Acts of the Apostles. Bible “Big Picture” Covenant Making – God establishes a covenant...

Acts of the ApostlesActs of the Apostles

Bible “Big Picture”Bible “Big Picture” Covenant Making – God establishes a covenant Covenant Making – God establishes a covenant

relationship with a missional community by way of a relationship with a missional community by way of a redemptive act (primary revelatory authority based redemptive act (primary revelatory authority based upon direct encounter)upon direct encounter)– O.T.: PentateuchO.T.: Pentateuch N.T.: GospelsN.T.: Gospels

Covenant Living – God guides the covenant Covenant Living – God guides the covenant relationship with the missional community by way of relationship with the missional community by way of authorized spokespersons (secondary revelatory authorized spokespersons (secondary revelatory authority based upon unique individual calling & authority based upon unique individual calling & equipping)equipping)– O.T.: Former Prophets (Stories)O.T.: Former Prophets (Stories) N.T.: Acts of the N.T.: Acts of the

ApostlesApostles– O.T.: Latter Prophets (Sermons)O.T.: Latter Prophets (Sermons) N.T.: Epistles of the N.T.: Epistles of the

ApostlesApostles Covenant Questions – God nurtures the covenant Covenant Questions – God nurtures the covenant

relationship with a missional community by way of relationship with a missional community by way of spiritual wisdom and insight (tertiary revelatory spiritual wisdom and insight (tertiary revelatory authority based upon communal spiritual insight)authority based upon communal spiritual insight)– O.T.: Poetry/Wisdom LiteratureO.T.: Poetry/Wisdom Literature N.T.: Hebrews; N.T.: Hebrews;

RevelationRevelation

Acts – PurposeActs – Purpose Primary: the same as for the GospelPrimary: the same as for the Gospel

– “…“…that you may know the certainty of the that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4)things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4)

Expressed through:Expressed through:– Continuity of the story of Jesus:Continuity of the story of Jesus:

Gospel—Jesus’ WorkGospel—Jesus’ Work Acts—Jesus’ Word Acts—Jesus’ Word (4:29,31; 6:2,7; 8:14,25; 11:1; (4:29,31; 6:2,7; 8:14,25; 11:1;

13:5,7,49; 15:32,35,36; 17:3; 18:11; 19:10,20)13:5,7,49; 15:32,35,36; 17:3; 18:11; 19:10,20)

– Proclamation: to both Jew & GentileProclamation: to both Jew & Gentile– Edification: build up the churchEdification: build up the church– Clarification: remind church of purposeClarification: remind church of purpose– Contact: preserve apostolic speeches for Contact: preserve apostolic speeches for

futurefuture

Acts – Structure (1)Acts – Structure (1)Outlined by the Summary Verse (1:8)Outlined by the Summary Verse (1:8)

“…“…in Jerusalem…” (1-7)in Jerusalem…” (1-7) “…“…in all Judea and Samaria…” (8-12)in all Judea and Samaria…” (8-12) “…“…to the ends of the earth.” (13-28)to the ends of the earth.” (13-28)

Acts – Structure (2)Acts – Structure (2)Outlined in terms of Central FiguresOutlined in terms of Central Figures

Peter and the Jewish/Palestinian Peter and the Jewish/Palestinian Witness (1-12)Witness (1-12)

Paul and the Mediterranean/Gentile Paul and the Mediterranean/Gentile Witness (13-28)Witness (13-28)

Acts – Structure (3)Acts – Structure (3)Outlined in terms of Individual MinistriesOutlined in terms of Individual Ministries

Peter (1-5)Peter (1-5) Stephen (6-7)Stephen (6-7) Philip (8)Philip (8) Saul (9)Saul (9) Peter (10-12)Peter (10-12) Paul & Barnabas (13-14)Paul & Barnabas (13-14) James (15)James (15) Paul & Silas (16-17)Paul & Silas (16-17) Paul & Companions (18-20)Paul & Companions (18-20) Paul (21-28)Paul (21-28)

