Acts Introduction Bible Teaching

The Book of Acts

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Acts 1.3
Milk
July 12th 2015
The ACTS of the Apostles.

An Overview of the Book of Acts

The working title we use today to describe what is the fifth and frankly the last of the historical books of the New Testament (with the first four being the four Gospels). In our vote on "which book to cover" last week I was just a tad bit disappointed to cover the Book of Acts only because it is ANOTHER historical account (rather than being an epistle) – and the teaching of historical accounts can, at times, not move us as, say the theologically driven points of view as say, the Pauline epistles.

But don't take me wrong. There are a LOT of things that will come to light because of what occurs in this rich history and I am frankly quite excited to cover this very insightful and informative book. In the early church the Book was called the "Acts," "The Acts," and also "The Gospel of the Holy Ghost," and "The Gospel of the Resurrection." When we call it "The Acts of the Apostles" it is a bit of a misnomer because it does not speak of all the Apostles and their Acts but really only the acts of Peter and Paul. John is mentioned three times, and James (the son of Zebedee) is only mentioned as having been put to deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. by Herod.

So other than verse 13 in chapter one (where it reads) . . . "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James" . . . the Acts of the Apostles are really limited to the Acts of Peter and Paul, who in some ways represent the work of God among the Jews (Peter) and then the Gentiles (through Paul).

There is mention of Philip but it is debated when this is speaking of Philip the Apostle or one of the seven chosen by the Apostles who was known as Philip the Evangelist. We will get more to him when his name pops up and this debated topic. Additionally, we have to note that the word Apostle simply means "a delegate" or "one sent" and with that being the case we could call anyone or anything "apostle" – angels, Jesus, his specially chosen, missionaries – whatever is sent.

In this light, then, we could include others actions that are mentioned in Acts who were NOT properly part of the twelve but were "sent" and are in some cases even called Apostles (like a companion of Paul named Barnabas). So, if we are speaking of Jesus chosen apostles and/or simply anyone who had been sent out this book ought to be called, "Some Acts of Some Apostles" since it is certainly not exhaustive.

Luke, the Author

It is generally agreed upon that Luke is the author – and with that being the case let's talk for a minute about the man known as, "the beloved Physician – Luke." Luke was a Gentile. Isn't that interesting? Not a Jew. From his hand we get the Gospel that bears his name and the Book of Acts. We don't really know when he converted to the faith nor what occurred in his life that brought Him to the truth.

In Luke 1:2 he intimates that he received his information from those who were "eye-witnesses and ministers of the word from the beginning." It is believed that he was a physician in Troas and was probably converted by Paul to whom he then sort of attached himself. Acts 17:1 tells us that He accompanied Paul to Philippi but that he was not imprisoned with Paul there nor did he continue to travel with him after his release.

Then Acts 20:5-6 tells us that on Paul's third visit to Philippi he again meets up with Luke again who probably never left for what was about eight years. Then Acts 20 tells us that when Paul went to Jerusalem Luke was his companion. Then he disappears from view again (during Paul's imprisonment at Jerusalem and Caesarea) and then, according to Acts 27, Luke shows back up when Paul sets out for Rome and accompanies him again until the end of Paul's first imprisonment there. The last we read of Luke is in 2nd Timothy 4:11. Due to mentions in Pauls writings (and in his own) it seems Luke was an adept physician of his day.

Listen closely

The Beginnings of the Christian Church

Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts

In the opening of his Gospel account, Luke addresses Theophilus, setting forth a declaration of the truths believed among the early Christians. He describes how he has gained a perfect understanding of the events from the beginning and writes to ensure Theophilus knows the certainty of these things. The Gospel ends with Jesus' ascension, where the Apostles are described as witnesses who return to Jerusalem with great joy.

Acts as a Continuation

The book of Acts serves as a continuation of Luke's narrative, addressed to the same Theophilus, detailing all that Jesus began to do and teach until His ascension. This sequel illustrates the power and working of the gospel across nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts provides a record of the early church's beginnings, highlighting the ongoing influence of the Savior through the Holy Spirit.

The writing of Acts is believed to have occurred between AD 61 and 65, with Luke possibly having accompanied Paul to Rome. This context suggests it was composed in retrospect rather than in real-time after Pentecost, which happened around AD 30-33. The book maintains a consistent style and idiom with Luke's Gospel, even though he does not mention himself by name.

