1. What now? Acts 1:12-26

2. The book of Acts The Gospel The Gospel – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John The Apostle The Apostle – Paul’s letters

3. The book of Acts The book of Acts connects the two collections The book of Acts connects the two collections – It is the sequel to first collection NB it is the second volume of Luke’s account NB it is the second volume of Luke’s account – It provides the background and context of the second

4. The book of Acts Acts and the Marcionite heresy Acts and the Marcionite heresy – Marcion’s teaching (mid-second century) Christ was the revealer of a new religion unrelated to Israel and the Hebrew scripture Christ was the revealer of a new religion unrelated to Israel and the Hebrew scripture Paul was the only true apostle, all others were false apostles (corrupted by Judaism) Paul was the only true apostle, all others were false apostles (corrupted by Judaism) Luke’s gospel (edited) and 10 of Paul’s letters (edited) were accepted as scripture Luke’s gospel (edited) and 10 of Paul’s letters (edited) were accepted as scripture

5. The book of Acts Acts and the Marcionite heresy Acts and the Marcionite heresy – Acts undermined Marcion’s claims It demonstrated Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle It demonstrated Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle But it likewise demonstrated the legitimacy of the other apostles But it likewise demonstrated the legitimacy of the other apostles Even the title adopted by the early church (acts of the apostles)emphasized this Even the title adopted by the early church (acts of the apostles)emphasized this

6. How normative is narrative? The mere fact that something is recorded does not make it normative The mere fact that something is recorded does not make it normative There is a difference between descriptive and prescriptive There is a difference between descriptive and prescriptive – Some texts merely record what happened – Some texts record what should happen

7. How normative is narrative? Something may be recorded without being an ongoing expectation or requirement Something may be recorded without being an ongoing expectation or requirement – The disciples were instructed to remain in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4) – They regularly participated in temple and synagogue activities (e.g. 3:1; 5:12; 9:20; cf. 10:14) – The Jerusalem church ‘held everything in common’ (4:32)

8. How normative is narrative? Yet some things are normative Yet some things are normative – Prayer – Evangelism – Gathering together – Ministering to one another

9. How normative is narrative? How do we know which is which? How do we know which is which? – Are the activities mandated elsewhere? – Is there additional teaching on the issue?

10. The selection of a leader It was necessary to replace Judas (1:21) It was necessary to replace Judas (1:21) – The use of δει The decision was ultimately made by casting lots (1:26) The decision was ultimately made by casting lots (1:26) Is this a normative practice? Is this a normative practice?

11. The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the steps of the process – The set of criteria (1:21-23) The candidate had to have been with them from the beginning The candidate had to have been with them from the beginning The candidate had to be able to serve as a witness of the resurrection The candidate had to be able to serve as a witness of the resurrection

12. The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the steps of the process – They selected two candidates (1:23) – They prayed (1:24) They recognized their limitations re knowing the heart of each man (cf. 1 Samuel 16:6-7) They recognized their limitations re knowing the heart of each man (cf. 1 Samuel 16:6-7)

13. The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the steps of the process – They cast lots (1:26; cf., e.g., Lev 16:8; Joshua 18:6-10; Nehemiah 11:1) Proverbs 16:33-”The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” Proverbs 16:33-”The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” – This was the final step

14. The selection of a leader NB the timing of the episode NB the timing of the episode – This took place prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost

15. What now? Recognize the need Recognize the need Recognize our limitations Recognize our limitations Rely on the Holy Spirit Rely on the Holy Spirit