Rightly Dividing Paul’s Epistles: Early vs. Latter

Below is a transcription (with minor edits) of a message given by Bro Ron Knight, at Norcal Grace in Sacramento, CA

The Bible is a book of progressive revelation.  It is important to know that. When you look at the dietary laws of the Bible, God gave Adam certain dietary laws.  He can eat fruits, vegetables and the like.  This was before God allowed them to eat meat.  Adam just couldn’t eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Then you come to Noah when he came off the ark in Genesis 9, God says if you can catch it, you can eat it.  He now allowed them to eat meat.

When you come to the law of Moses, God separated those meats, clean meats versus unclean meat: ceremonial clean meats versus unclean meats, and that was to show Israel that they were separated nation.  But then you come to Romans 14:6, Paul says everything is okay to eat.  

So as you progress through the Bible, if you stop reading back in Genesis you wouldn’t know that you could eat meat. Nor that they separated the meats at the time of Moses in the book of Exodus.  So I’m saying when it comes to the Bible you have to progressively read it.  You must have that context in mind when you study the Bible.  What makes a preacher a good teacher is he knows that the entire scriptures ["word of truth"] are to be rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15). 

But, I’m going to show you something that is not even focused on even in dispensationalism.  Many of our brothers talk about rightly dividing the word of truth and that’s the Bible.  They can break down the Bible prophecy versus mystery: What is prophecy?  That which is spoken out of the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began (Acts 3:19-21).  What is the Mystery?  Paul's epistles which are the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25).  You can divide earthly things from heavenly places.  Israel was created for the earth, the body of Christ for the heavens.  There’s an earthly Kingdom and a heavenly Kingdom.  The first verse of your Bible is In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  You can divide again the Hebrew people, Abraham’s seed, from the Gentiles; the circumcision from the uncircumcision; and ultimately law versus grace.  God dealt with Israel under the Law. He now deals with us under grace. 

6+7=13
Now most dispensational churches make those distinctions, but what I’ve seen a lack of among dispensational brethren is rightly dividing the Apostle Paul’s thirteen books: 13=6+7.  It is one thing to know those thirteen books are for us, but even among Paul’s thirteen books written over the course of twenty plus years, you have to rightly divide the early epistles from the latter epistles.  There are things that change from the earlier ones and the latter ones.  

Six Early Epistles [6, the number of man]

The revelation of the mystery was not yet complete; the focus of these epistles is the transition in the ‘infancy’ of the body of Christ; there are temporary things going on.  2 Cor 12:1 ~…I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.  (Up until when Paul wrote Ephesians, he was still receiving visions and revelations.) These visions and revelations were when the Lord would give the “new doctrine” (Acts 17:19) to Paul.  

Galatians AD49

1 Thessalonians AD51

2 Thessalonians AD51

1 Corinthians AD56

2 Corinthians AD56

Romans AD57

Seven Latter Epistles [7, the number of spiritual maturity/perfection]

The revelation of the mystery is now complete.  

Ephesians   AD60-61

Colossians AD60-61

Philemon AD61

Philippians   AD62

1 Timothy  AD62-63

Titus AD63

2 Timothy AD67

Supposedly, after the Great Fire in July of AD64 but before the end of Nero’s reign in AD68 is the time Paul’s latter epistles would have been written Paul died under Nero.  Three years later, Titus destroyed the Temple.

Again, the first thing one needs to do is divide Paul’s epistles: early vs. latter.  Then they need to divide position vs practice  (i.e., justification vs. sanctification), individual vs. corporate (as there are verses that apply to us individually and there are verses that apply to the body of Christ, corporately).  

Acts 26:13 

~13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul*, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

 *Saul, Saul:  when the Bible repeats a term twice we should think to ourselves: it represents the accompanying truth as a truth for (1) the first coming, and (2) at the second coming.  In this case, Christ was persecuted when He came the first time, and He’s talking about at the time set up for His second coming there is going to be persecution of His Little Flock.  In the case of Acts 26:14, Saul is representing unbelieving Israel.    

