NTS 008 The Acts of the Apostles
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Author: Luke
Author: Luke
Scholars agree.
Writing style
Attentiveness to early church history.
I have dealt with all Jesus began to do and teach.
One of the gospels.
Luke was written to Theophilus.
What do we know about Luke?
Gentile
Doctor
Close companion and fellow missionary of Paul.
Luke was responsible for most of the New Testament.
Paul wrote the most books.
Luke wrote the most words.
Moses: 125,139 words
Ezra: 43,618 words
Luke: 37,932 words
Jeremiah 35,306 words
Paul 32,408 words
Audience: Theophilus / Gentile believers
Audience: Theophilus / Gentile believers
Greeks
Theophilus means “Loved by God”
“Most excellent” is an address to a person of high official position.
Quite possibly a Roman official.
Most likely wealthy.
Could have been a financial supporter of Luke.
Through Theophilus - gentile believers.
It was understood that Theophilus would circulate Luke’s writing among the believers.
Genre: Historical / Narrative
Genre: Historical / Narrative
Luke recorded with absolute accuracy.
He details Roman society and law.
He accurately writes about political and geographical matters.
Questions to ask...
Is Acts only to be seen as a history book?
Can the passages on church life, miracles, and healing be applied to every church?
It is written with a historical approach and historical accuracy.
However there are 11 sermons recorded in Acts.
Preached by
Peter
Stephen
Philip
Paul
Barnabas
Silas
Purpose for writing.
Purpose for writing.
1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,
2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
Luke details the ascension of Christ.
Luke details the ascension of Christ.
The gospels end with Jesus was “taken up”.
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Luke detail’s the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Luke detail’s the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Luke provides a historical account of the early church.
Luke provides a historical account of the early church.
It shows the fulfillment of Matthew 16:18
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Luke documents how the Great Commission was lived out by church.
Luke documents how the Great Commission was lived out by church.
Luke provides a link between the Gospels and the Epistles.
Luke provides a link between the Gospels and the Epistles.
The gospels recorded what Jesus began.
Acts records what He continued through the Holy Spirit and people.
Imagine reading the epistles without Acts.
Who is Paul?
What happened to the disciples?
What is this church I keep reading about?
Acts serves as a transition from the old covenant to the new covenant.
Acts serves as a transition from the old covenant to the new covenant.
Acts 10 - Peter has a vision calling him to go to a gentile’s house.
Acts gives us a model for missions.
Acts gives us a model for missions.
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Key verse: Acts 1:8
Key verse: Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This verse is both prophetic and prescriptive.
Structure of the book (Outline):
Structure of the book (Outline):
Chapters 1-7
Central area is Jerusalem.
Central person is Peter.
Central audience is the Jews.
Presents the church being established.
The church was born.
The church was tested.
The church was strengthened.
Chapters 8-12 (Transition period)
Central area is Judea and Samaria.
Central person is Phillip.
Central audience is the Samaritans.
Presents the church extended.
The gospels is spreading.
The church is growing.
The church is breaking traditions.
Chapters 13-28
Central area is Ends of the Earth.
Central person is Paul.
Central audience is the Gentiles.
Presents the church being extended.
Jews and Gentiles are being unified.
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Preparation (1:1-8)
The Witness to Jerusalem (1:9–8:3)
· The Anticipation of the Church (1:9–26)
· The Founding of the Church (2:1–47)
· The Growth of the Church (3:1–8:3)
The Witness to Judea and Samaria (8:4–12:25)
· The gospel to the Samaritans (8:4–25)
· The Conversion of the Ethiopian (8:26–40)
· The Conversion of Saul (9:1–31)
· The gospel to Judea (9:32–43)
· The gospel to the Gentiles (10:1–11:30)
· The Persecution by Herod (12:1–25)
The Witness to the Ends of the Earth (13:1–28:31)
· Paul’s First Missionary Journey (13:1–14:28)
· The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
· Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36–18:22)
· Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23–21:16)
· Paul’s Jerusalem and Caesarean Trials (21:17–26:32)
· Paul’s Journey to Rome (27:1–28:31)
A Geographical outline. (gospel advance)
A Geographical outline. (gospel advance)
(1:1-6:7) Jerusalem
(6:8-9:31) Judea and Samaria
(9:32-12:25) Antioch
(13:1-16:5) Asia Minor
(16:6-19:20) Europe
(19:21-28:31) Rome
Acts ends abruptly leaving many questions.
Acts ends abruptly leaving many questions.
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
What happened?
Paul was in prison… did he get a fair trial?
Did they free him?
God could have inspired Luke to answer these questions, but he doesn’t.
What God wanted written was written.
Why?
The story is not finished!
Application
Application
Do I treat Acts as simply a historical account or do I apply it to my life?
If I apply it, how should it impact my life? Are there any changes I need to make?
The church will not be built on the clever ideas of men.
Christ will build His church. We need to do it His way!