Acts (Part 1) – Books of the Bible

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Bible Overview is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Bible study. Each month we feature a book of the Bible by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chaignot.

This month we continue our exploration of the New Testament with the first part of the Book of Acts, which is really the second volume of a two-part series -- the other being the Gospel of Luke. In the Bible, the Gospel of John separates these two books even though most scholars believe they were written as a unit. Reading through Luke’s gospel would be a good foundation for reading through Acts, because Acts picks up where Luke’s gospel ended. Acts is a book that chronicles the birth of Christianity. As in his gospel, Luke addresses his writings to “Theophilus,” who is obviously a Christian, and possibly his patron. The importance of these works is illustrated by the fact that together they occupy roughly one-fourth of the New Testament. If you want to read some of the history previous to this selection, you can find the earlier books in our archives.

The Bible Time-Line is another quick reference tool for locating individuals or specific books. We encourage readers to share their Bible Study success stories on this site. Email us at overview@biblewise.com to be included on next month's site.

Acts (Part 1)

Luke summarizes all that he had written in his gospel with the simple phrase, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” With that, he launches into a chronological account of the years spanning 30-60CE. It is the only document of its kind. No other writings give us a first hand glimpse of how events evolved after Jesus’ ascension. And yet, scholars are quick to point out that Luke was not interested in history per se, rather he wrote Acts as a document of faith. First and foremost, Acts is about God and about the way God works in the world. It’s a story that is told through the lives of real people, people who believed and prayed, and went forth teaching and preaching and healing the sick. But we already know some of these people from the Gospels; there, they were hardly infallible. They weren’t all that independent. Sometimes they weren’t even wise. On occasion they seemed very dense and distracted. In fact, they were quite ordinary. So how is it that in Acts they were so transformed that they could assume such strong leadership roles in the emerging church?

Luke attributes all of their achievements to the work of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, on five separate occasions, this Spirit is “poured out” on believers. This Spirit emboldens otherwise ordinary people to do extraordinary deeds. It is the Spirit that is actively involved in the story, directing and guiding it right down to the tiniest details. And this isn’t just outward work; this also involves the inner transformation of whoever is willing to receive it. And sometimes it comes at a great cost. Granted, there are plenty of signs and wonders, plenty of grand speeches, but there is also the aspect of suffering. Disciples embraced this suffering with confidence, consciously following in the footsteps of the Christ.

Luke has a specific agenda for writing it this way (possibly as late as 80CE). He needs to legitimize the workings of Christianity, which by anyone’s standards had become a very successful Gentile mission. Indeed, Theophilus might very well be one of the fruits of that endeavor. The reality is that by the end of Acts, the promises that God made to Abraham will have been thoroughly ensconced within that Gentile church. God will take “from among the Gentiles a people for His name.” And therein lies the problem. How could that have happened? The simple answer is that the Gentiles benefited from Christ’s message because the Jews, in large part, rejected it. This becomes more prominent in the second half of the book through the work of Paul and will be discussed in greater detail next month. For now, however, Luke’s focus is on chronicling the earliest moments of the church – even before there was a church. As always, God is the one at work from the very beginning until the final moment at the end. God took Jesus up into heaven; God rescued the apostles from prison; God told Ananias to baptize Saul; God gave simultaneous visions to Cornelius and Peter, not to mention sending an angel to escort Peter out of prison on the eve of his trial.

Luke’s agenda in doing this stems from his belief that Jesus was the savior for all mankind and, therefore, must be preached to all mankind. In this first half of Acts, he lays the groundwork for that new direction. While much of the story focuses on the apostles as the main characters, they are never in charge of events or even of their own destinies. The first half of Acts focuses on those early days when the church was just starting, when they were making history as they went along. They had nothing to guide them except that Holy Spirit.

