Acts
1:4 "Don't just do something,
stand there!" (David Edwards)
Acts 1:12 about 5/8 of a mile.
Acts 2:4 It is obvious that the miracle was in the speaking, not the hearing.
Acts 2:5 The ISI pattern of missions--reach those from other lands living in the US.
Acts 2:6-9 Echo of the giving of the10 commandments, according to Jewish legend in all the
languages of mankind. Pentacost celebrated the giving of the law.
Acts 2:41 Over 850 stepped immersion pools dating from 1st cent. BC to 135 AD have been found in
Palestine. Less than 70 were found in Galilee. (BAR July-Oct 2019, p. 54)
Acts 3:1-10 Second time of prayer = 3 PM.. We have to be prepared for God to give us more than we
ask for. Giving the needy what they need, not what they want.
Acts 3:20-21 Before the End can come, the full number of Jews must first be converted.
Acts 4:1 captain of temple = head of temple security, second in power under the high priest.
Acts 4:33 "great....all" = "they were all given great respect" in the Jerusalem Bible
Acts 5:3-4 equate God and the Holy Spirit. V. 3--Greek for "keep back" is same word applied to
Achon = misappropriating that which belongs to another (i.e. God).
Acts 5:17-21 Ironic since Saduccees didn't believe in angels.
Acts 6:10 spirit and wisdom = a figure of speech (hendiadys) meaning prophetic perception (Ellis)
Acts 7:16 But Jacob was buried at Hebron (Genesis 49:29), Joseph at Shechem (Samaritan place of
worship. There is a theory that Stephan was a Samaritan Christian:
1. The Hebrews of 6:1 were Samaritans.
2. It explains some other contradictions of speech with OT history.
3. 11:19 implies that all weren't scattered (such as apostles). Perhaps only Stephen's circle.
4. "this is.." formula in vv. 35-40 is common in Samaritan writings.
5. If so, it shows God's use of more radical elements to accomplish good.
Acts 7:42-43 book of (12 minor) prophets, Moloch = Canaanite god; Rephan = Egyptian god of Saturn
Acts 7:53 Galatians 3:19 uses this as indication of the inferiority of the law.
Acts 7:56 Only use of "Son of man" by someone other than Christ and Revelation 1:13. This passage
is fulfillment of Luke 12:8: "Everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will
acknowledge before the angels of God."
Acts 8:15-19 power = dunamis in v. 15, exousia (authority) in v. 19. Simon wanted authority, not the
Spirit's power over him.
Acts 8:20 money = silver, lit. Used because it corrodes. Reads literally: "to Hell with you and your
money"
Acts 8:21 neither inheritance (right) nor lot (chance)
Acts 8:28-33 Eunuch's reason for reading from Isaiah: Isaiah 56:3-4 gives hope for eunuchs to freely
worship. Perhaps he also personally applied the quote in v. 33 to himself – no justice for the humble,
and one who left no descendants.
Acts
8:37 The eunuch's question may have
alluded to his physical state which had prevented him from
fully worshiping in the Temple. See note to Acts 10:47.
Acts 9:29 This probably does not mean Jews who acted like Greeks, but those who habitually spoke
only Greek.
Acts 9:38 Why was Peter called for? Teresa Calpino feels there was no expectation that he would raise
Tabitha; he was merely needed as a stabilizing force for the grieving church. (BAR)
Acts 10:14-16 Peter is still contradicting Jesus. Note that he does so three times just as he denied Jesus
three times.
Acts 10:44 It is interesting that the Holy Spirit doesn't allow Peter to finish his speech.
Acts 10:47 Peter's question may have been addressed to God to see if He approved of the action or not.
See note to Acts 8:37.
Acts 11:8 is like Ezekiel 4:9-17. Peter had already been taught this (Mark 7:19).
Acts 11:28 is confirmed in Josephus' Antiquities 20:2.5. 46 AD was the worst for Jerusalem
Acts 11:30 Read Galatians 2:1-10 for Paul in Jerusalem. He may have brought Titus with him on
purpose to test the question of circumcision.
Acts 13:16-41 This is the most (or only) complete sermon of Paul's recorded. It is similar to Stephen's
speech that Paul had heard earlier heard (We sometimes witness more than we know.) except that
Stephen's speech was interrupted at the point Paul reaches in verse 28.
Sermon may be a midrash (interpretation) on the weekly reading in the synagogue. There are six
references to II Samuel 7here.
Outline: vv.17-22 God's forgiveness
vv. 22-37 promise and fulfillment
vv. 38-41 invitation
Acts 13:7 Sergius Paulus was cited by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History as an authority. He held
other offices in Roman empire earlier.
