The holy spirit at work through the apostles Acts The holy spirit at work through the apostles

Acts- The title A longer title to the Book was found in the 2nd century calling it, “The Acts of the Apostles” We are not sure if this was the “official” title or not, but it does seem very appropriate. Acts is all about Jesus’ followers being empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit to do many great things.

Acts- The author Luke… A physician A (likely) gentile Companion of Paul Many of the events in Acts are first-hand accounts of Luke traveling with Paul. Luke addresses Acts to his friend, Theophilius Likely written between 62-67AD (Paul not dead/temple not destroyed)

Acts- themes Great Commission- Jesus tells the disciples to spread the gospel, and they do it. The Coming of the Holy Spirit- the Holy Spirit comes to the believers, and they are empowered to do God’s work Geographic and Ethnic Shift- from Jerusalem and the Jews to the world and all people Mission to the Gentiles- The mission to the Gentiles is not a departure from God’s purpose for Israel but its fulfillment.

Acts- literary divisions The Gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and Syria Chs. 1-12 Peter is prominent Chs. 1-9 Peter is Apostle to Jews The Gospel to the ends of the earth Chs. 13-28 Paul is prominent Chs. 10-28 Paul is Apostle to Gentiles