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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 February 2009
1 The location is Jerusalem (1.4, 8,12; 2.5,14; 4.5,16; 5.16, 28); the leading characters are Peter (1.15; 2.14, 38; 4.8; 5.3, 8, 9,15), with John (1.13; 3.1, 3, 4,11; 4.13,19) and the apostles (1.26; 2.37, 42, 43; 4.33, 35, 36, 37; 5.2,12,18, 29).
2 Hebrews, Hellenists and widows (6.1); seven named Hellenists (6.5). Wilson, S. G., The Gentiles and the Gentile Mission in Luke-Acts (SNTSMS 23; Cambridge: University, 1973) 129CrossRefGoogle Scholar, notes the ‘sudden and unexpected appearance’ of these new characters.
3 Lake, K. and Cadbury, H. J., The Beginnings of Christianity, Part I, The Acts of the Apostles (vol. 4, Commentary; London: Macmillan, 1933)Google Scholar describe this as ‘the second great division’ ofActs (4.63); they are followed by Marshall, I. H., Acts of the Apostles (Tyndale; Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1980) 124Google Scholar, and Lüdemann, G., Early Christianity according to the Traditions in Acts (Philadelphia fortress, 1989 [German 1987] 74Google Scholar. Roloff, J., Die Apostelgeschichte (NTD; Göttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1981)Google Scholar calls this ‘einen Wendepunkt’ which introduces ‘eineganz neue Phase’ (pp.106–7).
4 Bruce, F. F., Acts of the Apostles (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988 2nd ed.) 119.Google Scholar
5 Marshall, , Acts, 124Google Scholar; likewise, Roloff, Apg., 106; Dunn, J. D. G., Acts of the Apostles (Epworth; Peterborough: Epworth, 1996) 75.Google Scholar
6 Tannehill, R. C., The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Narrative Interpretation 2 vols.; Philadelphia: Fortress, 1990) 2.80Google Scholar, regards the Stephen scene as the ‘climax of the conflict in Jerusalem’
7 Johnson, L. T., Acts of the Apostles (Sacra Pagina; Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical, 1992) 143Google Scholar. Satterthwaite, P. E., ‘Acts against the Background of Classical Rhetoric’, in The Book of Acts in its Ancient Literary Setting (ed. Winter, B. W.; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993) 348–9Google Scholar, places the start of the section at 8.1. Marshall, , Acts, 152Google Scholar, describes 8.4 as ‘the most significant step forward in the mission of the church’, yet still prefers to locate the structural transition at 6.1 (p.124). Likewise, Dunn, , Acts, 102Google Scholar, identifies this as ‘the first real expansion’, yet marks 6.1 as the start of the section (p.75, with map on p. 77).
8 Barrett, C. K., Acts of the Apostles (ICC; Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1994) 1.400Google Scholar, commenting on the use of μέν ο
ν likewise, Lake and Cadbury, Beginnings 4.88; Haenchen, E.Acts of the Apostles (Oxford: Blackwell, 1971 [German 1965]) 301.Google Scholar
9 Tannehill, , Narrative Unity 2.102.Google Scholar
10 Johnson, , Acts, 150Google Scholar; Barrett, , Acts 1.400.Google Scholar
11 Those dispersed recalls 8.1; proclaiming the word foreshadows 8.12, 25, 40; 11.20 (and cf.10.36). Johnson, , Acts, 150Google Scholar, notes that 8.4 begins the fulfilment of ‘the second part of Jesus’ prophecy in Ac1:8’
12 Philip, who is the focus in 8.5–40, has been identified as one of the seven at 6.5; Peter and John, who travel to Samaria in 8.14–17, have been prominent in chs. 1–5. The focus returns to Peter in 9.32–11.18
13 Dunn, , Acts, 195Google Scholar; Johnson, , Acts, 268Google Scholar. The council is also described as the ‘turning point’ (Haenchen, , Acts, 461, 462Google Scholar); an ‘epoch-making event of the highest importance’ (Bruce, , Acts, 282)Google Scholar; ‘the centre of Acts both structurally and theologically’ (Marshall, , Acts, 242Google Scholar); an import ant ‘junction’ (Lüdemann, , Early Christianity, 169Google Scholar).
14 Contra Bruce, , Acts, 301Google Scholar; Marshall, , Acts, 250Google Scholar; Johnson, , Acts, 286Google Scholar, for whom 15.36 marks a‘decisive turn’ Dunn, Acts, 212, marks the shift at 16.1.
15 Spirit: 1.8; 10.19, 44–8; 11.12, 15–17; 13.2, 4. Scriptures: Lk 24.45–8; Ac 2.16–21;13.46–7. God: 9.15–16; 10.28;11.17,18, 21;14.27.
