Acts 11:18
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
Within the broader context of Acts, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Acts.
Historical Context
The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
- In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
- How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?