The purpose of this installment
The purpose of this installment is:
To offer some suggestions in the study of understanding of Acts.
No study can be complete, and some will leave out many details.
The Holy Spirit can and will fill in the gaps
The piece is a small offering of some reading tips to organize your study
The job before you
One job, and the first job before the reader of Acts is to determine what is Luke's intention in writing Acts.
Making some assumptions
Of course, the Holy Spirit is behind the writing of the book of Acts. Of course the Holy Spirit had you in mind, before you were born, in seeing to it the book of Acts was produced.
Of course the Holy Spirit works through the personal of the individuals chosen for certain tasks. These individuals have their own interests and concerns. Luke is no different. Luke had his own interests and concerns in writing these two books.
The Exegesis of acts
As you might recall from the previous installments on this web site , exegesis a critical explanation or interpretation of a Biblical text. If you have not, it is suggested that you go back and read the previous installments in this series.
Acts is easy to read. Much easier than the books of the Old Testament. Sometimes the books in the Old Testament has the modern reader struggle through many list of genealogy and descriptions of generations.
The book of Acts has been used by many individuals and groups to support many and opposite stances. We will see some examples later.
Reading Tip: Read the Book of Acts prayerfully. Make this a conscious effort in this. It will pay off.
What is the book of Acts all about?
What is the Book of Acts trying to teach?
If the reader does not know what Acts is trying to teach or bring to mind for the reader, some points made, maybe be lost.
How should the book of Acts be treated?
In treating the book as a prophesy, the reader will come away with one set of ideas, if the reader treats this book as church history, another point of view will result. If it is treated as theology, still another point of view will be gained.
What is the primary purpose of Acts?
The purpose of Acts can be found in parts of Lukes’ introduction. The reader must differentiate between two positions. Was Luke reporting what happened or what should have happened.
Is Acts only History?
It is generally acknowledged that Acts is church history. However besides that, some believe Luke intertwines this with theology.
Does Acts teach Theology?
Some believe that Acts is theology and the theology contained in the book is as revelant as any other book in the New Testament.
How to treat the individual Stories in Acts?
Individual stories were presented in this book to carry on the flow of information toward the reader. These stories were hand picked by Luke from his experiences. Everything in these stories have a deep meaning.
Are The stories describing What should be?
There are those who hold up these stories as an example of what should be, that these are Divine patterns for us to follow. Others believe that Luke is reporting the history of the church, warts and all.
The Question Before the Reader
The question before the person who studies the Bible in general and Acts in particular is this: Just what is author (Luke in this case) trying to teach? Individuals and groups have come up with a variety of answers and support for particular practices.
As an example, does the Book of Acts teach that infants should be baptized? Or, on the other hand, is the act of baptism only for believers?
Another example could be: Does the book of Acts support the observation of the Lord’s supper at every Sunday meeting?
Another question could be: Is Act portraying the ideal church construction for modern day churches?
Another question could be: Does the book of Acts support the Congregational and Episcopalian organizational, and political structure?
Another question could be: Should we let the whole church vote on the selection of deacons.
From reading and understanding Luke's intent for the book of Acts: Can the practice of voting for the selection of deacons be supported?
From reading and understanding Luke's intent for the book of Acts: What is the proper determination of selling of possessions.
From reading and understanding Luke's intent for the book of Acts: Are we to fearlessly handle snakes in rituals
The Christian Community
the majority in the Christian community treats Acts as the history of the church. That means it is reporting the dealing of God had with His Church in real time human history. This book contains predominately narratives of church history. This book contains the church history contained in one generation of interaction with God. Where there mistakes? Where there missed opportunities? Where there misunderstandings? This book covers the "lifetime" of missionaries starting right after the assent of Jesus to heaven. This book has a focus on the mission of the church as performed by Peter and Paul. These were others missions during this time, but by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Luke reported mainly on these two men.
Who was Luke Writing to?
Luke may have been writing to an Roman official. This book could be an effort to explain Christianity and its intent to an official, maybe a Roman official.
Rome, or the Roman government officials at that time had their hand full trying to keep their “empire” together. They had a sharp eye out for trouble makers and for those who would or could createcivil disobedience and bring the government to its knees.
Luke may have been trying to explain to the reader, the government official in this case that there was nothing subversive or sinister about the followers of Jesus. If this is true, if this is just one of the reasons why the book was written, then this fact would make Luke an interpreter of Christianity to the official Roman world.
