THE QUESTION OF CIRCUMCISION 1-35. The Council of Jerusalem, 49 a.d. The usual view is that Galatians 2:1 describes the visit of St. Paul to Jerusalem on the occasion of this Council. Adopting this, the following was the course of events. The baptism of Gentiles by St. Paul on his First Missionary J... [ Continue Reading ]
CERTAIN MEN] They falsely claimed to have been sent by James (see Acts 15:24; Galatians 2:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
BARNABAS] St. Luke passes over Peter's visit to Antioch, and Barnabas's temporary 'dissimulation '(Galatians 2:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
The journey to Jerusalem partook somewhat of the character of a triumphant progress, or demonstration in favour of Paul and Barnabas. Outside Jerusalem the Pauline party was clearly in the ascendant.... [ Continue Reading ]
Even at Jerusalem the officials of the church, and its members as a whole, were favourably disposed towards St. Paul. The Judaisers were in a minority.... [ Continue Reading ]
PHARISEES] The only express mention of converted Pharisees. What attracted the Pharisees in Christianity was (1) the fulfilment in Christ of the Messianic hope which the devout Pharisees cherished, and (2) the doctrine of the Resurrection. 7-11. The speech of St. Peter endorses the opinions of St. P... [ Continue Reading ]
JAMES] James, the Lord's brother, presided at the Council, doubtless in the capacity of chief ruler of the local Church of Jerusalem. We should have expected Peter to preside. 14-21. St. James' speech proves him as decided an adherent of Gentile liberty as St. Peter. He approves St. Peter's conduct... [ Continue Reading ]
SIMEON] RV 'Symeon.' St. James uses the ancient Hebrew form of Peter's name, instead of the more usual 'Simon.' For his name] i.e. 'that his name might be glorified in them.' 16-18. St. James cites from memory, and not quite accurately, Amos 9:11; (LXX), of which nevertheless he preserves the true... [ Continue Reading ]
AFTER THIS I WILL RETURN] Amos simply has 'In that day,' i.e. in the day of the Messiah. THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID] i.e. the royal family descended from David. David's family is compared to a fallen tent, because, when Amos wrote, the southern kingdom was quite insignificant compared with the northern... [ Continue Reading ]
St. James mentions four prohibitions: (1) pollutions of idols, (2) fornication, (3) eating the flesh of strangled animals, (4) eating blood. The object of these prohibitions was to render social intercourse between Jews and Gentiles, and particularly common meals, less difficult. Pollutions of idols... [ Continue Reading ]
Here St. James recognises that Jewish Christians are still to attend the synagogue services and to keep the Law.... [ Continue Reading ]
This v. is evidence that the whole Church, and not merely the clergy, were consulted in matters of public policy. Judas surnamed Barsabas (Barsabbas)] probably the brother of the Joseph Barsabbas who was a candidate for the apostolate (Acts 1:23). He was clearly a Hebrew. Silas, on the other hand, w... [ Continue Reading ]
THE APOSTLES AND ELDERS AND BRETHREN] Recent editors read, 'the apostles and presbyters, brethren.' Apparently the apostles and presbyters describe themselves as 'brethren' to give the letter a fraternal and affectionate character. But the text is probably corrupt.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEING ASSEMBLED WITH ONE ACCORD] rather, 'having come to one accord.'... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe the claim to inspiration.... [ Continue Reading ]
This v. is omitted as an interpolation by many modern editors. It is contained in D, which adds, 'and Judas went alone.'... [ Continue Reading ]
IN ANTIOCH] Here should be placed, according to the usual view, Peter's visit to Antioch, mentioned Galatians 2:11. At first Peter ate publicly with the Gentiles, but on the arrival of 'certain from James,' he 'separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.' The rest of the Jews, and... [ Continue Reading ]
ST PAUL'S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY, 49, 50 A.D. (ACTS 15:36 TO ACTS 18:22) Having secured the formal recognition by the Twelve of Gentile Christianity, St. Paul was free to resume his missionary labours. He first revisited the Churches founded on the First Journey, and then carried the gospel to E... [ Continue Reading ]
CONFIRMING THE CHURCHES] see Acts 16:5, and op. Acts 14:22.... [ Continue Reading ]