NT 636 The Book of Acts

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1 Asbury Theological Seminary eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange Syllabi ecommons NT 636 The Book of Acts David R. Bauer Follow this and additional works at: Recommended Citation Bauer, David R., "NT 636 The Book of Acts " (2002). Syllabi. Book This Document is brought to you for free and open access by the ecommons at eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Syllabi by an authorized administrator of eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange. For more information, please contact

2 Asbury Theological Seminary Department of Inductive Biblical Studies January, 2002 NT (IBS) 636 The Book of Acts (Inductive Biblical Studies) Bauer This course involves a careful examination of the Book of Acts according to the inductive method of Bible study introduced in the first IBS course and builds on the methodology of that first course by further use of what has been learned and by emphasizing the study of the book as a whole and of larger units within the book. Particular attention is given to the process of application moving towards proclamation (preaching and teaching) of the biblical text. The emphasis is upon the structure and major themes found in the Book of Acts, with the Gospel of Luke employed for background purposes. This course seeks intentionally to incorporate the grammatical analysis of the original languages into the overall inductive process. (May be taken by students in M.A. programs not requiring Greek by special arrangement with the professor.) I. Course Objectives. A. Methodology. The student should be able to: 1. Employ structural observations for the interpretation of individual passages within the book, as well as for the interpretation of the book as a whole. 2. Raise various kinds of interpretive questions, and answer these questions, based on the use of exegetical determinants; 3. Employ various kinds of relevant evidence, including that which involves exegetical use of the original languages, in a process of inferential reasoning for the interpretation of individual passages within the book, as well as for the book as a whole. 4. Synthesize the interpretation of units of various lengths, such as the paragraph, the segment, the section (division), and the book as a whole; 5. Use aspects of methodology that are especially relevant for narrative material; 6. Evaluate and apply truths that emerge from the interpretation of the material. 7. Articulate the major issues involved in the movement from text to proclamation; move from the interpretation and application of the text towards its proclamation; and integrate the interpretation and application of a passage in Acts with that of a correlative passage from the Old Testament so as to move toward a sermon (or teaching lesson) based on both an Old Testament and New Testament text. B. Content. The student should be able to: 1. Think through the (general) contents of the book without recourse to the printed text. 2. Describe thoroughly the meaning and development of major themes in the Book of Acts, citing individual passages and other specific data to support conclusions; 3. Identify significant passages in the Book of Acts and interpret them contextually; 4. Demonstrate an acquaintance with some of the major commentaries on the Book of Acts; 5. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the critical problems surrounding the Book of Acts, including the relationship between this book and the history of the early church as well as its relationship to other New Testament writings. C. Attitude. The student should: 1. Appreciate the value of the Book of Acts for faith, experience, understanding and ministry; 2. Desire to make the Book of Acts the object of continued serious study throughout life; 3. Intend to employ seriously the Book of Acts in preaching and teaching within the context of the church. II. Course Texts. A. Required. 1. New Revised Standard Version of the Bible or Revised Standard Version. 2. Greek New Testament (UBS/Nestle, or Interlinear) 3. It s Still Greek To Me, by David Black 4. Biblical Resources for Ministry, by David R. Bauer

