Paul's Address on Waiting for Each Other in Jewish Context
Paul's Address on Waiting for Each Other in Jewish Context
Paul's address to the Jewish community in Acts 13:16 is a significant example of his approach to interacting with his Jewish audience. He begins by saying, "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience" [1]. This greeting establishes a connection with his listeners, acknowledging their shared heritage and faith.
In this context, Paul is not only addressing the Jewish community but also those who are sympathetic to Judaism, referred to as "God-fearers". This term is indicative of Gentiles who have been drawn to the Jewish faith but have not fully converted [5]. Paul's inclusive approach is characteristic of his missionary strategy, as seen in his emphasis on unity among Jews and Gentiles in the church [10].
The concept of "waiting" is central to Paul's message and is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Psalmist expresses a similar sentiment, saying, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you" [2]. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights various aspects of waiting upon God, including waiting for salvation, guidance, and the fulfillment of His promises [3]. Paul's exhortation to wait for each other can be seen as an extension of this Jewish understanding of waiting as a communal and spiritual practice.
In his Institutes, John Calvin discusses the significance of waiting on God's promises, emphasizing the importance of confidence in God's word [4]. Similarly, Charles Hodge notes that Paul's teachings on the subject of Israel's future conversion are closely tied to the concept of waiting on God's promises [6]. The early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, also reflect on Paul's interactions with the Jewish community, highlighting his ability to connect with his audience [8].
Paul's approach to waiting for each other is not limited to his address in Acts 13. In his letters, he encourages believers to wait patiently for Christ's return, as seen in his commentary on the Thessalonians [7]. This eschatological expectation is a key aspect of Paul's theology and is deeply rooted in Jewish apocalyptic thought.
The Jewish context of Paul's address is further underscored by his reference to the Jewish scriptures and his emphasis on the continuity between the old and new covenants. As Augustine notes, Paul's Jewish heritage and his continued observance of certain Jewish practices are significant aspects of his identity as a Christian apostle [9].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] Acts 13:16 — Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”
- Psalms “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. -- Psalms 25:21”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Waiting Upon God — As the God of providence -- Jer 14:22. As the God of salvation -- Ps 25:5. As the Giver of all temporal blessings -- Ps 104:27,28; Ps 145:15,16. For Mercy. -- Ps 123:2. Pardon. -- Ps 39:7,8. The consolation of Israel. -- Lu 2:25. Salvation. -- Ge 49:18; Ps 62:1,2. Guidance and teaching. -- Ps 25:5. Protection. -- Ps 33:20; 59:9,10. The fulfillment of His word. -- Hab 2:3. The fulfillment of His promises. -- Ac 1:4. Hope of righteous by faith. -- Ga 5:5. Coming of Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 1Th 1:10. Is good -- Ps 52:9. God calls us to -- Zep 3:8. Exhortat”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 79: they have signs of calling similar to those given to the elect; but I do not at all admit that they have that sure confirmation of election which I desire believers to seek from the word of the gospel. Wherefore, let not examples of this kind move us away from tranquil confidence in the promise of the Lord, when he declares that all by whom he is received in true faith have been given him by the Father, and that none of them, while he is their Guardian and Shepherd, will perish ( John 3:16 ; 6:39). Of Judas we shall shortly speak (”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 13:16: Then Paul stood up,.... Not so much that he might be heard; or merely out of reverence and respect to the rulers, and the people; but to show that he accepted the invitation; as also in order to take his proper place in the synagogue, and sit down and teach, as was their custom: and beckoning with his hand; to the people to be silent, and attend to what he had to say: said, men of Israel; by whom are meant the proper Jews, the natural descendants of Jacob, whose name was Israel; this was accounted a very honourable character, and was a common form of address; see A”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 88: is in bitterness for his first-born.” This is to be a national conversion, for it is said “the land shall mourn” every family apart. 4. The most decisive passage, however, bearing on this subject, one which may be taken “ instar omnium ,” is the eleventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans . Paul had taught, (1.) That God had cast off the Jews as a nation because they as a nation, represented by the Sanhedrim, the High Priest, the scribes and the Pharisees, by their rulers of every class, and by the popular voice, had rejected Christ. “H”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 80.5: observe this limitation, do to no purpose resort to Paul’s example, with the view of binding the Church and subjecting it to their laws. Perhaps he had this also in view, that the respect which was due to his Apostleship might remain unimpaired among the Thessalonians, however the wicked might attempt to deprive him of the honor that belonged to him; for the prayer which he immediately subjoins tends towards this object. For provided men’s hearts continue to be directed towards love to God, and patient waiting for ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: 182 Homily XXIX. Acts XIII. 16, 17 “Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought He them out of it.” Behold Barnabas giving place to Paul—how should it be otherwise?—to him whom he brought from Tarsus; just as we find John on all occasions giving way to Peter: and yet Barnabas was more looked up to than Paul: true, but they had an eye onl”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 1: Augustine — Confessions, Letters — CHAP. IV.-- 12. You say in your letter: 1 "You do not require me to teach you in what sense the apostle says, ' To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews ;' ' and other such things in (part 2): of the matter: they will not become Christians, but they will make us Jews. 14. For what Christian will submit to hear what is said in your letter? "Paul was indeed a Jew; and when he had become a Christian, he had not abandoned those Jewish sacraments which that people had received in the right way, and for a certain appointed time. There”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:3: 4:3 binding yourselves together with peace: Paul’s emphasis on God’s acceptance of Gentiles as well as Jews (2:11–3:6) is now applied ethically: Jews and Gentiles are to accept one another in the church (see Col 3:14-15).”