There are two main divisions in Acts. This month we will focus on the first, 1:1-12:24. This chronicles the work of the disciples prior to Paul’s efforts. Within that first segment are four sections: 1:1-2:41 – Ascension and Pentecost; 2:42-6:7 – The Earliest Days of the Church; 6:8-9:31 – Events Surrounding Three Major Figures; 9:32-12:24 – The beginning of the Ministry to the Gentiles


I – 1:1-2:41 – Ascension and Pentecost

1:1-5		Introduction and prologue Provides a link between the two books, based on “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” Jesus showed himself to the disciples, spoke about the kingdom of God Told them to remain in Jerusalem They would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit”

1:6-8		Discussion on the end of time The time or date will remain unknown Their only job is to witness – to the ends of the earth

1:9-11		The Ascension Jesus was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid him Angels told them to go back to Jerusalem

1:12-26		Replacement for Judas

		1:12-14 All gathered in the upper room (including women) 1:15-26 Peter, acting as spokesperson, explained betrayal of Judas It was all according to Scripture Peter recounts the death of Judas (different from Matthew’s version) Apostles need to select replacement for Judas Two men were qualified Those present prayed, then drew lots Lot fell upon Matthias (who is never heard from again)

2:1-41		The pouring forth of the Spirit

		2:1-13 Pentecost Disciples were all gathered together, praying Heard the sound of a rushing wind; saw tongues of fire over each one Immediately they all began to speak in other tongues Other Jews also heard the sound, came to investigate Each heard the disciples speak in their native language People were all mystified Disciples were accused of being drunk 2:14-21 Peter’s first speech Peter spoke to the crowd, “not drunk” (too early in the morning!) Phenomenon is fulfillment of Scripture (Joel 2:28-32) Joel had prophesied the “pouring out of the Spirit” 2:22-36 Peter connects these events to Jesus Jesus was the Messiah; ushered in the new age Jews had put him to death, but death could not hold him All these events were confirmed by prophecies in OT 2:37-41 Response of the people They were convicted in their hearts, cried out to Peter Peter told them to repent and be baptized 3000 accepted his call, and were added to their numbers that day

II -- 2:42-6:7 – The Earliest Days of the Church

2:42-47		Description of early church Apostles did many signs and wonders Followers held all possessions in common Prayed and broke bread together Daily they met at the temple courts and praised God The Lord added to their numbers daily

3:1-26		Healing of crippled beggar

		3:1-10 Healing of the beggar Peter and John were on their way to the temple, beggar cried out Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you” Healed him on the spot Beggar jumped up, shouting, praising God, followed them into the temple 3:11-26 Peter’s second sermon Peter explained the healing as being the work of Jesus (the one they killed) Gave all who were gathered another opportunity to repent

4:1-31		Arrest and release of Peter and John

		4:1-7 Peter and John were arrested Priests and temple guards arrested them for preaching about Jesus Still, many people believed – 5000 were added to their numbers that day Next day, Peter and John were taken before Sanhedrin Asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?” 4:8-12 Peter’s response and witness of Jesus Peter was only too happy to answer (filled with the Holy Spirit) It was by the name of Jesus – the one whom you killed 4:13-22 Release of the apostles – with a warning Sanhedrin recognized they were unlearned men (making good arguments) Knew they had been with Jesus Sent them off with a warning never to speak or teach about Jesus Peter said right away that he wouldn’t be able to keep from talking about Jesus Nonetheless, Sanhedrin had no choice but to let them go 4:23-31 Response of fellow believers Peter and John joined those gathered for prayer, praising God After they prayed, house was shaken (evidence of Holy Spirit) They were all filled with Holy Spirit, spoke even more boldly

4:32-5:11		Workings of the church community

		4:32-35 Community shared all possessions in common 4:35-37 Introduction of Barnabas He sold his field and placed all at the feet of the apostles 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira In contrast to Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira sold property and kept some of the money for themselves Peter confronted Ananias Ananias dropped dead Peter confronted Sapphira – she lied about the price, also dropped dead Great fear seized the whole church

