1. New Testament Survey: Book of Acts
Title Slide: New Testament Survey: The Book of Acts…

2. The Author Luke is assigned as the author. Identical in style to Luke.
* 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)
See page 39—The Author of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles frequently used medical terminology. That’s reasonably, since Luke was a physician by occupation. (Col.4:14)

3. 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.
See page 39…

4. 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)
See page 40…Luke’s relationship with Paul is often seen in Paul’s influence in the book of Acts…

5. 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)
See page 40…

6. The Book’s Purpose 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
See page 40…All declared that Paul had “done nothing worthy of death.” Although there was increasing hostility toward Christianity, Luke emphasized the favorable treatment at the beginning…

7. 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!
See page 41…The use of humanity is seen in the work of Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, Timothy, and Titus—human redemption came through gospel preaching!

8. 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.
See page 41…The story of human redemption through the preaching of the gospel!

9. Paul 1st Journey…

10. Paul’s 2nd Journey…

11. Paul’s 3rd Journey…

12. Paul’s Journey to Rome…

13. Contents and Character
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)
See page 41…The story of human redemption through gospel preaching.

14. 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)
See page 41 and 42…The gospel treasure was in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

15. 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
See page 42…The gospel treasure was in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

16. 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
See page 42…The gospel treasure was in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

17. 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
See page 42…The gospel treasure was in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

18. 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
See page 42…The gospel treasure was in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

19. 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
See page 43…We have the gospel treasure in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

20. 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
See page 43…We have the gospel treasure in earthen vessels (2 Cor.4:7). The “face of Christ” is now shed abroad in the hearts of men in the “light of the gospel” revealed by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit!

21. 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
See page 43…”Concerning the faith in Christ…”righteousness, temperance and the judgment to come”—Acts 14:24,25…

22. 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!
See page 43…

23. 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…
See page 43…

24. Cases of Conversion Case Believe Repent Confess Baptism Acts 2:36
Jews
Acts 2:36
Acts 2:38
Samaritans
Acts 8:12
Acts 8:12ff
Eunuch
Acts 8:36-37
Acts 8:37
Acts 8:38
Saul
Acts 22:16
Cornelius
Acts 10:43
Acts 11:15
Acts 10:48
Lydia
Acts 16:15
Jailor
Acts 16:31
Acts 16:33
Corinthians
Acts 18:8
Cases of Conversions in the Book of Acts.

25. Contents and Character
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!
See page 43…

26. 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
See page 43… All these expressions tell the same story; that is, what men did in obedience to the gospel and how they were added together to constitute the church. Baptized believers!

27. 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)
See page 43,44…

28. 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!
See page 44…

29. 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
See page 44…

30. 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
See page 44…

31. 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
See page 44…

32. 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.
See page 44…

33. 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
See page 44…Those who constituted the church wore a name given by the Lord—Isa.62:2; 9:15; 11:26…