Compare 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1-2 Thess, Romans with:
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1-2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
The shift should hit you like a ton of bricks. No more advantage for the Jew, alien Gentiles included, no sign gifts. Why? What changed with the close of Acts? Could it be that Paul finally testified the gospel of the grace of God?
To reiterate:
Gospel of Christ: 1 Cor 15:1-4 (KJV) to Jews and Gentiles in the promises
Gospel of the Grace of God: 1 Cor 15:1-4 (KJV) now includes Gentiles who were excluded from the promises
A simple progression in Paul's ministry.
You might as well just go all the way to Acts 28:28 with that - it fits much of their error like a glove that is only just a little bit off :chuckle:
Fact is, when Paul was saved, he was saved in the same spiritual UNcircumcision his nation had just been concluded in.
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
That is his description of Acts 9. So is this...
1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 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.