5:12-42		Apostles’ second appearance before the Sanhedrin

		5:12-16 Apostles continued to preach and heal in temple 5:17-33 High priest and Sadducees were very upset, had them arrested again During the night an angel opened the prison doors and brought them out Told them to go back to preaching in the temple Next morning Sadducees called all of Sanhedrin together Tried to figure out how to handle apostles Then realized they had escaped and were back at temple, preaching High priest reminded them he had told them never to preach about Jesus Apostles reminded him they had to obey God rather than men High priest and others wanted to put them to death 5:34-40 Gamaliel’s intervention Gamaliel (Pharisee) recommended they let them alone “If this is from human origin, it will fail; if it is from God, you cannot stop it.” Brought apostles back in, flogged them, and let them go 5:41-42 Apostles left rejoicing – they had been worthy of suffering for Jesus Continued to preach day after day about Jesus

6:1-6		Problem between Greek-speaking Jews and Hebrew-speaking Jews Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) were being slighted Widows were being overlooked in daily distribution of food Apostles (all Jews) gathered community – had them appoint seven helpers (all Greeks) Apostles wanted to devote all their time to preaching Helpers were to do administrative tasks Stephen and Philip were among those chosen

6:7		Summary statement re: growth of the church

III -- 6:8-9:31 – Events Surrounding Three Major Figures

6:8-8:3		Stephen’s ministry

		6:8-7:1 Opposition to Stephen Stephen was filled with the spirit, encountered opposition from Jews in synagogue Opponents brought false charges, Stephen was taken before Sanhedrin Stephen had the “face of an angel” 7:2-53 Stephen’s defense 7:2-36 Historical review of God’s intervention in Israel’s life Abraham, Joseph, Moses, exodus from Egypt 7:37-43 The giving and breaking of the law Idealizing life in the wilderness 7:44-50 Role of the temple 7:51-53 Resistance against the prophets Segue into their killing of Jesus – the Righteous One 7:54-8:1 Death of Stephen Sanhedrin was infuriated – mob-like response Stephen prayed for their forgiveness (similar to Jesus’ words on cross) Mob stoned him And Saul was there, giving approval to his death 8:2-3 Great persecution broke out against the church Saul began finding people (men and women) and putting them in prison

8:4-40		Ministry of Philip

		8:4-25 Philip and Simon, the sorcerer in Samaria Philip was very successful preaching and healing in Samaria Simon, the sorcerer, also believed and was baptized Upon hearing this success, apostles sent Peter and John to Samaria They prayed that the Spirit would be poured out on the believers Simon offered to pay handsomely for their blessings Peter told him his heart was not right with God Simon repented, asked for forgiveness Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching in villages all the way back 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch The Spirit told Philip to go south; he met Ethiopian eunuch on the way Eunuch was important official in charge of the treasury of the Queen Was reading from the book of Isaiah Philip offered to interpret it for him Told him all about Jesus Eunuch asked to be baptized; Philip complied Each went his own way

9:1-31		Conversion of Saul of Tarsus

		9:1-9 Saul on the road to Damascus Saul still on a rampage Obtained letters to search out Jesus’ followers in Damascus On the way, a great light flashed around him; he fell to the ground Voice asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Identified himself as Jesus Men with him heard the sound, but could not see anyone Saul was blind; for three days he ate and drank nothing 9:10-19 Ananias and Saul The Lord called to Ananias and told him to go to Saul and heal him Ananias hesitated The Lord told him Saul was his “designated instrument to carry the Lord’s name to the Gentiles” Ananias did as he was told Scales fell from Saul’s eyes; he could see and he was baptized 9:20-25 Saul in Damascus Saul quickly learned all about Jesus, began to preach in synagogues After a while, Jews plotted to kill him Followers of the Way helped him escape – lowered him in a basket outside the wall 9:26-30 Saul in Jerusalem Disciples were wary of Saul, avoided him Barnabas took him to apostles, gave him credibility Saul debated with Grecian Jews; they plotted to kill him Followers took him to Caesarea and put him on a ship to Tarsus 9:31 Summary statement regarding the growth of the church

IV - 9:32-12:24 – The beginning of the Ministry to the Gentiles

9:32-35		Peter went to Lydda and healed Aeneas Healed Aeneas, a paralytic for eight years (Similar to Jesus’ healing) Many people in Lydda turned to the Lord

