NLT Illustrated Study Bible - Book of Acts - Flipbook - Page 5
Gospels & Acts | ACTS
1961
testified about the life and ministry of Jesus (1:22; 10:3941; see Luke
1:2) and explained Jesus’ significance in God’s plan to redeem humanity (Acts 2:40; 3:15; 4:33; 10:42). Matthias was chosen to replace Judas
in the company of the twelve apostles (1:1226). Later, other Christian
leaders shared in the task of testifying for their Lord; Stephen and
Philip are two outstanding examples of bold witness to their faith
(7:253; 8:440). Other Christians simply shared their faith as they had
opportunity (e.g., 8:14; 11:1921). Later, God called Paul to participate
in this enterprise as his “chosen instrument to take my message to the
Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel” (9:15; 22:121;
26:223). Paul, like Peter, occupies a central role in Acts as a major witness for Christ.
The apostles proclaimed that the death and resurrection of Jesus was
God’s plan fulfilling Scripture (2:2236; 3:15; 4:2728, 33; 7:52; 8:3235;
10:3843; 13:2639). Jesus was the one appointed to redeem humankind,
so the apostles’ message was, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be
saved” (16:31). God offers his grace and forgiveness to all. “There is peace
with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (10:36).
OUTLINE
1:15
Prologue: The Promise
of the Holy Spirit
1:6–5:42
The Church Begins
in Jerusalem
6:1–12:25
The Church Grows From
Jerusalem to Antioch
13:1–21:17
The Christian Message
Goes to the Gentiles
21:18–26:32
Paul in Jerusalem
and Caesarea
27:1–28:31
Paul Goes to Rome
BEHIND THE TEXT
Purposes of Acts
History. Acts describes people, places, and events
involved in the early spread of the Good News.
Geography. Acts shows how the message was taken
from Jerusalem to Rome (1:8; 9:15).
Biography. Peter, Stephen, James, and Paul were the
principal figures leading the Christian movement.
Evangelism. Acts gives clear examples of how Christian
leaders proclaimed the Good News to different audiences (note the speeches of chs 2–5; 7; 10; 13; 22; 26).
Acts shows that the Gospel is open to all—not only to
Jews but also to Gentiles (2:811; 8:425; 10:1–11:18),
and not only to men but also to women (5:14; 8:12;
16:1315; 17:4, 12, 34; 18:26; 21:9).
Politics. Acts presents a strong defense of the Christian faith to Jews (4:812; 7:253) and to Gentiles
(24:1021; 26:123). Luke argued that Christianity
was entitled to the same protection Judaism enjoyed
as a “permitted religion” and that it represented no
danger to Rome (18:15; 19:37; 23:29; 25:25; 26:32).
Authorship
Luke was Paul’s traveling companion (see 16:10) and
was with Paul during his later years (2 Tim 4:11). Several passages in Acts appear in the first person (“we”;
Acts 16:1018; 20:515; 21:118; 27:1–28:16), which
suggests that Luke was with Paul for those parts of his
journeys. Paul calls Luke the “beloved doctor” in connection with other n
on-Jews who were working with
Paul (Col 4:11, 14; see Phlm 1:24). Paul was grateful
for Luke as a faithful co-worker and friend.
Luke was also apparently the author of the Gospel
that bears his name. The theological viewpoint is consistent throughout both works. Each book highlights
the historical reality of God’s action in redemption, the
role of the Holy Spirit, the central place of prayer, the
importance of angels, and the fulfillment of OT promises in the life of Jesus and in the Christian community. Luke saw God as governing the course of history
for the outworking of the divine purpose.
As a responsible Hellenistic historian, Luke used
good historical methods and described his procedures
in detail, writing an accurate and orderly account of
Christian origins (Luke 1:14). Where other sources
can verify Luke’s writings, he demonstrates that he was
careful and accurate. Luke was also a literary artist, a
gifted storyteller who perceived and clearly portrayed
the hand of God in the development of the Christian
community. He is one of the most important historical
writers between Polybius, “the last of the great Greek
historians” (100s bc), and Eusebius, the first major
church historian (ad 275–339).
Place and Date of Writing
Acts was probably written in Rome, though Greece
and Asia Minor are possible locations.
Acts is generally dated between the early 60s ad and
the end of the expected life span of Paul’s c o-workers
and traveling companions (mid-80s ad). Many scholars have opted for a date after ad 70, arguing that Luke
used Mark as one of his sources and dating Mark in the
late 60s. However, Acts makes no mention of the outcome of Paul’s trial (about ad 62); the death of James,
the Lord’s brother (early 60s ad); the persecution of
