit, or ritual contributes to salvation; it is not of works, lest anyone boast. Attempting to mix Law-keeping, repentance as a separate act, or ordinances with faith nullifies grace.
• Distinction in Gospels: Paul's gospel (the "Gospel of Uncircumcision") is for all people today and differs from the "Gospel of Circumcision" or Kingdom gospel preached to Israel, which included water baptism and signs. Repentance in this view is synonymous with a change of mind inherent in believing the gospel, not a work or prerequisite involving turning from sins.
• Baptism by the Spirit Only: Water baptism is rejected as a Jewish ceremonial rite not commanded for the Body of Christ; instead, the Holy Spirit baptizes believers into Christ's death, burial, and resurrection at the moment of faith, sealing them eternally.
• Eternal Security: Once saved, a believer cannot lose salvation, as it is based on Christ's finished work, not ongoing performance.
• Application Today: The Lord's Supper is observed as a simple memorial, not an ordinance with mystical elements. This soteriology emphasizes liberty from the Law and focuses on edification through Paul's teachings for godly living.

Critics argue this creates unnecessary divisions in the New Testament and borders on heresy by downplaying non-Pauline Scriptures, but proponents maintain it resolves apparent contradictions (e.g., faith vs. faith plus works in James 2) by dispensational context.

Supporting Scriptural References from the King James Bible

Mid-Acts Dispensationalists draw primarily from Paul's epistles for soteriological doctrine. Below are key verses (quoted from the KJV) with brief explanations of their relevance:

• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
  This underscores salvation as a free gift by faith alone, excluding any works or merit.
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
  Defines the content of the saving gospel: faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for sins.
• Romans 3:23-25: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God."
  Explains justification by faith in Christ's blood as the means of redemption and propitiation.
• Galatians 2:16: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
  Contrasts justification by faith with the impossibility of justification by Law or works.
• Ephesians 3:1-6: "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."
  Describes the "dispensation of grace" and the mystery revealed to Paul, where Gentiles are co-heirs in one Body by the gospel.
• Romans 6:3-4: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
  Illustrates Spirit baptism identifying believers with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, without water.
• 1 Corinthians 12:13: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
  Emphasizes the unifying Spirit baptism into the Body of Christ for all believers, Jew or Gentile.
• Galatians 2:7: "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter."
  Highlights the distinction in Paul's apostleship and gospel focus for Gentiles.
• Romans 4:1-5: "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
  Uses Abraham to show justification by faith apart from works, consistent across dispensations but applied through grace today.

[Spiritblade Disciple]

I asked Grok to disprove Mid-Acts Dispensationalism utilizing the King James Bible.

Utilizing the King James Bible to Disprove Mid-Acts Dispensationalism

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism posits that the Church (the Body of Christ) began in the middle of the Book of Acts—typically around Acts 9 with Paul's conversion—marking a shift from a "gospel of the kingdom" preached to Israel (by Peter and others) to a distinct "gospel of grace" revealed exclusively to Paul for the Church. It emphasizes a sharp division between Israel and the Church, rejecting practices like water baptism for the current dispensation while claiming only Paul's epistles are directly applicable today. However, utilizing the King James Bible, this view is inconsistent with Scripture, as it overlooks the unity of the gospel, the early existence of the Church, and the continuity in God's plan of salvation by grace through faith. Below, key biblical proofs are outlined, demonstrating contradictions with Mid-Acts Dispensationalism.

1. The Church (Body of Christ) Existed Before Paul's Conversion, Not Starting with Him
Mid-Acts claims the Church began with Paul, but the Bible shows the Church was already present in Acts 2 at Pentecost, and Paul acknowledges persecuting it prior to his conversion in Acts 9.