3 5. What Are They Saying About Acts? by Mark A. Powell. III. Course Requirements. A. The completion of the following lessons in writing, unless otherwise indicated by the instructor. All lessons are to be handed in at the end of the class period on the day designated. No late papers will be accepted save in cases in which permission is granted by the instructor based on emergency. B. Punctual attendance at all class sessions. Because of the importance of class attendance and because of government regulations regarding student loans, a record of attendance will be taken each class session. Absence at more than two class sessions will result in grade penalty, and absence at more than four will result in a loss of credit for the course. Exceptions may be granted based on emergency consultation with the instructor. C. A careful reading of the assigned portions of the required and collateral texts. D. Listening to the tape of an expository sermon on a passage in the Book of Acts with a view toward using that sermon as a catalyst for class discussion on moving from text to proclamation E. A final integrative assignment based on the objectives of the course (Lesson 14). IV. Course Evaluation. V. Lessons. A. Regular Assignments - 75% B. Final Integrative Assignment - 25% Lesson 1. Background. Survey of the Gospel of Luke. Read the entire book through at one sitting several times. 1. Identify the general and specific materials of the book, giving a brief title to each chapter. 2. Locate the main units and sub-units in the book, and identify the major structural relationships operative in the book as a whole. 3. Ask a few interpretive questions regarding each major structural relationship observed. 4. Identify the key verses and strategic areas which provide insight into the book as a whole. Give reasons for each selection in terms of structural significance. 5. Note data bearing on such higher critical questions as the author, place and date of writing, recipients, unity of the book, etc. 6. Note other major impressions relating to the book as a whole. Lesson 2. Survey of the Book of Acts. Survey the Book of Acts, following the suggestions listed under Lesson 1. Lesson 3. Acts 1: Survey. Survey the segment, employing the following suggestions: a. Give a brief title to each paragraph. b. Identify the main units and sub-units in the segment, and the major structural relationships operative in the segment as a whole. c. Ask a few interpretive questions regarding each major structural relationship observed. d. Locate the key verses in the segment. e. Identify the literary form(s) employed. f. Note other major impressions. T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 2 J02.doc

4 a. Trace the thought in vv What is said here regarding "the first book?" What does this description of the first book suggest about the Book of Acts? b. How does the writer describe Jesus' activity in vv. 2-5? What are the major elements here, and what is the meaning of each? How do these verses prepare for the remainder of chap.1? c. What is the meaning of the disciples' question in v. 6? How is this question answered? What are the implications of this interrogation? d. What are the main elements in Jesus' ascension, and what is the meaning of each? What is the function of Jesus' ascension in this context? e. How are the disciples described in vv ? What is the meaning of this description? Analyze the contrast between Judas and the disciples. According to vv , what is involved in apostleship? 3. Application and Proclamation. a. On the basis of your interpretation under no.2 above, explore specific ways in which this chapter can be applied to yourself and/or other contemporary persons. b. Develop a proclamation outline. A proclamation outline is not synonymous with a sermon outline (which assumes homiletical crafting), but is rather the statement of a specific proclamatory thesis, with three to five main points that develop that overall proclamatory thesis (and are clearly and explicitly related to each other). Each of these main points should themselves be developed in a brief but specific paragraph, which describes the (theological) teaching derived from the interpretation of the text, the contemporary appropriation derived from the application process, and the connection between the two. Lesson 4. Acts 2: Survey the segment, following the suggestions under Lesson 3. a. Note the phenomena described in vv What is the meaning of each? What does each imply? What is the meaning of the phrase, "all filled with the Holy Spirit?" b. Trace the thought of Peter's speech. What are the major elements, and what is the meaning of each? 3. Correlative Integration. Interpret Joel 2:28-32, with a view towards (a) ascertaining the meaning of this passage in its original wording and contexts, and (b) ascertaining how the relationship between its original meaning and its use in Acts 2 illumines the significance of both Acts 2 and Joel 2: Application and Proclamation. Follow steps described in Lesson 3, part 3 above. Include the intertextual dialogue between Acts 2 and Joel 2:28-32 in your proclamation outline. Lesson 5. Acts 3:1-4:31. a. Analyze the structure of the healing story found in 3:1-10. Use this structural analysis to determine the main components of the story. What is the meaning of each of these components? What is the meaning and function of the story within its context? b. Trace the thought of Peter's speech in 3: Identify the major issues Peter raises here. How does he deal with each of these major issues? Examine the ways in which this speech relates to the narratives that precede and follow it. T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 3 J02.doc

