Lecture Notes: The Book of Acts

Introduction

• The Book of Acts is a continuation of Luke's narrative about Jesus.
• Focuses on how the Risen Jesus was exalted as the King of the world.
• Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to empower His followers to spread the good news of His Kingdom.

Early Church in Jerusalem

• The Holy Spirit formed Jesus' followers into a new temple.
• Conflict arose with Jerusalem leaders leading to persecution.
• Persecution spread the Jesus movement beyond Jerusalem, becoming multi-ethnic and international.

The Church in Antioch

• Antioch became the flagship Church of the diverse Jesus movement.
• Barnabas and Paul were key figures in the Antioch church.
• The Spirit prompted the church to send them on missionary journeys.

Missionary Journeys of Paul

1. First Mission

   • Journey into Asia Minor (modern Turkey).
   • Concludes with a significant meeting in Jerusalem.

2. Second Mission

   • Travels through Asia Minor and ancient Greece.

3. Third Mission

   • Repeats the territory of the previous missions, ends back in Jerusalem.

Key Themes in Paul's Journeys

• Mission to Israel:

  • Paul always visited Jewish synagogues first in new cities.
  • Some Jews accepted Jesus as the Messiah; others opposed Paul.

• Jerusalem Council Decision:

  • Debate on whether non-Jewish Christians should adopt Jewish customs.
  • Council decided against non-Jewish Christians needing to follow the Torah.
  • Groundbreaking decision: Jesus is the King of all nations, membership is based on trust in Jesus, not ethnic identity.

Cultural Clashes

• Clashes occurred in places like Philippi, Athens, and Ephesus.
• Early Christians were seen as subversive to Roman life and values.
• Accused of rebellion against Caesar, though no military threat was posed.

Paul's Trials and Imprisonment

• Arrested in Jerusalem, tried before Jewish and Roman leaders.
• Trials included appearances before the Sanhedrin, Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa.
• Imprisonment allowed Paul to write important apostolic letters.
• Appealed to Rome's highest court, resulting in transfer to Rome.

Paul's Time in Rome

• Under house arrest but able to preach and teach.
• Continued to announce the Kingdom of God under Caesar's nose.

Conclusion: Themes of the Book of Acts

• Demonstrates how the Kingdom of God spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth.
• Examples of faithfulness to King Jesus:
  • Sharing the good news of Jesus in word and action.
  • Forming diverse, equal, and united Jesus communities.
  • Trust in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• The book is about the establishment of the church and the spread of Christianity worldwide.