Acts 13:11-12 11. Similar to Saul's blindness and Zechariah's loss of speech (Luke 1:20)--temporary
and symbolized something spiritual.
mist = a medical term for cloudiness in eye caused by an inflammation.
Sir Wm. Ramsay found an inscription in 1912 indicating that Sergius' daughter was a Christian.
Acts 13:13-14 Why Perga? It has been assumed that perhaps there was a Jewish colony there, but no
remains have been found at the site. Recently, Jewish inscriptions from neighboring cities indicate that
Perga did have a thriving community.
Acts 13:21 Paul was also a Saul of the tribe of Benjamin. 40 years--Josephus only
Acts 13:22 see I Samuel 13:14.
Acts 13:45 Two types of jealousy--1. of Paul's effect or 2. of grace of God reaching others (see Romans
11:11)
Acts 13:50 Gentile women in Asia had much more influence than in Greece or Rome. Many god-
fearing woman were attracted to Judaism because of the high moral values.
Acts 14:12 Ovid's Metamorphases contains the legend of Lystra where Zeus and Hermes disguised
themselves as poor travelers and were rejected by people of town except for one couple. The villagers
were turned into frogs, and the cottage of the couple was turned into a temple.
Two altars to Zeus and Hermes have been found in this area.
Acts 14:15-16 Paul's approach is completely different (as is Athens speech) from the synagogue
speech in Chapter 13. What does this say about "canned" evangelistic approaches?
Timothy was probably converted at this time in Lystra.
v. 15. contrast 12:22
v. 16. Read Romans 1:18-25
Acts 14:20 The site of Derbe was first positively identified in 1956 as being about 60 miles from
Lystra.
Acts 14:26 See note on Acts 13:13-14
Acts 14:28 This trip took about 3 years. They stayed in Antioch about one year (AD 48-49).
Acts 15:12-15
v. 12. The old order of names
is used here.
v. 14. Symeon- This form of Peter's name may have been used to remind the audience of Simeon's
song in Luke 2:29-32 which has a similar theme.
v. 15. "prophets"--could have come from a proof text collection.
Acts 15:19-23
v. 19-21 The principle is not to inhibit fellowship between them
v. 22. Friesen points out that God had given his guidance to the Jerusalem council before the
meeting began by three clear signs: (1) Peter and Cornelius' experience (vv, 7-11), (2) blessing of
Paul's ministry (v. 12), and (3) OT writings (vv. 15-18). There was therefore no need to ask for
specific guidance from God at the meeting. (equivalent to special revelation, circumstances, and
general revelation).
v. 23. Some detect James' writing style in this letter.
Acts 15:29 Various opinions:
A. moral laws absolutely binding--
The Western Text of this verse interprets it as idolatry, murder, and sexual abominations (The rabbis
taught that a person could disobey any other laws to save his life.) But why would these have to be
pointed out to Christians?
B. Ritual Laws--For prohibition of eating blood and things strangled, see Leviticus 17:11-12.
Prohibited either due to pagan practices or because "life is in the blood" and the life of animal belongs
to God. Unchastity (porneia) could include certain degrees of marriage not allowed (Leviticus 18:6-18)
or marriages with unbelievers (Numbers 25:1).
Binding today?
Yes: See Revelation 2:14,20. Also blood was abstained from in Tertullian's day (3rd cent).
No: Only the principle involved. See Acts 15:21 and 1 Corinthians 8;10:25 on food to idols. Verse
29b. along with phrases in vv. 23 and 28, shows gentle instruction, not a strict, official decree. Pattern
for today's spiritual leadership.
Paul has in mind avoidance of scenes of debauchery taking place in pagan temples.
Acts 15:37-39 Paul was task-oriented; Barnabas was people-oriented. Both can accomplish God's will.
“Deserted” is also found in Mark 14:50-51 where John Mark may be the young man.
Acts 16:6 In this verse and Acts 18:23, Luke refers only to the Galatian country, implying that Paul's
ministry was limited to rural areas.
Acts 16:7 This door closed is the same as the door opened in II Corinthians 2:12.
Acts 16:9 How did he know the man was a Macedonian?
1. The man was Luke himself
2. By his distinctive clothes or accent
3.
He was Alexander the Great, recognized from statues or his image on coins
4. By the context of his speech
The latter is far the most likely explanation.
Acts 16:12-13 Roman colony = especially established cities throughout the Empire, often
populated staffed with retired soldiers. They followed Roman customs and laws closely. See
Philippians 3:20 --"You have a colony in heaven."
The gate marking the entrance to the city has been excavated. Jews may have been forced to meet there
or wanted to be near running water for ritual purifications. Foreign lands were unclean--running water
purified them. Probably not the synagogue quorum of ten Jewish men.
Acts 16:14 Freedwomen in the Roman world often traded in luxury goods.