Acts is simply the continuing story of Jesus. which was started in the book of Luke. Acts begin with the fact that Jesus is no longer bound by time or space. Acts tells the story of Jesus and His work after the ascension. His work was carried on by the Church.
What is the current opinion?
In the current, modern day, Christian community, many think that Luke wrote the book of Acts to explain the beginnings of Christianity began and how it spread. Many more believe that this is just one of the reason among many. The book of acts fulfills many goals to many people who pick up the book and read it. To explain the nature of the Christian goverment to the Roman government, to brings to life the history of God dealing with man in history. He was writing to a reader who did not participate in any of the events. The reader had no first hand knowledge. Again, Luke may have -been writing to an Roman official, trying to present Christianity as "No threat" to the political system. He may have written this with "Red necks" in mind. The modern term of "Red Neck" is an unsophisticated person not exposed to the same culture that the writer is in. Luke depicted the Christians as law-abiding persons, as good “citizens.” Roman was in need of Good, law abiding citizens, to be sure. Rome was the capital of the Empire, and the Empire virtually constitutes the (known) world for that time. Luke also wrote the Gospel of Luke. But keep in mind, that as the author, he was not a witness to the ministry of Jesus. Luke wrote the book of Act. He was a witness. His story was authentic. He travels with Paul. He saw the saw the events he wrote about. He did not and could not tell the complete history of all these events. There would not be enough room on paper todo so. Keep in mind while reading Acts, that Acts is Volume II of Luke. The themes are similar, having continuity in the story line between the volumes.
Reading tip
In order to see the overall unity of the scriptures, in our study of the New Testament, coordinate events in Acts with the corresponding letters of 1 Corinthians, Galatians-2 Thessalonians and Philemon. Go back and get familiar with these books. Reread these volumes before undertaking a serious study of Acts.
In The Beginning (of Acts)
Luke begins with the assent of Jesus to heaven
Acts 1
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
This is the beginning of Luke’s second book: Acts.
This is the beginning of Luke’s second book, Acts. As pointed out before, Luke was his first writing. Luke was Luke's telling of the Good News. This is his historical account of the life and ministry of the apostles. Because the book of of Acts is history of the actions of the Church in history, only the most important events were selected to present to the reader. Luke had to select what He was going to report because He simply could not report every single thing that happened. Since Luke had a close-at-hand overview of these events, He selected the facts that are most important to report on. The events that he selected, from his overview, are the events he considered played critical roles in the development and spread of the church.. Luke was a witness to all of this and he tells the story from a personal view point. Luke was able to present the facts in an chronological organized way. We do not have great deal of information about Luke, except that he was educated because he was a doctor. Notice the attention Luke’s pays to medical details. He was, after all, a physician .
Luke’s Writing Skills
Reference Colossians 4:14. We can judge by what he wrote, he does have a great deal of writing skills. He did not skip important details. He did not include trivial details. His personality sketches are interesting. Because of these selected details, the reader 2000 years later has a better understand what is going on.
Features in His Writings
The notable feature in Luke's writing is he records what happened. He does not try to color the story and tell what he thinks should have happened. Again, Luke was writing about what actually happened with no recommendation.
Christian Point of View
Luke was a Christian teacher writing about his Christian faith.
Acts should be read and interpreted in a different manner than applied to the Old Testament books. It is a common practice to read the stories contained in the Old Testament in a moralizing manner. Some of us tend to create allegories. Sometimes the reader feels it necessary to somehow personalize the stories, seeking private meaning for themselves.
In the Christian community, some treat the stories and narratives in Acts as pattern setting for the Church.
What Luke tell his readers In the introduction to the Gospel of Luke :
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Luke’s Stated Purpose
Luke states here that his purpose is to help readers understand the truthfulness of the Christian faith. Luke supports this goal He has selected events in church history revealing Christian doctrine and practice.
As in the literary custom of his time, speeches are included in the writings. There are 18 speeches recorded in Acts. This is one way that Luke gets the basic message of the church across to us, his readers.
Reading Tip: note taking
With your note pad read and study the sermons of Acts. In your notes list the theme of each speech. Write down your understanding of the topic present there. Write down what these themes and topics have in common. Take a good set of notes.
The Word Acts
The word "Acts" (Greek praxeis) denotes a recognized genre in the ancient world. We have become familiar in previous installments of this series.
