The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon

Top Highlights

“Luke focuses on the significance of the name of Jesus throughout this volume underscoring that what was done by the early church was done by the authority and in the power of Jesus.” (Page 38)

“Philippi was located in northeastern Greece and was the first city in Europe in which the gospel was preached” (Page 573)

“Within the text of Phil. 2 Paul has neatly woven what seems to be an ancient hymn of unknown origin” (Page 571)

“Second, he wrote to warn the Philippians of false teachings (3:2–21; see Paul’s Opponents in Philippians below). Third, Paul wrote to inform them regarding their messenger, Epaphroditus. They sent him to care for Paul’s needs, but Epaphroditus turned desperately ill. Having recovered and successfully completed his task, the messenger is being sent back to Philippi and where he should receive honor for his service (2:25–30). Fourth, Paul writes to correct division within the Philippian church (1:27; 2:2–4, 16; 4:1–2). Fifth, the apostle exhorts this church to rejoice regardless of adverse circumstances, as he himself is doing (2:18; 3:1; 4:4). Finally, Paul writes to thank the Philippian saints for their gift, presumably of money, which relieved him in his situation (4:10–20).” (Page 571)

“Pentecost was a time when Jews from all over the Greco-Roman world came for the annual celebration. In time, but it is not clear that it occurred in the first century a.d., the time was eventually set aside in the rabbinic period (probably around a.d. 270) to celebrate the giving of the Law (Exod. 19:1) (see b. Pesahim 68b). This may have derived from Jubilees 6:15–22 where the Feast of Weeks was interpreted as a renewal of the covenant.” (Page 25)