Acts – Structure (4)Acts – Structure (4)Outlined in terms of Church ExpansionOutlined in terms of Church Expansion

To Jerusalem (1:1-6:7)To Jerusalem (1:1-6:7) To Judea and Samaria (6:8-9:31)To Judea and Samaria (6:8-9:31) To the Gentiles (9:32-12:24)To the Gentiles (9:32-12:24) To Asia Minor (12:25-16:5)To Asia Minor (12:25-16:5) To Europe (16:6-19:20)To Europe (16:6-19:20) To Rome (19:21-28:31)To Rome (19:21-28:31)

Note: Note: “Progress Reports” end each “Progress Reports” end each section except the lastsection except the last

Note:Note:

1—Jesus: restore the Kingdom?1—Jesus: restore the Kingdom? 1—Ascension: Trust; coronation; 1—Ascension: Trust; coronation;

returnreturn 1—Why replace Judas?1—Why replace Judas? 1—Why wait?1—Why wait?

– Pentecost!Pentecost! Arrival of the “Word” (Moses)Arrival of the “Word” (Moses) Dedication of “Firstfruits;” anticipation of Dedication of “Firstfruits;” anticipation of

harvestharvest

PentecostPentecost

Symbols:Symbols:– Sound of “wind” (=“breath” “spirit”)Sound of “wind” (=“breath” “spirit”)– Single blaze of fire becoming multiple Single blaze of fire becoming multiple

flamesflames John baptized with water; Jesus with fire (Luke John baptized with water; Jesus with fire (Luke

1:16)1:16)

– Languages: Babel undone (Genesis 10)Languages: Babel undone (Genesis 10) Peter’s use of Joel 2: “Day of the Lord”Peter’s use of Joel 2: “Day of the Lord” Repentance & BaptismRepentance & Baptism

Note:Note:

Miracles (3)Miracles (3) Character of the early church (4)Character of the early church (4) Threat of manipulation (5)Threat of manipulation (5) Deacons (6)Deacons (6) Martyrdom (7)Martyrdom (7) Expansive witness (8)Expansive witness (8) Saul’s conversion (9)Saul’s conversion (9) Peter & the bridge to the Gentiles (10-Peter & the bridge to the Gentiles (10-

11)11) The strange “food” stories of chapter 12The strange “food” stories of chapter 12

Paul’s Family BeginningsPaul’s Family Beginnings

Paul’s Family BeginningsPaul’s Family Beginnings Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:4-6Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3:4-6

– Strict observant Jews: “Circumcised on the Strict observant Jews: “Circumcised on the eighth day”eighth day”

– Openly religious: “of the people of Israel”Openly religious: “of the people of Israel”– Conscious of their family history & lineage: “of Conscious of their family history & lineage: “of

the tribe of Benjamin”the tribe of Benjamin”– Ethnically careful: “a Hebrew of Hebrews”Ethnically careful: “a Hebrew of Hebrews”

Paul’s testimony in Acts 22-23Paul’s testimony in Acts 22-23– Diaspora Jews: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Diaspora Jews: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of

Cilicia.” (22:3)Cilicia.” (22:3)– Roman citizens: “I was born a citizen.” (22:8)Roman citizens: “I was born a citizen.” (22:8)– Aligned with the Pharisees: “I am… the son of a Aligned with the Pharisees: “I am… the son of a

Pharisee” (23:6)Pharisee” (23:6)

Paul’s Personal BeginningsPaul’s Personal Beginnings Names:Names:

– ““Saul” (Hebrew name, after Benjamite King Saul)Saul” (Hebrew name, after Benjamite King Saul)– ““Paul” (Roman name, very common)Paul” (Roman name, very common)

Vocational Training:Vocational Training:– ““working with our own hands” (1 Corinthians working with our own hands” (1 Corinthians

4:12)4:12)– ““a tentmaker” (Acts 18:3)a tentmaker” (Acts 18:3)