D. A. Carson, Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris.wrote in their combined undertaking the book, An Introduction to the New Testament. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005), page 181 presents the idea that the word “acts” is "characterizing books that described great deeds of people or of cities.”
There are a lot of books in circulation at that time that tell stories of travels to foreign places. Acts follows this type of literature. Luke tells stories of travels of missionaries from Jerusalem to the rest of the world.
Books having been written in this style have stories about shipwrecks. Also, along with shipwrecks are stories of escapes from prison. The character in these stories experienced miraculous healing. Murders occurred, being placed along side of interventions by angelic beings. and close encounters with both mobs and legal authorities.
Scolars Identified Types
Scholars have identified different types of genres to the Acts of the Apostles. Some have identified the type of literature as biography. Others identify the book of Acts as a novel. Still others identify the genre of the book of Acts as history. Still others identify interpret the genre as epic stories of early Christian miracles and conversions.
Arguments In The Book Of Acts
One of the arguments in acts, to presented to the reader is that:
(1) Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. This point is never question and presented as devine truth and fact.
(2) Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, was the one to come. Many places this is pointed out to the reader.
(3) God raised him from the dead, resurrected Jesus
In acts, this is celebrated, not argued.
(4) Jesus is the answer to Jewish and Gentile hope, He fulfills all meaning of life.
Reading Tip: References to God
Reading tip: Acts contains references to God. Acts contains references to Jesus. Acts contains accounting's of the actions of the Holy Spirit in Human history. Acts is a description of God dealing with man in history, through His Church. With out God, this story would not exist.
It is about Him. Acts was written because of Him. With out Him, Acts would not exist. Acts was motivated by Him. The writing of Acts was commissioned by Him. The writings of Acts was directed by Him. God is the reason behind the Book of Acts. With you note pad, examine and discover the references to God, Jesus, and the actions of the Holy Spirit. Describe the circumstances of each occurrence
Reading Tip: Locate And Count
Reading tip: In your notes, Locate, count and describe the circumstances of the used of the word "God".
In Your Notes
In your notes, you may discover that the Book of Acts describes what "use" (in the trust sense of the word) God had for the Church.
In your notes, did you find that Luke reports that God was responsible for sending Jesus to this world?
Did you find in your notes Luke credits God for raising Jesus from the dead?
The note taking exercise should reveal to you these facts.
Meaning Of Words
Luke uses the word Lord throughout the book. It will serve our purpose to define the word Lord.
The word “Lord” means : One having power and authority over others. A ruler by hereditary right or preeminence to whom service and obedience are due
Reading Tip: Note Taking on The Word Lord
Reading tip: In your notes record how many times the word "Lord" appears in the book of Acts. In your notation, describe who said it and in context, what meaning did it convey? Who exactly is "Lord" What were the circumstances in the used of the word Lord?
Luke’s Culture
From what we know of the culture that Luke was addressing, the gentile reader, the word Lord would have been familiar and understood. The choice of words that Luke uses indicated the intended audience.
Reading tip:Christ
Reading tip: In your note taking, search out the word "Christ". Count the number of times it was used and the circumstances in connection of the use. This exercise should give you some insights into the scriptures.
Christ Is Not A Name
It should be noted here that in Paul's letters, and in modern Christianity, "Christ" is often treated as part of Jesus' name. The word Christ is not a personal name. The popular usage is "Jesus Christ" But it is really is "Jesus the Christ" The word Christ has the meaning "Messiah. It is a title or an office. Luke, uses "Christ" in its original meaning, The Greek word Christos means "anointed, just as the Hebrew word Mashiyach [Messiah] does). In a few times, Luke uses "Christ" as a name. As in the combination "the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reading Tip: In what way is the word Christ used?
Reading Tip: In your note taking, find the way uses the word "Christ" as a name and as a title.
Reading tip:The meaning of the Holy Spirit.
Reading tip: Count the references to the Holy Spirit. The book of acts contains 23 percent of the occurrences of the word "Spirit." in the New Testament.
Luke tells us much about the Holy Spirit.
Reading Tip: Identify Activity Of Spirit
Reading tip: With note taking, you you identify the activity of the Holy Spirit (Spirit)? Can you detail what the Spirit is doing in each instance? Does the Spirit seem to be active or inactive in the book of Acts?
Several Approaches to Acts
The Historical details Approach
The Historical details approach focuses on the historical details.
