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. The emphasis in Acts is beginning to shift from
1. the Apostle Peter to the Apostle Paul
2. from Palestine to the Mediterranean world
3. from Jews to Gentiles.
B. Paul's conversion is such an important point in church history that it is recorded three times in the book of Acts.
1. Luke's account, Act_9:1-30
2. Paul's account before the mob in Jerusalem, Act_22:3-16
3. Paul's account before Agrippa II at Caesarea, Act_26:4-18
4. Paul also briefly mentions this same period in Gal_1:13-17 and 2Co_11:32-33
C. The similarities between Stephen's message and Paul's messages are obvious. Paul began to minister to the same Hellenistic Jews to whom Stephen had preached. Paul heard Stephen's sermon of Acts 7 (cf. Act_7:58; Act_8:1; Act_22:20). It is even possible that Paul was one of the leaders of the Hellenist Synagogues in Jerusalem who debated with Stephen and lost!
D. Some possible influential factors in Paul's conversion
1. failure of Judaism to provide internal peace and joy
2. the life and teachings of Jesus were well known and discussed in rabbinical circles (especially Jerusalem)
3. he heard Stephen's sermon and witnessed his death (possibly even debated Stephen)
4. he saw the demeanor and faith of Christians under persecution
5. his personal encounter with the resurrected Lord changed everything
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 the conversion of Paul recorded three times in Acts?
2. Why are the three accounts of Paul's conversion slightly different?
3. How much choice did Paul have in his conversion? Is his experience to be seen as normative?
4. Why did the Hellenistic Jews try to kill Paul?
5. If Peter and Paul used miracles to open the door for the gospel, why does God not use that method more today?