Introducing Acts of the Apostles
Why study Acts?
Authorship and Date
Author: Luke (62-64/80-90/110-120AD)
The “We” Passages - Acts 16:10–17, 20:5–15, 21:1–18, and 27:1–28:16
Former Book for Theophilus (Acts 1:1)
Medical jargon: Acts 28:8 (fever and dysentry), Acts 13:11 (mist and darkness - achlys kai skotos)
Early attestations for Luke as Author: P75 (175-225), P14 (~200), Church Fathers (Irenaeus of Lyons, Muratorian Fragment, Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian, Marcion)
The “Joshua” of the New Testament
Genesis | Matthew |
Exodus | Mark |
Leviticus | Luke |
Numbers | John |
Deuteronomy | the 5th Gospel |
Joshua | Acts of the Apostles |
The “Joshua” of the New Testament
Genesis | Matthew |
Exodus | Mark |
Leviticus | Luke |
Numbers | John |
Deuteronomy | the 5th Gospel? |
Joshua | Acts of the Apostles |
The “Joshua” of the New Testament
Genesis | Matthew |
Exodus | Mark |
Leviticus | Luke |
Numbers | John |
Deuteronomy | the 5th Gospel = YOU |
Joshua | Acts of the Apostles |
Purpose
The Gospel in Action
Fulfilling the Great Commission
Documenting the Holy Spirit
Defending the Faith to Rome
Genre and General Outline
Theological History
HISTORY (Bios)
Style of Greco-Roman Novel
Epic Narrative
Apologetic of Christianity in Roman Empire
History of God at Work
In Jerusalem | Acts 1-7 |
Judea and Samaria | Acts 8-12 |
To the Ends of the Earth | Acts 13-28 |
Lesson 1: What grew/grows the church?
Power from the Holy Spirit
Personal witness for the Gospel
Persecution
Perseverance
Lesson 2: What could “kill” a church witness?
Compromise - Witness and Integrity
Complacency/Comfort
Criticism/Condemnation
Complaining
Some free resources
Reflection Questions
How does it feel to be called the “fifth” Gospel?
What is one area in your life that you need to grow individually while reading Acts?
What is one thing in your life that might “kill” your witnessing as a Christian?