New Testament Survey: Book of Acts

The Author Luke is assigned as the author. * The book is addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1, 2) ”former treatise” Identical in style to Luke. Historical sequence to the gospel of Luke. Written in first-person plural (we). The writer was an eye-witness to what he was writing. (16:10-17; 20:5-15; 27:1; 28:16)

When the Book Was Written Coincides reasonably with the close of the historical account. Paul is still alive and in a Roman prison. History recorded in Acts would not have ended so abruptly if Paul’s death had already occurred. Written prior to 70 A.D. and after Paul reached Rome—probably around 63 A.D.

The Book’s Audience Intended for a wider reading audience than just Theophilus. Origin of Christianity’s beginning among the Jews. Much of the book is concerned with the transfer of the center of interest from Jerusalem to Antioch. Spreading the gospel to the known Gentile world. Historical account to meet the need of both Jews and Gentiles (1:8)

The Book’s Purpose Historical Motive –See Luke 1:4 and Acts 1:5. –Acts gives a history of the continuation of Jesus’ work, by the Holy Spirit, through the Apostles. –The final instruction (1:8)

The Defense Motive –In Acts, every contact with government officials receives a favorable hearing or is ignored. Acts 13—Sergius Paulus Acts 16:35-39—officials at Philippi Acts 19:31—officals at Ephesus Acts 24-26—Felix, Festus, and Agrippa The Book’s Purpose

The Biographical Motive –Luke divided the Acts historical record into two different sections biographical in nature: Chapters 1-12—history of Peter’s work Chapters 13-28—the apostles’ work with the Gentiles—Paul! The Book’s Purpose

Contents and Character The book, Acts of the Apostles, records for us the history of Christianity’s beginning, growth, and spread during at least the first 30 years--from Christ’s ascension to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

The Apostolic Office and Work –Apostolic office in operation doing the work that Jesus selected and trained the apostles to do. Witnesses for Christ (1:8, 21, 22) Eye and ear witnesses of that about which they bore testimony (1:2; 26:16- 18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; 1 John 1:1-4) Contents and Character

The Apostolic Office and Work –A competent witness must give clear and accurate testimony. Guided by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-13) Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 4:18-20; 5:28-32) Sat upon thrones with authority to rule over the church (Matthew 19:28; Acts 2:42; 15; Galatians 2:1-9; 1 John 4:6) Contents and Character

The Holy Spirit’s Work –His mission was first promised by Christ. John 14:16,17, 25,26; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8 –Promise fulfilled on Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4 Acts 2:15-21 Acts 2:33 Contents and Character

The Holy Spirit’s Work –Reveal the gospel. Acts 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Ephesians 3:3-5 –Confirm the word by miracles. Mark 16:15-20 Acts 6:6-8; 8:6-13; 19:6 Hebrews 2:1-4 Contents and Character

The Holy Spirit’s Work –Convict and convert the sinners. John 16:8-11 –Continue to guide and direct the apostles. Acts 5:32 Acts 4:31 Acts 9:31 Romans 8:14 Contents and Character

The Preaching of the Gospel – Given by a variety of expressions – The message preached and the different circumstances under which it was preached. – “ Continued steadfastly ” Acts 2:42 – “ Spoke the word of God;” “preach the word;” “the word of the Lord ” Acts 4:31; 13:44; 14:25; 18:11; 15:35-36; 16:32 Contents and Character

The Preaching of the Gospel –“Teach and preach Christ” Acts 5:42; 8:5, 35; 9:20; 11:20 –“ Preaching the things of the kingdom of God;” “name of Christ” Acts 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23; 28:31 Contents and Character

The Preaching of the Gospel –“Preach the gospel” Acts 14:7-21; 16:10 –“Decrees to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem” Acts 16:4 Contents and Character

The Preaching of the Gospel – “ The way of salvation more accurately ” Acts 16:17; 18:26 – “ Reasoned with them from the Scriptures” Acts 17:2 – “Shrank not from declaring anything that was profitable;” “Gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:20, 24, 27 Contents and Character

Story of Conversion –A number of conversions are related. –All have several things in common. –In each case, the gospel was preached. None occurred separate and apart from the preaching of the word; not by any miraculous event! Contents and Character

Story of Conversion –Saved by the gospel—because they believed the truth preached. –Faith in the gospel they heard always produced the commanded work of obedience to God’s will! –See next chart… Contents and Character

CaseBelieveRepentConfessBaptism Jews Acts 2:36Acts 2:38 Samaritans Acts 8:12Acts 8:12ff Eunuch Acts 8:36-37 Acts 8:37Acts 8:38 Saul Acts 22:16 Cornelius Acts 10:43Acts 11:15Acts 10:48 Lydia Acts 16:15 Jailor Acts 16:31Acts 16:33 Corinthians Acts 18:8

Story of the Church –What it was, of whom it consisted, its organization, its mission and work, its worship, and its growth and development. –We can learn about the church in the beginning when it was under apostolic guidance—as designed and built by God. It must be the same today! Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Made up of those who believed and obeyed the gospel demands and were added to the saved by the Lord. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 9:42; 11:24; 13:12; 13:48; 14:1; 17:4; 12:12; 17:34; 28:24; 2:47 Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Identity of the church and its singularity are easily distinguishable in the Acts historical record… Vital activity (Acts 2:42) Organization of early church (Acts 14:23) Worship of that church (Acts 11:25,26) Purity (Acts 5:11) Contents and Character

Story of the Church – Its work… Evangelism – Acts 11:19,20 (personal) – Acts 11:22 (congregational ) Funds were sent directly to the preacher. (Philippians 1:5 - 2:25; 4:14-16; 2 Cor.11:7-9) No example of one church sending to another church to help with the preacher’s support! Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Its work… Benevolent work –Church providing for its own needy. »Acts 2, 4, and 6 –Churches unable to care for their own. »Acts 11:29-31 »1 Corinthians 16:1-4 »2 Corinthians 8, 9 Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Pattern of benevolent work Contributing church raised its own funds from its own members—”each according to his ability.” –Acts 11:27-30 –1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Pattern of benevolent work Contributing church selected its own messengers to carry its contribution to the needy church. Delivered to the church elders. –Acts 11:27-30 –2Corinthians 8,9 Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Pattern of benevolent work In no case did any contributing church send through the agency of another church—no centralized oversight! One church’s eldership did not usurp another eldership’s authority or oversight. Contents and Character

Story of the Church –Met the problem of false doctrine by appealing to authority. Acts 15:1, 5,22,40 –Each church edified by its own elders, through its own program of teaching and encouragement from gospel preachers. Acts 11:22; 13:1-3; 16:40; 20:1,32 Contents and Character