Step By Step Through the New Testament (Part II) Rev. Christopher J. Respass Antioch Bible Institute Spring 2014 Lesson 1 Acts: Prolegomena, Theme & Purpose

I.….And the Story Continues A. “The book of Acts continues where the Gospel of Luke ended—with the fulfillment of Jesus’ command for the disciples to bear witness. Jesus’ ascension was the final event in Luke’s gospel and is also recorded at the beginning of Acts.” (Lea & Hudson, 108). Acts: Prolegomena

B. “Acts shows the strength of the ascended Christ in empowering the church for witness. It records the growth of the church by proclaiming the gospel.” (Hudson & Lea, 108). C. “Acts also presents a church sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit,” so much so that the book is often referred to as the Acts according to the Holy Spirit. (Hudson & Lea, 108) Acts: Prolegomena

D. While the Book of Acts shows the spread of the gospel and Christianity in many areas, it does not give an account of its spread in all areas. The gospel spread rapidly into areas like Mesopotamia, Africa and regions around the Black Sea, but Acts does not record it. Instead, it focuses on the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Acts: Prolegomena

II.The Author of Acts: Luke, the beloved physician. A. Similarities between Luke and Acts 1. Written to the same person 2. Written in the same style and Greek 3. Both reflect interest in Gentiles 4. Both emphasize the Holy Spirit’s work 5. Luke’s ending fits the beginning of Acts Acts: Prolegomena

B. Whoever wrote Acts was a close companion of Paul. Luke was a close companion. 1) “We” Passages (Acts 16:10-17, Acts 20:5- 15, Acts 21:1-18; Acts 27:1-28:16). 2) Luke’s name is never mentioned in Acts, but Paul always describes Luke as being “with him” (e.g., 2 Tim 4:11, Philemon , Col. 4:14 (during Paul’s Roman Imprisonment). Acts: Prolegomena

C. Luke was not the best known of Paul’s companions, nor was Luke an Apostle. Thus it is highly unlikely that anyone would have attributed this writing to him. However, ancient writers of the early church have attributed Acts to Luke. Acts: Prolegomena

III.The Date of Acts: mid-60s A. There is no mention of Paul’s death (around 67AD). 1. The book ends this way “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”(Acts 28:30-31). Acts: Prolegomena

2. A common date accepted for Paul’s imprisonment is 61-63AD. B. There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus in 70 AD. Acts: Prolegomena

IV.Purpose of Acts A. If the Gospel of Luke was written to inform Theophilus of all that Jesus Christ began to do and teach, Acts was written to inform him of all that Jesus continued to do and teach through the church following his ascension. Acts: Prolegomena

B. Acts shows that the progress of the church was guided by the Holy Spirit. 1) Acts 1:1-2: 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. 2) Acts 13:4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Acts: Prolegomena

3) Acts 16:6-7 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. As stated previously, we could refer to Acts as “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” Acts: Prolegomena

C. Acts presents a selective account of the progress of the gospel from its inception in Jerusalem to its penetration throughout the Roman Empire. D. The Book of Acts records the fulfillment of Christ’s promise of power for the church. “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.” Acts 1:8 Acts: Prolegomena

V.Theme of Acts A. Acts can be divided into two major sections 1. Progress of the gospel among Jews (Acts 1:1-12:25) 2. Progress of the gospel among Gentiles (Acts 13:1-28:31) Acts: Prolegomena

B. The two most prominent figures in Acts are 1. Apostle Peter, who ministered to the Jews. 2. Apostle Paul, who ministered to the Gentiles. While there were other figures noted in Acts, Luke placed his focus on these two, with an even greater emphasis on Paul. Acts: Prolegomena

VI.Select Passages concerning Paul in Acts 1. Conversion (Acts 9:1-16) 2. Healing Ministry (Acts 14:8-10) 3. Powerful Preaching (Acts 19:8-10) 4. Bold Defense of the Faith (Acts 17:16-31) Acts: Prolegomena

VII.Acts shows how Christians were falsely accused. A. Acts 16:16-20, B. Acts 18:1-16 C. Acts 19:23-31, Acts: Prolegomena

Questions