Religious Training (Acts 22:3):Religious Training (Acts 22:3):– ““brought up in this city” (Jerusalem)brought up in this city” (Jerusalem)– ““Under Gamaliel I was trained in the law”Under Gamaliel I was trained in the law”

Religious Persuasion:Religious Persuasion:– ““I am a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6)I am a Pharisee” (Acts 23:6)

Religious Devotion (Philippians 3:6):Religious Devotion (Philippians 3:6):– ““as for zeal, persecuting the church”as for zeal, persecuting the church”– ““as for legalistic righteousness, faultless”as for legalistic righteousness, faultless”

The Church’s BeginningsThe Church’s Beginnings

4 B.C. – Jesus born4 B.C. – Jesus born 27 A.D. – Jesus’ ministry begins27 A.D. – Jesus’ ministry begins 30 A.D. – Jesus dies, rises, ascends30 A.D. – Jesus dies, rises, ascends 30 A.D. – Pentecost: Church is born!30 A.D. – Pentecost: Church is born! 31 A.D. – Church spreads to Judea & 31 A.D. – Church spreads to Judea &

SamariaSamaria 43 A.D. – Church spreads to Antioch 43 A.D. – Church spreads to Antioch

in Syriain Syria

Beginnings of the First Church Beginnings of the First Church plantplant

Why Antioch?Why Antioch?– Third largest city of the Roman empireThird largest city of the Roman empire– Capital of the Eastern districtCapital of the Eastern district– Close to Tarsus (Paul’s home city)Close to Tarsus (Paul’s home city)– Close to Cyprus (Barnabas’ home island)Close to Cyprus (Barnabas’ home island)– Close to Jerusalem (300 miles due north)Close to Jerusalem (300 miles due north)– Old capital city during Seleucid reignOld capital city during Seleucid reign– Large colony of Jews (20,000 of Large colony of Jews (20,000 of

500,000)500,000)

Beginnings of Mission TeamBeginnings of Mission Team

Led by BarnabasLed by Barnabas– Levite (priest?) from CyprusLevite (priest?) from Cyprus– Probably older than PaulProbably older than Paul

With Paul as Key SpokespersonWith Paul as Key Spokesperson Assisted by John MarkAssisted by John Mark

– Cousin (nephew?) of BarnabasCousin (nephew?) of Barnabas– Son of Mary, whose home was Jerusalem churchSon of Mary, whose home was Jerusalem church– Personal notes:Personal notes:

““Young man” of Mark 14:51-52?Young man” of Mark 14:51-52? Nicknamed “Kolobodoktulos” (“Stubby Fingers”)Nicknamed “Kolobodoktulos” (“Stubby Fingers”)

How It BeganHow It Began

A Prayer Meeting in A Prayer Meeting in Antioch (Antioch (Acts 13:1-Acts 13:1-33):):– ““Send your pastors Send your pastors

away!”away!”

Where They WentWhere They Went

Why Did They Go There?Why Did They Go There?

Cyprus was Cyprus was Barnabas’ home Barnabas’ home ((Acts 4:36Acts 4:36))

They may have They may have been planning to been planning to travel along the travel along the Pamphylian coast to Pamphylian coast to Paul’s home town of Paul’s home town of Tarsus on the way Tarsus on the way back to Antioch.back to Antioch.

What Happened Along the What Happened Along the Way?Way?

On Cyprus (On Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12Acts 13:4-12):):– Traveled the length of Traveled the length of

the island, preachingthe island, preaching– At Paphos encountered At Paphos encountered

opposition from a opposition from a “Jewish sorcerer” “Jewish sorcerer” named Bar-Jesus or named Bar-Jesus or ElymasElymas

– Cursed him with Cursed him with blindness, causing blindness, causing many to believe in the many to believe in the power of Jesuspower of Jesus


To Perga:To Perga:– John Mark left them and John Mark left them and

“returned to Jerusalem” (Acts “returned to Jerusalem” (Acts 13:13)13:13)

– Which way did they intend to Which way did they intend to go?go?