Another thing about this, if you are using the NIV or another version, over in Acts 9 when Paul says: Lord what would you have me to do? his confession of faith is not in that bible.  Also, the Ethiopian eunuch’s confession of faith (“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God") in Acts 8:37 is not even in there.  They just take the verse out.  

~16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

“I will appear…” Saul, being a [hu]man just like the rest of us could not get it all at once so the Lord Jesus Christ gave the revelation of the mystery of Christ piecemeal over the course of 20 plus years.  As we look at this we will see that in the early (6) books of Paul there is evidence that they are early epistles because you’ll see things that you can tell the revelation is not complete. [Rather, you'll see the recorded events during the early part--the transition period--of Paul's ministry] that need the [active and visible] supernatural working of the Spirit put on display.

Galatians 1:8

~8 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.

Why would Paul say or an angel from heaven?  What about those miracles?

Because at that time (during the transition period) it was common to see an angel.  In prophecy angels would appear, so Paul wants to warn them that if “we or an angel from heaven” preach anything different they are NOT to give heed to them.  

Galatians 3:2

~2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

In the transition period, the receiving of the Spirit was visual, it could be seen. For example, when Cornelius was saved, Peter could “see” that he had received the Spirit (Acts 10:44-46). Also, miracles were a common thing: men in the grace assemblies were ministering the Spirit of God but were also doing miracles, signs and wonders by the Spirit.  That is not what the body of Christ is doing today [outside that transition period].

1 Thessalonians 2:13

~13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The importance of this is when you go to Acts 17 where Paul first went to Thessalonica, the only book of Paul that was written by then would have been Galatians and it wouldn’t have been highly circulated, especially at Thessalonica.  The point is, Paul is talking about something new (Acts 17:19).  They couldn’t go to the Old Testament to understand the mystery because it’s not there.  The Thessalonians didn’t have testimony from scripture to rely on like we do.  They had to take it by faith.  

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20

~19 Quench not the Spirit.  [don’t not give it heed]

20 Despise not prophesyings. [as the word of God went forth by the prophets it was done by the Spirit of God.]

During the transition period, the Spirit of God was operating in a way (physical and visible) that was supernatural.  The Thessalonians didn’t have any books (scripture) to go to search out, but they could see the actual operating of the Spirit and they had to [were to] believe it.  

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

~2 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Again, this was at a time of the supernatural workings of, not just the Holy Spirit, but of [divers] spirits. If you look at the book of Acts there are spirits/devils that would ’say things’ and Paul would have to cast them out.   By our gathering together unto him refers to the rapture.  He is saying here that they are not going to go through the Tribulation period, even if there are ‘spirits’ telling them they are.  (Even to this day, people believe and teach we will go through the Tribulation Period!). The point is that these things were happening in the infancy of the the church during the transition period and that is why it shows up in his early epistles.  

1 Corinthians 1:13, 17

~13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

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.

When Paul wrote this baptism was an issue [for the Jews], and being in the transition period, Paul is saying he doesn’t keep up with baptism numbers because baptism wasn’t an issue as Christ sent him not to baptize.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13

~12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

One of the reasons God gave the Holy Spirit was so that we could know!

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The point is, the ministry of the Holy Ghost was active in teaching these things through men as it was supernatural.

Are we to fast and pray?

1 Corinthians 7:4-6

~4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

Paul never commands fasting and prayer, but in the transition period those Jews that got saved fasted and prayed.  In Paul’s latter epistles you will not find anything about fasting and prayer in order to get the Father to answer that prayer.  In the DoGG, we have a different relationship with God than the nation of Israel did.  God dealt with them as children, but with us in the status of adults; that is why we are under grace and not under tutors and governors.  

From Acts 9 to Acts 15 both the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of grace were being preached, simultaneously to different groups: that’s “transition.”

Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the transition
After the Jerusalem Counsel where Peter learned the grace of God, he began living after the manner of the Gentiles in grace but when the Jews came down he began to compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews.  That is when Paul got “in his face” in front of all because he was to be blamed: not walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel.  (Galatians 2:11-14). “Not standing for the truth of the gospel shows that there is no difference today between Jew and Gentile.

