Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Acts 1

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Promise of the Holy Spirit Prologue Introduction; the Risen Christ Introduction Prologue Act_1:1-5 Act_1:1-3 Act_1:1-5 Act_1:1-5 Act_1:1-5 The Holy Spirit Promised The Ascension of Jesus Act_1:4-8 The Ascension Jesus Is Taken Up to Heaven The Ascension Act_1:6-11 Act_1:6-11 Act_1:6 Act_1:6-8 Jesus Ascends to Heaven Act_1:7-9 Act_1:9-11 Act_1:9-11 Act_1:10-11 The Choice of Judas' Successor The Upper Room Prayer Meeting The Gathering of the Twelve Judas' Successor The Group of Apostles Act_1:12-14 Act_1:12-14 Act_1:12-14 Act_1:12-14 Act_1:12-14 Matthias Chosen Judas is Replaced Act_1:15-26 Act_1:15-26 Act_1:15-26 Act_1:15-17 Act_1:15-20 Act_1:18-19 Act_1:20 Act_1:21-22 Act_1:21-22 Act_1:23-26 Act_1:23-26 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why did Jesus stay with the disciples for 40 days?

2. What is the "baptism of the Spirit?"

3. Why is Act_1:7 so important?

4. Why is the ascension important?

5. Why did Peter feel a need to fill Judas' place?

6. How can Paul be an apostle when he did not fulfill the qualifications? (Act_1:21-22)