DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH
ACTS
53
AND
The apparent quotation of Zechariah 8:16 in Ephesians 4:25, `Speak every man truth with his neighbour', is
explained by the fact that Paul's whole phraseology was tinctured with Old Testament language, but even if this be
included as a direct quotation, nothing can be made of Zechariah 8 that constitutes any doctrine connected with the
subject-matter, except by general analogy.
Philippians contains not one Old Testament quotation. In chapter 2 verses 10 and 11 there is an allusion to
Isaiah 45:23, but it refers to the Person of the Lord, not to the mystery.
Colossians has no reference.
2 Timothy has one, namely, Numbers 16:5 and 26, in chapter 2:19. As we have seen, 1 Timothy uses the law
concerning the muzzling of the ox, to which we have already alluded (1 Tim. 5:18): but there is no other quotation.
This leaves only Titus and Philemon, neither of which makes any reference to the Old Testament.
Here, then, we have seven epistles, and they contain not more than eight quotations from the Old Testament,
possibly but seven, and of this number, not one can be said to teach or reveal any doctrine peculiar to the testimony
of Paul, the prisoner of the Lord.
We return therefore to Acts 28:23 and 31 and perceive that the emphasis upon the Law and the Prophets in verse
23, and the pointed omission of any reference to the Scriptures in verse 31, entirely harmonizes with the two
dispensations that find their `landmark' in Acts 28:25-28. Before we go further it may be well to exhibit the
structure of this section, which is as follows:
Acts 28:23-31
The Dispensational Landmark
A a 28:23.
Chief of the Jews come to Paul's lodging. The day.
b 28:23.
Paul `expounded' the Kingdom of God.
c 28:23.
`Persuading' concerning Jesus.
d 28:23.
Out of the law and prophets.
e 28:23.
From morning till evening.
B f 28:24,25.
They agreed not among themselves.
g 28:24,25.
They departed.
h 28:25.
The word of the Holy Ghost.
C
i 28:26.
GO unto this people.
j 28:26.
Hear ... not understand.
D 28:27. k1
l
Heart waxed gross.
m
Ears dull.
n
Eyes closed.
Isa. 6:10. k2
n
Eyes see.
m
Ears heard.
l
Heart understand.
k3
Be converted.
k4
I should heal them.
C
h 28:28.
The salvation of God.
i 28:28.
SENT unto the Gentiles.
j 28:28.
They will hear it.
B
g 28:29.
The Jews departed.
f 28:29.
Great reasoning among themselves.
A a 28:30.
All come to Paul's hired house. The two years.
b 28:31.
Paul `preaches' the Kingdom of God.