Overview of Acts The book of Acts begins with an explicit reference to the gospel of Luke. The author calls it my former book. The present book is a continuation of the gospel. In that gospel, the events of the life of Jesus are recounted up to the time of his resurrection and ascension. Acts, after a brief introduction, continues with the events of the early church after Jesus ascension. The focus of the book is on the work of Christ carried on in the church by the Holy Spirit. NIV Compact Bible Commentary, Pg. 497 The exalted Christ will now work by his Spirit, who thus becomes the primary actor in the book of Acts. The Spirit sends the good news to the ends of the earth, brings new converts into the community, guides and empowers the apostles and the church to carry out their mission, and acts in judgment both inside and outside the church. The Drama of Scripture, Pg. 175 In Acts God is purposeful Acts portrays God as a missionary God in all of this activity God is a saving God in Acts, God is encountered personally most frequently by the Holy Spirit. Theological Interpretation of the New Testament I. Christ s Ascension and Waiting on the Holy Spirit Acts 1 Acts 1:1 5 (ESV) 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Luke wrote both the book of Luke and the book of Acts. In fact, they are the two parts of one larger work that scholars believe were separated when the Gospels were put together in one volume and the Gospel of John was inserted between the two. The Message of the New Testament, Location 2380 Luke 3:15 16 (ESV) 15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 1
Acts 1:6 11 (ESV) 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. It is important to understand the significance of that place described as the right hand of God. (Acts 2:34-35) Though many Jews believe that the Messiah will share the throne of God, they expect God s throne to be in Jerusalem, from which the Messiah will rule a worldwide Jewish empire. However, the throne of the Messiah as Peter describes is not in Jerusalem at all: it stand entirely above the word, in heaven at the right hand of God. This is the place of highest authority and honor. God s kingdom has no boundaries of any kind. Jesus does not merely sit on the throne of our hearts and reign there: that is much too narrow a concept of his authority. Jesus reigns over all of human life, all history, and all nations. The Drama of Scripture, Pg. 172 The Beginning of the Fulfillment of Acts 1:8 II. Witnesses in Jerusalem Acts 2:14-8:3 a. The Holy Spirit Arrives Acts 2:1 13 (ESV) 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 2
12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? 13 But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine. At Pentecost, the curse of national and linguistic division set upon humankind after the Tower of Babel began to be reversed, as Peter and the Eleven were given the ability to speak in the tongues of many nations (Acts 2:5-12). The emphasis here is not yet on the Gentiles but on the multitude of nations (2:5). Gentiles first become receptive to the gospel a bit later. In chapter 8, the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God (8:14). The Message of the New Testament, Location 2544 Whereas other religions spoke of a divine spirit being given perhaps to a few leaders and the like, here was the Spirit being effusively given, like a tropical downpour of rain, but given to all believers. Nor was the reality of the experience of the Holy Spirit seen simply by ecstatic actions and behavior; instead, the presence of the Holy Spirit was seen best in the fruit produced in the lives of these believers. This had to be a revolutionary thought in the history of the religions of the world. The Promise-Plan of God, Location 7825 b. Launch of the Church Acts 2:41 47 (ESV) 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. What are the identifying features of the church at her launch? Do these marks apply to the church today and why? FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 3
c. Beginning of Persecution Acts 4:13 22 (ESV) 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. The main emphasis of the message about Jesus in Acts, interestingly, was unlike the main emphasis you will find in most biographies of great people. In most biographies, everything noteworthy an individual did over his or her life is recounted, followed by a description of retirement or perhaps a tragic death. But with Jesus, the end of the story was the focus! The death and resurrection of Jesus were what these early Christians talked about! Again and again, they referred to his death and its significance. The Message of the New Testament, Location 2430 d. God Desires Holiness Among His Church Acts 5:1 11 (ESV) 1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God. 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. And she said, Yes, for so much. 9 But Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 4
the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. What was the actual sin that occurred? What was the early church accomplishing through their actions at the end of Chapter 4 & beginning of Chapter 5? e. Deacons Established Acts 6:1 6 (ESV) 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. How does the role of Deacons differ here than what is seen in many Baptist churches today? f. First Martyr & Active Persecution Acts 7:54 8:3 (ESV) 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 5
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Stephen, through the power of the Spirit, just presented a masterful account of the history of Israel, their continual rejection of the prophets, and the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. Stephen s sermon led to the first martyrdom in the life of the church. What does the martyrdom of Stephen teach us about responses to the gospel? III. Witnesses in Judea & Samaria Acts 8:4-11:18 a. First Preaching in Samaria Acts 8:4 8 (ESV) 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. Why do you think that Samaria was specifically mentioned by Christ in Acts 1:8 and noted by Luke in this passage? b. Saul (Paul) is Confronted by Christ Acts 9:1 9 (ESV) 1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 6
falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. What does Christ clearly teach about persecution? c. Saul (Paul) moves from Persecutor to Proclaimer Acts 9:19b 22 (ESV) 19b For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. How would Paul have gone about proving the Jesus was the Christ? d. Peter is Shown that the Gospel is for the Nations Acts 10:24 29 (ESV) 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, Stand up; I too am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me. What was it about Peter s vision that helped him understand God s plan for the nations? FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 7
e. The First Gentiles are Converted Acts 10:44 48 (ESV) 44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. What is clearly practiced as a part of salvation? f. The Rest of the Apostles Grasp the Global Reach of the Gospel Acts 11:15 18 (ESV) 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God s way? 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life. Why was this such an amazing thing for the Apostles to understand? IV. Witnesses to the End of Earth Acts 11:19-15-41 a. Persecution spreads the Gospel Acts 11:19 26 (ESV) 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 8
saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. What does this story about Antioch teach us about God s plan? b. Barnabas and Saul Commissioned Acts 13:1 3 (ESV) 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Here for the first time we see a planned effort to take the gospel to places where it has not yet been heard. This church still carries out its own mission in the place where it has been set here, in Antioch. But now it also lifts its gaze to the ends of the earth in obedience to God s calling. The Drama of Scripture, Pg. 182 c. Paul s Missionary Strategy Acts 13:4 5 (ESV) 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. Why would Paul take the approach of first going to a synagogue? d. God s Desire for the Nations Acts 13:44 49 (ESV) 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, It was necessary that the word of God be FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 9
spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. What is the natural outcome of the conversion of souls? e. Clarity on Circumcision i. The Problem Acts 15:1 2, 5 (ESV) 1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question 5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses. Why is it so hard to abandon legalism? ii. Peter s Argument Acts 15:6 11 (ESV) 6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 10
And notice how 15:11 begins: No! No is a surprisingly good way to begin a presentation of the gospel, especially if the person with whom you are speaking believes something that contradicts the gospel. No, we are not naturally right with God. No, attending church on Sunday or being nice to your work colleagues will not save you. No, not all paths lead to God. No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved. The Message of the New Testament, Location 2490 Takeaways from The Holy Spirit is the means through which God accomplishes His work and the spread of His Kingdom on earth The gospel has a global reach The fulfillment of the Great Commission is repeated again and again making disciples by baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that has been commanded A community of believers is focused on love towards one another and the combined efforts to proclaim the gospel. Bibliography Bartholomew, Craig G., and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004. Dever, Mark. The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2005 Kaiser, Walter C., and Walter C. Kaiser. The Promise-plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008 Sailhamer, John. NIV Compact Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994. Vanhoozer, Kevin J., Daniel J. Treier, and N. T. Wright. Theological Interpretation of the New Testament: A Book-by-book Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008. FBC Durham Bible For Life Page 11