– Why go to Antioch?Why go to Antioch?– Did Paul become ill with Did Paul become ill with

malaria?malaria? ““As you know, it was because of As you know, it was because of

an illness that I first preached the an illness that I first preached the gospel to you” (Galatians 4:13)gospel to you” (Galatians 4:13)

“…“…if you could have done so, you if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and would have torn out your eyes and given them to me” (Galatians given them to me” (Galatians 4:15)4:15)


Pisidian Antioch (Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-Acts 13:14-

3131):):– Paul becomes leaderPaul becomes leader– Paul preaches a historical Paul preaches a historical

review in the synagoguereview in the synagogue– A week later “almost the A week later “almost the

whole city” came outwhole city” came out– Jealous Jews riotedJealous Jews rioted– Paul & Barnabas went to the Paul & Barnabas went to the

Gentiles in the marketplaceGentiles in the marketplace– Jealous Jews stirred Jealous Jews stirred

persecution from community persecution from community leadersleaders

– Paul & Barnabas shook the Paul & Barnabas shook the dust off their sandals and leftdust off their sandals and left

The Acts of Paul and TheclaThe Acts of Paul and Thecla1:1-7 When Paul went up to Iconium, after his flight from 1:1-7 When Paul went up to Iconium, after his flight from

Antioch, Demas and Hermogenes became his companions, Antioch, Demas and Hermogenes became his companions, who were then full of hypocrisy. But Paul looking only at the who were then full of hypocrisy. But Paul looking only at the goodness of God, did them no harm, but loved them greatly. goodness of God, did them no harm, but loved them greatly. Accordingly he endeavoured to make agreeable to them all Accordingly he endeavoured to make agreeable to them all the oracles and doctrines of Christ, and the design of the the oracles and doctrines of Christ, and the design of the Gospel of God's well-beloved Son, instructing them in the Gospel of God's well-beloved Son, instructing them in the knowledge of Christ, as it was revealed to him. And a certain knowledge of Christ, as it was revealed to him. And a certain man named Onesiphorus, hearing that Paul was come to man named Onesiphorus, hearing that Paul was come to Iconium, went out speedily to meet him, together with his Iconium, went out speedily to meet him, together with his wife Lectra, and his sons Simmia and Xeno, to invite him to wife Lectra, and his sons Simmia and Xeno, to invite him to their house. For Titus had given them a description of Paul's their house. For Titus had given them a description of Paul's personage, they as yet not knowing him in person, but only personage, they as yet not knowing him in person, but only being acquainted with his character. They went in the king's being acquainted with his character. They went in the king's highway to Lystra, and stood there waiting for him, highway to Lystra, and stood there waiting for him, comparing all who passed by, with that description which comparing all who passed by, with that description which Titus had given them. Titus had given them. At length they saw a man coming At length they saw a man coming (namely Paul), of a low stature, bald (or shaved) on the head, (namely Paul), of a low stature, bald (or shaved) on the head, crooked thighs, handsome legs, hollow-eyed; had a crooked crooked thighs, handsome legs, hollow-eyed; had a crooked nose; full of grace; for sometimes he appeared as a man, nose; full of grace; for sometimes he appeared as a man, sometimes he had the countenance of an angel.sometimes he had the countenance of an angel. And Paul And Paul saw Onesiphorus, and was glad.saw Onesiphorus, and was glad.


