Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 15

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 15


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Acts 15

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Council at Jerusalem Conflict Over Circumcision Controversy Over Admission of Gentiles The Meeting At Jerusalem Controversy at Antioch Act_15:1-5 Act_15:1-5 Act_15:1-5 Act_15:1-2 Act_15:1-2 Act_15:3-5 Act_15:3-4 Controversy at Jerusalem The Jerusalem Council Act_15:5-7 a Act_15:6-11 Act_15:6-21 Act_15:6-21 Act_15:6-11 Peter's Speech Act_15:7-11 Act_15:12-21 Act_15:12-18 Act_15:12 James' Speech Act_15:13-18 Act_15:19-21 Act_15:19-21 The Reply of the Council The Jerusalem Decree The Letter to the Gentile Believers The Apostolic Letter Act_15:22-29 Act_15:22-29 Act_15:22-29 Act_15:22-29 Act_15:22-29 Continuing Ministry in Syria The Delegates at Antioch Act_15:30-35 Act_15:30-35 Act_15:30-35 Act_15:30-34 Act_15:30-35 Act_15:35 Paul and Barnabas Separate Division Over John Mark Departure on Second Missionary Journey Paul and Barnabas Separate Paul Separates from Barnabas and Recruits Silas Act_15:36-41 Act_15:36-41 Act_15:36-41 Act_15:36-41 Act_15:36-38 Act_15:39-40 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?