• Acts 2:47 (KJV): "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." This explicitly refers to "the church" being added to immediately after Pentecost, indicating its existence from the outset of Acts, not mid-Acts.
• Galatians 1:13 (KJV): "For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it." Paul admits to persecuting "the church of God" before his conversion, proving it predated him and was not a new entity starting with his ministry.
• 1 Corinthians 15:9 (KJV): "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." This reiterates the Church's pre-Paul existence, as he could not persecute something that did not yet exist.
• Acts 11:15 (KJV): "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." Peter refers to Pentecost (Acts 2) as "the beginning," tying the Church's formation to the Spirit's baptism there, not a later point with Paul.
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV): "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." This describes the unifying Spirit-baptism that forms the "one body" (the Church), which began at Pentecost for Jews (Acts 2), extended to Samaritans (Acts 8), and Gentiles (Acts 10), showing a progressive inclusion without a mid-Acts restart.

These verses establish that the Church was formed through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, incorporating believers into one body from the start, contradicting any claim of a Paul-initiated Church.

2. The Church Was Formed at the Cross, Uniting Jew and Gentile in One Body
Mid-Acts emphasizes a mystery revealed only to Paul, but Scripture shows the Church's foundation at Christ's cross, reconciling all believers without the divisions Mid-Acts imposes.

• Ephesians 2:13-16 (KJV): "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." This ties the Church's creation ("one body") to the cross, not a mid-Acts revelation, uniting Jews and Gentiles through Christ's death.
• Ephesians 3:6 (KJV): "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." The mystery is Gentile inclusion in the existing body, not the body's creation mid-Acts; this body predates Paul's full explanation.

3. There Is Only One Gospel of Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Not Separate Gospels for Israel and the Church
Mid-Acts posits two gospels—one of the kingdom for Israel and one of grace for the Church—but the Bible condemns multiple gospels and shows continuity in salvation across apostles.

• Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV): "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Paul warns against "another gospel," affirming one unified message, not a division between Peter's and his preaching.
• Acts 15:7-11 (KJV): "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe... But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Peter affirms salvation by grace for both Jews and Gentiles, aligning with Paul's message and showing no dispensational shift.
• Galatians 3:8 (KJV): "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." The same gospel was preached to Abraham, demonstrating salvation by faith predates even the apostles, with no need for a mid-Acts distinction.
• Genesis 15:6 (KJV): "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Abraham's justification by faith alone shows grace-based salvation is not a Paul-exclusive revelation but a consistent biblical truth (cross-referenced in Romans 4:3).

4. Peter, Not Paul, Initiated Gentile Inclusion, Showing Apostolic Unity
Mid-Acts claims Paul alone received the Gentile mystery, but Peter was chosen to open the door to Gentiles, and the apostles agreed on the gospel.

• Acts 10:44-45 (KJV): "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit falls on Gentiles through Peter's preaching, integrating them into the body without Paul's involvement.

Summary of Key Contradictions
To illustrate the biblical inconsistencies in Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, consider this table comparing its claims to Scripture:

Mid-Acts Claim	Biblical Contradiction	(KJV)Explanation
Church starts mid-Acts with Paul	Acts 2:47; Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9	Church existed and was persecuted before Paul.
Two separate gospels	Galatians 1:6-9; Acts 15:7-11	Only one gospel condemned; Peter preaches grace salvation.
Mystery of grace revealed only to Paul	Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:8; Ephesians 3:6	Faith-based salvation from Abraham; Gentiles as fellowheirs in existing body.
Church formed post-Pentecost	Acts 11:15; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:13-16	Spirit-baptism at Pentecost forms the body at the cross.

These scriptures demonstrate a unified plan of redemption, with the Church beginning at Pentecost as the fulfillment of Christ's work, rendering Mid-Acts Dispensationalism incompatible with the King James Bible's teachings.

[Spiritblade Disciple]

And, I asked Grok to prove Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is true, utilizing the King James Bible.

Proving Mid-Acts Dispensationalism Using the King James Bible

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is a biblical framework that recognizes distinct dispensations (or administrations) in God's dealings with humanity, as outlined in the King James Bible. It posits that the current dispensation of grace, in which the Church (the Body of Christ) operates, began in the middle of the Book of Acts with the Apostle Paul's ministry (around Acts 9-13), rather than at Pentecost in Acts 2. This view emphasizes "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) to distinguish between God's prophetic program for Israel (focused on the earthly kingdom) and the mystery program revealed to Paul for the Church (focused on grace through faith alone, apart from the law or works).

