The Book of Acts J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Moody Theological Seminary

2 Acts I. Key Facts of Acts II. The Literature of Acts III. Theological Themes in Acts IV. The Historical Accuracy of Acts

KEY FACTS Author: Luke Date: Early 60s Provenance: Rome Destination: Theophilus Purpose: A defense of the Christian faith showing the expansion of the early church from a Jewish sect to a worldwide movement Theme: Salvation history: the birth and mission of the early church Key Verse: 1:8

INTRODUCTION The book of Acts is the account of a grand adventure, taking us from Palestine to the center of the Gentile world: Rome. Along the way, it includes the exciting story of encounters with hostile people and governments; sailing adventures and shipwrecks, and even courtroom dramas. The book of Acts also leaves us longing to know how the story finished after the end of the book since Paul remained under arrest in Rome awaiting trial.

HISTORY Authorship Date Provenance Destination Purpose

Authorship Luke, the beloved physician, was identified as the author of both the Gospel and the book of Acts. Thus while Luke was not an eyewitness of the events recorded in his Gospel, he was an eyewitness of a significant portion of events narrated in the second half of the book of Acts.

Authorship: The “We Passages”

Date There are basically three positions set forth in the relevant literature: (1) a date prior to 70 (2) a date of 70–100 (3) a date in the second century

Date A date in the 60s is most likely when one considers the following chronological argument: Paul was most likely released from his first Roman imprisonment in which he found himself at the end of the book of Acts. He, then, engaged in several years of further missionary travels and ministry as the Pastorals suggest. His martyrdom appears to be preceded by a second, significantly harsher, Roman imprisonment as 2 Timothy seems to indicate. As tradition indicates, Paul was martyred in c. 65/66 during the persecution under Nero (54–68) subsequent to the great fire in Rome (64).

Provenance If the evidence for the date has been rightly evaluated, the only option for the provenance of the book is the city of Rome. If Luke had caught up in time with Paul so that the apostle was awaiting trial in Rome at the time of writing and if the “we sections” are an indication of personal involvement, then Luke was with Paul when he wrote the book.

Destination While specifically addressed to Theophilus, it is very likely Luke had a target audience beyond Theophilus. The apologetic thrust of the book, setting forth the expansion of Christianity from a Jewish sect to a worldwide movement, may also indicate a particular target audience, namely, anyone interested in the astonishing rise of the Christian movement from humble beginnings in Jerusalem to the empire’s capital, Rome.

Destination Acts is a book that would resonate well with non-Aramaic speakers familiar with the Greek OT. This would have included Gentile Christians, and it would not have ruled out Diaspora Jews or Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine.

Purpose Numerous proposals have been made regarding the purpose of Acts. Evangelism An apology or defense of the Christian faith Paul’s legal defense To address various theological concerns To chart the historical basis of the establishment and growth of the kingdom of God Evangelism and Edification

Purpose: Luke’s purpose was to write an accurate historical narrative designed to edify his Christian readers and to help them evangelize unbelievers.

LITERATURE Genre The Historical Reliability of Acts The Sources of Acts Literary Plan Outline

Genre Although Luke did not use the term “history,” there is good evidence that he set out to write a historical account. Requests and dedications Mention of predecessors Use of appropriate methodology Reasons for writing

The Sources of Acts Acts 16–28 is dominated by the “we” passages: This section reflects either: The reminiscences of the author A diary, of sorts, of the author The greater details in the latter part of the book point to recent events and more than likely to the first option

Literary Plan The basic blueprint of Acts is given at Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The rest of the book shows the fulfillment of Jesus’ command and the unfolding of God’s plan from the church in Jerusalem and Judea (1:1–6:7) to Samaria (6:8–9:31) and to the ends of the earth (9:3–28:31).

Literary Plan Luke took pains to show that the expansion of Christianity was at God’s direction, including the Gentiles, while at the same time continuing salvation “to the Jews first.” At the heart of the book is the Jerusalem Council (chap. 15) where the church regulated the inclusion of the Gentiles in the rapidly growing Christian movement.

Literary Plan Paul’s ministry is presented through three missionary journeys (one before and two after the Jerusalem Council). The last quarter of the book of Acts depicts Paul’s journey to a trial in Rome.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Witness in Jerusalem (1:1-6:7) This initial section focuses upon the transition of leadership from Jesus to the apostolic band and the initial growth of the gospel in Jerusalem. In addition to persecution from without, the Church endures internal growing pains and must purify itself. Miller used by permission http://chrismiller.cedarville.org/content/actsi.pdf

