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PACTS 12 is OUT of ORDER

..from the free commentary which you can download at


http://sites.google.com/site/freecommentary

Summary:
Acts chapter 12 is a flash-forward to the famine predicted from Antioch at the end of Acts
11. It records the fulfilment of a prophecy and so interrupts the smooth chronology of the
story. The story of Paul and Barnabas going to Jerusalem to deliver famine relief begins
afresh at Acts 15, which records the second reason for Paul and Barnabas going to
Jerusalem.

Four important upshots are:


One: James is killed and Peter is beheaded after the conference in Acts 15, and probably
because of speaking against the Judaising Circumcision Party during the conference.
Two: The 'James' killed in Acts 12 may possibly be the same 'James' who is talking in Acts
15, but the 'James' in Acts 21:18 is probably different.
Three: Mark accompanies Paul and Barnabas to Antioch after already having been on the
First missionary journey to Asia Minor.
Four: With James killed, with Peter departed for 'somewhere else', and Paul avoiding
Jerusalem, there is no-one left in Jerusalem to stand against the Pharisaic circumcision
party who were within the church of believers, and so the church in Jerusalem succumbs to
that pressure, and consists of Jews 'very zealous to keep the Law', and also careful not to
incite the Jews.

(Many more instances of confusing Bible chronology are listed in the full commentary
under "Topic Notes\ Revelation and Prophecy\ Structure and Chronology". Understanding
such structures is a great help in Bible interpretation.)

The CHRONOLOGY of ACTS and PAUL


The basic facts about Paul's missionary life are clear enough -- that he had three
missionary journeys when he took the gospel to the Gentiles in Asia and Greece. In the first
one he travelled to Asia Minor, in the second one through Asia Minor and on to Greece,
and in the third one through Greece and back to Ephesus where he spent a considerable
time teaching.
But the details as they appear in the books of Acts and Galatians, are confusing,
particularly about his first missionary journey. The time afterwards which he spent in
Antioch and Jerusalem attending the Council over the issue of circumcision, is similarly
confused.

The point here is to clarify some otherwise puzzling sequences in Galatians and Acts,
specifically Gal_2:11, which is a flashback, and Acts 12, which is a flashforward -- out of
chronological sequence.

It's also a ripper of a read, once you grasp the gripping drama.

Luke, who wrote Acts, follows, in several stages, the riot-ridden spread of the Gospel
to the non-Hebrew Jews:

~ Stephen, spoke to the Greek-speaking Jews (foreign Jews visiting Israel), and he was
opposed by the synagogue of freed-men Act_6:9. They succeeded in killing him.

Act 6:9 But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue called
the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the
Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Act 7:55-60 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into
heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of
God, 56 and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man
standing on the right hand of God. 57 But they cried out with a loud voice,
and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; 58 and they
cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their
garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned
Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin
to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

~ Philip, evangelised the Samaritans (half-Jews), who then received the Holy Spirit via
Peter and John. He was opposed by Simon the magician Act_8:18-20.

Act 8:18 Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles'
hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my
hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou
hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money.

~ Peter, went to Cornelius and God-fearing Gentiles in Israel. He was opposed by the
Judaisers Act_11:2-3. The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit.

Act 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the
circumcision contended with him,
Act 11:3 saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with
them. [This broke their Jewish law]

~ Scattered disciples evangelised the Jews in dispersion Act_11:19. They were


questioned by Jerusalem Act_11:22.

Act 11:19 They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation
that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and
Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.

~ Some scattered disciples evangelised Gentiles outside of Israel (Antioch) Act_11:20-21

Act 11:20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who,
when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the
Lord Jesus.
Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number
that believed turned unto the Lord.
Act 11:22 And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church
which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch:
~ Paul and Barnabas, taught the Gentiles in Antioch Act_11:26.

Act 13:1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets
and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of
Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

~ The Holy Spirit then officially appoints Paul and Barnabas for ministry to the Gentiles --
First Missionary journey Act_13:2-3. They were opposed by the Jews Act_13:45, Act_14:2,
Act_14:19.

