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
The lineage of Herod the Great (for more information consult the index of Flavius Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews).
I. Herod the Great
A. King of Judea (37-4 b.c.)
B. Mat_2:1-19; Luk_1:5
II. His Sons
A. Herod Philip (son of Marianne of Simon)
1. Husband of Herodias
2. Tetrarch of Iturea (4 b.c. - a.d. 34)
3. Mat_14:3; Mar_6:17
B. Herod Philip (son of Cleopatra)
1. Tetrarch of area north and west of the Sea of Galilee (4 b.c. - a.d. 34)
2. Luk_3:1
C. Herod Antipas
1. Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (4 b.c.- a.d. 39)
1. Ruler of Judea, Samaria and Idumea (4 b.c. - a.d. 6)
2. Mat_2:22
E. Aristobulus (son of Mariamne)
1. his only son was Herod Agrippa I
2. Ruled all of Palestine (a.d. 41-44)
3. Killed James and had Peter imprisoned
4. Act_12:1-24; Act_23:35
(a) his son was Herod Agrippa II, Tetrarch of northern territory (a.d. 50-70)
(b) his daughter was Bernice
(1) consort of her brother
(2) Act_25:13 to Act_26:32
(c) his daughter was Drusilla
(1) wife of Felix
(2) Act_24:24
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 God spare Peter and not James?
2. Was the assembled church surprised when their prayers were answered? Explain the implication.
3. Do believers need angels if they have the indwelling Holy Spirit?