1. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution October 28, 2012
Lesson 1 - Introduction
October 28, 2012
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

2. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
Who Wrote the Book?
Luke
A Gentile convert to The Way
A physician by training
Colossians 4:14
“14Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings ...”
Possibly from Troas
Acts 16:8-10
A detailed and objective researcher
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

3. Purpose of the Book of Acts
DRAFT FOR REVIEW
Not for Distribution
Purpose of the Book of Acts
Written for Theopholis
Possibly a Roman official (“most excellent”)
Some contend that the title represents any “friend of God”
Probably Luke’s patron
Covered Luke’s expenses as he traveled and researched
Writing materials were expensive
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

4. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
Purpose (cont)
Second in a two-volume set
Luke’s Gospel was Volume One
Luke seeks to provide a detailed account of Jesus’ appearance, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and the Apostles’ works afterwards
An early apologist of the Christian faith
His writings were intended to provide evidence in support of the faith
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

5. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
The World of Luke’s Day
Glory Days of the Roman Empire
Romans occupy Judea
Governors and Client Kings rule
Pax Romana
Secular Culture is Hellenistic
A remnant of Alexander’s Greek Empire
Greek is common language
Significant distinction and tension between Jews who embrace Greek culture and those who do not
Judaism is “religio licita”
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

6. Roman Empire – 1st Century
DRAFT FOR REVIEW
Not for Distribution
Roman Empire – 1st Century
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

7. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
After the Ascension
Acts 1:12-14
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

8. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
Where did the Apostles go after the ascension?
Possibly the same room as the Last Supper
Far from certain
Some attribute this room to the home of Mary the Mother of Mark
With the number of pilgrims coming to Jerusalem for feasts, families with any substance had a guest room for visitors
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

9. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
What were they doing there?
Waiting
Praying
Who was with them?
The women who had followed Jesus
Note the reference to the Lord’s brothers
They have come to believe
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

10. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
Peter’s Leadership
Acts 1:15-17
15At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16"Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry."
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

11. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
Why would Peter be the one to step up at this point?
Peter was a natural leader
Sometimes impetuous
To whom did he speak?
This was possibly the core of what would become the Jerusalem church
Note that they are probably no longer in the upper room
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

12. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
Luke’s Interjection
Acts 1:18-19
18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

13. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
Luke interjects this information for the benefit of his audience, who would not have been familiar with these events
Peter would not have needed to educate those to whom he was speaking at the time
An example of Luke’s attention to detail
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

14. A Replacement for Judas
DRAFT FOR REVIEW
Not for Distribution
A Replacement for Judas
Acts 1:20-22
20"For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT'; and, 'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.' 21Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

15. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
Why was it necessary to replace Judas?
Was the success of The Way really dependent on the number of Apostles?
“Let another take his place ...”
Twelve represents totality, wholeness, and the completion of God's purpose
Twelve tribes of Israel
Possibly leaders of twelve tribes of New Israel
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

16. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
While several others in the NT are referred to as apostles, Peter states the qualifications for the one to take the place of Judas among the Twelve – an Apostle
Someone who has been with them since Jesus’ baptism until His ascension
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

17. The Selection of Matthias
DRAFT FOR REVIEW
Not for Distribution
The Selection of Matthias
Acts 1:23-26
23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

18. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
For Discussion
Was this a proper way to choose a replacement for Judas?
Gambling, drawing straws
Note there dependence on God to direct the outcome
Some see Paul as the ultimate replacement for Judas
Though Paul would have possibly challenged such an assertion
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction

19. Conclusion This marks a time of waiting and praying
Equipping Jesus’ disciples for future service
Preparing to carry out the Great Commission
The Acts of the Apostles

20. DRAFT FOR REVIEW Not for Distribution
Next Week
Lesson 2 – The Day of Pentecost
QUESTIONS?
The Acts of the Apostles
The Life of the Apostle Paul - Introduction