Areas of Difference with Another Mid-Acts Teacher
Question: Where do you disagree with David Reid on interpretations of scripture? I find you both very sound and I'm enjoying your book, Rightly Dividing Issues and Answers.
David Reid is a careful mid-Acts teacher. His presentations are typically well-prepared, thorough, and clear, and he has contributed significantly to the promotion of a right division hermeneutic.
On many major issues of dispensational understanding we are aligned. Our shared commitments include:
- the distinctiveness of Paul’s apostleship and message,
- the uniqueness of the body of Christ as separate from Israel,
- salvation by grace through faith apart from works in the present dispensation,
- and the importance of interpreting scripture according to its dispensational context.
Nevertheless, there are differences in detail and emphasis.
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Saints and Kingdom People
A notable area of difference concerns the term "saints." My own position is that the term "saints" in many New Testament contexts refers specifically to the kingdom people (Israel and those associated with the kingdom program), rather than being a general designation for all believers in every dispensation. I tend, therefore, to refrain from calling members of the present body of Christ "saints" in a technical, exegetical sense.
Pastor Reid, as I understand him, is more comfortable retaining "saints" as a descriptor for present believers, and he reads certain passages with that broader application. This leads to some nuance differences in how we each handle texts where the word appears, particularly in books that stand closer to the kingdom program.
King James View Nuances
There may also be differences in how we articulate our view of the King James Version. Functionally, our practice is likely quite similar—we both use the King James as our working text and defend its value. In terms of categories, I tend to speak of the providential preservation of the English text rather than the inspiration of the English itself. Pastor Reid may describe the matter somewhat differently, though on the practical level our approach to using the King James is likely close.
Spirit of Disagreement
Where differences exist, they are not of the sort that should fracture fellowship among those committed to mid-Acts right division. Disagreements on particular texts or terms should lead to careful discussion, comparison of arguments, and a willingness for iron to sharpen iron, rather than to personal offense. My perception is that both of us are content to contend for our views vigorously without fragility.
The important point is that such differences occur within a shared hermeneutical framework that honors Paul’s distinct ministry and seeks to interpret scripture in its proper dispensational setting.
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