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Birth of the Church (1:1-2:47) This title is not meant to imply that the kingdom message has no place in this section. The Church as an international, and dispensationally unique body, has its beginning here.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Introduction (1:1-2) Luke identifies this book as a sequel to his gospel, thus giving some direction for his purpose. The divine inclusion of Gentiles into one body with Jewish believers on equal footing is given an inspired foundation.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Jesus’ final instructions (1:3-11) While the Twelve were concerned about the coming of the kingdom, Jesus gave no indication of the timing of his coming. If Israel would have responded to the preaching of the Twelve with repentance, then presumably the kingdom would be restored (1:6; 3:19-21).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) A necessary prerequisite to the kingdom (1:12-26) Replacement for Judas needed. Matthias was chosen extending the full complement of apostles back to the number twelve.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The divine enablement (2:1-13) The Holy Spirit descended from heaven to empower the work of the believers. The point is that as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism to empower his ministry, so also now the Spirit has come upon the apostles and their associates to empower their new ministries.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Peter’s interpretation of the event (2:14-41) Peter’s interpretation of the miracle of tongues. The miracles are a fulfillment of prophecy (2:14-21). Jesus is the Messiah (2:22-32). the risen Jesus had sent the Holy Spirit (2:33-35).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The results (2:42-46) The result was that nearly 3,000 people were saved that day. The believers shared things in common as needs arose.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (2:47) This is the first of seven progress reports in the book. No opposition had arisen and God's blessing was evident upon the Church.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Growth of the Gospel at Jerusalem (3:1-6:7) Struggles and growth in Jerusalem. Opposition from without and purification from within.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Growth through opposition (3:1-4:31) The first opposition: The Sanhedrin (4:21). At this point in the Jewish people's response to the gospel Peter is still very gracious in his attributing their rejection of Messiah to ignorance (4:17).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Growth through correction (4:32—5:11) The voluntary generosity of Barnabas (4:32-36). The hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira. The point of the chapter seems to be that rather than being a discouragement to the people, it actually caused the fear of God to be upon the young church and thus spurred its purity and growth.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Progression in more opposition (5:12-42) The fury and antagonism on the part of the leadership grew (5:33). Luke’s main point seems to be that in the midst of increasing persecution the apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (5:41).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Administration in the church (6:1-6) Problem of different treatment of Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews. Solution demonstrated flexibility and growth. Luke also uses this short section to introduce two of the major players in the following chapters, Stephen and Philip.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (6:7) The word of God continued to grow. The progress of the gospel is unstoppable (5:39).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Witness in all Judea and Samaria (6:8-9:31) The church is ready to fulfill its mission. The initial step away from Jerusalem is taken at the martyrdom of Stephen. Luke recounts the salvation of two persons loosely connected to Judaism. Paul’s salvation

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Rejection of the Gospel in Jerusalem: Martyrdom of Stephen (6:8-8:1a) Rejection in Jerusalem as a transitional step. Gospel makes no advance outside of Judaism until it is rejected from within it. Stephen’s death is the key for spread of the Gospel. Parallels with Stephen’s martyrdom and Jesus’ rejection.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Spread of the Gospel to Non-Jews in Judea and Samaria: Ministry of Philip (8:1b-40) Philip leads in transition from Jerusalem to Rome. Gospel spread firs to a Samaritan (8:1b-25). Ethiopian proselyte (8:26-40). The work of Philip in Samaria is endorsed by the apostles and divinely confirmed by the pouring out of the Spirit upon the Samaritans (8:9-25).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Preparation of the Spread of the Gospel to Gentiles Worldwide: The Man Saul (9:1-31) Paul introduced in 8:1. Missionary activity still 14 years away. His conversion/call recorded (9:1-19). His growth and early preaching (9:20-30).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (9:31) After the initial persecution, the Church evidently enjoyed a time of peace. The source of opposition was the inclusion of the Gentiles.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Witness to the Extremity of the Earth (9:32-28:31) The final stage in the spread of the Gospel begins here. Opens with Peter welcoming Gentiles. Closes with Paul concentrating his efforts on Gentiles.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Preparation of the Church to Preach to Gentiles (9:32-12:24) This section leads up to and prepares the way for Paul’s missionary journeys. The message is first given to Peter.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The preparation of Peter for acceptance of Gentiles (9:32-10:48) Peter is chosen as the instrument of revelation. Healing of Aeneas (9:32-35). Resurrection of Dorcas (9:36-43).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The preparation of Peter for acceptance of Gentiles (9:32-10:48) Peter’s vision does not abrogate the Mosaic food laws for the Jews. Peter wondered about the meaning of the vision. Thematic flow concerns the growing acceptance of Gentiles, not the breaking down of the Mosaic patterns for the Jews. The Jerusalem Council (15:5) would have been unnecessary if it had been decided that the Jews didn’t need to obey the Law.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The preparation of Peter for acceptance of Gentiles (9:32-10:48) It seems best to understand Peter's vision as the opening of the door for allowing Gentiles into the church and nothing more (11:1, 20-21).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The preparation of the apostles for acceptance of Gentiles (11:1-18) Meeting with the leadership in Jerusalem. Peter’s conclusion to his defense was “If God gave them [the uncircumcised] the same gift as he gave to us [the circumcised], who was I to think I could oppose God?” (11:17). The conclusion of the leaders, then, was “God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life” (11:18).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The acceptance of Gentiles at the church at Antioch (11:19-30) Some who scattered from Jerusalem preached to Gentiles. The church at Antioch began to thrive as a mixture of Jewish and Gentile believers. Famine relief and financial aid was sent from Antioch to the church in Jerusalem.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The victory of the Church over her enemies (12:1-23) Peter is released the night before Herod is to execute him. Herod is a victim of divine judgment as the church is protected.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (12:24) The word of God continued to increase.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Extension of the Church to Gentiles in Asia Minor (12:25-16:5) God moved on the hearts of Barnabas and Saul to evangelize the Gentiles. Saul was perfectly suited for the assignment. This section details his first missionary thrust into Asia Minor and the confirmation of his work by the Jerusalem pillars.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The call and dedication of Barnabas and Saul (12:25-13:3) Divine approval evident by the Spirit calling Barnabas and Saul by name. Before he takes the leadership of the group (13:6-13), he is still referred to by the name “Saul.”

