calling was still imminent.  When the people of Israel passed into their

present condition of blindness, as they did in Acts 28, their hope passed with

them, not to be revived until the end of the days, when the Apocalypse is

fulfilled.  Meanwhile a new dispensation has come in, a dispensation associated

with a `mystery' and unconnected with Israel.  In the very nature of things a

change of dispensation means a change of calling.  It introduces a new sphere

and a fresh set of promises, and demands a re -statement of its own peculiar

The reader is referred to the chart on p. 137, where the interrelation of

the epistles, the Acts and the hope is set forth in diagrammatic form.  The

references should be verified and nothing taken for granted, so that we may

approach the third section of our theme with preparedness of mind.

Hope of the third sphere

Before considering the special characteristics of the hope of the church

of the One Body, it may be of service to set out some of the distinctive

features of the dispensation of the Mystery, so that, perceiving the unique

character of its calling, we shall be compelled to believe the unique character

of its hope.

First of all let us observe two features that marked the previous

dispensation, but are now absent.

The presence and prominence of Israel.

The testimony of the Gospels (Matt. 10:6; 15:24), the witness of Peter

(Acts 3:25,26), and the testimony of Paul (Rom. 1:16; 3:29; 9:1 -5; 11:24 -25

and 15:8), all combine to show that the nation of Israel was an important

factor in the outworking of the purpose of the ages, and that during the period

covered by the Gospels and the Acts, no blessing could be enjoyed by a Gentile

in independence of Israel.  It is evident that with the setting aside of

this favoured people, a change in dispensation was necessitated.

The presence and prominence of miraculous gifts.

Throughout the public ministry of the Lord Jesus, and from Pentecost in

Acts 2 until the shipwreck on the island of Melita in Acts 28, supernatural

signs, wonders and miracles accompanied and confirmed the preached word.  Not

only did the Lord Himself and also His apostles work miracles, but during the

time of the Acts ordinary members of the church were in possession of spiritual

gifts in such abundance that they had to seek the apostle's advice as to their

regulation in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:26 -40).  The miracles of Mark 16, Acts 2

and 1 Corinthians 12 to 14 are not the normal experience of the church of

today.  Their absence, together with the setting aside of the people of Israel,

constitute two pieces of negative evidence in favour of a new dispensation.

We are not, however, limited to negative evidence.  Scripture also

provides definite evidence of a positive kind, which we must now consider.

The prison ministry of the apostle Paul.