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| ACTS |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 3 |
| 13:46 Apostle to the Gentiles This incident is the first of several occasions in Acts showing Paul turning away from the Jews (see 18:6; 19:9). When the Jews rejected his message, he went to the Gentiles. Eventually he became known as the "apostle to the Gentiles," even though he maintained a deep love for his own people (see Romans 9:1-5). 15:6 The First Church Council Chapter 15 gives a fascinating glimpse into issues of the early church, as such leaders as Peter, Paul, and James debated Jewish/Gentile issues. They agreed on a compromise position and issued a formal position paper, reproduced here, in which Jewish Christians asked the Gentiles to honor four of their practices. The two on food relate to a "kosher" method of food preparation designed to keep people from ingesting any animal blood. 16:10 Firsthand Report In Acts 16, 21, and 28, Luke uses "we" in writing, for he accompanied the apostle Paul on some of his trips. His close association with Paul meant he had immediate access to the central character in Acts 13-28. 17:32 Athens: A Difficult Audience Paul gave a remarkable speech to a gathering of philosophers and thinkers in the sophisticated university city of Athens. It appears he met with little sccess, and the results may have troubled him greatly. Acts 18:5 hints at a shift in his approach. Some scholars believe that the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians, reflecting on this period of time, may describe the strong impact of his experience in Athens. 19:24 Commericalized Religion Ephesus was devoted to idolatry and to profit, and Paul's message threatened both. The citizens took great pride in their temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and were outraged at anyone who might interfere with their |