The Theme and Structure of Acts

The theme of Acts is encapsulated in Acts 1:8, emphasizing the Apostles as witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." However, the term "uttermost part of the earth" does not refer to the entire world but rather a specific area or region.

Acts begins with the event of Pentecost around AD 33 and concludes with Paul's first imprisonment around AD 63 or 64. The narrative is divided into three parts:

1. Chapters 1-12 detail the first twelve years of the Christian church, from Jerusalem to Antioch, focusing on the church's expansion among the Jews through Peter's ministry.

2. Chapters 13-21 cover Paul's missionary journeys, highlighting the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles and the establishment of churches.

3. Chapters 21-28 describe Paul's time in Rome and the events leading to it, marking significant developments in the church's history.

The Importance of Context in Acts

There is something important we have to remember about the book of Acts. We often, as believers, look at Acts as a history of the early Christian, Apostolic church. But I think we need to be cautious about this approach. One reason I say this is because God does not, like He does in Leviticus with the temple rites or as He does with Moses in Exodus, lay out specific orders for us in the narrative. We have to remember that this was a time unparalleled in Christian history and context plays an enormous role in what is done and why.

Also, we have to consider all that HAS NOT been included or answered for us here. Acts does not tell us ANYTHING about the church at Jerusalem after the conversion of Paul – that is pretty significant. It does not give us any details about Paul’s journey into Arabia (which Galatians 1:17 speaks about) it doesn’t give an account of the propagation of the gospel in Egypt, or in Babylon (which Peter will mention) nor does it speak of the foundation of the church at Rome. Additionally, since we are not of the Catholic persuasion and don’t think everything begins and ends with Peter, think of all the things the other apostles were involved in and doing that were not recorded.

The Key Themes of Acts

The key to the book is not necessarily to describe how to do church but to first, testify and describe the coming of the Holy Spirit. Remember the Lord promised that, after he had departed to heaven, he would send the Holy Spirit to carry forward the great work of redemption. We read all about Jesus descriptions of this in John 14-17 and we will here read of their fulfillment. Because the finished work of Jesus is actually carried out into the world and into the hearts of people it is really important that we have a record of it coming in the first place. Secondly, the book teaches us what it looks like when people are touched by the Holy Spirit.

So Acts records the effect of the gospel when it comes in contact with the minds of all people of every class. From it we can see that revivals do occur as Acts reports the very first in the Christian body. Acts also contains a record of the organization of the Christian church – and the simplicity of what it consisted of is rather impressive. From here we also get sample stories of martyrdoms, Peter opening the Gospel to the Gentiles and the conversion of Paul. We will meet sorcerers, witches, pagans, and believers who are struck dead. We will see first-hand how the apostles operated and of course the journeys of Peter and Paul.

This books contents also validates the contents of many of the Epistles – one of the greatest values it brings to the rest of the Bible. Finally, through the book we will read first hand of the Good News spreading out past Jerusalem and into Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and Rome. We will read of its spread to Arabia, Asia Minor, Greece, Macedon, Italy, and Africa. All from the hands of eleven fishermen and one Pharisee convert being used by the Holy Spirit to ensure the viability of the faith.

Acts as a Connector

Now, as we stated last week, and it’s something I will reiterate over the course of our study together – Acts is a lynch-pin that serves to connect the Old Testament, the Law, the Jewish economy and Peter (who represents it all) and the New Covenant, Grace, the age of the Gentiles, Paul, and the transition between the two. I want to paint the picture of what it happening vividly and right from the start because understanding the context of what is said and done in the book will go a long way in our seeing it all in REAL time rather than as events that must be exactly replicated in our day and age.

Excuse the repetition if you have heard this example before. In Huntington Beach there is a place known as the river Jetty.

Describe . . .
(river of fresh water)
(sea of salt water)
(the place of confluence)
(extremely violent and choppy)

The Ebb of Judaism and the flow of the vast ocean. Uproar over the disintegration of Judaism, the apostate Christians, rituals, circumcision, food, social intercourse and the like. Try and keep the imagery of this tumultuous time in mind as we cover the content of this fantastic historical book.

