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Chapter 13
Acts of the Apostles
Key Topics/Themes
A continuation of Luke’s two-part narrative of Christian origins
Emphasizes same themes of Luke
2© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.
Introduction
Volume two of Luke’s two-volume narrative of Christian origins
Highly selective account concentrating on Christianity’s movement from Jewish roots into Hellenistic cultures
Paul as Luke’s hero of Hellenistic Christianity Theologically oriented like Luke
3© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.
The Divine Plan of Humanity’s Salvation Theme verse: Acts 1:8 Christianity to spread to “the ends of the
earth” Luke’s major theme: how God’s Spirit is
operating in human history to bring God’s promises to Israel to pass
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Luke’s Use of Speeches
Parallel to use of speeches in writings of Greek historians
Thucydides a good example
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Organization of Acts
Reflects Luke’s interest in showing Christianity moving from its Jewish roots
Moves into Hellenistic cultures Ends when Christianity’s hero, Paul,
comes to Rome preaching the Gospel
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Prologue and Account of the Ascension (1:1-11)
Significance of “forty days” God’s rule to be realized gradually through
the spread of the Christian message Jesus’ ascent into heaven
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Founding of the Jerusalem Church (1:12-2:47)
The Apostles The Holy Spirit at Pentecost The Jerusalem commune
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The Work of Peter and the Apostles (3:1-5:42)
Peter’s second speech Jewish leaders acted “in ignorance” in their
condemnation of Jesus Confrontations between apostles and
Jerusalem religious leadership God intervenes to assure fledgling Church’s
success
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Persecution of the Hellenist Jewish Christians (6:1-8:40)
Disputes between the Hellenist and Hebrew Christians
Stephen: the first Christian martyr The Samaritan mission
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Preparation for Mission: Paul and Barnabas (9:1-12:25)
Paul’s vision of the risen Christ Peter’s call to baptize the Gentile Cornelius The fate of the blasphemer Herod Agrippa I
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First Missionary Journey: Jerusalem Conference (13:1-15:35)
Paul teamed with Barnabas at Antioch Paul and Barnabas make first missionary
journey to Asia Minor The Jerusalem Conference Paul’s independence of the apostolic
church
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Second Missionary Journey (16:1-18:21)
Basic themes of second half of Acts Spirit’s control over the Church’s growth Favorable response of Gentiles to Gospel Roman officials familiar with and indifferent toward
Christianity Paul teamed with Silas and Timothy
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Second Journey (continued)
New work in Macedonia Philippi Thessalonica
New work in Athens Paul’s attempts in Athens Corinth
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Third Missionary Journey (18:22-20:38)
Emphasis on Paul’s lengthy stay in Ephesus Influence of religion of John the Baptist Influence of Apollos Competition with Artemis cult at Ephesus Paul resolves to go to Jerusalem
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Paul’s Arrest and Imprisonment (21:1-26:32)
Paul’s desire to take offering to Jerusalem Paul’s presence in Jerusalem Temple sparks
a riot Paul saved by Romans who arrest him Christianity and the state in Acts Christians’ political influence in Acts
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Paul’s Journey to Rome (27:1-28:31)
Long sea travel section narrated in first- person plural
Paul shipwrecked at Malta Paul arrives in Rome Possible reasons Acts ends so abruptly Paul preaches at Rome “openly and without
hindrance”
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Summary
Acts a continuation of Luke’s Gospel Focuses on Peter and Paul Traces Christianity’s rapid expansion from
Jewish roots into Gentile cultures throughout Roman Empire
Acts as Luke’s apologia for the faith
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Summary (continued)
Christianity a new religion that is an outgrowth of Judaism
Christianity no threat to the Roman state
19© 2009 McGraw-Hill Higher Education. All rights reserved.