At Iconium (At Iconium (Acts 14:1-Acts 14:1-

77):):– First preached in the First preached in the

Jewish synagogueJewish synagogue– Had good response Had good response

from both Jews & from both Jews & GentilesGentiles

– Met Jewish resistance Met Jewish resistance and turned to Gentilesand turned to Gentiles

– Plot against them Plot against them discovered, and they discovered, and they moved onmoved on


At Lystra (At Lystra (Acts 14:8-Acts 14:8-2020):):– Healed a crippled Healed a crippled

manman– Were worshipped as Were worshipped as

godsgods Why?Why? Why Hermes & Zeus?Why Hermes & Zeus? Legend of Baucis & Legend of Baucis &

PhilemonPhilemon


At Lystra (At Lystra (Acts 14:8-Acts 14:8-2020):):– Healed a crippled manHealed a crippled man– Were worshipped as Were worshipped as

godsgods Why?Why? Why Hermes & Zeus?Why Hermes & Zeus? Legend of Baucis & Legend of Baucis &

PhilemonPhilemon

– Paul preachedPaul preached– Jews from Antioch Jews from Antioch

came and turned the came and turned the crowds against them.crowds against them.

– Stoned and left for Stoned and left for deaddead


At Derbe (At Derbe (Acts 14:21Acts 14:21):):– PreachedPreached

Began the return Began the return trip (Acts 14:trip (Acts 14:22-2522-25))– Stopped at Lystra, Stopped at Lystra,

Iconium and Antioch, Iconium and Antioch, encouraging encouraging believersbelievers

– Appointed Elders in Appointed Elders in each congregationeach congregation

– Sailed from Attalia Sailed from Attalia back to Antiochback to Antioch


At Antioch (At Antioch (Acts Acts 14:26-2814:26-28):):– Brought a report of Brought a report of

their journey to their their journey to their home congregationhome congregation

What Happened Next?What Happened Next?

Huge Problems! (Huge Problems! (Acts 15; Galatians 2Acts 15; Galatians 2))– Reports of Gentile converts got to JerusalemReports of Gentile converts got to Jerusalem– Peter came from Jerusalem to Antioch to Peter came from Jerusalem to Antioch to

celebrate the exciting mission workcelebrate the exciting mission work– Others were later sent by James to ensure all Others were later sent by James to ensure all

was appropriate. These announced that was appropriate. These announced that Gentiles had to become Jews in practice before Gentiles had to become Jews in practice before they could be part of the church, and instituted they could be part of the church, and instituted separated meal & communion practicesseparated meal & communion practices

– Peter went along with these; Paul rebuked himPeter went along with these; Paul rebuked him– The disease of Jewish superiority spread to the The disease of Jewish superiority spread to the

churches of the first mission journeychurches of the first mission journey


Paul sent his “Letter to the Paul sent his “Letter to the Galatians”Galatians”– Chapters 1-2: Paul reviews his personal Chapters 1-2: Paul reviews his personal

journey to freedom in Christ and journey to freedom in Christ and laments the recent developmentslaments the recent developments


Paul sent his “Letter to the Galatians”Paul sent his “Letter to the Galatians”– Chapters 3-4: Using rabbinic argumentation Chapters 3-4: Using rabbinic argumentation

Paul shows:Paul shows: How Abraham was saved before obeying How Abraham was saved before obeying

ceremoniesceremonies How the Law is like a teacher who is no longer How the Law is like a teacher who is no longer

needed after a child becomes fully matureneeded after a child becomes fully mature How Hagar & Ishmael typify slavery (Law) over How Hagar & Ishmael typify slavery (Law) over

against Sarah & Isaac (Freedom)against Sarah & Isaac (Freedom)


Paul sent his “Letter to the Galatians”Paul sent his “Letter to the Galatians”– Chapters 5-6: Paul urges (using very strong Chapters 5-6: Paul urges (using very strong

language) the expression of true Freedom language) the expression of true Freedom in Christin Christ Not Legalism, which binds and burdensNot Legalism, which binds and burdens Nor License, which turns us evil and uglyNor License, which turns us evil and ugly But Liberty, which frees us from external But Liberty, which frees us from external

demands while binding us into the wonderful demands while binding us into the wonderful slavery of love toward God and one anotherslavery of love toward God and one another

