Lecture Notes: The Book of Acts

Introduction

• Luke-Acts: A unified two-part work by Luke, co-worker with Paul.
  • Volume 1: The Gospel of Luke, about Jesus' actions and teachings.
  • Volume 2: Acts, about what Jesus continued to do and teach through the Spirit.

Main Themes

• Traditional name: "Acts of the Apostles" is misleading.
• Central Character: Jesus, acting through the Spirit.
• Revised Name Suggestion: Acts of Jesus and the Spirit.

Beginning of Acts

• Risen Jesus spends 40 days with disciples, teaching about the kingdom of God.
• Connection to Luke's Gospel: Jesus restoring God's kingdom, enthroned as king through His sacrifice and resurrection.
• Promise of the Spirit: Empower disciples as witnesses "in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Jesus' Ascension

• Jesus taken up in a cloud (Daniel 7 imagery).
• Significance: Jesus enthroned as the son of man, sharing in God's rule.
• Promise: Jesus will return.

Design and Themes of Acts

• Story: Jesus leading His people by the Spirit to spread His reign.
• Geographical Spread: Begins in Jerusalem, then to Judea, Samaria, and globally.

Focus on First Half of Acts

Pentecost

• Event: Disciples receive the Holy Spirit during the feast of Pentecost.
  • Signs: Wind, flames, speaking in multiple languages.
• Connection to Old Testament: God's fiery presence in tabernacle/temple, prophetic promises of Spirit in the new temple.
• New Temple: Jesus' new covenant family, not a building.

Unification of Tribes and Announcement to Nations

• Pentecost Gatherers: Diverse Israelites responding to Peter's message.
• Formation of New Communities: Generosity, worship, and celebration.
• Conflict: Hostility from Jerusalem leaders, tale of two temples.

Two Temples

• Jesus' New Temple: Community of Jesus' followers.
• Jerusalem Temple: Traditional religious leaders opposing.
• Significance: New temple fulfilling God's purpose.

Persecution and Spread of the Message

• Stephen's Speech: Accused leaders of rejecting God's messengers.
• Result: Stephen's martyrdom, persecution spreads followers to Judea and Samaria.

Multi-ethnic International Movement

• Philip in Samaria: Conversion of Israel's enemies.
• Paul's Conversion: From persecutor to advocate.
• Peter's Vision: Acceptance of non-Jews into Jesus' family.
• Antioch Church: First large multi-ethnic church.
  • Role of Barnabas and Paul.
  • Jesus' followers first called Christians.
  • Base for international missionaries.

Conclusion

• First Half of Acts: Highlights the spread of the message and establishment of diverse communities.
• Next Steps: Continues with international mission efforts.