An expression used to describe the period between the final setting aside of the Jewish nation as the people of God (in the early chapters of the Acts), consequent upon their not only rejecting their Messiah, but also His offers of forgiveness after His ascension, to the time when God will take up His ancient people again after the Church is gone. This present interval is unmarked in prophecy (which is always connected with Israel), and is occupied by the calling out of the Church.