Acts 16:16-18
v. 16. lit. "a python spirit" Python was a dragon that guarded the oracle of Delphi. The girl was
either (a) possessed, (b) mad, (c) a ventriloquist (soothsayer).
v. 18. Why was Paul mad?: (1) exploitation of slave girl, (2) negative witness because of the source,
(3) distortion of message (can be translated as "a way of salvation"), (4) “Most High God” may be a
reference to Zeus.
Acts 16:21-22 Charges (1) They were Jews--Anti-Semitic feelings ran high especially since the Jews
had just been expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius and (2) prosyletizing Romans or
introducing new religions was illegal.
Rods- Lectors carried fasces, an axe surrounded by a bundle of wooden rods or sticks as a symbol of
power.
Acts
16:31 Justification for infant
baptism (along with v. 15)? However:
The condition of belief could apply to all.
There was no indication that any minors were present.
The whole family was preached to.
They all rejoiced afterward.
Acts 16:37 Discuss reason for Paul's behavior.
Acts 17:1-2 A journey of about 100 miles is passed over briefly.
Thessalonica had great geographical importance. It was on main the E-W road.
Paul probably stayed longer than three weeks. (see Philippians 4:15-16)
Acts 17:5 "Rabble" is literally agora or marketplace.
Acts 17:6 "Politarchs" is a word not found in classical Greek and suspected of being inaccurate. It has
since been found on 17 different inscriptions in the area of Thessalonica.
Acts 17:16-21 As philosophers become less religious, the people become more religious.
Acts 17:18-19
v. 18. babbler = literally, a bird who picks seeds out of dung.
v. 19. Areopagus = hill of Ares (Mars). Probably the court and not the location. They decided
criminal and religious questions. Socrates was earlier tried by this court for introducing new gods.
Acts 17:16 Read 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:2 to fill in events during this period. We can infer from 3:1-2
that Timothy came to Athens, but Paul sent him to Thessalonica. Both Timothy and Silas re-join Paul
in Acts 18:5.
Acts 17:21-24
v. 21. Thucydides and Demosthenes both accused the Athenians of the same traits hundreds of years
earlier.
v. 22. religious = demon-fearing
v. 23. In the 6th cent BC to stop a plague in Athens, the Cretan poet Epimenides told the people to
release sheep and sacrifice to any gods whose altar a sheep lay near. If none was near, they were to
sacrifice to the "unknown
god." John Steinbeck wrote an early novel entitled "To A God Unknown."
v. 24. quoted from Isaiah 42:5, also by Stephan (Acts 7:48)
Acts 17:28-29 The first quote is from Epimenides in a poem to Zeus: "They fashioned a tomb for
Thee, O holy and high one, the Cretans, always liars, evil beasts, idle bellies! But Thou art not dead;
forever Thou are risen and alive. For in thee we live..."
The second quotation is from the Stoic poet Aratus. It originally had to do with the material world
being emanations or radiations from God that solidified. Paul doesn't argue; he adapts the idea.
Acts 18:1-5
v. 1. Suetonius said this was because of "rioting because of Chrestus" (AD 49).
v. 4. The inscription "Synagogue of the Hebrews" has been found in Corinth
v. 5. This is their second arrival from Macedonia, and the last time the three were together. This was
the probable time of Paul writing letters to the Thessalonians.
Acts 18:12 Gallio was the brother of the Stoic philosopher Seneca. An inscription in Delphi has been
found stating "As Lucius Janius Gallio, my friend, and the Procounsel of Achaia..." (AD 51-52).
Acts 18:15-16
v. 15. A lesson on how our differences with Christian brothers are perceived by those on the outside.
v. 16. Western and Byzantine texts read "the Greeks seized..." In I Corinthians, Sosthenes is called
"brother" by Paul.
See Mark 6:56 for similar events.
Acts 18:23 See note to Acts 16:6.
Acts 18:26 The Western Text deletes this section because of the implication of a woman teaching a
man.
Acts 19:8-10 After Rome and Antioch, it was the largest city of its time (200,000 people).
Acts 19:11-19
v. 11. Differences in magic and miracle: secret vs. public, selfish vs. unselfish, man-directed vs. God-
directed, elaborate vs. simple, knowledge vs. faith.
v. 13. Jews were in great demand as magicians and exorcists because they could pronounce YHWH
properly.
An Egyptian magic papyrus from 200AD reads, "I adjure you by the God of the Hebrews, Jesus, Iaba,
Iae, Abraoth."
v. 14. so-called high priest
v. 15. a parody of Matthew 7:22-23
v. 18. practices, or spells. Public disclosure rendered them useless.
v. 19. magic arts is same word translated "busy body" in 1 Timothy 5:13
Magic was very common in Ephesus; magic scrolls were commonly called "Ephesian letters."
