We have seen that Daniel was a great prophet of God. However, Daniel did not know about the present age in which we live. The Apostle Paul said God kept this age and the dispensation that relates to this age a secret until He revealed it through Paul.

Eph 3:1-5
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery . . .
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (NKJ)

As a result, Paul often warned people to follow him and his doctrine. To the Philippians, he wrote:

Phil 3:17
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (NIV)

Phil 4:9
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)

To Timothy, Paul wrote:

1 Tim 1:3,11
3 . . . that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. (NKJ)

2 Tim 2:2
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (NKJ)

2 Tim 3:10,14
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, . . .
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (NKJ)

God has always saved people by His grace, but the dispensation of the grace of God was a mystery, hidden from the prophets, until it was revealed through the Apostle Paul. Understanding this mystery helps believers to appropriately pattern their lives and their worship after the doctrine of the Apostle Paul. It also makes it possible for Bible students to appreciate all scripture as a consistent presentation of God’s dealings with different groups of people in different times.

2 Tim 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (NKJ)

All scripture is profitable. One would pay a great price for neglecting any portion of God’s word, but it must be rightly divided according to Paul’s doctrine.

Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com

Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/