Josep Rius-Camps - Jenny Read-Heimerdinger, «The Variant Readings of the Western Text of the Acts of the Aspostles (XXV) (Acts 18:24–19:40).», Vol. 26 (2013) 127-163
In the text of Acts according to Codex Bezae, a fourth and final part of the book begins at 18.24. It is Paul’s ultimate goal of Rome that separates it from the earlier missionary phases and confers unity on the remainder of the book. In this opening section (Section I), his activity will be centred for three years in Ephesus, the main city of Asia, where he will meet with some success despite hostility from some of the Jews. In his dealings with the Gentiles, opposition will also be encountered because of the threat posed by his teachings to the trade of the city. The Bezan narrator indicates plainly that Paul’s travel to Ephesus should have been the initial stage of his journey to the imperial capital. Additional references in Codex Bezae to the directions given to Paul by the Holy Spirit make clear that his visit had been prepared for by the work of Apollos; however, it was contrary to his own intentions, which were rather to go back to Jerusalem. The struggle against the divine leading is seen as Paul terminates his stay in Asia once he has carefully prepared for his return to Jerusalem.
The Variant Readings of the Western
Text of the Acts of the Apostles (XXV)
(Acts 18:24–19:40)
JOSEP RIUS-CAMPS AND JENNY READ-HEIMERDINGER
In the text of Acts according to Codex Bezae, a fourth and final part of
the book begins at 18.24. It is Paul’s ultimate goal of Rome that separates it
from the earlier missionary phases and confers unity on the remainder of
the book. In this opening section (Section I), his activity will be centred for
three years in Ephesus, the main city of Asia, where he will meet with some
success despite hostility from some of the Jews. In his dealings with the Gen-
tiles, opposition will also be encountered because of the threat posed by his
teachings to the trade of the city. The Bezan narrator indicates plainly that
Paul’s travel to Ephesus should have been the initial stage of his journey to
the imperial capital. Additional references in Codex Bezae to the directions
given to Paul by the Holy Spirit make clear that his visit had been prepared
for by the work of Apollos; however, it was contrary to his own intentions,
which were rather to go back to Jerusalem. The struggle against the divine
leading is seen as Paul terminates his stay in Asia once he has carefully
prepared for his return to Jerusalem.
Keywords: Acts, Acts 18–19, Apollo(nius), Aquila and Priscilla, Al-
exander, Asiarchs, Codex Bezae, Codex Vaticanus, Corinth, Demetrius,
Ephesus, exorcists, Hierosoluma, the baptism of John, magic, silversmiths,
textual criticism, the twelve, Western text.
I. The Third Phase of the Mission to the Gentiles (Ephesus)
18:24–19:40
The action is set in Ephesus, and falls into three distinct sequences.
The narrative develops in a linear fashion through the three sequences.
The first [A] concerns the issue of the baptism of John in two separate
contexts, presenting a comparison between Apollos (Apollonius in
Codex Bezae) and Paul. The second [B] concerns the positive effects of
Paul’s teaching among Jews and Greeks throughout Asia, especially with
respect to supernatural powers. The final one [C] deals with the conse-
quences for the tradespeople of the city when so many people turn away
from the pagan religious practices.
Filología Neotestamentaria - Vol. XXVI - 2013, pp. 127-163
Facultad de Filosofía y Letras - Universidad de Córdoba (España)
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