Act 13:2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit
said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called
them.
Act 13:3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on
them, they sent them away.
Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with
jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and
blasphemed.
Act 14:2 But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the
Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.
Act 14:19 But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and
having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of
the city, supposing that he was dead.

~ The Council at Jerusalem hears of the Holy Spirit given to the Gentiles in Asia, and
officially drops any demands for circumcision, Law-keeping or proselytising from the
Judaising party Act 15.

Act 15:1 And certain men came down from Judaea and taught the
brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye
cannot be saved.
Act 15:2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and
certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and
elders about this question.
Act 15:3 They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed
through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the
Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

~ Paul spreads that council decision Act_15:22 to the Gentiles abroad -- 2nd and third
missionary journeys, and was opposed by the Jews and idolaters Act_16:23, Act_17:5,
Act_17:13, Act_18:5, Act_18:12, Act_19:26.

Act 15:22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the
whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to
Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas,
chief men among the brethren:

Act 15:29 that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood,
and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep
yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.
Act 15:30 So they, when they were dismissed, came down to Antioch; and
having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.
Act 15:31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted
the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
Act 16:4 And as they went on their way through the cities, they delivered
them the decrees to keep which had been ordained of the apostles and
elders that were at Jerusalem.

~ Paul is arrested and preaches to the Jewish Sanhedrin, who opposed him, and to the
Gentile Kings in Israel Act 23-26, who didn't release him.

Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak


boldly, as I ought to speak.
Act 26:32 And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at
liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

~ Paul preaches to Caesar in Rome (Act_27:24, Act_28:19, 2Ti_4:16, Eph_6:20,


Php_1:13, Php_4:22).

Act 27:24 saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and lo,
God hath granted thee all them that sail with thee.

One of the reasons for pointing this out is that the Acts 12 story of James and Peter facing
death is only incidental to the theme of Paul's spreading the Gospel, and of the resolving of
the Judaising dispute during the prophesied famine. Acts 12 is out of sequence, belonging
after Acts 15, throwing doubt on the identity of 'James, who was reputed to be a pillar, to
be someone' in the Jerusalem Council Gal_2:6-9.

Paul's Chronology:

~ Paul persecutes Stephen Act_8:1

Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that
day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and
they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and
Samaria, except the apostles.

~ he persecutes the saints Act_9:1, Act_22:4, Gal_1:13

Act 22:4 and I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering
into prisons both men and women.
Gal 1:13 For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and
made havoc of it:

~ is converted on the road to Damascus Act_9:2-3

Act 9:1 But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Act 9:2 and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if
he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring
them bound to Jerusalem.
Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto
Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of
heaven:

~ goes to Arabia (the Arabah) Gal_1:16-17

Gal 1:16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the
Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal 1:17 neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before
me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus.

~ stays preaching in Damascus 3 years Act_9:22, Gal_1:17

Act 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews
that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

~ leaves Damascus via a basket Act_9:25, 2Co_11:31-33

Act 9:25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the
wall, lowering him in a basket.
2Co 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for
evermore knoweth that I lie not.
2Co 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the
city of the Damascenes in order to take me:
2Co 11:33 and through a window was I let down in a basket by the wall,
and escaped his hands.

~ spends a fortnight in Jerusalem, with Barnabas, Peter and James (brother of Jesus),
debating with Grecian Jews Act_9:27-28, Gal_1:18

Act 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and
declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had
spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name
of Jesus.
Act 9:28 And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem,
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and
tarried with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:20 Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before
God, I lie not.

~ leaves via Caesarea for Tarsus, Syria and Cilicia Act_9:30, Gal_1:20-21, because of
another plot against his life.

Act 9:30 And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to
Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Gal 1:21 Then I came unto the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

~ (Meanwhile the church in Antioch is established. Since it is full of Gentiles, and since
Paul's mission is to the Gentiles, Barnabas gets Paul to help Act_11:25)
Act 11:25 And he went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul;

~ Paul preaches in Antioch with Barnabas for 1 year Act_11:26

Act 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it
came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with
the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called
Christians first in Antioch.

