How should we resolve conflict among Christians? This article looks at the disagreement between Paul, Barnabas, and Mark, recorded in Acts 15:36-41. Looking at possible causes of disagreement, this article draws lessons for Christians today on conflict resolution.
This is a study of the main ethical points found in the decision of the Jerusalem council in Acts 15:4-29. It proposes that the council members attitudes of mutual trust, honoring God and his Word, and responding with some concession toward the others form important parts of the ethical teaching. The situation of the council is described in terms of the historical background and the flow of the narrative.
What was the nature of the ethnic conflict in early Christianity? Bennema examines how the early church approached one instance of ethnic conflict, that of admitting Gentiles into the people of God—the Antioch crisis (Galatians 2) and the Jerusalem council (Acts 15).
The use of Amos 9:11-12 in Acts 15 has been much discussed. Many covenant theologians has seen this text as evidence for the church replacing Israel. Dispensational exegetes treat this text as not relevant for the present age but a reference to a future state of affairs. Hays seeks to follow a third alternative and steer clear of the pitfalls mentioned.
In this paper the author argues that there is a reference to infanticide in Acts 15. The reference to the condemnation of smothering is interpreted as a description of infanticide. Instone-Brewer surveys the practice in the Graeco-Roman world, as well as the significance of the reference.
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.
This essay focuses on the chronology of the life of Paul. The role of Galatians 2:1-10 and Acts 15:1-35 is explored.
This paper studies the use of Amos 9 in Acts 15. The significance of Gentiles being included in the people of God is reflected upon. He further notes the difference in approach between a dispensational and covenantal reading of the text and its implications for the relationship between Israel and the church.
What is the relationship of the Old Testament to the New? What is the exegetical method(s) employed by the New Testament's use of the Old? Wherein can we find elements of continuity and/or discontinuity between Israel and the church? Who are the “people of God” and what is the “kingdom of God”?
This article is a Bible study on Acts 15:36-41.
This article is a Bible study on Acts 15:21-35.
This article is a Bible study on Acts 15:1-21.
One aspect of hermeneutics which has provided no lack of scholarly discussion is the question of the interpretation and use of the Old Testament scriptures with regard to New Testament doctrine and practice. Discussion of this topic must consider the way in which the New Testament authors understood and applied the Old Testament.
This article is about the relation of the Jews to the Israel of Scripture. The literal interpretation of prophecy with regards to the texts about Israel and Jerusalem is also discussed. Other topics mentioned are the future of the Jews, "all Israel" and the state Israel.