Note: “Works of the Flesh” vs. “Fruit of the Note: “Works of the Flesh” vs. “Fruit of the Spirit”Spirit”

Note: Paul writes final greetings in “large Note: Paul writes final greetings in “large letters”letters”

Note: Paul calls the church “the Israel of God”Note: Paul calls the church “the Israel of God”

What Happened NextWhat Happened Next

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)– Presided over by James, Jesus’ (half) Presided over by James, Jesus’ (half)

brotherbrother– Reports from both “Judaizers” and from Reports from both “Judaizers” and from

PaulPaul– Peter reports from his experiences with Peter reports from his experiences with

Cornelius the Roman Centurion (Acts 10-Cornelius the Roman Centurion (Acts 10-11)11)


The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)– Decision:Decision:

Gentiles do not have to become Jews in Gentiles do not have to become Jews in order to become Christians; no cultic order to become Christians; no cultic practices requiredpractices required

Four stipulations urged:Four stipulations urged:– Don’t eat meat offered to idols (this will become a Don’t eat meat offered to idols (this will become a

later matter of contention (Romans 14; 1 later matter of contention (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8)Corinthians 8)

– Don’t eat bloodDon’t eat blood– Don’t be sexually immoralDon’t be sexually immoral– Don’t eat flesh from strangled animalsDon’t eat flesh from strangled animals


The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)– Decision communicated by way of short Decision communicated by way of short

letterletter– James probably writes and sends his letter James probably writes and sends his letter

to Jewish Christians at this timeto Jewish Christians at this time– Personal emissaries sent with news of the Personal emissaries sent with news of the

decisions and the letter(s)decisions and the letter(s)– Paul tells Barnabas they ought to go back Paul tells Barnabas they ought to go back

to the mission churches as well, confirming to the mission churches as well, confirming these thingsthese things

– Barnabas agrees, wants to take Mark alongBarnabas agrees, wants to take Mark along– Nasty argument and parting of the waysNasty argument and parting of the ways

Who Was the Author Who Was the Author “James”?“James”?

Obviously a JewObviously a Jew– He calls Abraham “our father” (2:21)He calls Abraham “our father” (2:21)– He referred to places of worship as He referred to places of worship as

“synagogues” (2:2)“synagogues” (2:2)– He uses the Jewish term “Gehenna” He uses the Jewish term “Gehenna”

(valley of the Hinnom, which was a (valley of the Hinnom, which was a garbage pit for Jerusalem) (3:6)garbage pit for Jerusalem) (3:6)

– He uses a specifically Jewish name for He uses a specifically Jewish name for God (“Lord of Armies”) (5:4; cf. Isaiah God (“Lord of Armies”) (5:4; cf. Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; 1:24; Psalm 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jeremiah 11:20; Romans 9:29; Revelation Jeremiah 11:20; Romans 9:29; Revelation 19: 11-16)19: 11-16)


Obviously a Jew of Palestine:Obviously a Jew of Palestine:– He knew about the early & latter rains He knew about the early & latter rains

(5:7; cf. Deuteronomy 11:14)(5:7; cf. Deuteronomy 11:14)– He knew about the hot winds that He knew about the hot winds that

burned the grass (1:11)burned the grass (1:11)– He writes to Diaspora Jews: “to the He writes to Diaspora Jews: “to the

twelve tribes scattered among the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1)nations” (1:1)


His name is James (Jacob) (1:1)His name is James (Jacob) (1:1)– Three New Testament “James”:Three New Testament “James”:

Jesus’ disciple, brother of John (killed in 44 Jesus’ disciple, brother of John (killed in 44 A.D. by Herod, Acts 12:2)A.D. by Herod, Acts 12:2)

Jesus’ disciple, son of Alphaeus (obscure)Jesus’ disciple, son of Alphaeus (obscure) Jesus’ (half)brother, leader of Jerusalem Jesus’ (half)brother, leader of Jerusalem

church; Acts 15)church; Acts 15)