-------------------
Act_11:27 - Act_12:25 belongs to later -- it is taken up here merely to complete the story of
the church in Antioch being thoroughly established. You need to skip to chapters 13-14 to
maintain chronology. Act_13:1 is taking up where Act_11:26 left off -- 'the church in
Antioch' occurs in both verses, indicating that there is a follow-on. Acts 12 talks of a
shortage of food in its second half, and it seems that Paul was also there delivering famine
relief. In other words, the prediction of famine in Acts 11 is followed immediately in Acts 12
by the story of its fulfilment, before reverting to the main story-line in Acts 13.
-------------------

~ Paul leaves Antioch on the 1st missionary journey Act_13:1-3. The Jews
persecute Paul.

~ Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas and returns to Jerusalem Act_13:13

~ Paul returns to Antioch for 'no little time' Act_14:26-28. He proclaims grace to the
Gentiles Act_14:27.

Act 14:26 and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been
committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.
Act 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church
together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that
he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Act 14:28 And they tarried no little time with the disciples.

~ Judaisers come from Jerusalem without instructions, saying 'Proselytise the Gentile
converts'

There is a big argument against the Judaisers, and Peter and Barnabas withdraw from the
Gentiles, but Paul opposes Peter in public. Gal_2:3-4, Gal_2:12. I.e. Gal 2:12, where Paul
opposes Peter in public, is a flashback.

Gal 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face,
because he stood condemned.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he ate with the
Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing
them that were of the circumcision.

At the same time Agabus comes to Antioch and warns of a famine Act_11:27-30 =
Act_15:1-3 = Gal_2:12, Gal_2:2. Paul wants to take money to Jerusalem Gal_2:10,
Act_11:30.

Act 11:28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by
the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which
came to pass in the days of Claudius.
Act 11:29 And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined
to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea:
Act 11:30 which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of
Barnabas and Saul.

Gal 2:1 Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to
Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
Gal 2:2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel
which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of
repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
Gal 2:3 But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled
to be circumcised:
Gal 2:4 and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came
in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they
might bring us into bondage:
Gal 2:6 But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever
they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man's person) -
they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:
Gal 2:7 but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the
gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the
circumcision
Gal 2:8 (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the
circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles);
Gal 2:9 and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James
and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and
Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles,
and they unto the circumcision;
Gal 2:10 only they would that we should remember the poor; which very
thing I was also zealous to do.

------------------
In other words, the end of Acts chapter 11, predicting the famine, is anticipating chapter 15,
when Paul and Barnabas take the famine-money to Jerusalem, and also attend the church
council; and all of chapter 12 is running ahead to events after chapter 15. 'About that time'
in Act_12:1 refers to the same time as the previous verse Act_11:30, and both refer to Acts
15, as an anticipated event.
------------------

~ There is a Passover coming up Act_12:3-4. I.e. The Jews are arriving in Jerusalem with
stories of Paul preaching to the Gentiles.
Paul wants to send money to the elders, and to settle the Judaising dispute Gal_2:2.
Barnabas and Titus are with him.

~ The Council at Jerusalem is held (There are 14 years between Paul's visits to
Jerusalem Act_15:1-2, Gal_2:1).
Peter stands up for the Gentiles, Paul describes the miracles, and Titus is not forced to be
circumcised. Gal_2:3.
Paul and Barnabas are welcomed and sent to the Gentiles and asked to remember the poor
Gal_2:9-10, which suggests that the famine predicted by Agabus was already at hand, and
that it coincided with the trip to settle the Judaising dispute.

Act_11:28 almost says as much 'the famine came to pass', and so the verse has run
ahead to the fulfilment of the prophecy, which explains why the chronology is
disturbed.

---------------------
Act 12, Peter's Passover in prison, fits in between Act_15:29 and Act_15:30.
Peter and James have just been addressing the church council.

Act 15:30 So they [Paul etc], when they were dismissed, came down to
Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the
epistle.
------------------------

~ Herod persecutes the Christians and beheads James the brother of John, which pleases
the Jews.
The disgruntled Judaisers are probably responsible.
Peter is arrested, and Paul and Barnabas are staying with Mark. Paul is in Jerusalem
praying for Peter. Act_12:12, Act_12:25

Act 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict
certain of the church.
Act 12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Act 12:3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize
Peter also. And those were the days of unleavened bread.
Act 12:4 And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered
him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the
Passover to bring him forth to the people.