16 Satterthwaite, ‘Classical Rhetoric’, 348–9.
17 The only difference is in location. Dunn, , Acts, 212Google Scholar, differentiates chs.13–14 from chs.16 onwards on the basis that Paul is much less mobile in chs.16–20. However, Paul´s activities remain the same. His activities in 13.1–14.28 are summarised as what God had done (14.27;15.4; among the gentiles is added at 15.12); likewise, Paul´s activities right up to 21.17 are summarised as what God had done among the gentiles (21.19).
18 Johnson, , Acts, 216–17Google Scholar; Dunn, , Acts, 159–60Google Scholar. The chapter reminds the reader of the threat of persecution (12.1–5; cf. 4.15; 5.17–18; 8.1); the assurance of ongoing divine guidance through the intervention of angelic figures (12.6–7, 23; cf. 8.26; 10.3, 22, 30; 11.13); and the nature of community life in Jerusalem (12.5,12; cf. 2.42–7; 4.32–5).
19 The summary, the word of God increased and multiplied (12.24), repeats the formula applied to the Jerusalem community at 6.7; cf. also 9.31. See Lake and Cadbury, Beginnings 4.140; Bruce, , Acts, 243.Google Scholar
20 Haenchen, , Acts, 401.Google Scholar Although his commentary provides no explicit analysis of the over all structure of Acts, Haenchen's view is graphically conveyed by the insertion of a two-page colour map prior to his commentary on 13.1–3 (between pp. 392 and 393).
21 Dunn, , Acts, 171Google Scholar, notes that confirmation of Paul's vision of 9.15–16 comes by the spirit and the church; on the typical pattern of prayer-spirit–mission reflected in 13.1–3, see Tannehill, , Narrative Unity 2.161.Google Scholar
22 Barrett, , Acts 1.598Google Scholar; see also Tannehill, , Narrative Unity 2.159Google Scholar; Johnson, , Acts, 225Google Scholar. How– ever, Johnson still prefers to locate the main transition at 15.36 (p. 286).
23 On Paul, see Maddox, R., The Purpose of Luke-Acts (FRLANT 126; Edinburgh: Clark, 1982) 69Google Scholar; Tannehill, , Narrative Unity 2.159Google Scholar; Kunn, , Acts, 169.Google Scholar On mission, Marshall, , Acts, 214Google Scholar; Pesch, R., Die Apostelgeschichte (EKK, 2 vols.; Zürich: Benziger, 1986) 2.15.Google Scholar
24 The four sections of Acts specified here are divided, in part, on the basis of geography; see Squires, J. T., ‘The Plan of God in Acts’, in Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts (ed. Marshall, I. H. and Peterson, D.; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) 17–37.Google Scholar
25 Indeed, in his Gospel Luke has Jesus characterise the healed Samaritan leper as a foreigner (Lk17.18). Jervell, J., Luke and the People of God (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1972) 125Google Scholar, argues to the contrary, that ‘for Luke all Samaria has become “orthodox” Jewish territory,’ The commentators are divided in their opinions: ‘nothing to suggest a Judaic provenance’ (Haenchen, Acts, 307); ‘not Gentiles but schismatics’ (Marshall, Acts, 153); ‘despised as outsiders’ (Bruce, , Acts, 170Google Scholar); part of ‘the scattered people of Israel’ (Johnson, , Acts, 159)Google Scholar; ‘a middle position, neither full Jews nor mere Gentiles’ (Barrett, , Acts 1.402Google Scholar).
26 Deut 23.1 prohibits this; the contrary position found in Isa 56.3–5 was unlikely to have been in force in Jerusalem (Dunn, , Acts, 133Google Scholar, against Haenchen, , Acts, 314Google Scholar).
27 Thus, Haenchen, , Acts, 310 n. 6, 314Google Scholar; Dunn, , Acts, 113Google Scholar. His gentile nature is emphasised by Conzelmann, H., Acts of the Apostles (Hermeneia; Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987 [German 1972]) 67Google Scholar; Bruce, , Acts, 175.Google Scholar
28 The commentators are divided as to the significance of the word order. Marshall, , Acts, 172Google Scholar, explains the ‘unusual order’ as due to Luke wanting to ‘stress the calling of Paul to the Gentiles’ Johnson, , Acts, 165Google Scholar, comments on the ‘climactic position’ of ‘the children of Israel’. Bruce, , Acts, 187Google Scholar, claims that Luke adds ‘Jews’ to the commission which Paul reports at Gal 1.16 (to Gentiles only); Barrett, Acts 1.456, considers that ‘the sons of Israel’ is added ‘almost as an afterthought’.
29 For the biblical basis of this concept, see Haenchen, Acts, 351 n. 4; Bruce, Acts, 211–12; Dunn, Acts, 141–52; Barrett, Acts 1.519. The relevant texts are Deut 10.17; 2 Chron 19.7; Job 34.19; Ps 82.2; Wis 6.7; Sir 35.13–15.
