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. It is obvious the chapter divisions are inappropriate in Acts. Remember, chapter divisions, verse divisions, capitalization, paragraphing, and punctuation all are not original to the Greek text and, therefore, are the work of modern translation committees.
B. Act_4:1-31 deal with the lame man's healing in Acts 3 and its consequences.
C. Act_4:32-37 should go with Act_5:1-11.
D. The problems of the early church continue and multiply, but so does the grace and power of the Spirit.
E. In dealing with Luke's emphasis on the loving, giving nature of the early church in Jerusalem, modern western interpreters must guard against a "capitalistic" bias. Luke seems to affirm voluntary mutuality. Acts cannot support communism nor capitalism because neither was known at that time. The text must be interpreted in light of its day, its author's intent, and its hearers' world.
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. Who are the Sadducees? Why were they so mad?
2. What is the Sanhedrin?
3. What is the significance of Psalms 118?
4. Why is Act_4:12 so significant?
5. Does the predestination of Act_4:28 refer to individuals or God's plan of redemption? Why?
6. Is Luke trying to set a precedent for the church in Act_4:32 to Act_5:11?