Jesus’ ministry lasted 3.5 yrs. His death (spring of AD 31) on the cross brought an end to the ceremonial sacrifices and offerings (evidenced in the splitting of the veil in the temple). These sacrifices were shadows i.e. they pointed to Christ’s death as part of God’s plan of redemption. Jesus’ instruction in Matt 10:5-6 was for them to take the message first to the Jews – Christ knew the Jews had only 3.5yrs left under the prophetic grace period they’d been given, hence the pertinence of his instruction.
The remaining 3.5 yrs were fulfilled at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) by the Israelites in AD 34. This stoning ended the 70-week (490 yrs) prophetic period of grace; the opportunity given to the Israelites to repent (Dan 9:24). It also marked the beginning of the movement of the salvation message to the gentiles (Acts 13:46). Literal Israelites ceased to be God’s chosen people and anyone (including literal Jews) who has faith in Christ becomes spiritual Israel (Rom 2:28-29; Gal 3:27-29). 🙌🏾😇
The Langford Files 