30 On the role of these aspects in Luke-Acts as a whole, see Squires, J. T., The Plan of God in Luke-Acts (SNTSMS 76; Cambridge: University, 1993).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
31 Kee, H. C., Good News to the Ends: of the Earth: The Theology of Acts (London: SCM, 1990) 34–5Google Scholar, notes that the spirit is integral to each step taken towards the gentiles (8.17, 29, 39;9.17; 10.19–20, 44–5,11.12,15; 11.24, 28).
32 See section 4 of Squires, ‘The Plan of God in Acts’
33 Thus, Haenchen, Acts, 304, 306; Conzelmann, , Acts, 65Google Scholar; Marshall, , Acts, 153Google Scholar; Johnson, , Acts, 150Google Scholar; Dunn, , Acts, 107Google Scholar. Barrett, however, states ‘the links with Jesus are affirmed by the apostles whom he chose’ (Acts 1.411).
34 Note the language of the commentators: Saul is ‘legitimated by Jerusalem’ (Conzelmann, Acts, 75); Barnabas comes as ‘the commissioner of the Jerusalem community (Haenchen, Acts,379) and ‘as an agent for the Church in Jerusalem, he recruits Saul’ (Johnson, Acts, 174)However, Barrett argues that the scene in Jerusalem does not provide Saul with ‘validation by the apostles’ (Acts 1.461).
35 His speech is described as a ‘defence’ by Bruce, Acts, 220–3, and Dunn, Acts, 148. Haenchen, Acts, 354, calls it ‘Peter's self-justification in Jerusalem’. Johnson, Acts, 200, provides a judicious application of the conventional elements of the defence speech.For many other commentators, the‘repetitive’ nature of the speech, and the variations present, are all that is noted.
36 Dunn, Acts,157.
37 It is not only the setting and audience which is gentile; in each case, the argument of the speech engages with gentile traditions. See Squires, , The Plan of God, 71–5.Google Scholar
38 See, for example, Dibelius, M., Studies in the Acts of the Apostles (London: SCM, 1956) 149–50Google Scholar; Haenchen, , Acts, 535, 724, 729Google Scholar; Conzelmann, , Acts, 227Google Scholar; Wilson, , Gentiles and Gentile Mission, 226Google Scholar; Maddox, , Purpose, 43–4Google Scholar. Tannehill, , Narrative Unity 2.234–5Google Scholar, questions the arbitrary extraction of these three scenes from their literary framework, and argues that another scene, in Ephesus (19.8–9), ought to be included with them, as being another place where ‘a shift from the synagogue to another location for preaching is the result of “reviling”(or “blaspheming”) and “speaking evil” by the Jews’. See also Narrative Unity 2.282, where he notes the relevance of Paul's words at 22.18–21.
39 For 28.23 as a reference to many of the Jewish leaders noted in 28.17, see Lake and Cadbury, Beginnings 4.346; Johnson, Acts, 46.
40 Paul preaches in the synagogues in Salamis (13.5), Antioch (13.14), Iconium (14.1), Thessalonika (17.1), Beroea (17.10), Athens (17.17), Corinth (18.4), and Ephesus (18.19,19.8)Even in Rome, he meets first (and only) with the Jewish leaders (28.17, 23).
41 Presumably these are part of οіφοβούμενοι who are directly addressed by Paul (13.16, 26); see Bruce, Acts, 268; Marshall, Acts, 231.
42 The validity of their enterprise is secured by the scriptural citation attributed to James(15.15–17), which locates the ‘gentile mission’ firmly within the divine plan as it has been articulated in scripture. See Bauckham, R., ‘James and the Gentiles (Acts 15.13–21)’ History, Literature and Society in the Book of Acts (ed. Witherington, B.; Cambridge: University, 1996) 154–54.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
43 Paul's presence in Jerusalem is predicted by an inspired Agabus (21.11); this is consistent with the workings of the spirit (20.22).
44 Haenchen, , Acts, 544Google Scholar; Bruce, , Acts, 356–7Google Scholar; Marshall, , Acts, 301–2Google Scholar; Johnson, , Acts, 330Google Scholar; Dunn, , Acts, 247.Google Scholar
45 See Bauckham, R., ‘James and the Jerusalem Church’, in The Book of Acts in its Palestinian Setting (ed. Bauckham, R.; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995) 417–27Google Scholar; Alexander, L., ‘“In Journeyings Often”: Voyaging in the Acts of the Apostles and in Greek Romance’, in Luke′s Literary Achievement (ed. Tuckett, C. M.; JSNTSS 116; Sheffield: Academic, 1995) 23–4 and fig. 3 (p. 41).Google Scholar
46 See Squires, , The Plan of God, 149–53.Google Scholar