The Introduction to Acts

will cover larger segments of it than we would if it was an epistle of theological or practical instruction. Alright? Here we go.

The Ascension of Jesus

Act 1:1 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 GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future.: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Alright back to verse 1

Understanding Theophilus

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Speaking of his Gospel, Luke refers to it as, “the former treatise.” The former book. In the Greek, "the protos logos," The words I have written before and he adds: “O Theophilus.” Theos Philos – or “Friend of God.” In Luke he is referred to as “Most excellent Theophilus.” Some have taken this greeting to mean that Theophilos was a real individual or friend of Lukes to whom he wrote. Most excellent seems to prove this. However, there are those who think Luke was using a play on words here and was addressing ANYONE who was a “theos” “philos” or “friend of God.” Additionally, it is believed that most excellent refers to a rank or title rather than a very complimentary greeting.

“Most excellent” is also applied (in the New Testament) to Felix and Festus – in Acts 23:26; 24:3; and 26:25. And we will learn that both Felix and Festus were both procurators in Judea and so men of rank. I would suggest that Luke, being a Greek, was writing to a friend or acquaintance who was also Greek and his letters were sent to him because he was a man of rank and had the power to see the publication of both Luke’s Gospel and this history we call Acts. Again – “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach . . .

If we were biblical literalists we would have to say that Luke recorded EVERYTHING that Jesus did. John said he assumed the whole world couldn’t contain ALL of what Jesus did so I think when we read this from Luke we know that “all” here does NOT mean “all” but instead probably ALL that the Holy Spirit moved him to report. All is a tough word in scripture because there are times when we ought to read it to mean all and there are times when it is merely representative.

For example, when Paul was dealing with Elymas the sorcerer we read in Acts 13:8 “But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, and said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” It’s doubtful Elymas

The Hyperbolic Language in Scripture

was full of All Subtilty, ALL mischief, and was against ALL righteousness . . . but instead these were hyperbolic expressions to say that Elymas was messed up. Again, it’s up to each of us to decide how we will read the text provided.

Paul said of himself in 1st Timothy 1:16

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering . . .” but I do not believe Paul experienced ALL longsuffering – Jesus, yes, but not Paul.

In the second chapter of Matthew we read:

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Doubtful All of Jerusalem was troubled WITH Herod. Speaking of the influence of John the Baptist, Matthew also wrote:

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan.”

Again, figure of speech because ALL Judea and ALL the region round about Jordan did not go out to Him. Many? For sure. But not all.

Interpretations in Acts

We are going to read in chapter 2 of Acts the following:

“And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.”

Hyperbole – but an interesting one. Here’s why. We COULD read this in the following way – that present at Pentecost were Jews from every nation under heaven where Jews had been living. I think this is reasonable. What makes it interesting is that this would mean Jews who were in the America’s according to the Book of Mormon story would have to have been there because they were living in another nation under heaven. Ever thought of that? I never have.

In any case, all does not always mean all in scripture. Sometimes it does – it ALL depends.

The Use of "Began" in Scripture

“All that Jesus began both to do and teach.” “Began” is often used in scripture to describe “what was or is” and NOT necessarily what was beginning.

For example we read in Genesis 9:20 that "Noah began to be an husbandman," but it means he was and husbandman. Also in Genesis we read “Which God began to create and make," which means again, "which God created and made." In Mark we read, "And some began to spit on him," but Matthew describes this as "they did spit in his face."

(Verse 2) 2 Until the day in which he was taken up (Ascended into heaven – We will read in verse 9 one of the two accounts in scripture of the Lord being take up.

Understanding Luke's Account

), after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Now, remember, remember – Luke is writing this looking back over his shoulder. This was not written in real time but instead Acts was written probably some thirty plus years later. So what he SEEMS to be saying here in verse 2 is:

“The account in my Gospel described the things Jesus did and taught UNTIL the day in which He ascended,” and then “after He ascended He (continued) through the Holy Spirit to give commandments to the apostles He had chosen.” But there is another way to read this and different versions of scripture support it.

It understands the passage to say:

“The account in my Gospel described the things Jesus did and taught by the Holy Spirit to the Apostles He chose UNTIL the day in which He ascended.”

