What Is Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensationalism?

Let’s be honest—“Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensationalism” sounds like something cooked up in a theology lab by people with too much time and not enough coffee. Most believers have never heard of it. And if they have, it usually comes with confusion or suspicion. But here's the truth: this isn’t some trendy new idea or fringe doctrine—it’s a clear, biblical approach that’s simply been neglected, misunderstood, or even resisted… mostly because it doesn’t support a few sacred traditions that believers have held tightly for generations. We’re not here to pick a fight—we’re here to help people see the Bible come alive with clarity, context, and confidence.

Here me out...

At In Christ Fellowship, we believe the Bible is God’s perfectly inspired Word—and we are committed to studying it by “rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). That’s why our teaching and ministry are grounded in what’s known as Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensationalism.

But what does that mean?

Here’s a Simple Explanation:
1. God Has Dealt with Humanity in Different Ways at Different Times.
These distinct periods are called dispensations (like the Garden, the Law, Grace, etc.). - and they help us understand how God’s purposes unfold across time.
View Chart of All 7 Dispensations 

2. Most of the Bible Focuses on God’s Plan for the Nation of Israel.
From Genesis 12 through the early Acts, the story centers on Israel, their covenants, and the coming Kingdom promised through the Messiah. All of this was Prophesied by the Old Testament prophets, Confirmed in the earthly ministry of Jesus our Savior, and Offered again to Israel after the resurrection (Luke 1:70, Acts 3:21).

3. But Something Drastically Changed in Acts 9.  
When God saved a man named Saul (later called Paul), He revealed a new and previously hidden program (Romans 16:25) — called the Mystery (Ephesians 3:1–9) — that was not part of Israel’s prophetic plan.

4. That’s Where The Term “Mid-Acts” Comes In.  
We believe the current dispensation — the Dispensation of Grace — began with Paul’s conversion in Acts 9. That’s why it’s called Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensationalism.
It recognizes:
  • A new apostle (Paul, who was not one of the 12)
  • A new message (the Gospel of the Grace of God - Acts 20:24)
  • A new audience (the Body of Christ, made up of both Jews and Gentiles - 1 Corinthians 12:12–13)
  • A new hope (heavenly, not earthly - Philippians 3:20–21)

5. Therefore, The Church Today Is Not Spiritual Israel.
We are part of a new, heavenly Body—not under the law, not awaiting the earthly kingdom, and not replacing Israel. God still has future plans for Israel, but today He is forming the Church, the Body of Christ.

Why This Matters:

Understanding the difference between God’s prophetic plan for Israel and His mystery program for the Church changes everything:

  • It clears up confusion about salvation, law vs. grace, and the role of works 
  • It helps you make sense of hard passages 
  • It shows how to apply Scripture without twisting it out of context 

In Summary:
We teach the Bible literally, dispensationally, and through the lens of Paul’s unique apostleship — not because we idolize Paul, but because we follow God’s command to “follow Paul as he follows Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). This approach brings clarity, confidence, and purpose to your daily walk with God.

Still Have Questions?
We’d love to walk with you through it. Check out our [Foundations course],  or connect with Pastor Curt for a deeper conversation.

Curt McFarland

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