What does the Bible say about progressive revelation?

Progressive revelation is a crucial concept in understanding how God disclosed His truth over time, especially after the resurrection of Christ. In John 16:12-15, Jesus tells His disciples that there are many things He wishes to say but that they cannot bear them at that moment. He promises the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will guide them into all truth and declare what is to come. This indicates that God's full revelation was not given instantaneously but rather unfolded progressively, allowing believers to grow in their understanding of His will and the gospel.

Traditional Reformed covenant and mid-Acts dispensational theologies, however, contend that the gospel’s fullness was known from the very beginning of Acts, arguing that subsequent revelations contributed nothing new. Such positions could neglect the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, which was essential for a fuller comprehension of the gospel's implications, particularly as it transitioned from a primarily Jewish context to a universal one. The events and misunderstandings recorded in Acts reflect this developmental process, illustrating the apostles' initial immaturity concerning the nature of God's kingdom and the gospel's work in the lives of both Jews and Gentiles.