Paul’s Decision Making in Acts: Anti-Charismatic, Pro-Jewish Commentary on Acts

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In 1980, Garry Friesen wrote "Decision Making and the Will of God," a book that debunked the traditional view that God leads by inward impressions into His perfect, specific will. But Bible teachers continue teach prayer is a two-way conversation; churches continue to question pastoral candidates about their ‘call’ to the ministry; and Christians continue to try to discern God’s inner voice to make decisions.

Christians in the book of Acts made their decisions by the Word and Wisdom, not by listening for inward impressions. Almost all Paul’s decisions in Acts can be explained by 17 logical principles he followed.

Paul was Jesus' surrogate to complete Jesus' mission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles of the Aegean Sea, and to the Jews of the diaspora. Isaiah 49:1, 6. "Listen, O Islands, to me; and hearken, you Jewish People, from far. The LORD has called me from the womb. ... He said, 'It is a light thing that you would be my servant to ... restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, so that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.'"

The first part of the book of Acts asks, "Can even Gentiles be saved?" But the last part focuses on Luke's real message: The Congregation should continue to look equally Jewish and Gentile, even though Gentiles become far more numerous in the Congregation. This is God’s highest purpose; gathering two into the one body of Messiah, according to Ephesians.

All Paul's epistles were written by the end of Acts 28. There’s no need for a speculated release and second Roman imprisonment. This book also provides an accounting of the movements of Paul's coworkers; and a history of Charismaticism, Christian mysticism, and the false doctrine of "Let Go and Let God.”