9:36-43		Peter was called to Joppa, healed Dorcas Dorcas (Tabitha) was a disciple, always doing good and helping the poor She had died; disciples sent two men to get Peter from Lydda Peter arrived, put them all out of the room Said, “Tabitha arise” (very similar to Jesus’ statement to Jairus’ daughter) Many people believed

10:1-11:18		Story of Cornelius’ conversion

		10:1-8 Cornelius had a vision Cornelius and family were devout God-fearers Angel appeared to him, told him his prayers had been answered Angel told him to send for Peter (still in Joppa) 10:9-16 Peter had a vision (simultaneous with Cornelius’) Peter was up on the roof (hungry) and while praying fell into a trance His vision was that heaven opened, a large sheet came down Sheet was filled with all kinds of animals (clean and unclean) Voice told him to eat, but he declined to eat anything unclean Twice more the voice commanded him to eat “Do not call anything God made impure” 10:17-23 Messengers arrived at Peter’s house Spirit told Peter to go with them 10:23-33 Peter went to Cornelius’ house Cornelius was waiting with relatives and close friends Peter recognized it was wrong for him to associate with Gentiles Then he remembered his vision, no people are unclean either Cornelius shared his vision with Peter He asked Peter to tell them everything God commanded him to tell 10:34-43 Peter’s sermon in Cornelius’ house Told them all about life and death and resurrection of Jesus Told them Jesus had instructed his apostles to preach to all the world Gave Cornelius message of hope 10:44-48 While Peter was still talking, Spirit came upon all the Gentiles Peter’s friends who had accompanied him were witnesses to this fact Peter could see no reason not to baptize them all In essence, the Spirit had already determined their readiness All were baptized; Peter stayed there a few more days 11:1-18 Response of church in Jerusalem Circumcised Jews criticized Peter’s actions when they heard about it Peter explained what had happened, repeating his vision once again Peter told how the men arrived at his house, and he went with them Peter relayed the vision Cornelius had had, how he had spoken to them He told them about the Holy Spirit being poured out upon them If God had already chosen them, not to baptize them would be to oppose God People in the church praised God

11:19-30		The church in Antioch After some people had become followers of the way, church authorities sent Barnabas to go there to work Barnabas remembered Saul and went to Tarsus to get him to help Barnabas and Saul taught in Antioch for a whole year

11:27-30		Prophet (Agabus) came from Jerusalem to predict a great famine Church in Antioch sent money to Jerusalem Apparently Barnabas and Saul went to Jerusalem to deliver the money

12:1-19		King Herod arrested several apostles He had James put to death; Peter thrown in prison The church was earnestly praying for Peter The night before his trial, Peter was visited by an angel Chains fell off Peter; angel opened the prison doors and they walked out Peter was half asleep and didn’t even realize what had happened until they were outside Peter went to the house of Mary where people were gathered in prayer Knocked on the door; maid shouted, “Peter is at the door!” Those who were praying thought she was out of her mind Peter kept knocking; finally they believed her and Peter entered People were astonished; Peter told them how he had been delivered Peter left The next morning, the guards were executed for letting their “prisoner” escape

12:20-23		Death of Herod (44CE) According to Luke, he died suddenly in the midst of an audience “Worms ate his flesh”

12:24		Summary: And the word of God continued to increase and spread

With that summary statement, the first section of Acts comes to a close, laying the groundwork for Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. Paul (still known as Saul) has been recruited by Barnabas, a prominent member of the Jerusalem community. Peter (the most prestigious leader of the church) has set the stage for the mission to the Gentiles by virtue of his encounter with Cornelius. This will not solve the problem completely, as Paul will soon discover. Nonetheless, the story is poised to carry the movement to the next level. Next month we will follow the trials and triumphs of Paul as he brings the promises that God made to Abraham into the Gentile church.

Bibliography

Barclay, William. “Acts.” Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1975.

Gaebelein, Frank. “Acts.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 1981.

Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. “Acts.” Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville, TN, Abingdon Press, 2003.

Johnson, Luke Timothy. “The Acts of the Apostles.” Sacra Pagina. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992.

Witherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1998.