How long did the restricted ministry format continue after Pentecost?
According to the biblical account, the restricted ministry format continued for several years after Pentecost. The early Jewish believers adhered to the commandment Jesus gave the Twelve to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and for several years that same format persisted.
Les explains that even after Jesus' ascension and Peter's beginning at Pentecost, for several years the same restricted format continued. The early Jewish believers adhered to the commandment Jesus gave the Twelve to go not into the way of the Gentiles but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Les notes that many people think the Church began as soon as Jesus began His ministry, but according to this Book He ministered only to the nation of Israel for the whole three years, and the same format persisted for several years after Pentecost, as seen in Acts chapter 11.
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.