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Acts: Luke’s Second VolumeActs: Luke’s Second Volume

Luke 1:1-4

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Acts 1:1

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen

Acts: Luke’s Second VolumeActs: Luke’s Second Volume

Acts of the ApostlesActs of the Apostles

Peter: Chapters 1-12

Paul: Chapters 13-28

Acts of the Holy SpiritActs of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost (Acts 2)

Mighty Deeds/Wonders

Acts of the Holy Spirit through PeopleActs of the Holy Spirit through People

Peter - Paul - Stephen - Philip - Barnabas - Priscilla

What is Acts?What is Acts?

History?History? Theology?Theology?

Theological History:Theological History:

Divine Explanation for On-going Work of Jesus in and through People

Reading Keys for ActsReading Keys for Acts

Examples of Divine Explanation

1.1. ApostlesApostles need explanation about Nature of Kingdom:

Acts 1:6

2. PeoplePeople need explanation about nature of Spirit: Acts 2:12; 2:17-21; 2:37

Reading Keys for ActsReading Keys for Acts

Examples of Divine Explanation

3. Jewish LeadersJewish Leaders need explanation about Power of God in the Christian movement

Acts 4:7; 5:38-42

4. Christian LeadersChristian Leaders need explanation about nature of New Testament Church

Acts 10:17-21

Outline of ActsOutline of Acts

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses

in Jerusalem, and

in all Judea and

in Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth.

Chapters 1-12Chapters 1-12

Primarily Peter

Primarily Jewish

Chapters 13-28Chapters 13-28

Primarily Paul

Primarily Gentile

Jews, Samaritans, God-fearers Jews, Samaritans,

God-fearers, Gentiles

Jews only

Jerusalem Chs.2-7

Judea and Samaria Chs. 8-12

Ends of the Earth

Chs. 13-28

Rome



Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses

in Jerusalem, and

in all Judea and

in Samaria,

and to the ends of the earth.

Goal #1

Geographic (Rome)

Goal #2

Missionary (Witnesses)

Goal #3

Spirit-Filled Witness

Unique Contribution of Acts Unique Contribution of Acts

1. History and Theology in Speeches

30% (300 out of 1,000 verses) of Acts is in the form of speeches

Christian SpeechesChristian Speeches

Peter (8 speeches)

Paul (9 speeches)

Stephen (7:2-53)

James (15:13-21)

Non-Christian SpeechesNon-Christian Speeches

Gamaliel (5:35-39)

Ephesus Town Clerk (19:35-40)

Festus (25:24-27)

Unique Contribution of ActsUnique Contribution of Acts

2. The Exalted Christ2. The Exalted ChristBegan in Volume 1, LukeBegan in Volume 1, Luke

Jesus’ WordsJesus’ Words (Luke 9:1)(Luke 9:1) Actual ascension (Luke Actual ascension (Luke

24:50-51)24:50-51)

Continues in volume 2, ActsContinues in volume 2, Acts Luke the Narrator (Acts Luke the Narrator (Acts

1:1-2)1:1-2) Angels (Acts 1:9) Angels (Acts 1:9) Peter’s Sermon Peter’s Sermon

(Acts 2:33)(Acts 2:33) Stephen’s Stephen’s Death (Acts 7:55) Death (Acts 7:55)


3.3. The Holy SpiritThe Holy SpiritBegan in Volume 1, LukeBegan in Volume 1, Luke Birth Narrative of John the Baptist Birth Narrative of John the Baptist

(Luke 1:15; 1:17)(Luke 1:15; 1:17) Birth Narrative of Jesus Birth Narrative of Jesus

(Luke 1:35; (Luke 1:35; 1:41)1:41) Zechariah’s Zechariah’s Prophecy / SongProphecy / Song (Luke (Luke 1:67)1:67) Simeon’s Simeon’s Prophecy in TempleProphecy in Temple(Luke 2:25; 2:26; 2:27)(Luke 2:25; 2:26; 2:27) Jesus’ Jesus’ BaptismBaptism (Luke 3:16; 3:22)(Luke 3:16; 3:22) Jesus’ Jesus’

11stst Sermon (Luke 4:17) Sermon (Luke 4:17)


3. The Holy Spirit3. The Holy SpiritContinues in Volume 2, ActsContinues in Volume 2, Acts

Opening Narrative (Acts 1:2) Opening Narrative (Acts 1:2) Jesus’ Instruction (Acts Jesus’ Instruction (Acts

1:5; 8)1:5; 8) Pentecost (Acts 2) Pentecost (Acts 2) Character and Character and

ministry of Apostles ministry of Apostles (Acts 4:8; (Acts 4:8; 6:3; 6:5; 7:55; 11:24)6:3; 6:5; 7:55; 11:24) Guidance Guidance

(Acts 16:6; 16:7; 20:22)(Acts 16:6; 16:7; 20:22) Prophecy Prophecy

(Acts 20:23; 21:4; 21:10-11)(Acts 20:23; 21:4; 21:10-11)

Holy Spirit permeates Christian life and Holy Spirit permeates Christian life and ministry at every conceivable pointministry at every conceivable point


4. The EMERGING Church4. The EMERGING Church

Not fixed but dynamic Not fixed but dynamic JerusalemJerusalem (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37) (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37)

Judea & SamariaJudea & Samaria Philip and Ethiopian (8:26-40)Philip and Ethiopian (8:26-40)

Ends of the EarthEnds of the Earth (Rome) (Rome)Paul and Barnabas in Lystra Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

(14:8-18)(14:8-18)

Church and Evangelistic approach must change Church and Evangelistic approach must change with culture.with culture. (Cultural Contextualization) (Cultural Contextualization)


4. The EMERGING Church4. The EMERGING Church Central Central authority; diverse leadership authority; diverse leadership

Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 2-5) Apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 2-5)

Deacons Chosen (Acts 6)Deacons Chosen (Acts 6)Minister (Acts 7-9:31); Minister (Acts 7-9:31); BUT Apostles Oversee (Acts 9:32-15:35)BUT Apostles Oversee (Acts 9:32-15:35)

Mission to Gentiles (Acts 12-28)Mission to Gentiles (Acts 12-28)Appointment of Elders (14:21-23)Appointment of Elders (14:21-23)

and Gentile churches support and Gentile churches support MotherMother Church in Jerusalem Church in Jerusalem (Collection; 1 Cor 16:1)(Collection; 1 Cor 16:1)

World of ActsWorld of Acts

Roman RuleRoman Rule

Julius Caesar (d. 44 B.C.)

Caesar Augustus (a.k.a. Octavian) (27 B.C.-A.D.14) (Luke 2:1)

Tiberius (A.D.14-37)(Luke 3:1)

Caligula (A.D.37-41)

Claudius (A.D.41-54) (Acts 11:28; 18:2)

Nero (A.D.54-68) (Acts 25:10-12; 27:24)

Roman EmperorsDates Names Scriptures

27 BC - AD 14

Augustus (Octavian) Luke 2:1

14 - 37 Tiberius Luke 3:1

37 - 41 Caligula (Gaius) -

41 - 54 Claudius Acts 11:28; 18:2

54 - 68 Nero Acts 25:10; 28:19

68 Galba -

69 Otho -

69 Vitellius -

69 - 79 Vaspasian -

79 - 81 Titus -

81 - 96 Domitian -

96 - 98 Nerva -

98 - 117 Trajan -

117 - 138 Hadrian

World of ActsWorld of Acts

Hellenistic WorldHellenistic World

Rome ruled the world through military might

BUTBUT

Greece influenced the world through ideas

•Language •Social Order •Religions

No separation of politics / religion / social world

SummarySummary::

New Testament Church was New Testament Church was notnot born in a religious or cultural born in a religious or cultural vacuum.vacuum.

Acts 2 - PentecostActs 2 - Pentecost

1. The Event of Pentecost (2:1-13)1. The Event of Pentecost (2:1-13)

a. The Fulfillment of the Father’s Promisea. The Fulfillment of the Father’s PromiseLuke 24:45-49 / Acts 1:8


1. The Event of Pentecost (2:1-13)1. The Event of Pentecost (2:1-13)

b. The Description of the eventb. The Description of the event

Timing: Feast of PentecostTiming: Feast of Pentecost (50 days after Passover) Celebration of Harvest

(Ex 23:16)Celebration

of Giving of Law (Anniversary of Giving of Law)

Jewish tradition associates Mt Sinai with wind, fire, voice

Heb 12:18-19

Three Signs: Signs: Sound like . . . Blowing windSound like . . . Blowing windSight like . . . Tongues of Sight like . . . Tongues of

firefire Speak in other Speak in other languages (dialects)languages (dialects)


Tongues: Tongues: GlossolaliaGlossolalia Acts 2Acts 2 vs. 1 Corinthians 12 & 1 Corinthians 12 &

1414

Different in directionDifferent in direction

Public Praise to God 2:11 14:2; 14-17, 28

Different in CharacterDifferent in Character

Understood Unintelligible, by all needed interpreter

Different in purposeDifferent in purpose

Bearing witness Self -Edification; to outpouring of Building of Church

Holy Spirit

Of prophecy and tongues, which does Paul encourage more for the Corinthians (14:1-2, 5)?

