Lecture Notes: The Book of Acts - Chapters 8-12

Overview

• Focus on Judea and Samaria sections of Acts.
• Evolution from a Jewish community to a worldwide movement.
• Explore the link between Luke's historical theology and Paul's theological insights.

Key Events and Themes

Mission of Philip (Acts 8)

• Persecution and Spread of Church: Great persecution led to stoning of Stephen, intending to end the church but actually spreading it.
• Philip in Samaria: First recorded Jewish Christian going to Samaria, reversing racism and religious bigotry with love and compassion.
• Ethiopian Eunuch: Holy Spirit guides Philip to preach to and baptize the Ethiopian eunuch.
• Miraculous Teleportation: Philip is miraculously moved to Azotus, continues preaching, showcasing the unstoppable spread of the gospel.

Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)

• Famous Conversion: Saul, a zealot, compares himself to Phineas, zealous for the holiness of the Lord.
• Encounter with Jesus: Saul is blinded on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion.
• Ananias' Role: Holy Spirit instructs Ananias to help Saul, despite initial fear, leading to Saul’s baptism and filling with the Holy Spirit.
• Saul’s Immediate Preaching: Saul begins preaching about Jesus in synagogues soon after conversion, indicating early acceptance.
• Church Growth: Acts 9:31 - The church had peace, was built up, and multiplied.

Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10)

• Non-Jews in Jewish Movement: Addressing whether non-Jews need to become Jews to be part of the movement.
• Peter’s Vision: Vision of impure foods leading to understanding of accepting Gentiles.
• Cornelius’ Household: Holy Spirit falls on Gentiles, leading to their baptism, known as "Gentile Pentecost."
• Acceptance of Gentiles: Peter defends acceptance of Gentiles to Jewish Christians, emphasizing God’s work.
• Repetition of Narrative: Story retold to emphasize God’s inclusion of Gentiles.

The Church in Antioch

• Formation: Persecution leads to formation of a multi-ethnic church in Antioch.
• First Called "Christians": Term initially a slur becomes the identity of believers.
• Paul and Barnabas: Team teaching and growth of the church.
• Famine Prophecy: Agabus predicts famine; Paul and Barnabas prepare to support Jerusalem church.

Conclusion

• Understanding Judea and Samaria: Section details growth from Jewish to multi-ethnic church.
• Worldwide Movement: Evolution from a local Jewish sect to an international community.
• Theological Connections: Luke’s historical theology aligns with Paul’s teachings, setting the stage for future missionary work.

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Study Questions

1. How does Acts depict the spread of the early church despite persecution?
2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the events of Acts chapters 8-12?
3. How does the conversion of Cornelius affect the early church's view on Gentiles?
4. In what ways do the events in Antioch signify a shift in the early church's identity?