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A Study of Acts: S1

A Study of Acts: S1
A Study of Acts Uncategorized January 16, 2021

Acts: Introduction

This is our introductory class to the Book of Acts.

This session helps determine the direction we will go in studying the Book of Acts. I also talk about how Luke’s prologue and the prologue to Acts prepare us for reading Acts.

Introduction to Acts
Download the Acts Introduction PDF hereDownload
Why Study Acts?

Inspirational, God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17), early Christian/church history, learn more about Paul

The First Part

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been

accomplished among us, 2just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word

have delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past,

to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4that you may have certainty concerning the

things you have been taught.

Luke 1:1-4 ESV
  • A work of history, but also a work of literature
    • He changes style, he writes with intent and purpose
  • “sacred history” → fulfillment of Scriptures; the story isn’t over
  • An apologetic, confirmation of truth – previous accounts of Jesus’ life, eyewitnesses and servants of the Word sought out
  • Catechetical – “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught”
The second part

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles
whom he had chosen. 3He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to
them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:1-3 ESV
  • The beginning – compare w Mark 1:1 : The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ…
    • This too is a beginning.
    • Luke wrote about the basis of the Gospel, how the Good News started; this is how the Good News now spread
  • What is the Gospel?
    • Forgiveness, salvation, redemption, resurrection, new creation
    • But it is for ALL, Jew AND Gentile
      • And THIS was according to God’s plan/prophecies
  • But Why the Gospel AND Acts?
  • Two parts of a single work – Both about Jesus! (before Ascension and after)
  • Scroll length restrictions
  • Theophilus knew about Jesus, but who are Christians and what is the Church?
The Name of the WOrk
  • Probably wasn’t given a name by Luke, but referred to as “The Memorandum of Luke” (Tertullian), “The Acts of all the Apostles” (Muratorian Canon), “The Acts of the Apostles” (anti-Marcionite prologue to Luke (late second century?) and Irenaeus (Adv. Haer. 3.13.3))
  • Acts of the Apostles vs. Acts of the Holy Spirit or even Acts of Jesus (“What Jesus Continued To Do and Teach”)
Who WRote IT?
  • Luke never gives his name, but he makes his presence felt as an author
  • “We” passages in Acts (e.g. 16:9-10) help to identify author as a companion of Paul (see Col. 4:14; Phm. 24; 2 Tim. 4:11)
  • Unanimous testimony of the early church: Luke the physician
Date of Composition
  • Written after the Gospel of Luke
    • Other Gospels already existed at the time of the Gospel of Luke
  • Pre-A.D. 70 (The Destruction of Jerusalem)
  • Emperor Nero (54-68); Persecuted Christians 64-65
  • Paul’s death (sometime after 64?)
  • Likely written around 62-64
Important Big Ideas as We Begin…
  • Luke writes with pastoral concern – church history is helpful and important
  • Essential task of the church is mission
  • No racial/ethnic discrimination in the church
  • The guiding role of the Spirit in the church and its mission
  • The church is raised up and directed by God
    • He believes in the ultimate triumph of the Gospel
    • The Word of the Lord abides forever (1 Pet. 1:25; Isa. 40:8)
  • Colossians 4:14 ESV Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas
  • Philemon 1:24 ESV and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
  • 2 Timothy 4:11 ESV Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me
  • for ministry.
  • “We” Passages
  • Some people mentioned by name in Acts: Mark, Aristarchus
  • Date of composition
  • Relationship to other Gospels
    • Other gospels already around, written pre 70 AD
  • Nero (54-68)
    • Paul’s death somewhere around 66
  • The Fall of Jerusalem doesn’t seem to be hinted at
  • Luke writes
    • With pastoral concern – church history is helpful and important
    • Essential task of the church is mission
    • No racial/ethnic discrimination in the church
    • The guiding role of the Spirit in the church and its mission
    • The church is raised up and directed by God
      • He believes in the ultimate triumph of the Gospel
      • The Word of the Lord abides forever