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The reception of the gospel by Gentiles in Asia Minor (13:4-14:28) The first missionary journey is covered in this section. This short story (13:10) sets the tone for the rest of Paul’s ministry as Gentiles are welcomed into the kingdom and Israel, because of her rejection is judgmentally blinded by God (Romans 11:7-8).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The confirmation of the mission to Gentiles at Jerusalem (15:1-35) The basic problem is its acceptance by Gentiles. Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses” (15:5). James concluded that Gentiles ought not to be required to obey Moses. They were expected to observe the Noachide commands (15:1-21).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The confirmation of the churches in Asia Minor (15:36-16:4) Barnabas and Paul parted ways. Paul returned to the churches from the first missionary journey and carried the decision from the Jerusalem Council.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (16:5) Despite the turmoil, the church continued to grow. This progress report serves to confirm the direction of the work.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Extension of the Church to Gentiles in the Aegean Area (16:6-19:20) The spread of the gospel in these areas is the result of the second and third missionary journeys of Paul. Theological direction set, what remains is the dissemination of the message.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The call to Macedonia (16:6-10) Holy Spirit directed each apostle to specific geographical locations. He moved Paul and his co-workers toward Greece. His travels took him to Troas where he was joined by Luke before landing on Macedonian soil at Neapolis and Philippi.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The spread of the Gospel in Macedonia (16:11-17:15) Three Macedonian cities: Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. They experienced both persecution and blessing.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The spread of the Gospel in Achaia (17:16-18:18) Athens and Corinth. Athens – reception was cool. Corinth – fruitful ministry among Gentiles (18:6).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The conclusion of the second missionary journey (18:19-22) Short time in Ephesus. He returned to Jerusalem and the Antioch.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The spread of the Gospel in Ephesus (18:23-19:19) After a short time in Antioch Paul left again to confirm the Churches established on his first missionary journey. The instruction of Apollos. As before, when the Jews became abusive, Paul's ministry was directed exclusively toward Gentiles (19:8-10).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (19:20) Even with the rejection of the Jewish nation, the word of God continues to grow.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The Extension of the Church to Gentiles in Rome (19:21-28:31) After I have been there [Jerusalem] I must visit Rome also (19:21). This book is drawing towards it conclusion in Rome.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The completion of the third journey (19:21-21:16) Paul’s fruitful time at Ephesus is closed with the incitement of a riot and his rather forced departure. Though fully aware that trouble awaited him in Jerusalem (Romans 15:31; Acts 21:10-12), Paul was persuaded that it was a trip which was necessary (20:22).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Paul’s imprisonment at Jerusalem (21:17-23:32) Paul’s arrest occurred because of his associations with the Gentiles (21:28-29; 22:21-22). In order to convince the believing Jews that he was still faithful to Moses he agreed to pay the expenses for certain men who had taken Nazarite vows (21:20-26). Paul spoke to the crowd about Jesus, but they resisted his discourse concerning the Gentiles (22:3-22).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Paul’s imprisonment at Jerusalem (21:17-23:32) Trial before the Sanhedrin, he claimed to be a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. The objection which Jerusalem had with Paul was his association with Gentiles.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Paul’s imprisonment at Caesarea (23:33-26:32) Paul had some freedom during his Caesarean imprisonment. Case before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa II.

