INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS
#833 INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF ACTS
Scripture Acts 1:1-8, NIV Orig. September 29, 1985
Passage: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Purpose: Beginning a study for Church Training leading my people to a deeper comprehension of The Book of Acts.
Introduction
By way of beginning, we need to face up to purpose. Why did Luke write Acts? The best evidence suggests that he did. And, we can conclude that the book was written shortly before or after Paul’s death in Rome, about 58 or 59 A.D.
So, WHY did he write? To depict “Acts of the Apostles.” That is the title by which it is best known. Or, is it the book that declares the Holy Spirit’s life and work as the gospel declares the life and work of Jesus? Perhaps there is some other purpose. For instance, the revealing of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome; or, a book seeking to reconcile rivalries between different factions of the church.
Better understood, it is all of these things, but only to a limited degree. These are supplemental purposes. Its major focus has to do with expansion. Partly, the expansion that carries the gospel across geographical barriers; but even more, the author depicts how Christianity broke through the imposition of limitations placed upon it by people locked into a narrow, self-limiting culture. It is about how the gospel took on the character of its [founder], and not of His disciples.
The story begins in Jerusalem. It ends 28 chapters later in Rome. The passage was not easy. Many changes are observed. Leaders come into view, remain for awhile, and often are heard from no more. The foundling church appears, descriptions of it, single it out for what it is: a very human inducement to faith. The most obvious change is cultural. The book opens on a Jewish prayer meeting. None but Jews are there. It closes with a chronicler of the gospel, incarcerated, but proclaiming an “unhindered” gospel to all who come to hear.
I. What are the arguments for Luke’s authorship?
Both ACTS and LUKE [are] dedicated to Theophilus. Luke 1:3/Acts 1:1. Acts opens speaking of former treatises.
Similarity in style/phraseology/medical jargon.
Luke is known to have traveled with Paul. Acts 16:10/20:6 “We” passages.
Rule out Silas (16:19) and Timothy (20:4-5).
Christian tradition accepts Luke as author.
II. What can we conclude about the date?
Outset—Christ is with disciples prior to His ascension (30-40A.D.).
Conclusion—Paul arrives in Rome. Dated by mention of political figures (Acts 25:13, Agrippa, Festus/Felix). Sometime between 58 and 63 A.D. Luke was undoubtedly with Paul: II Timothy 4:6, “I have fought the good fight”; II Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me.”
III. What more needs to be said about purpose?
“Acts of the Holy Spirit”—but not to the degree that gospels are about Jesus.
“Acts of the Apostles”—a factor, but not definitive. Even Paul is left inconclusively a Roman prisoner.
“Acts of the Ascended Christ”—1:1, “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” A direct reference to the “former treatise” (gospel).
The book of gospel initiative. 1:8, “Ye shall receive power . . . and ye shall be my witnesses . . . .” 28:31, “boldly and without hindrance . . . preached.”
IV. Defining the key thought.
Verse 1:8, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and . . . .”
The key in outline:
1 Introduction
2-7 Witness in Jerusalem
8-12 Witness in Judea and Samaria
13-28 Witness to the uttermost.
V. The two-part breakdown of the book.
Part I (1-12)
In Jerusalem
Peter most prominent
From Jerusalem to Judea/Samaria
Geography—Palestine (Jew/Gentile)
General rejection by Jews
Peter imprisoned (12:3)
Part II (13-28)
From Antioch
Paul most prominent
From Antioch to Empire
Geography—Mediterranean (Jew/Gentile)
Rejection by Jews of dispersion
Paul imprisoned (28:16)
VI. Peter and Paul in parallel consideration.
INCIDENT Peter Paul
1-First Sermon 2:14f 13:16
2-Healing of lame man 3:1f 14:8f
3-Dealing with a sorcerer—Simon 8:9 13:8f—Elymas
4-Influence--shadow 5:15 19:12f—high priests
5-Laying on of hands--Samaritans 8:17 19:6—pagans
6-Worshipped—Cornelius 10:25 14:11—Lystra
7-Raised from the dead—Tabitha 9:40 20:9—Eutychus
8-Imprisoned—Herod 12:3 28:16—Nero