– This last one seems obviously the authorThis last one seems obviously the author He calls himself “a servant of God He calls himself “a servant of God

and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1)and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1)

Literary Clues of Time & Literary Clues of Time & OccasionOccasion

Similarities to Jesus’ teachings (especially the Similarities to Jesus’ teachings (especially the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7)Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7)

Similarities to James’ speeches and letter in Similarities to James’ speeches and letter in Acts 15Acts 15

No mention of the destruction of the TempleNo mention of the destruction of the Temple Strong emphasis on appropriate social Strong emphasis on appropriate social

behavior, especially because of tensions in behavior, especially because of tensions in Jewish communitiesJewish communities

No mention of tensions in the Jewish No mention of tensions in the Jewish community over teachings of Jesus as community over teachings of Jesus as MessiahMessiah

Reasonable ConclusionsReasonable Conclusions

Written by James of JerusalemWritten by James of Jerusalem Early in the Church’s historyEarly in the Church’s history Intended as a general letter for wide Intended as a general letter for wide

disseminationdissemination Addressing social tensions not clearly linked to Addressing social tensions not clearly linked to

debates about questions regarding Jesus in debates about questions regarding Jesus in new Christian communitiesnew Christian communities

All this fits with the communications of Acts 15All this fits with the communications of Acts 15 Likely sent to Jewish Diaspora communities Likely sent to Jewish Diaspora communities

with the Jerusalem Council decisions (49 A.D.)with the Jerusalem Council decisions (49 A.D.)

Contents of the Letter: Contents of the Letter: OverviewOverview

Not highly organized by topicNot highly organized by topic More stream of consciousness More stream of consciousness

exhortationexhortation Strong ethical instruction, especially Strong ethical instruction, especially

about social relationsabout social relations Deep piety, calling for prayer, fasting, Deep piety, calling for prayer, fasting,

trusttrust Recognition of Elder leadership (5:14)Recognition of Elder leadership (5:14)

Contents of the Letter: Contents of the Letter: SummarySummary

Trials from without (1:2-12)Trials from without (1:2-12) Trials from within (1:13-18)Trials from within (1:13-18) Hearing and doing (1:19-27)Hearing and doing (1:19-27) Honoring one another without preference (2:1-Honoring one another without preference (2:1-

14)14) Sinful power of the tongue (3:1-4:12)Sinful power of the tongue (3:1-4:12) Uncertainties of life calling for humility (4:13-17)Uncertainties of life calling for humility (4:13-17) Horrible demoralization caused by wealth (5:1-6)Horrible demoralization caused by wealth (5:1-6) Encouragements to patient faithfulness (5:7-12)Encouragements to patient faithfulness (5:7-12) Advice about mutual care in the community Advice about mutual care in the community

(5:13-20)(5:13-20)

Critical Issue:Critical Issue:Do Paul & James Disagree?Do Paul & James Disagree?

Paul: “You are justified by faith apart Paul: “You are justified by faith apart from works!” (Galatians; Romans 4-5; from works!” (Galatians; Romans 4-5; Ephesians 2)Ephesians 2)

James: “You see that a person is justified James: “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” by what he does and not by faith alone” (3:24; see 3:14-26)(3:24; see 3:14-26)

Martin Luther: James is an epistle of Martin Luther: James is an epistle of strawstraw

Others: James provides the necessary Others: James provides the necessary ethical link between grace and gratitudeethical link between grace and gratitude

Dating these thingsDating these things

Mid 48- early 49 A.D. – First Mission Mid 48- early 49 A.D. – First Mission Journey (5-6 months?)Journey (5-6 months?)

Mid 49 A.D. – Paul writes “Letter to Mid 49 A.D. – Paul writes “Letter to the Galatians”the Galatians”

Late 49 A.D. – Jerusalem CouncilLate 49 A.D. – Jerusalem Council Late 49 A.D. – James writes his letterLate 49 A.D. – James writes his letter

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