Acts 19:27-29 27. The temple was one of the wonders of the ancient, now completely destroyed (in
AD 262 except for one column. It was four times the size of the Parthenon and the largest building in
the Hellenistic world. Events took place during the month-long annual celebration in honor of Artemis.
28-29. The theater could hold about 25,000 people. The Western Text adds “to run through the city
quarters.”
Acts 19:31 The Greek word "Asiarch" appears only here in the NT. It has been found on monuments in
Ephesus and elsewhere in Asia, usually associated with high city officials or benefactors, or temple
officials.
Acts 19:34-35 There is an inscription at Ephesus uncovered in 1984 on a 35-ft monument erected by
the league of silversmiths in honor of a Valerius Festus. It dates to the 2nd-3rd cent. AD and shows that
they were still a powerful force in town. The inscription states that the city is the three-time temple
guardian (same word as in v. 35). “Fallen from heaven” lit. = fallen from Zeus. The Western Text reads
“Great Artemis of the Ephesians” which is a phrase which occurs several times in the monument.
Acts 19:38 The plural either refers to proconsuls in general (the Ephesian proconsul had just been
assassinated by Agrippina's emissaries) in absence of the proconsul, or it may refer to the two
assassins, who were acting proconsuls until the new one arrived. (F.F. Bruce)
Acts 19:39-40 "Grammateus" appears only here in the NT. It referred to a city secretary. Ekklesia
appears only here in the NT in the classical sense of free men entitled to vote.
Acts 20:7 Sunday was not associated with a Sabbath day of rest until the time of the English Pilgrims.
Acts 20:13 Why did Paul proceed by land alone? perhaps he needed time by himself to pray and
decide whether to proceed to Jerusalem.
Acts
20:25 May not have been truly a
prophecy. He probably visited them again (suggested in I and II
Timothy references).
Acts 21:9-10 Early Christian historians state that they migrated to Asia where daughters lived to old
age and were a valuable source of information to the early church.
Agabus--in Acts 11 he predicted the famine of 46 AD.
Acts 21:23-24 Temporary Nazarite vows (Numbers 6) included abstaining from wine, avoiding the
dead, and not shaving. If thery were accidentally defiled, they had to their shave head seven days later
and bring offerings on the eighth day to temple.
Acts 21:28 This is an echo of the charge against Stephan in Acts 6:13: "This man never ceases to speak
words against this holy place and the law."
An inscription warning Gentiles was discovered years ago. The Roman government approved
Sanhedrin death sentences for trespassing even if it was by a Roman citizen.
Lesson: One can try to be all things to all people and avoid the appearance of evil, but it is no
guarantee that your good won't be spoken of as evil.
Acts 21:38 This happened at about this time according to Josephus. The Egyptian escaped while his
followers were killed by Roman soldiers. The only difference between the two accounts is that Acts
says there were 4,000 followers while Josephus says 30,000.
Acts 22:28 F.F. Bruce suggests that Paul's grandfather may have provided tents for a Roman campaign
and been rewarded with citizenship.
Acts. 22:38The tribune's's name Claudius Lysias (see 23:26) suggests he became citizen under
Claudius' reign when this practice was quite common. It ended with Nero.
Acts 23:1-2The word "brethren" is used perhaps since Paul was once a member. Ananias was high
priest from AD47-58. He was known to be unscrupulous and money hungry.
Acts 26:20 William Temple on repentance: "The world, as we live in it, is like a shop window in which
some mischievous person has got overnight and shifted all the price-labels round so that the cheap
things have the high price-labels on them, and the really precious things are priced low. We let
ourselves be taken in. Repentance means getting those price-labels back in the right place." (1936)
Acts 27:1 The Augustan Cohort was used for courier or diplomatic missions.
Acts 27:9-12
v. 9. the fast was celebrated even later that year (59) than in most years.
v. 10.Not a false prophecy, just the use of human perceptions (see Acts 17:22). Distinguish between
Acts 27:22, which is a prophecy.
v. 12. Phoenix was only 35 miles away.
Acts 28:1-6
v. 1. "Malta" means refuge
v. 3. This shows Paul's Christian humility. There are no poisonous snakes in Malta now although
some closely resemble vipers. The question is not whether this was a miracle (although see Mark
16:18) but its interpretation by the natives.
v. 4. This points out the danger of trying to discern God's truth or will using only circumstances as a
guide.
Acts 28:7 This was an accurate title of Malta's Roman governor, as determined by Greek and Latin
inscriptions.
Acts
28:15 Support of Paul under these adverse circumstances is a mark of true Christians (contrasting
the attitude of the natives of Malta).
Ac:ts 28:17 Even to the end, Paul continuing his pattern of preaching to Jews first.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments