Acts Introduction
Notes
Transcript
Handout
I would like to state up-front that I am a dispensationalist. What does that mean?
Dispensationalism:
Dispensationalism is an evangelical theological system that originated in early nineteenth-century England and Ireland, quickly gaining popularity in the United States[1]. It interprets the Bible and human history as a series of distinct ages or “dispensations” where God administers the world according to different divine purposes[1][2]. The theology has three core elements: a distinction between Israel and the church, a literal-grammatical interpretation of biblical texts, and a focus on promoting God’s glory[1]. Most dispensationalists recognize seven dispensations, which were popularized by the Scofield Reference Bible, including eras such as innocence, conscience, human government, promise, law, grace, and a future millennial kingdom[1][3]. Critically, dispensationalists believe in two distinct peoples of God (Israel and the church), maintain that salvation has always been by faith, and assert that God’s promises to Israel will be ultimately fulfilled in a future 1000-year period[4]. Key emphases include literal Scripture interpretation, especially of prophecy, and a belief in a pretribulation rapture of the church before a seven-year tribulation[3].
[1] Gary Scott Smith, American Religious History: Belief and Society through Time [3 Volumes] (New York, NY: ABC-CLIO, 2020), 127.
[2] Douglas Mangum, The Lexham Glossary of Theology (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[3] Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson, “Dispensationalism,” in A Concise Dictionary of Theological Terms (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020), 48.
[4] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Many consider the stories of ancient Troy, retold by Homer, to be mere myth. However, archaeological discoveries in the 19th century proved that Troy was indeed a real city, illustrating how history can sometimes mirror what was once thought to be fiction. Just as these events were validated, we can trust in the truths found in Scripture, which have often been dismissed as merely allegorical.
Who was the book of Acts written to?
Theophilus.
Did you know that the gospel of Luke was also written to Theophilus?
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Who was Theophilus?
Hint: What clues does Luke give us about who Theophilus might be?
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Theophilus (Person)
he was a person of social and political prominence, perhaps a Roman governor, procurator, or magistrate
We do not know for sure, but the clues that Luke does give us, seem to indicate that this is most likely who Theophilus would have been.
Some scholars believe that Theophilus was someone who was curious about Christianity and commissioned Luke to write a literary piece, in which, Luke and Acts are a single literary piece with two volumes.
Notice that Luke states several crucial pieces of information regarding his writings in Luke 1:3-4.
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
What two important details does Luke tell Theophilus regarding the literary work he is about to read?
Written in order
Thoroughly researched
The book of Acts is a continuation of the gospel of Luke, it picks up where Luke left off.
When was the book of Acts written?
Probably around 62 AD.
It is believed that Luke wrote it after Paul’s house arrest in approximately AD 60/61 in which many scholars believe that Paul had a few years of freedom before Christianity became illegal and Nero began persecuting Christians.
This is the most likely date in my mind, since Luke does not mention Paul being free and continuing on missionary journeys.
If you were with us during our Character Study of Paul (A long time ago) You will remember that I speculated after Paul’s house arrest that he did travel to Spain which was hinted by Clement of Rome when he stated that Paul had reached “the farthest limits of the west”.
Paul was traditionally believed to have been beheaded as a martyr in Rome during the latter part of Nero’s reign (AD 54–68)[1]. Saint Jerome specifically maintains that Paul was beheaded on the same day Peter was crucified in the fourteenth year of Nero, which dates it to sometime between October 13, AD 67, and June 9, AD 68[2]. As a Roman citizen, Paul was beheaded rather than crucified, since Roman law forbade crucifying citizens and beheading was considered a more honorable method of execution[2]. He is believed to have been executed at a place called the Salvian Waters, about 3 miles from Rome, and was likely buried on the Ostian Way[2][3]. This occurred during a period when Nero was viciously killing Christians after the fire in Rome, which he blamed on Christians to deflect suspicion from himself[2]. While the New Testament does not directly state Paul’s fate, there are roughly ten relevant sources from the first two centuries, with the strongest evidence coming from extrabiblical sources[1].
[1] Sean Mcdowell, “The Deaths of the Apostles and Belief in Jesus’ Resurrection,” in Raised on the Third Day: Defending the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus, ed. W. David Beck and Michael R. Licona (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020), 192.
[2] Alan S. Bandy, An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul: His Life, Ministry, and Missionary Journeys (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2021), 176–177.
[3] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Acts, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 376.
The dating of Acts in this regard is important to note that if the book had been written later than 64 AD then Luke would have mentioned the persecutions of Christians under Nero.
In 64 CE, a great fire destroyed much of Rome, and Emperor Nero blamed the Christians for the disaster. Scholars generally believe Nero may have actually started the fire himself to clear space for his planned Golden Palace, and used Christians as scapegoats. He initiated a persecution that lasted until his death in 68 CE[1][2].
Nero first arrested self-admitted Christians, and then condemned large numbers of others. The executions were brutal, with Christians being torn apart by dogs, crucified, or used as human torches[2]. This persecution effectively ended Christianity’s status as a legal religion. Before 64 CE, Romans had not distinguished Christians from Jews and had tolerated them, but during Nero’s rule, Christians became an illegal religious group[3]. While the exact number of Christians who died is unrecorded, the Roman historian Tacitus described it as an “immense multitude,” which historians interpret as at least hundreds. Notably, Tacitus, being a pagan with no love for Christians, had no reason to exaggerate these numbers[2][3].
[1] Kevin W. Kaatz, Early Controversies and the Growth of Christianity (Westport, CT: Praeger, 2012), 76.
[2] James Allen Moseley, Discovering Jesus’ Disciples: Who They Were, What They Believed, and What They Achieved (Eugene, Oregon: Resource Publications, 2024).
[3] Alvin J. Schmidt, How Christianity Changed the World (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004), 26.
What was the purpose of Luke’s former treatise?
To provide all that Jesus began to both do and teach.
What does Luke mean by infallible proofs?
With absolute certainty. The Greek word means “infallible proof” or “certain token”.
How did Luke gain his insight to all this information? He was not an eye witness of Jesus.
Luke meticulously interviewed eye witnesses and did research to confirm all his sources and work. Luke was also guided by the Holy Spirit which is why he can state that he had ‘perfect understanding’ which came from the Holy Spirit.
Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ works[1][2][3]. He gained his information by carefully researching and interviewing eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. Luke would seek out interviews with people who had seen and heard Jesus, listening to their personal experiences and taking notes from their accounts[2][4].
Most New Testament scholars believe Luke used Mark’s Gospel as a major source, and he had resources both shared with other Gospel writers and some unique to his own account[3]. Importantly, Luke didn’t rely solely on human sources, but also believed he was guided by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, writing with what he described as “perfect understanding” from above[2]. He is considered a careful historian who used his sources with great integrity[3]. His purposes in writing included assuring readers of the truthfulness of Jesus’ life and teachings, helping them understand teachings about the end times, and demonstrating that the Roman government was not a threat to believers[3].
[1] Paul W. Barnett, Paul and His Friends in Leadership: How They Changed the World (Abingdon: BRF, 2017), 54.
[2] Elmer Towns, Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), ii.
[3] Leroy Spinks, Explore the Bible: Adult Commentary: Luke 1–13 (Fall 2004) (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2004), 8.
[4] A. T. Robertson, Luke the Historian in the Light of Research (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1930), 48.
Was Luke an eye witness of the events of the book of Acts?
He was an eye witness of some of the events, specifically where he uses the language such as ‘we’.
When did Luke have time to interview all these people and accompany Paul on his missionary journey’s?
During the times Paul was imprisoned.
Luke was an eyewitness to some events in Acts, specifically those recorded in the “we” sections of the text[1][2]. During his extensive travels with Paul, Luke personally witnessed many events, including spending two unintentional years in Israel while Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea from spring A.D. 57 to summer A.D. 59[3]. During this period, Luke likely traveled among churches, researching his books and gathering eyewitness accounts and personal stories from early church members[3].
While Luke was not an eyewitness to the events in his Gospel, he was an eyewitness to many of the events recorded in Acts, particularly in the second half of the book[4]. Specifically, he was present during the “we” sections in Acts 16:10–17, 20:5–15, 21:1–18, and 27:1–28:16[2]. Luke is considered to be between the first generation of eyewitnesses and the second generation, and he was both contemporary with and a participant in much of Paul’s life[1].
[1] A. T. Robertson, Luke the Historian in the Light of Research (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1930), 46–47.
[2] John Paul Heil, Luke-Acts: Foundations for Christian Worship (Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2018), 5.
[3] Steven Ger, Acts: Witnesses to the World, Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series (AMG Publishers, 2004), 6.
[4] Sam Rainer and Thom S. Rainer, Understanding the Bible as a Whole: An Accessible Book-by-Book Guide through the Scriptures (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Momentum, 2022), 125.
What was the promise that they waited for in Jerusalem?
The Holy Spirit.
What prompted the question regarding the restoration of the kingdom?
Probably the location they were standing, they were at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
The disciples were on the Mount of Olives, at the foot of which lay Bethany, when they asked Jesus their final question on earth[1][2]. They asked Jesus if he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel, likely hoping for a military and political kingdom that would drive out the Roman armies and restore national sovereignty to Israel[2][3].
Jesus told them that the timing for Israel’s earthly messianic kingdom was not for them to know, as the Father would determine that by his own authority. Instead, he promised they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth[3]. It was not yet time for Christ’s millennial kingdom ruling over the entire earth, but it was time for the Holy Spirit’s arrival. While they were not permitted to know the exact timing of the kingdom’s establishment, they would soon experience the power of the kingdom[3].
[1] M. R. De Haan, Pentecost and after: Studies in the Book of Acts (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 14.
[2] Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2080.
[3] Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1070–1071.
Why would being on the Mount of Olives cause the disciples to ask this question?
They remembered a prophecy regarding the Messiah and the Mount of Olives.
Big trivia question here:
What book of the Old Testament contained the prophecy that the disciples were interested in regarding the restoration of Israel?
Zechariah 14.
The disciples were inquiring about the prophecy from Zechariah 14, which spoke of the Messiah standing on the Mount of Olives and establishing the Kingdom of Messiah on earth, specifically the restoration of the Throne of David. The disciples understood this to mean that the Messiah would deliver Israel from Gentile bondage and set up a glorious millennial Kingdom.[1]
This expectation was consistent with the prevailing Jewish understanding leading up to the time of Christ, where national repentance was believed to lead to an Israelite kingdom.[2] Significantly, the disciples had already received forty days of instruction about the kingdom of God, so their question was not about the nature of the kingdom, but about its timing - they were clear on what the kingdom would be.[2]
The disciples naturally assumed that the Old Testament promises of Israel’s conversion and restoration were about to be fulfilled. However, Jesus did not deny the kingdom’s connection to Israel, but instead told them that the full program of God was not for them to know. He redirected them to be witnesses throughout the world instead of focusing on prophetic timelines.[3]
Ultimately, Acts answers the disciples’ question both positively and negatively: the kingdom has not yet been restored to Israel, but it has been established. This kingdom is the one promised to David, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 7 and referenced in Luke 1:32-33, where Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever.[4]
[1] M. R. De Haan, Pentecost and after: Studies in the Book of Acts (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1996), 15.
[2] Peter Goeman, The Baptism Debate: Understanding and Evaluating Reformed Infant Baptism (Raleigh, NC: Sojourner Press, 2023), 83.
[3] George Eldon Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament, ed. Donald A. Hagner, Rev. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1993), 368–369.
[4] John H. Sailhamer, Biblical Prophecy: Zondervan Quick-Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010).
Acts Reviewing What Jesus Began to Do and Teach, 1:1–11
Jesus directs the disciples’ attention away from times and seasons set by the Father (v. 7). This reference points beyond the story time of Luke’s narrative to the final culmination of things (cf.
There are many people who have been too focused on the times and seasons, but Jesus always redirected those questions.
Why did Jesus always redirect those questions?
Because those things are in the Father’s timing and not in our power.
Instead, what does Jesus always command His people to do?
Be witnesses and focus on the things at hand.
Jesus always redirects us to what is in the present and on hand, not in worrying about the timing of His coming.
Ever notice that when people think a certain date is going to be the day Jesus will come back, what do those people do?
They go crazy and act irrationally, is that the way Jesus wants us to live?
No. Instead Jesus wants us to live soberly and live as obedient servants and be witnesses to a lost and dying world.
Notice the next part of what Jesus says is a commission to be witnesses of Him.