5 Lesson 6. Acts 4:32-5: Survey. Survey this segment, following the suggestions under Lesson 3. a. What is the meaning of 4:32-35 (in the process, note the relation of v. 33 to the surrounding paragraph context)? Why does the writer include this description (paragraph) here? What are its implications? b. What are the major contrasts in this segment? Examine each of these in terms of its (full) meaning and function. Why is each contrast included? What are the implications of each? c. What is the meaning of Gamaliel's speech? How does it function in this segment? Lesson 7. Acts 6:1-8:1a. a. Examine the nature and meaning of the problem and solution in 6:1-6. Why does the writer include this episode here? What does it imply about life in the Christian community? b. Explore the contrast between Stephen and his opponents. How does this contrast illumine the character of Stephen, and the character of his opponents? What are the differences between them, and what is the meaning of each of these differences? c. Carefully trace the argument of Stephen's speech. What main issues does he raise, and how does he deal with each? How does Stephen's speech relate to its immediate context (note especially how Stephen's speech answers the charges against him)? Be analytical. Lesson 8. Acts 8:1b-12:25. a. What are the chief characteristics of Philip's work, and what is the meaning of each? Explore the contrast between the apostles and Simon Magus. What is the meaning of this contrast, and how does it illumine the theme of power and the theme of conversion in this section? b. Note the stages in Paul's conversion. What is involved in each? How does the story of Saul's conversion relate to this section as a whole? What does this story imply regarding Christian conversion? c. What major issues are raised in chaps ? What is the meaning of each, and how is each handled? Why is each handled in this fashion? What are the implications? 3. Correlative Interpretation. Interpret Psalm 51, and identify specifically how Ps. 51 illumines the significance of Saul s conversion in Acts 9, and how Saul s conversion sheds light on the significance of Psalm Application and Proclamation. Follow the steps described in Lesson 3, Part 3 above. Include your intertextual dialogue between Ps. 51 and Acts 9 in your proclamation outline. T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 4 J02.doc

6 Lesson 9. Acts 13:1-15:35. a. Trace this missionary journey on a map. Analyze Paul's method. What does he do in each town, and why? What are the implications? b. What main points does Paul address in his speech found at 13:16b-41? How does he deal with each? How does this speech relate to its context? c. What is the meaning of the contrast between Paul and his Jewish opponents, and between the people (including the Gentiles) and these Jewish adversaries? Why these differences? Implications? d. What issue is raised at the council in Jerusalem? How is it handled? Why is it handled in this fashion? Implications? Lesson 10. Acts 15:36-19:20. a. Analyze the way in which 15:36-41 functions in this section. Why has the writer included it here? b. Trace Paul's travels in this section on a map. What does Paul do in each town? What is the meaning of each of these activities? Why does Paul do each of these things? c. Trace the thought of Paul's speech at Athens in 17: What main points does he make, and what is the meaning of each? How does this speech relate to its context? Lesson 11. Acts 19:21-21:14. a. Analyze the Ephesian riot in terms of the following questions: What motives are here at work? What principles and ideologies are present here? How is the riot finally ended? Why has the writer included this story here? b. Trace the journeying of Paul in this section on a map. What does Paul do in each city, and why? Be analytical. How do these activities give us insight into Paul's ministry, person, and a character? c. Trace the thought of Paul's speech to the Ephesians in 20: How does the he describe himself, and what is the meaning of this description? Explore the meaning of the exhortations he gives to the church leaders. What is the relationship between the self-description and exhortations? Lesson 12. Acts 21:15-26:32. T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 5 J02.doc

7 2. Using your skills in inductive Bible study, analyze, synthesize, and apply this section. Prepare a proclamation outline. (Suggestion: Use your survey of this material as a basis for this further work.) Lesson 13. Acts 27:1-28: Interpret 28:23-31 by answering the following questions: What is the meaning of this passage? Did the book originally end here? If so, why has the writer chosen thus to end his book? Implications? Lesson 14. Synthesis of the Book of Acts. Synthesize the Book of Acts by answering the questions raised under one of the major structural relationships you identify in your survey of the book as a whole. T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 6 J02.doc

