This article addresses the nature of Jewish Christianity and the legitimacy of the Gentile mission. This essay makes use of the Cornelius narrative in Acts 10:1-Acts 11:18 and the reference to it in Acts 15:7-9 to reflect on the development of the early church's self-understanding and identity.

How did Jesus relate to the Gentiles and what was their role in his ministry? Was Jesus' ministry confined to the Jews? Matthew 10:5-6 and Matthew 15:21-28 are considered to give insight on these aspects of Jesus' ministry.

What is the function of archegos as a reference to Jesus Christ in the epistle to the Hebrews? Two references occur: Hebrews 2:10 and Hebrews 12:2.

Who was James the brother of Jesus, also known as James the Just? This essay gives a summary of the way he is portrayed in the New Testament. It further takes a look at the differences between the canonical James and the post-canonical James.

For the understanding of the New Testament in its original setting, the New Testament theologian needs to appreciate the value of intertestamental Jewish literature as the given background.

The work of Friedrich Schleiermacher, Wilhelm Dilthey, and Hans-Georg Gadamer introduced elements of subjectivity and relativism into the discussion of the theory of interpretation (hermeneutics). This essay wants to describe and comment on some of these issues of hermeneutics that need some honest confrontation.

This paper focuses on three aspects of Stephen's defense in Acts 7 that may have led to a change in attitude towards the early Christian gathering in Jerusalem. One of the aspects is the scope of the work of God and the presence of God.

Was early Christianity characterized by internal division? This study wants to identify different groups to be found in the church in Jerusalem as reflected in the book of Acts.

The strong historical element in the speech of Stephen in Acts 7 invites study of Luke's historical method and his theology.