~ Peter escapes from prison.

Act 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of
Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were
gathered together and were praying.

Act 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace,
declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison.
And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he
departed, and went to another place.

Of the three who spoke harshly against the circumcision party during the council on that
question (James, Peter and Paul), soon none remains in Jerusalem to resist the pressure of
the Jewish legalists -- the ones who insisted on circumcision and law-keeping for Jews
converting to Christianity. When Paul returns to Jerusalem, it is a very different 'James'
who advises him to 'walk orderly according to the Mosaic Law'.

------------------------
Act 11, 12, and 15 all finish with Paul accomplishing his work in Jerusalem. Act_12:25 and
Act_15:37-39 both finish with 'taking Mark with them to Antioch', which marks the end of
Paul's second trip to Jerusalem.
---------------------
~ Paul returns to Antioch, with Barnabas, Barsabbas, Silas, Judas and Mark Act_15:30-32

Act 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had
fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.

~ preaches there Act_15:35

Act 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and preaching
the word of the Lord, with many others also.

~ 2nd missionary journey -- Paul with Silas go to Cilicia (Galatia) and Syria, Barnabas
with Mark go to Cyprus Act_12:25,
Act_15:36-40

Act 15:36 And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now
and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the
Lord, and see how they fare.
Act 15:37 And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was
called Mark.
Act 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew
from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
Act 15:39 And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder
one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto
Cyprus;
Act 15:40 but Paul chose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the
brethren to the grace of the Lord.

-------------------
Act_12:12 and Act_12:25 mention John Mark for the first time, but the chronologically
first occurrence is in Act_13:5 and Act_13:13, then Act_15:37-39 is last of all. Reading
from chapter 12 to 13 gives the misleading impression that John Mark was going off on his
first missionary journey, when in fact it was his second journey.

Act 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God
in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John as their attendant.
Act 13:13 Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to
Perga in Pamphylia: and John departed from them and returned to
Jerusalem.
-------------------
~ The Jews persecute Paul again

Act 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them
into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
Act 17:5 But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain
vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar;
and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the
people.
Act 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word
of God was proclaimed of Paul at Beroea also, they came thither likewise,
stirring up and troubling the multitudes.
Act 18:5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was
constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Act 18:12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one
accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,

~ The Jews persecute Paul again on his third journey

Act 19:26 And ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost
throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people,
saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands:

~ Paul writes the letter to Romans just before returning to Jerusalem Rom_15:23-25

Rom 15:23 but now, having no more any place in these regions, and
having these many years a longing to come unto you,
Rom 15:24 whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my
journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some
measure I shall have been satisfied with your company) -
Rom 15:25 but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the
saints.

~ arrested in Jerusalem Act_21:31-32

Act 21:31 And as they were seeking to kill him, tidings came up to the
chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
Act 21:32 And forthwith he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down
upon them: and they, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, left
off beating Paul.

~ testifies to Jews Act_23:1;

Act 23:1 And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have
lived before God in all good conscience until this day.

to Felix Act_24:3;

Act 24:3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with
all thankfulness.

Festus Act_25:1-2;

Act 25:1 Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days
went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
Act 25:2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed
him against Paul; and they besought him,

Agrippa and Bernice Act_25:23;

Act 25:23 So on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with
great pomp, and they were entered into the place of hearing with the chief
captains and principal men of the city, at the command of Festus Paul was
brought in.

~ to Caesar Act_26:32
Act 28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal
unto Caesar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation.

2Ti 4:16 At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may
it not be laid to their account.

Php 1:13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the


whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest;

Php 4:22 All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar's
household.

~ the story finishes with Paul still alive in Rome.

Act 28:30-31 And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and
received all that went in unto him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and
teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none
forbidding him.

And so Paul has fulfilled the mission to the Jews, Gentiles and kings, given him after his
vision on the road to Damascus.

Act 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the
children of Israel: 16 for I will show him how many things he must suffer
for my name's sake.

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