What is the main draw back to the use of tongues in worship, according to 14:2, 4, 5, 7-12, 13-17, 19?

Did Paul speak in tongues (14:18)? Do you think he was being “Tongue in cheek” here in reference to his ability to speak numerous languages or that he really did privately speak in ecstatic speech (cf. Rom 8:26)?

Under what circumstances did Paul allow the use of tongues in public worship?

Did Paul forbid speaking in tongues?



2. The Explanation of Pentecost (2:14-41)2. The Explanation of Pentecost (2:14-41)a. Speeches in Actsa. Speeches in Acts

Complete Verbatim accounts Complete Verbatim accounts or summaries?or summaries?

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (2:40-41)

Summaries abound in ActsSummaries abound in Acts. . (2:47; 4:4; (2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 5:14; 6:76:7; ; 9:319:31; 9:42; 11:21; ; 9:42; 11:21; 12:2412:24; 13:48; ; 13:48; 16:516:5; ; 19:2019:20; ; 28:30-3128:30-31))


2. The Explanation of Pentecost (2:14-41)2. The Explanation of Pentecost (2:14-41)b. Formation of the b. Formation of the Kerygma of JesusKerygma of Jesus

*Foretold in Scriptures *Foretold in Scriptures 2:14-212:14-21*Jesus’ life*Jesus’ life 2:222:22*Jesus’ Death *Jesus’ Death 2:232:23*Jesus’ Resurrection*Jesus’ Resurrection 2:24-322:24-32*Jesus’ Exaltation *Jesus’ Exaltation 2:33-362:33-36*Jesus’ Salvation *Jesus’ Salvation 2:37-392:37-39*Jesus’ New Community *Jesus’ New Community 2:40-412:40-41

Acts 6 – Choosing of DeaconsActs 6 – Choosing of Deacons

1. Problem: Numbers growing, 1. Problem: Numbers growing, Care deterioratingCare deteriorating

Hebrew widows cared for; Greeks overlooked

These cultural and social distinctions perpetuated into the new community; and had to be eliminated (see John 17:22; Gal 3:28; Eph 2:14-18; Col 3:11)

2. Solution: The Twelve appoint Seven2. Solution: The Twelve appoint Seven

Note: All seven had Greek names The deacons move the Gospel (6:7)

Acts 9 – Damascus Road ExperienceActs 9 – Damascus Road Experience

1. Paul the Persecutor (Acts 8:1-4, 9:1-3)1. Paul the Persecutor (Acts 8:1-4, 9:1-3)

Note 1:8 vs. 8:1 Jerusalem (Acts 2-7)

Judea/Samaria (8-12)

Ends of the earth (13-28)

Note 8:3-4Paul attempts to destroy the church

The church was scattered

Word to Samaria

Qs. How does this impact our view of persecution?


Who Was Saul (Paul) Who Was Saul (Paul) beforebefore meeting Jesus? meeting Jesus?•born in Tarsus

•Jew, Pharisee of Pharisee (Phil 3:4-6)

•trained by Gamaliel I, in Jerusalem

•most likely tri-lingual (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic; Acts 22:1)


Why was Saul (Paul) a persecutor of Christians? (Acts 9:1-2)

1. Paul’s persecution of the Christian Church 1. Paul’s persecution of the Christian Church could be validated through could be validated through scripturescripture!!

•Phil 3:4-6

•Deut 21:23

•Numbers 25:1-15


2. Paul’s persecution of the Church could be 2. Paul’s persecution of the Church could be validated through validated through extra-Biblicalextra-Biblical historyhistory!!

••2 Macc 6:132 Macc 6:13“In fact, it is a sign of great kindness not to let the impious alone for long, but to punish them immediately!”

••Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls)Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls)“A righteous man shows unremitting hatred toward all men of ill repute” (1QS 9:22) “The nearer I draw to you, the more I am filled with zeal against all who do wickedness” (1QS 4:13)


3. Paul’s persecution could be validated 3. Paul’s persecution could be validated through through Jewish and RomanJewish and Roman public policypublic policy!!

•Josephus records a friendly relationship renewed which makes Rome overall rulers but the Sadducean high priests were given authority over most internal matters, especially in strictly religious matters.

(Antiq XIII, 259-66; XIV 145-48) See Acts 9:1-2


What Happened on the Road? (Acts 9:3-6)

1. Saw a light from Heaven / Heard a Voice

2. Brief Encounter

Jesus: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

Paul: “Who are you, Lord?”

Jesus: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”


Revelation of Christ that Paul was confronted with:

1. Jesus is alive!1. Jesus is alive!

Must revaluate everything, since God has raised him from the dead

2. Paul stands under God’s rebuke!2. Paul stands under God’s rebuke!

Light and Voice from heaven corrected him


Revelation of Christ that Paul was confronted with:

3. Jesus and His church are one body3. Jesus and His church are one body

Why do you persecute me?

4. Mission to Gentiles4. Mission to Gentiles

No distinction between Jew and Gentiles

Acts 10 & 11– Peter, Cornelius, and the ChurchActs 10 & 11– Peter, Cornelius, and the Church

•Peter has responded boldly to challenges of Peter has responded boldly to challenges of sickness and death. (Acts 9:32-43)sickness and death. (Acts 9:32-43)

•We have seen Peter at Pentecost, then taking gospel to Samaritans, but will Acts 1:8 be pushed further . . . Gospel to the GentilesGospel to the Gentiles?

•How will he respond to the challenge of racial How will he respond to the challenge of racial and religious discrimination?and religious discrimination? (Acts 10-11)


1.1. Gentile-Jew DivideGentile-Jew Divide

Not Biblical, but Racial / Cultural Not Biblical, but Racial / Cultural for God’s purpose has always for God’s purpose has always

been… been… • All nations would be blessedAll nations would be blessed Gen 12:2-3Gen 12:2-3

• All nations will worship All nations will worship Isaiah 2:2-3Isaiah 2:2-3

• Messiah will accomplish this Messiah will accomplish this Psalm 2:7-8Psalm 2:7-8


1.1. Gentile-Jew DivideGentile-Jew Divide

Not Biblical, but Racial / Cultural Not Biblical, but Racial / Cultural

• To the Jews, gentiles were “dogs”To the Jews, gentiles were “dogs”

• No Jew could enter home of gentileNo Jew could enter home of gentile

• All conversation with gentiles was All conversation with gentiles was avoided.avoided.


1.1. Description of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8)Description of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8)

2. Vision of Peter (Acts 10:9-23)2. Vision of Peter (Acts 10:9-23)

3. Answer in the Form of Holy Spirit 3. Answer in the Form of Holy Spirit (Acts 10:23-48, esp. 44-48)(Acts 10:23-48, esp. 44-48)

4. Peter Understands God’s Agenda, and 4. Peter Understands God’s Agenda, and convinces Church (Acts 11:1-18)convinces Church (Acts 11:1-18)

Acts 15 – Jerusalem Council 49 ADActs 15 – Jerusalem Council 49 AD

Point of the IssuePoint of the Issue (15:1-5) (15:1-5)

Without Circumcision, Without Circumcision, you can not be saved!you can not be saved!

Compare Gal 2:11-15 Compare Gal 2:11-15


SidesSides::

1.1. Believers of the Men of the Pharisees (15:5)Believers of the Men of the Pharisees (15:5)

Moses first, Grace Second Moses first, Grace Second

2.2. Peter (15:7-11)Peter (15:7-11)

Witness #1: We treat Gentiles as God DoesWitness #1: We treat Gentiles as God Does

3.3. Barnabas and Paul (15:12)Barnabas and Paul (15:12)

Witness #2: God working in and thru Witness #2: God working in and thru GentilesGentiles


SidesSides::

4. James (15:13-21)4. James (15:13-21)

Final Verdict: We are in agreement with Final Verdict: We are in agreement with Words of Prophets (15:15)Words of Prophets (15:15)

Welcome Gentiles as brothers and sistersWelcome Gentiles as brothers and sisters

Gentiles should respect Jewish law (cf. Gentiles should respect Jewish law (cf. Romans 14-15) Romans 14-15)

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