Introduction To the Book of Acts Jerusalem To Rome THE BOOK OF ACTS Introduction To the Book of Acts

Introduction To the Book of Acts Literary classification of the New Testament (see course handout) Gospels History Letters of Paul General Epistles Prophecy

Introduction To the Book of Acts Writer Luke, the doctor, Col 4:14 Accompanied Paul on parts of missionary journey's We sections: 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:16 Luke was with Paul in Rome (see Acts 27:2; Col. 4:14; Phil. 24) Luke mention in: Ireanaeus (~ A.D. 170) knew Polycarp who was alive with some of the apostles notes Luke as the writer Other ancient references: Muratorian Canon Source of information for Acts Present for part of it Paul, Philip and others Holy Spirit

Introduction To the Book of Acts Destination Theophilus (lover of God)- non-Jew, Gentile, 2nd treatise (see also Luke 1:1-2) Most excellent = Your Excellency Not real name High government official Doctor who was a slave to Theophilus and set free so wrote Luke and Acts as a gift “so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Lk. 1:4) Possible defense of Christianity and historical account for non-believers

Introduction To the Book of Acts Date of writing A.D. 62; before Paul appeared before the emperor Nero If after, it is strange that Luke would not record the results The Book of Acts covers from Jesus resurrection A.D. 30 to A.D. 62 when Paul is under house arrest in Rome

Introduction To the Book of Acts Purpose of writing Title: Acts of Apostles - some of the acts of some of the apostles are recorded. The title was probably not put on it by the author. Content: Brief account of the growth of the church from Jerusalem to Rome Possible defense of Gospel to Romans Purpose: To show the continued mission of Jesus being carried out by His followers to fulfill the great commission; to bring all peoples to salvation (Acts 1:8) Note the emphasis on preaching, faith, and baptism, and being faithful

Introduction To the Book of Acts Important reasons for writing Acts Show the history of evangelism and salvation Christianity is the spiritual Israel Defense of Christianity to show it is not a political threat Christ innocent before Pilate (Lk. 23:4, 14, 20, 22) Magistrates apologize to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:39) Gallio finds no crime (18:14-16) Declared innocent by Claudius Lysias (23:29) Innocent before Festus (25:25) Innocent before Agrippa (26:32)

Introduction To the Book of Acts Special Areas of Interest Holy Spirit is seen actively involved in the proclaim of the gospel and growth of the church (over 50 passages) Early disciples fulfillment of the Great Commission Historical information about the early followers of Christ and the regions they lived Theology – contains a lot of theological teaching on Christ being in a right relationship with God Prayer – show power of prayer in early church Sermons – comprises one-third of Acts and teaches a great amount of theology Faith, repentance, and baptism Church Planting – insights into how church grew

Introduction To the Book of Acts Broad outline (Acts 1:8) Jerusalem (1:1-7:60) Judea and Samaria (8:1-12:25) All the world (13:1-28:31) Two main sections Peter and the beginning of the church (1:1-12:25) Paul and the spread of the church (13:1-28:31)

Introduction To the Book of Acts God initiates the church (Acts 1-2) Church in Jerusalem (Acts 3-7) Mission to Samaritans (Acts 8-12) First mission to Gentiles (Acts 13-14) Jerusalem Counsel (Acts 15:1-35) Second mission to Gentiles (Acts 15:36-18:22) Third mission to Gentiles (Acts 18:23-21:14) Paul’s imprisonment & Arrival in Rome (Acts 21:15-28:31)