8 Select Bibliography Bibliographies: Green, Joel B., and McKeever, Michael C. Luke-Acts & New Testament Historiography. IBR Bibliographies. Rapids: Baker, Mills, Watson E., ed. A Bibliography on the Periodical Literature in the Acts of the Apostles: Brill Wagner, Gunter. An Exegetical Bibliography on the Acts of the Apostles, 2nd ed. Zurich: Baptist Theological Seminary, Grand Leiden: Commentaries: Barrett, C. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. 2 vols. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1994, Bruce, F.F. The Acts of the Apostles: Greek Text. London: Tyndale Press, Commentary on the Book of Acts. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans, Carter, Charles and Earle, Ralph. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, Conzelmann, Hans. Acts of the Apostles. Philadelphia: Fortress, Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Acts of the Apostles. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, Foakes-Jackson, F.J. The Acts of the Apostles. London: MacMillan, Haenchen, Ernst. The Acts of the Apostles. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, Hanson, R.P.C. The Acts in the Revised Standard Version. Oxford: Claredon Press, Johnson, Luke T. The Acts of the Apostles. Sacra Pagina, Collegeville, MN: Glazier, Kistemaker, Simon J. Acts. New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, Krodel, Gerhard A. Acts. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis: Augsburg, Kürzinger, Josef. The Acts of the Apostles. 2 vols. New Testament for Spiritual Reading. New York: Crossroad, Marshall, I. Howard. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, Morgan, G. Campbell. The Acts of the Apostles. New York: Fleming H. Revel Co., Munck, Johannes. Acts of the Apostles. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Neil, William. The Acts of the Apostles. London: Oliphants, Rackham, Richard Belward. The Acts of the Apostles: An Exposition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker, Williams, C.S.C. The Acts of the Apostles. London: Adam and Charles Black, Williams, P.R. Acts of the Apostles. London: SMC Press, Willimon, William. Acts. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Preaching and Teaching. Atlanta: John Knox, Monographs: Achtemeier, Paul J. The Quest for Unity in the New Testament Church: A Study in Paul and Acts. Philadelphia: Fortress, Baukham, Richard. The Book of Acts in its Palestinian Setting. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting, vol. 4. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Blair, Edward P. Acts and Apocalyptic Literature. New York: Abingdon Press, Brawley, Robert L. Centering on God: Method and Message in Luke-Acts. Literary Currents in Biblical Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster/ John Knox, Bruce, F.F. The Speeches in the Acts of the Apostles. London: Tyndale, Buckwalter, H. Douglas. The Character and Purpose of Luke s Christology. Society for Study of the New Testament Monograph Series. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Cadbury, H.J. The Making of Luke-Acts. London: spck, Style and Literary Method of Luke. New York: Kraus Reprint Co., Conzelmann, H. The Theology of St. Luke. London: Faber and Faber, Darr, John A. On Character Building: The Reader and the Rhetoric of Characterization in Luke-Acts. Literary Currents in Biblical Interpretation. Louisville: Westminster/ John Knox, Dibelius, Martin. Studies in the Acts of the Apostles. H. Greeven, ed. London: SCM, Dupont, Jacques. Salvation of the Gentiles: Essays on the Acts of the Apostles. New York: Paulist Press, Fitzmyer, Joseph A. Luke the Theologian: Aspects of His Teaching. New York: Paulist, Flender, H. St. Luke: Theologian of Redemptive History. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 7 J02.doc