One approach, but not the only approach, to a study of acts is the focus on historical details. In using this approach, the focus is on historical details reported in Acts, as the book is read. Careful notes should be taken. These note will lead the reader to discover information about the history of the early church. In the historical detail approach, or in any approach to an study of the scriptures, some assumptions are made. In this approach, the historical approach, it is assumed that history contained in the book is the reason for the existence of the book. Students often judge the inspiration of and reliability for the Bible by the accuracy of historical detail. If the details fit the readers understanding then the Bible is judged to be true.
The motif approach
Another approach that is used and in use today in dealing with the book of Acts is the assumption that the Christians portrayed in the book are there to serve as our role models, our motif for Christian living. The message in this method is that we should mold ourselves after their example.
Discriminating Approach
In the discriminating approach, for what ever reason the book of Acts is approached, the reader will become very discriminating as to what is valued and what is not. The reader will turn on filters in the mind and filter out selectively, anything that does not agree with preconceived ideas. The motives for reading will influence what they perceive in the text. It is almost as if they are looking for ideas to support what they already believe rather than learn something new.
The Sacred Approach
If A person is using Acts for a sacred time in the morning,alone with God, as starting the day with a quiet time, maybe the speech of Gamaliel ( a former teacher of Paul before his conversion) may be pushed aside for this reading session, and replaced by the exciting story of Paul’s conversion. Sacred time with God is worthy and useful in the Spirit filled life. But this type of reading begs the question of historical or chronological question that occur in these writing. The question of historical and/or chronological order need to be answered in order to gleam the full meaning of the text.
Ask yourself the question: What did Luke intend?
As said before, one should be fully aware of what Luke intended to convey in His writings. When you undertake a serious reading of the book of acts, you will, rightly, develop many questions as you read. As you question things, motives, actions, occurrences, jot them down and make notes and do not leave your study alone until you have the answers.
The Method Luke Used In Writing
As it is taken for granted that if you are reading this installment, you have read the previous installments. It would redundant to restate the process as outlined before,
Luke was a Gentile. He knew the Gentile mind. He knew the Gentile culture. He knew the Gentile history. He knew the needs of the gentile. He knew how to explain a point to a gentile. Luke's genre has received the classification of narrative.
The Question Of Genre
Each historical period of the world, has influenced the production of literature of the times in which it was produced. This applies to Biblical and non-Biblical writings. In the time period that Luke wrote produced the style of writing called Hellenistic historiography. With in his writings, he employed the narrative method.
For A Further Definition
For a further definition:
Hellenistic historiography
Historiography is: The writing of history
Hellenistic is: The style of history writing during the Hellenistic period. This time ranges from about 460 BC to 200 AD
This type of writing was in full bloom and wide spread in the time period that Luke wrote Acts.
This Type Of Writing Is Unique
This type of writing is unique. The goal of this type of writing is as follows. The goal of this writing is something something more than just produce a report of events. The uniqueness of these writing comes from the fact that this type of writing was written to keep the reader entertained. Entertainment will capture the readers attention. This type of writing also contained a great deal of encouragement directed toward the reader. It was easy, not hard, work to read this literature. . It was good reading in respect that it was interesting. This type of writing had the goal of being informative, and apologetic.
Luke And Divine Activity
Luke, at the same time, has interest that go far beyond simply informing or entertaining. Luke was reacting to divine activity. Divine activity was taking place in history and Luke could see it. Luke was directed by this activity. Luke undertook to write about it. Luke is especially concerned that his readers understand this. For Luke, the divine activity begins with Jesus and continues through the ministry of the holy spirit in the church is a continuation of God's story that began in the Old Testament. Therefore, making note of Luke's own theological story is of special importance as you read or study acts.
Some Topics found in the writings of Luke.
This is not an exhaustive list, by any means
Topic #1: Luke reports the story of the spread of the Gospel. Luke tells of the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Another way of saying this is from Jerusalem to Gentile territory.
Topic #2: Luke explains why the faith became identified with Gentiles
A. The faith in Jerusalem. (1:1-6:8)
B. The faith in Judea and Samaria ((6:9-9:30)
C.. Gentiles and the conversion of Paul (9:31-12:23)
D. On to what is known as Asia (12:24-16:6)
E. On to what is known as Europe (16:7-19:20)
F. Finally to the capital and the center of the Gentile world (19:21-16:28)
Topic #3: The connection of the Holy spirit.
A. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem described in chapter two.
B. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in Samaria described in Chapter eight
C. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in Caesura described in chapter ten
D. The guidance of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus described in chapter 19
Topic #4: The Christians have a rightful connection with the Old Testament. Christians are not rejecting the old Testament, but they are a logical fulfillment of the Old Testament. He illustrates the Christian relationship with the history and content of the Old Testament.
Topic #5: Luke illustrates. the division between the ministry of Paul and the ministry of Peter.
A. The ministry of Paul is presented in chapters 13 to chapter 28
B. The ministry of Peter is presented in chapters 1 through 12.
Topic #6 The major themes of the book of Acts as presented by Luke.
A. Luke describes and guidance and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
B. Luke presents a Christian view of the Kingdom of God.
C. Luke explain the role and place of repentance in the Christian life
D. Luke shows us how the resurrection plays out in Christianity and the meaning for Christians.
E. Luke deals with topics of worldly possessions and money
F. Luke presents a view of the place of women in the Christian faith.
Luke as the Apologist
Luke may have had, in part, an political agenda in his writings. The agenda displayed was intended to show that there is no danger to any ruler that encounters Christians. Luke especially wanted to show that Christianity was not a threat to the Roman government. There were riots and civil disturbances at times when the Gospel was preached. These occurrences needed to be explained. Luke notes that the problems were caused by Jews or Gentiles, not the Christian preachers.
Judaism existed as a legal religion
Christianity had its roots in Judaism. Christianity fulfilled Judaism. From the “outside” Christianity was seen as part of, hand in hand with Judaism. Judaism was a legal religion of the times. Roman officials repeatedly find Paul innocent of wrong-doing. Furthermore, these same Roman officials allowed the gospel to continue to be preached.
In Defence of Paul Actions
Luke defends Paul against the accusations that he was preaching against Judaism. The Gentile believers did not have to:
"be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses" (Acts 15:5-11).
Paul did not preach the message or attempt to teach that Jews must abandon their traditions or the Old Testament. Paul strove to be a better Jew than the most ardent believer. He participated in Jewish rituals both in Ephesus and in Jerusalem. To further support this point, Luke even shows that Paul had to be forced to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Jesus personally calls Paul
Jesus call each of His followers personally. Paul was no exception. Jesus appeared to and miraculously called Paul to service to the Church. The church that Jesus was forming. Jesus personally commissioned him. Paul served the Antioch church by being sent out by them. Please notice that it was the apostle Peter who first preached to Gentiles. Paul’s commission came later. Paul preached to Jews first and to Gentiles only after Jews rejected the gospel.
The messages of Luke
In telling the story of the early church, many points are emphasized. These points pertain to us. These points are for us in our Christian faith. These points include repentance, faith, baptism and forgiveness of sins. Luke also undertakes a discussion of the Holy Spirit. He shows the Holy Spirit as an encourager in the Christian life. Luke also lays stress to the power of prayer.
The book of Acts is historical but not completely historical. The book of acts will answer questions like “What happened?” This is an historical view. There is an theological point of view in Acts also. These questions include subjects like “"what was Luke's purpose in selecting and shaping the material in this way?"
When you read Acts, read it with the expectation of taking what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and know that the Holy Spirit expects you to act upon the new found knowledge.
Remember to take notes and go back to your note.
Remember that Acts has both history and faith.
Remember the best way to get "into Acts" is to read acts all the way through in one or two sittings. Take notes! Take notes as you read and as you think about it after you read. Note what is being impressed upon you mind. Note the key people. Note the place where the action is. Do you see any recurring themes? After reading the book at one or two sitting, with notes in hand, go back and skim the book. Note what impresses you.
What did you find out about the personality of Paul? Of Peter?
What is your impression as to what Luke is trying to telll you? What is the Holy Spirit trying to tell you?
Was Luke was reporting history? Was Luke reporting what happened or that what happened was what should have happened?
Was It Luke’s Intent To Establish Norms For Our Lives?
Can the 20th century believer model their Christan lives and practices in accordance with the historical figures in the book of Acts? What should be our guide in these decisions.
In reading Acts and a observance is found. Further reading reveals that nothing contrary to the observance is found, then a case might b made. Remember Luke recorded what happened, not should have happened.
Upon examination of the rest of the New Testament, this same observance is found, this could be an even stronger recommendation.
On the other hand if there is several similar observances but these are not completely the same in all respects or if the observance occurs only once , it would be a good idea to seek God’s guidance in the matter . Examine the context of the observance. Do not just read what you want it to say. The context of the scripture must be thoroughly examined. .
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