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Paul’s imprisonment at Rome (27:1-28:29) The major portion of this final section involves Luke's detailed account of the sea journey/shipwreck of Paul to Rome. Reason for emphasis: Heighten the impact of the transition to Rome Demonstrates the sovereign hand upon Paul Heighten the stature and importance of Paul

Acts’ Plot (Miller) Paul’s imprisonment at Rome (27:1-28:29) Paul’s pronouncement summarizes his ministry and the status of God’s program: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: Go to this people and say, You will be ever hearing but never understanding. Therefore, I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen” (28:25-26, 28).

Acts’ Plot (Miller) The progress report (28:30-31) The final years of Paul’s life were not important to the message of Acts. What began in Jerusalem was now completed at Rome.

THEOLOGY Theological Themes Contribution to the Canon

Theological Themes Salvation History Luke’s organizing principle is best described as “salvation history.” His intent throughout Luke-Acts was to narrate the unfolding of God’s salvation plan. One of the more prominent themes throughout the book of Acts is the sovereignty of God in moving the gospel out of Palestine and “to the ends of the earth” (1:8).

Theological Themes This fulfillment of God’s desire is seen in the continued emphasis on God’s plan. The “divine must” (dei) is a continued phenomenon from Luke’s Gospel (see 1:16, 21). At many places in the narrative it is used to show the plans of God (see 3:21; 4:12; 9:6; 14:22; 17:3; 19:21; 23:11; 27:24; 27:26). From a structural and literary standpoint, Luke showed that the expansion of the gospel to the ends of the earth was a movement of God.

Theological Themes The outline of Acts is centered geographically, proceeding as follows: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, Asia Minor, Macedonia and Greece, and Rome. At the entrance of the gospel to each of these regions, Luke was careful to note that the gospel penetrated these areas at the direction of God.

Theological Themes The Universal Scope of the Gospel The second, unmistakable theme related to salvation history is that the gospel is for all nations. Luke stressed in Acts 1:8 that Jesus commanded the apostles to go to the ends of the earth. Yet he also documented that the steps to the inclusion of the Gentiles were slow and hesitating. Although the inclusion of the Gentiles is widely accepted, it is often forgotten (and sometimes denied) that salvation includes the restoration of Israel through Jesus.

Theological Themes Jesus’ reply to the question at 1:6 (“Lord, at this time are you restoring the kingdom to Israel?”) was not that the kingdom would not be restored but that this would take place in the Father’s timing. Throughout the book of Acts, the pattern—as Paul announced it in Rom 1:16—is “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”

Theological Themes The Holy Spirit Related to the emphasis on the sovereignty of God in moving the gospel forward is an emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the agent of the church’s life and growth. Luke described his Gospel as recording “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), implying that the book of Acts is about the continuing activity of Christ. This activity was accomplished through the Holy Spirit. His coming at Pentecost signaled the beginning of the church’s advance (2:1–4, 33).

Theological Themes Since God promised to give the Spirit at salvation (2:38; 9:17), his reception is proof of salvation. The Holy Spirit was the one who sovereignly directed the Christian mission. The Holy Spirit not only directed the mission, he empowered it. Luke understood that the reception of the Spirit is clearly something eschatological.

Theological Themes The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus The key point in salvation history is the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus. Luke’s teaching on the resurrection of Christ entails not merely a restoration from the dead but an unprecedented exaltation. The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of Jesus’ claims (see 3:15; 5:20; 25:19). It is also the guarantee of a personal resurrection for chosen humanity (see 24:15; 26:23).

Theological Themes The restoration includes a powerful “reconstituting” of the people of God to include the poor and oppressed in Israel and ultimately the inclusion of “all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (2:39). Luke’s presentation of the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus is not an eschatological correction of inaccurate prophecy but an integral part of God’s plan.

Contribution to the Canon Volume 2 of Luke-Acts: what Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit (1:1) Account of the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome (1:8) and of the life and practices of the early church (see 2:42)

Giving of the Spirit at Pentecost and birth of the NT church (chap. 2) Ministry of Peter, John, James (Jesus’ half-brother), and others (chaps. 1–12) Contribution to the Canon

Inclusion of the Gentiles by decree of the Jerusalem Council (chap. 15) Ministry of Paul “to the Jew first and also to the Gentiles” in locations to which Paul addressed letters included in the canon (chaps. 13–28; see especially 28:23–28) Contribution to the Canon

HISTORICAL RELIABILITY OF ACTS Acts and History

The Historical Reliability of Acts Luke’s general reliability in verifiable matters has been well attested in matters of geography. Luke’s descriptions are also accurate in terms of specific people.

The Historical Reliability of Acts Luke also correctly portrayed elements of ancient culture. Further, Luke correctly narrated events that were recorded elsewhere in ancient historiography.

The Historical Reliability of Acts Acts 5:34-37: Theudas in Gamaliel’s speech. Acts 21:38: Number of the Egyptian’s band of 4000.

88 The End