9 Foakes-Jackson, F.J., and Lake, Kirsopp, eds. The Acts of the Apostles. 5 vol. London: MacMillan, Franklin, Eric. Christ the Lord: A Study in the Purpose and Theology of Luke-Acts. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, Garrett, Susan R. The Demise of the Devil: Magic and the Demonic in Luke s Writings. Minneapolis: Fortress, Gasque, W.W. A History of the Criticism of the Acts of the Apostles, Rev. ed. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, Gill, David W. J., and Gempf, Conrad, eds. The Book of Acts in its Graeco-Roman Setting. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting, vol. 2. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Harnack, Adolf von. New Testament Studies III: The Acts of the Apostles. London: Williams and Norgate, Hemer, Colin J. The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History. G. H. Gempf, ed. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, Hengel, Martin. Acts and the History of Earliest Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, Hull, J.H.E. The Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles. Cleveland: World, Jervell, Jacob. Luke and the People of God. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, The Theology of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Theology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, The Unknown Paul: Essays on Luke-Acts and Early Christian History. Minneapolis: Augsburg, Johnson, Luke Timothy. Literary Function of Possessions in Luke-Acts. Missoula, Montana: Scholars Press, Juel, Donald. Luke-Acts: The Promise of History. Atlanta: John Knox, Keathley, Naymond H., ed. With Steadfast Purpose: Essays on Acts in Honor of Henry Jackson Flanders, Jr.. Waco: Baylor University, Keck, L.E. and Martyns, J.C., eds. Studies in Luke-Acts. Nashville: Abingdon Press, Kee, Howard Clark. Good News to the Ends of the Earth: The Theology of Acts. London: SCM, To Every Nation Under Heaven: The Acts of the Apostles. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, Krodel, Gerhard. Acts. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, Kurz, William S. Reading Luke-Acts: Dynamics of Biblical Narrative. Louisville: Westminster/ John Knox, Lentz, John C. Jr. Luke s Portrait of Paul. Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Maddox, Robert. The Purpose of Luke-Acts. Studies in the New Testament and its World. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, Marshall, I. Howard. Luke: Historian and Theologian. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Marshall, I. Howard and David Peterson, eds. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Martin, Dibelius. Studies in the Acts of the Apostles. London: SEM Press, Neyrey, Jerome H. The Social World of Luke-Acts: Models for Interpretation. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson, O'Neil, J.C. The Theology of Acts In Its Historical Setting. London: PSCK, O Toole, R. F. The Unity of Luke s Theology: An Analysis of Luke-Acts. Good News Studies. Wilmington, DE: Michael Glazier, Parsons, Mikeal and Richard I. Pervo, Rethinking the Unity of Luke and Acts. Minneapolis: Fortress, Pervo, Richard I. Luke's Story of Paul. Minneapolis: Augsburg-Fortress, Profit With Delight: The Literary Genre of the Acts of the Apostles. Philadelphia: Fortress, Ramsey, W.M. St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen. New York: G.P. Putman's Sons, Rapske, Brian. The Book of Acts and Paul in Roman Custody. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting, vol. 3. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Rosenblatt, Marie-Eloise. Paul The Accused: His Portrait in the Acts of the Apostles. Collegeville, MN: Michael Glazier, Shepherd, William H., Jr. The Narrative Function of the Holy Spirit as a Character in Luke-Acts. SBL Dissertation Series, Atlanta: Scholars Press, Soards, Marion L. The Speeches in Acts: Their Content, Context, and Concerns. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, Squires, John T. The Plan of God in Luke-Acts. Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series. Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, Stronstad, Roger. The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, Talbert, Charles H. Literary Patterns, Theological Themes, and the Genre of Luke-Acts. Cambridge, Mass: SBL, Luke-Acts: Perspectives from the Society of Biblical Literature Seminar. New York: Crossroad, T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 8 J02.doc

10 Tannehill, Robert. The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. Volume Two: The Acts of the Apostles. Foundations and Facets: New Testament. Minneapolis: Fortress, Tiede, David L. Prophesy and History in Luke-Acts. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, Tyson, Joeseph B., ed. Luke-Acts ad the Jewish People: Eight Critical Perspectives. Minneapolis: Augsburg, Wilson, Stephen G. Gentiles and the Gentile Mission in Luke-Acts. Cambridge: University Press, Winter, Bruce W., and Clarke, Andrew D., eds. The Book of Acts in the Ancient Literary Setting. The Book of Acts in its First Century Setting, vol. 1. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Witherington, Ben III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Witherington, Ben III, ed. History, Literature and Society in the Book of Acts. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, T:\FIC\Syllabi\Saved FC Syllabi\ \Wilmore\January 2002\NT(IBS)636 9 J02.doc