thethinker asserted:
These scriptures also are NOT applicable today. The saints of the apostolic age lived BEFORE the new covenant was ratified when God was still dealing with His people as with children. The new covenant principle is that God no more leads us "by the hand" and that no man teaches us (Hebrews 8:7-13). Note that verse 13 indicates that the old covenant was still passing away in their time. Paul had also indicated that the old covenant was "passing away" (2 Corinthians 3:4-11). Now that the old has fully passed God deals with us as adults. This means that we live according to conscience.
Cavaradossi asked:
Where do the Holy Scriptures teach of such a thing as a special transitional period which will cease?
Paul claimed that he and the apostolic company were the "stewards of the new covenant,
not of the letter but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:5). Then in verse 11 he said that the old "is passing away" (not has passed away).
In Romans he likened the old covenant (oc) to the night and the new covenant (nc) to the day saying, "The night (oc) is far spent, the day (nc) is at hand...."
The first saints lived in the transitional period between the old and new covenants.