Is the change in Acts from the Jewish program to Paul's gospel of grace a contradiction?
No. The shift in Acts is not a contradiction but a change of program. It moves from the Jewish program of temple worship, the Law, and Jesus as Israel's Christ and King to Paul's Gospel of grace through faith plus nothing. The transition resembles one administration replacing another while operating under the same Constitution.
Les explains that the Book of Acts records a transition from Israel's program—temple worship, the Law, and Jesus as the Christ, King, and Redeemer of Israel—to Paul's Gospel of grace through faith plus nothing. He compares it to moving from one presidential administration to another, such as Jimmy Carter's to Ronald Reagan's: different ideologies, yet under the same Constitution. He says it is not a contradiction but a change of program. He also warns that Acts should not be used as a doctrinal book because it can throw a curve, while Paul's letters provide the doctrine that follows the word BUT in verse 26.