Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 21

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 21


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Acts 21

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4
NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem Paul Returns to Palestine Paul Goes to Jerusalem The Journey to Jerusalem (Act_20:7 to Act_21:14) Act_21:1-6 Act_21:1-14 Act_21:1-6 Act_21:1-6 Act_21:1-6 Act_21:7-14 Act_21:7-14 Act_21:7-11 Act_21:7-14 Paul Urged to Make Peace Paul's Conformity to Judaism Act_21:12-13 Paul's Arrival in Jerusalem Act_21:14 Act_21:15-16 Act_21:15-25 Act_21:15-16 Act_21:15-16 Act_21:15-16 Paul Visits James Paul Visits James Act_21:17-26 Arrested in the Temple Act_21:17-26 Act_21:17-25 Act_21:17-25 Act_21:26-36 Act_21:26 Act_21:26 Paul Arrested in the Temple Paul's Arrest and Defense Paul is Arrested in the Temple Paul's Arrest Act_21:27-36 (Act_21:27 to Act_22:29)

21:27-36 Act_21:27-29 Act_21:27-29 Act_21:30-36 Act_21:30-36 Paul Defends Himself Addressing the Jerusalem Mob Paul Defends Himself Act_21:37 to Act_22:5 (Act_21:37 to Act_22:21) Act_21:37-40 (acts Act_21:37 to Act_22:5)

21:37a Act_21:37-40 Act_21:37-38 Act_21:39 Act_21:40 to Act_22:2 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.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

This chapter is surprising in what is not said! There is no mention of Paul's emphasis on a contribution from the Gentile churches to the Jerusalem church.

James D. G. Dunn, Unity and Diversity in the NT, pp. 272-278, makes in interesting conjecture that there was tension between James (known for his allegiance to the traditions of Judaism) and Paul over the place of the Oral Traditions in the life of a believing Jew.

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. If prophets in every city told Paul not to go to Jerusalem, why did he go?

2. How were/are believing Jews to relate to the Mosaic Covenant?

3. Was the Asian Jews' charges against Paul in Act_21:28 a true?

4. Does this commander's comment (Act_21:38) imply that few Jews knew Greek or that he thought Paul was an Egyptian?