In this section we shall look in detail at a number of passages: Acts 2: 39, 3: 25–6, 13: 46–7, 15: 14–17, 18: 6, 28: 26–8. In all of these the problem of the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile missions is raised. At this stage we are concerned in particular with Luke's view, although a comparison with Paul at a later stage will attempt to show how near to or far from the historical facts Luke is. In dealing with these programmatic statements in Acts, in particular 28: 26–8, we shall also need to discuss the various theories concerning the ending of Acts.

PROGRAMMATIC STATEMENTS

Acts 2: 39

The phrase πᾶσιν τοĩς εἰς μακράν is ambiguous: it could refer to the Gentiles, but in the context of Acts 2 probably refers to the Jews. εἰς μακράν is best understood spatially (cf. Acts 22: 21; Is. 57: 19; Sir. 24: 32), as a reference to Diaspora Jews contemporary with those being addressed, rather than as a reference to the future descendants of Peter's audience.

Acts 3: 25–6

This is one of the most important verses for understanding Luke's view of the relationship between the Jewish and Gentile missions; unfortunately, its exact meaning is obscure.