READING CYCLE THREE (from "A Guide to Good Bible Reading" p. vi)
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. This chapter is often called "The Jerusalem Council."
B. This was a major turning point, a theological watershed, in the methods and goals of the Early Church. In a sense it is a merging of the two centers of Christendom, Jerusalem and Antioch.
C. The conversions of non-Jews in Acts 8-11 seem to have been allowed as exceptions (they were not full, practicing pagans), not as a new policy to be vigorously pursued (cf Act_11:19).
D. This chapter's relationship to Galatians 2 is disputed. Acts 15 or Act_11:27-30 could be the background to Galatians 2. See Introduction to Acts 14, C.
E. It is interesting that the recurrent Pentecostal sign of speaking in tongues (Acts 2, 8, 10; possibly Act_15:8) is not mentioned at all as an evidence for the assurance of salvation of Gentiles (i.e., pagans).
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 this chapter so important?
2. Who are the Judaizer-Christians?
3. Why was James' opinion given so much weight?
4. Who are the elders?
5. Do the restrictions of Act_15:28-29 refer to salvation or fellowship?