The Old Testament prophets were writing to the nation of Israel only.
Les Feldick teaches that from Abraham's covenant onward, God dealt exclusively with His covenant people, Israel. This is confirmed by Jesus' instruction to the twelve and by the early church's preaching pattern in Acts, which was Jew only.
Acts 11:19 — This verse states that those scattered from Stephen's persecution preached the word to none but Jews only, confirming the Israel-only focus.
The biblical record shows that after the persecution surrounding Stephen, believers scattered and preached the word, but they preached to none but Jews only (Acts 11:19). This confirms that the gospel proclamation at that time was directed exclusively to the nation of Israel. Additionally, Jesus commanded the twelve, 'Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel' (Matthew 10:5-6).
Les Feldick emphasizes that throughout the Old Testament and even into the early Acts period, God was dealing only with the nation of Israel. He points out that the prophets, like the early church, were directed to Jews only, with exceptions like the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman. Les stresses that God had not yet given instructions to go to the Gentiles, and this continued until Israel's rejection led to God turning to the Gentiles through Paul.
Jesus sent the twelve with the command not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This reflects the ongoing covenant relationship God had with Israel since Abraham.
No. According to Acts 11:19, those scattered from Stephen's persecution preached the word to none but Jews only. Les Feldick notes that this continued even years after Pentecost, confirming that the early church's focus was on Israel alone.
God's dealing with Israel alone was part of His covenant promise to make them a nation and eventually send their Messiah and King. Les explains that God had not yet given instructions to go to the Gentiles, so the early believers continued in that exclusive focus.
Belief in Christ Alone Not Enough
Les explains that in the age of grace, simply believing Jesus is the Messiah is not sufficient; the cross adds a new dimension to faith, showing a shift from Israel's earlier understanding.
Jesus' Ministry Confined to Israel
Les shows that Jesus confined His ministry to Israel with two exceptions, and contrasts that with Paul's later commission to all nations.
Go to the Lost Sheep of Israel
Les cites Matthew 10:5-6 to prove that even the twelve were sent only to Israel, reinforcing that God's focus was on His covenant people.
Preaching to Jews Only
Les emphasizes that Acts 11:19 states plainly that the scattered believers preached to none but Jews only.
No Gentile Mission in Acts
Les stresses that the preaching in Acts was exclusively to Jews, and they were not going to Gentiles.
Jew Only Up to Saul's Conversion
Les points out that Acts 11:19 confirms that even as late as Stephen's stoning, the preaching was Jew only, showing God's exclusive dealing with Israel.
The Book Says It, Not Les
Les defends Acts 11:19, emphasizing that it's in the Bible that preaching was to none but Jews only, and that people may rebel against it but it's true.
Peter's Audience Was Israel
Les explains that Peter addressed 'ye men of Israel' because God was still dealing with Israel at Pentecost, showing the continuity of the Jew-only focus.
Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Jesus' direct command to the twelve confirms that His earthly ministry and the disciples' initial preaching were directed to Israel only.
Acts 11:19: 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.
This verse summarizes the early church's preaching pattern after Stephen's death, showing they went exclusively to Jews.
While there were exceptions like the Roman centurion and the Canaanite woman, the prophets and God's dealing through them were primarily directed to the nation of Israel. The Bible shows that the early church's preaching was Jew only until God changed direction through Paul.
Les teaches that the shift came when Israel rejected God's offer in unbelief. At that point, God set Israel aside and turned to the Gentiles through the Apostle Paul, as seen in Romans.
Yes, Acts 11:19 explicitly states that those scattered preached the word to none but Jews only. Les emphasizes that this is plain in the Bible and that people may rebel against it but it is true.
Watch the Teaching: Why the Gospel Changes After the Cross — Romans 3 Explained