New Testament 2: Unit 2 The Beginnings of the Church (Acts 1:1-2:47)

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1 The purpose of these notes are first to provide a summary of key points from the PTC Course Notes, and second to provide some extra information that may fill out your understanding of the subject in question. Introduction This week we look closely at the first two chapters of Acts particularly at how the events recorded fulfilled what had been foreshadowed both by Jesus (whilst teaching his disciples) and the Old Testament Prophets long before. Before we do, and referring to the homework from week 1, let s first consider the Dating of the Acts of the Apostles. Dating Acts [Review Homework suggested Date of Acts?] Although there is debate, it is suggested that Acts was written in the mid AD70 s. If the we passages (16:10-17, 20:5-21:18, 27:1-28:16) indicate that Luke was travelling with Paul, then Acts could not have been written much later than early AD80 s reason being that Luke would have had to be quite young at the time he met and travelled with Paul. Further, Luke leans on Mark s Gospel (as per canonical history) which was written around AD70 and so there is it would be difficult to date the book earlier. That said, there is no reason to believe that the time lapse between the two gospels needed to be long and not as long as ten years especially since Paul s imprisonments and ministry in Rome (recorded in Acts 28:30-31) does not extend to his death which Luke surely would have mentioned if it had occurred. 1 There is a reasonable argument that the Fall of Jerusalem in AD70 was foreshadowed in Luke 21: If that is the case, then given Luke s dependence on Mark s Gospel, it is likely that his second volume Acts would have been written in the mid 70 s. If you could challenge Luke dependence on Mark s gospel, then it is possible that the date for the writing of Acts could be as early as AD given that he makes no reference to Paul s death, little reference to Pauline theology as 1 Paul's death is not recorded in the New Testament but it occurred after his fifth missionary journey which ended in 67 A.D. Paul was likely beheaded by the Romans, under Emperor Nero, sometime around May or June of 68 A.D. Ken D Noakes 1 of 6 3/27/2017

2 revealed in his letters, and that he makes no reference to the persecution that Christians received under Nero before the fall of Jerusalem. Acts 1:1-11 [Handout NIV Text of Acts 1-2] Ascension Kingdom of God Governing Statement Acts 1:8 Geographical but more importantly theological Stages of witness Holy Spirit Notice that several themes have been introduced/restated in Acts 1: watch for how those themes are developed in the rest of Acts. Acts 1:12-26 Replacing an Apostle why? True Israel Scripture fulfilled Ps 109:8 Who? What qualification would he need to have? Ken D Noakes 2 of 6 3/27/2017

3 Casting of Lots? Human choice The Lord s choice Matthias chosen no other mention of Matthias in scripture. Should it have been Paul? Qualification? Gentiles? Acts 2:1-13 Pentecost festival The coming of the Spirit Violent wind Filling the whole house remember the temple Numbers 11: elders and the Spirit rested upon them Tongues of fire Speak in other tongues and understood. Genesis 11:1-9 reversal All Israel ( God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven - v5) all understanding. Multilingual Proclamation Amazed and perplexed What does this mean? (v12) Ken D Noakes 3 of 6 3/27/2017

4 Acts 2:14-41 Spirit-Empowered Christ Centred proclamation Peter s first Speech Audience mockers and Jerusalem Jews Exercise [in groups]: Read through Peters Gospel sermon (Acts 2:14-36). What is the structure? How does he introduce Jesus to this audience? Given the coming of the Holy Spirit, how much does the speech refer to him? What is his main point? Ken D Noakes 4 of 6 3/27/2017

5 Fulfillment of Scripture (2:17-21) In the last days c.f. Joel 2:28 Pour out my Spirit c.f. Joel 2:29 Glorious Day c.f. Joel 2:31 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (c.f. Joel 2:32 esp note Jerusalem ) Jesus Historically attested Supernaturally - accredited Planned - by God s set purpose and foreknowledge with the help of wicked men! Eschatological impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Foretold David honoured him (Ps 16:8-11 the OT Messiah and Ps 110:1 OT Lord ) Expected God raised him Exultation ascension to the right hand of God - given the Holy Spirit And so. Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Ken D Noakes 5 of 6 3/27/2017

6 Heart -preserving Proclamation Cut to the heart What shall we do? (v37 c.f. v12) Repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Receive the Holy Spirit. The age of the Spirit that is the age of the permanent indwelling of the Spirit. Note: not the age of the focus upon the Spirit. Acts 2:42-47 A new church community Apostles teaching Fellowship (giving) Breaking of bread (meals) Prayer Praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people Growth 2:41, 47. For next Week: Read Unit 3 Read the New Bible Dictionary article Pentecost. Ken D Noakes 6 of 6 3/27/2017