Below, I outline the proof using key scriptures from the King James Version (KJV). I'll structure it by core tenets, quoting relevant verses and explaining how they support the position. This is not exhaustive but demonstrates the biblical foundation.

1. The Bible Commands Rightly Dividing the Scriptures
Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is rooted in the need to divide God's word properly to avoid confusion between different dispensations.

• 2 Timothy 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
  This verse, written by Paul, instructs believers to divide (distinguish) parts of Scripture. Without this, contradictions arise (e.g., between law-keeping in the Gospels and grace in Paul's epistles). Mid-Acts applies this by separating Israel's prophetic program from the Church's mystery program.

2. Dispensations Are Biblical, and the Current One Is Grace Revealed to Paul
The word "dispensation" appears in the KJV, referring to God's administrative changes over time.

• Ephesians 3:2-3: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,"
  Paul explicitly calls the current age the "dispensation of the grace of God," given specifically to him by revelation.
• Colossians 1:25: "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;"
  Again, Paul identifies a dispensation given to him for the Gentiles/Church.
• 1 Corinthians 9:17: "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."
  A dispensation (stewardship) of the gospel was committed to Paul uniquely.
• Ephesians 1:10: "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:"
  This points to future dispensations, showing God's progressive plan, but the current one is grace through Paul.

3. The Mystery of the Church Was Hidden and Revealed Only to Paul
The Body of Christ (the Church) was a "mystery" not prophesied in the Old Testament or early Acts, but revealed first to Paul after his conversion.

• Ephesians 3:1-9 (key excerpts): "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery... Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister... To make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God..."
  The mystery—Gentiles as fellowheirs in one Body with Jews, saved by grace—was hidden until revealed to Paul. It wasn't known to prior prophets or apostles like Peter.
• Romans 16:25-26: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
  Paul's gospel reveals a mystery kept secret since the world began, contrasting with the prophesied kingdom gospel preached earlier.
• Galatians 1:11-12: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."
  Paul's gospel came directly from Christ by revelation, not from the other apostles, indicating a new message.

4. Paul's Unique Apostleship to the Gentiles and Distinct Gospel
Paul was commissioned separately from the Twelve Apostles, with a different focus and message.

• Galatians 2:7-9: "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
  There are two gospels distinguished: one of the circumcision (to Jews, via Peter) and one of the uncircumcision (to Gentiles, via Paul). This shows a division in ministry.
• Romans 11:13: "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:"
  Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles, emphasizing his unique role.
• Acts 9:15: "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
  At Paul's conversion (Acts 9), Christ chooses him specifically for Gentiles, marking the start of the new dispensation.
• 1 Timothy 1:16: "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
  Paul is the "first" pattern for believers under grace, implying the Church begins with him.
• Acts 20:24: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."
  Paul preaches "the gospel of the grace of God," distinct from the kingdom gospel in early Acts.

5. Practical Differences Under Grace (Not Under the Law)
The current dispensation shifts from law to grace, affecting practices like baptism and salvation requirements.

• Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
  Believers today are not under the law (given to Israel), but grace—revealed through Paul.
• 1 Corinthians 1:17: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
  Paul was not sent to baptize (unlike the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, which included water baptism for Israel), showing a change in dispensation.

These verses collectively demonstrate that Mid-Acts Dispensationalism aligns with the KJV's emphasis on division, dispensations, and Paul's unique revelation. The prophetic program for Israel (e.g., kingdom gospel in Matthew-Mark-Luke-John and early Acts) was interrupted when Israel rejected Christ, and God initiated the mystery program through Paul. This framework resolves apparent contradictions (e.g., faith plus works in James 2:24 vs. faith alone in Ephesians 2:8-9) by assigning them to their proper dispensations. For deeper study, compare Paul's epistles (Romans-Philemon) as the primary doctrine for the Church today.