Interpreting Historical Narrative in Acts

I. Introduction (10-15 minutes)

: Begin with a quick reading of Acts 2:1-4 (Pentecost) and ask: "What stands out? Is this a blueprint for every church service, or something more?" Discuss briefly to engage the group.Hook

: Acts is not just history—it's theological narrative written by Luke to show the Holy Spirit's role in expanding the Gospel. Unlike epistles (which give direct commands), narratives like Acts require careful discernment to find what's "normative" (applicable today) vs. "descriptive" (historical detail).Overview of the Chapter's Focus

:Goals for Today

Understand Luke's purpose in Acts.

Learn principles for interpreting narrative precedents.

Apply to real passages for better Bible reading.

: Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in our study.Prayer

II. Reading Acts: An Overview (20 minutes)

:A. Strategies for Exegesis

Think in paragraphs, but also larger narratives and sections—Acts builds a story arc.

Recommendation: Read the whole book in one sitting to grasp the flow.

:B. The Central Role of the Holy Spirit

At every key event or person (e.g., Peter's sermons, Paul's conversions), the Spirit leads—highlight examples like Acts 13:2-4 (missionary call).

:C. Luke's Key Interests and What He Omits

: Trace the Gospel's movement from Jerusalem (Jewish roots) to Rome (Gentile world), driven by the Spirit. Any summary missing this misses the point.Primary Purpose

:What Luke Ignores

No apostle biographies (focus on action, not personal stories).

Little on church structure or polity (e.g., no "how-to" for elders/deacons).

Geographical details only along the Jerusalem-Rome line.

: Acts shows varied practices (e.g., different worship styles)—no single "model" for church life, but an overall picture of Spirit-led expansion.Diversity, Not Uniformity

: In pairs, skim Acts 8:1-40 and note one "movement" example (e.g., Philip to Samaria/Ethiopia).Group Activity

III. Hermeneutics: Finding the Normative in Narrative (25 minutes)

:A. The Challenge of Precedent

Narratives describe events but don't always prescribe them—unless Scripture explicitly says so, description ≠ command.

Doctrinal categories:

Theology (beliefs).

Ethics (behavior).

Experience/Practice (what we do)—most precedents fall here, at a "secondary" level (implied, not explicit).

:B. Core Principles for Interpretation

Normative elements tie to the narrative's intent (e.g., Spirit's empowerment for mission is core to Acts).

Incidental details (e.g., cultural customs) reflect Luke's world but lack full teaching weight.

Precedent is normative only if linked to intent—if a story sets a pattern for all time, it's binding.

:C. Guidelines for Repeatable Patterns

: One clear pattern repeated across NT (e.g., baptism by immersion in multiple accounts).Strongest Case

: Repeatable only with divine approval (e.g., miracles) or harmony with other Scriptures.Ambiguous/Single Occurrence

: Adapt or skip (e.g., foot-washing in Acts 21:13—hospitality then, service now).Culturally Conditioned

: Acts 6:1-7 (deacons' selection)—Is this a rigid church model? Discuss: It's descriptive of resolving conflict via Spirit-led service, but not a blueprint for polity.Example Walkthrough

: Share a "precedent" from Acts you've heard taught as normative (e.g., tongues in Acts 2)—apply the principles.Group Discussion

IV. Application and Practice (15 minutes)

: Use the "hermeneutical spiral"—start with exegesis (original meaning), move to application (timeless truths like mission focus).Bridging Then and Now

:Practical Tips

Ask: "What's the intent? What's incidental?"

Cross-reference with epistles (e.g., Acts' events explained in Paul's letters).

: Assign small groups a passage (e.g., Acts 10: Cornelius; Acts 16: Paul in Philippi) to identify 1 normative principle and 1 incidental detail.Hands-On

V. Conclusion and Takeaways (10 minutes)

: Acts models Spirit-led Gospel spread—read for the big picture, interpret precedents wisely.Recap

: This week, read Acts 1-12 in one go; journal one "movement" insight.Challenge

: Thank God for Acts' inspiration; commit to Spirit-led reading.Prayer

: Distribute the fill-in-the-blank sheet for review/homework.Handout

Answer Key:

Acts traces the Gospel's movement from(Jewish center) to a worldwide,-predominant phenomenon. Jerusalem  Gentile

To grasp Acts' flow, read it in one sitting and think in terms of wholeand sections, not just verses. narratives 

At every key event in Acts, theSpirit plays the leading role. Holy 

Luke shows no interest in detailedof the apostles or church/ polity. biographies  structure 

Acts celebratesin practices, not uniformity—no single event sets a "model" for all churches. diversity 

In narratives like Acts, what's described isn't necessarilyunless explicitly commanded or tied to intent. normative 

Doctrinal statements fall into three categories: theology (beliefs),(behavior), and experience/practice (what we do). ethics 

Precedents are at alevel (implied) vs. primary (explicitly stated). secondary 

Normative teaching in Acts relates to theof the narrative, not just incidental details. intent 

For repeatable patterns, the strongest case is when there's one clear patternacross the New Testament. repeated 

Bonus Reflection Example: Pick Acts 2:1-4 (Pentecost). Normative principle: The Holy Spirit empowers believers for bold witness (timeless truth for mission). Incidental detail: The specific sound of wind and tongues of fire (cultural/historical manifestation, not a required blueprint for every Spirit encounter). Your own response may vary—focus on what's tied to Luke's intent vs. what's descriptive only.