The Modern King James, the Revised Standard and the WNT literal translation all present this verse in this way, saying (respectively)

“until the day He was taken up, having given directions to the apostles whom He chose, through [the] Holy Spirit.” And the RSV reads: “until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.” And the literal (WNT) says: “after giving instruction through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles whom He had chosen, He was taken up to Heaven.”

This leaves us to try and understand the meaning and I bet within this small group there will be those who will say:

Luke means –

“The account in my Gospel described the things Jesus did and taught UNTIL the day in which He ascended,” and then “after He ascended He (continued) through the Holy Spirit to give commandments to the apostles He had chosen.”

And there will be those of you who say Luke means:

“after giving instruction through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles whom He had chosen, He was taken up to Heaven.”

We could debate both sides pretty well.

Jesus' Teachings After the Resurrection

I am personally of the opinion that Luke was saying that His Gospel included only those things Jesus did and taught by the Holy Spirit to the Apostles until He was taken up. I say this because his Gospel does NOT describe the things Jesus would teach the Apostles AFTER He ascended. For whatever it's worth.

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:

We read the accounts of Jesus appearing or showing Himself alive after His passion in the Gospel account of John, but here Luke says: “By many infallible proofs.” It’s a phrase that does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. In secular Greek writing, the phrase means “an infallible sign or argument by which anything can be known with certainty.” And here it means the same thing. He provided them with evidence that could not be misinterpreted or misunderstood, and these infallible proofs might include them touching Him, His eating with them, and speaking with them, and meeting them at different times and His working many “miracles,” as John 21 says.

Luke adds: “Being seen of them forty days.” Okay. There are no less than twelve different appearances of Jesus to his disciples.

1. To Mary Magdalene (John 20:14; Mark 16:9.)
2. To the other women, (Matthew 28:9).
3. To Peter, 1st Corinthians 15:5; Luke 24:34.)
4. To two disciples as they were going to Emmaus, (Mark 16:12. Luke 24:13-32.)
5. The same day at evening, to the apostles, in the absence of Thomas, (1st Corinthians 15:5; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36; Joh 20:19-24).
6. To the apostles when Thomas was present, (John 20:24-29.)
7. In Galilee, at the sea of Tiberias, to Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, and John, and two others, (John 21:1-14.)
8. To the disciples on a mountain in Galilee, Matthew 28:16.)
9. To more than five hundred brethren at once, (1st Corinthians 15:6.)
10. To James, one of the apostles, 1st Corinthians 15:7).
11. To the apostles at his ascension, Luke 24:50,51; Acts 1:9,10.
12. To Paul, 1st Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:3,4; Acts 22:6-10.

Kingdom of God

And then Luke adds: “and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” I suppose Luke is pointing out that Jesus did not just show up and say, “Here I am,” but showed up and continued to teach and instruct and speak with His chosen apostles. I find this fascinating.

In fact, to me it suggests that there is so much going on in God’s efforts toward the redemption of humankind as evidenced by the fact that Jesus, while the author and finisher of the faith, continued to direct and teach and guide His apostles in what they then needed to do – even to guiding Peter to feed, feed, feed the sheep. This attitude tells me that there remains choice, and efforts, and meaning and purpose in our walk and conversion – that those who came before us certainly did their part but we too have parts to play. It’s one of the reasons I push back against God being so utterly Sovereign that we have no choice or control over how we choose to live or act or be.

And what did Jesus speak to these men about? Luke says, “The things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” All the way back in the Gospels John the Baptist came and preached that, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In scripture the phrases, “kingdom of heaven,” “kingdom of Christ,” and “kingdom of God,” refer to the same thing.

Prophesies of the Kingdom

All the way back in Daniel in the Old Testament he wrote (in chapter 7:13-14)

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

For hundreds of years Hebrew prophets had preached and foretold of a successor to David that would sit on the throne and the Jews expected a great national deliverer to come as a result. They thought that when the Messiah would appear, all the dead would be raised, judgment would take place, and that the enemies of the Jews would be destroyed, putting the Nation of Israel in…

Jesus and His Kingdom

A place of dignity and honor.

But Jesus came and plainly said to Pilate:

“My Kingdom is NOT of this world.”

So when He was speaking with his chosen Apostles He was describing to them what would take place in this eternal, immoveable, spiritual Kingdom which He came and established – and would oversee from the right hand of the Father.

More next week.

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