1. Acts of the apostles

2. Author, date, and similarities to Luke’
Same as Luke’s Gospel (2nd half of one work)
Also addressed to Theophilus
Similar style and language
Experiences and life direction of apostles mirror those of Jesus: aka: martyrdom
Exception: John
Date: mid-80s: directly after Luke

3. Similarities to Luke
Jerusalem still central - Before Ascension, apostles told they will be Jesus’ witnesses not only in Jerusalem, but to the ends of the earth. - the base of operations for future of the church

4. Similar themes
I. Central role of Holy Spirit: is active and alive in the disciples of Jesus
- Apostles shown continuing Jesus’ work in the world
- Jesus’ promise to send the Spirit
- outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost
- Spirit’s presence empowers apostles

5. Similar themes in luke and acts (cont.)
The Gospel is for all people
As in Luke, Jesus is universal Messiah
- Spirit inspires church leaders at first ecumenical Council of Jerusalem (50 AD?) to allow Gentiles to convert without first becoming Jews
- Faith, baptism, and repentance are all required for conversion to Christ

6. Prologue (acts 1:1-11) Addresses Theophilus-linking first work to Acts
Tells readers that Jesus appeared to disciples over 40 day period
Symbolic Meaning of Forty:
a reminder of Israelites’ 40 year experience in the desert
Jesus’ departure to the desert after receiving HS
A prep period for disciples before the coming of the Spirit
A complete generation

7. The Ascension Marks a transition in salvation history:
From Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age of the church.

8. The church in jerusalem (Acts 1:12-5:42)
Preparation for the coming of the Spirit
the apostles and other disciples, Jesus’ mother, and several other women form first community of Christians
10 days later, the descent of the Holy Spirit will occur on Pentecost
the community prepares itself by praying

9. Mathias is chosen to replace Judas
12 apostles: symbolic of 12 tribes of Israel
Highlighted Church as the New Israel
Reflected God’s new covenant with all people.

11. pentecost The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Pentecost (fiftieth): a major Jewish feast for the harvest
Also celebrated God’s covenant with Moses
Jews from all over the Mediterranean attend
Holy Spirit inspires the apostles to proclaim the gospel
people from different nations understand the message in their own languages

12. Peter’s Pentecost sermon
Contains the kerygma-the central proclamation of the Gospel message
life, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Introduction:
relates the speech to rest of story
assures audience disciples are not drunk
Joel’s prophecy promising Spirit recalled

13. Old Testament proofs to support argument:
Miracles of Jesus
Jesus crucified: indicts hearers for their part
Announces glorious resurrection and ascension
States that he and other apostles were eyewitnesses to these events
Jesus’ promise to send Spirit is fulfilled

14. Sermon’s call to action: repentance and baptism
Gift of Holy Spirit then received

15. Peter heals crippled beggar Christian Community
Community must be rooted in the gospel truth handed down by apostles
Nourishment must come from Eucharist and prayer
Live out ideal of a community-loving fellowship: rich care for poor, healthy looking after sick, etc.