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.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The gospel is breaking out of its Jewish origins.
1. Cornelius – a Roman military God-fearer
2. the Ethiopian Eunuch – a Gentile God-fearer
B. The work of the Greek-speaking Jews (the seven of Acts 6) is having an influence.
C. The repeat of the Pentecostal experience shows God's acceptance of all people.
1. Samaritans (Acts 8)
2. Romans (Acts 10)
3. Ethiopian (Acts 8)
D. The theological stage is being set for the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15. A watershed of universal gospel availability has been reached!
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 is the salvation of Cornelius so significant?
2. How is Cornelius' salvation experience like Paul's?
3. What theological significance did the sheet full of animals and Peter's comments have in relation to Cornelius?
4. Why was Cornelius' friends' conversion such a problem?
5. Outline Peter's sermon and compare it with other salvation events in Acts. They are all different, yet the same.