Acts 12:15

Authorized King James Version

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δ'
And
but, and, etc
#3
πρὸς
unto
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#4
αὐτοῦ
her
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
εἶπον,
they said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
Μαίνῃ
Thou art mad
through the idea of insensate craving); to rave as a "maniac"
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
δ'
And
but, and, etc
#9
διϊσχυρίζετο
she constantly affirmed
to stout it through, i.e., asservate
#10
οὕτως
even so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#11
ἔχειν
that it was
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#12
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
δ'
And
but, and, etc
#14
ἔλεγον
said they
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἄγγελός
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#17
αὐτοῦ
her
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#18
ἐστιν
It is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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