Acts 15 Footnotes
Share
This resource is exclusive for PLUS Members
Upgrade now and receive:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy uninterrupted access.
- Exclusive Commentaries: Dive deeper with in-depth insights.
- Advanced Study Tools: Powerful search and comparison features.
- Premium Guides & Articles: Unlock for a more comprehensive study.
15:20 Although salvation for all is by faith (v. 19), restrictions were introduced (v. 29; 21:25) either to provide Christian Jews and Gentiles with a common basis for contact or, more likely, to lift up Gentile moral standards by prohibiting practices (idolatry, sexual immorality, and animal sacrifices) associated with pagan temple worship.
15:28 Luke underscored the apostles’ recognition of the relationship between the Holy Spirit and human initiative in arriving at this important decision. Throughout the NT, there is a complex interplay of divine guidance working together with human action that accomplished God’s purpose. The interplay is harmonious when humans (as here) humbly and trustingly respond to the Spirit’s guidance.
15:36-40 This marks Paul’s second missionary journey, which followed his parting with Barnabas over taking John Mark (13:13). Paul took Silas, who had helped take the Jerusalem letter to Antioch (vv. 23-29). Paul later reconciled with John Mark (Col 4:10; Phm 24; 2Tm 4:11).