1 Corinthians 12:1-7, 9

~1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

The point here is even when these gifts were in operation, not everyone had them all!  Yet there are churches today that say if you don’t speak in tongues you are not saved.

1 Corinthians 13:7-10

~8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that [knowledge] which is perfect [mature, complete] is come, then that [“gift” of knowledge] which is in part shall be done away.

It is the supernatural giving of the gifts of tongues, knowledge, prophesy, etc., and those things will pass away.  “In part” is ‘gnosis’ but ‘epignosis’ is full knowledge.  It is when the revelation [the "knowledge of God" to be had] of the mystery is complete is when the gifts will cease to be.  The mystery was completed before the death of the Apostle Paul.

1 Corinthians 14:31-32

~31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

The point is the “spirits of the prophets” [those that spoke forth the word of God] were “subject” [subordinate] to the will of those prophets. The prophets could choose whether to speak forth/prophesy the word of God, or not.

1 Corinthians 11:13-14

~13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

The point is, Satan has given these men supernatural power.  Satan has power, and he counterfeited the power of the Holy Ghost.  In Second Thessalonians after the Antichrist shows up he gets his power from Satan.  That’s why we can’t attribute supernatural phenomena today to God because we don’t know that!  Satan will do counterfeit things to confuse people to get away from the word, to deceive them (think: deceitful workers).

Romans 1:9-11

~9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

When Romans is written (Paul’s last “early” epistle), Paul is on the cusp of having the full knowledge of God.

“Serve with my spirit” is a spiritual service.  [It is our “reasonable service” (Rom 12:1), one that is to be “obeyed from the heart” (Romans 6:17).]

Establishment vs. Stablish

A spiritual gift is something given to you for spiritual benefit and profit: to the end you may be established.  Establishment is the process from the outside in; it is the process of sanctification. But in Romans 16 he says now to him that is of power to stablish you.  Stablish is the end result of what God does on the inside.  To establish is a process, to be stablished is the end result.  [It is the spiritual work of God in our inner man.]  

Paul wants to strengthen their faith (v12).  How would he do that?  

Romans 15:26-29

~26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Paul is saying that by the time he gets to them he is going to have the revelation of the mystery in its fulness!  When he wrote that in Romans 15 he still didn’t have the full revelation, but was expecting to have received it all when he saw them next.

Romans 16:17-20

~17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

This is Paul saying that when God gives him the rest of the doctrine for the body of Christ, Satan is no match for us.  Paul alludes to the Genesis account where he says he shall bruise thy head, the seed of the serpent.  When you have to doctrine of the mystery which is now complete, we have everything we need to have Satan under our feet (Eph 6:13): that is, the position of authority over him. 

  

Ephesians 1:7-9

~7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

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:

[Prudence: the sound application of that wisdom.]

Ephesians 3:1-10

~3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 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;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Understand my knowledge

We have to read(!) Paul.  We need to understand Paul’s knowledge of the mystery, i.e., how he has ‘put the puzzle’ together.  We have to see it the way he does!  

The epistles of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians is essentially the doctrine written down.  The pastoral epistles show how to take all that doctrine and apply it in your life in wisdom and prudence.

Manifold wisdom of God [the only wise God]
The heavenly angels knew God would reconcile all things unto Himself in heaven and earth, they knew He could—He is the Almighty!  What they didn’t know was the how and when.  But now through the progressive revelation of God's word, we do know!  The how is through the church which is his body; the when will be at the resurrection when the dispensation of the fullness of time comes, right after the dispensation of grace ends, and we’ll stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, and then presented to the Father where in love He will dole out our reward: joint heirs with Christ are going to reign.   

The point is, now the [host of] heaven know about the secret God kept hid in Himself (1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9), but it is [only by and] through the revelation of the mystery give to our Apostle Paul!  

The takeaway
When we rightly divide Paul, we are to remember the first six books do not have the complete revelation but when we get to the last seven that is how the normal operation of the body of Christ is in these latter times.  

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