Acts is the only biblical book that chronicles the history of the church immediately after jesuss ascension. The first few times i read acts, all the new city and province names just blurred together in my. The blue letter bible ministry and the blb institute hold to the historical, conservative christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of scripture. In romans paul is writing to a church which he did not establish and which he had not visited at the time of writing. But in acts, several major characters loopdeloop their way around the roman empire. As we approach the book of acts, we must always keep in mind that luke wrote out of his background in the old testament and first century beliefs about the kingdom of god in christ. And this is one of the biggest problems with how people approach the book of revelation. The main issues revolve around whether he is a man perhaps a greek official for whom lukeacts is an apologetic for the gospel or a kind of generic everyman since the name means lover of god. For instance, luke claims that paul grew up in jerusalem, studying at the feet of many. All of this reading should enable you to write a 12 page section on the historical, cultural, and literary background of your passage. God used these events to draw attention to the apostles and disciples in jerusalem.
This will help you place yourself in the shoes or sandals of the apostles and understand the kindness of god in the gospel being for all people. Acts historical background from the life and epistles of st. The abrupt ending of acts allows for an early date around the time of the events, but could also be understood theologically to emphasize the continuance of pauls mission through other believers. The acts of the apostles major themes gospel renewal. Commentaries on the book of acts acts of the apostles actsphilemon. Introduction to the book of acts study resources blue letter bible. This study is part of the lifelight bible study series of indepth studies of bible books.
Apostle pauls timeline study resources blue letter bible. Aug 31, 2015 the inscription of the acts of the apostles probably reaches back to the beginning of the second century ce, since it is found in virtually every manuscript which contains this book, as well. Careseries is held at crossings community church okc campus, and adult courses are held on the second floor, in the adult education wing, unless otherwise noted. Fluent in seven languages, he made vast contributions to the literature of the new testament. The quick view bible big ideas in acts bible study notebook, bible study tips. Each study is designed to first teach the leaders the passage and then provide them with questions they can use to lead their group through a process of selfdiscovered learning. Commentary on the book of acts bible study lessons. This is the third in a series of three smallgroup bible study discussion guides luke 19, luke 1024 and selected portions of acts which explore the meaning of witness. Today begins a study of the book of acts in this daily bible study series. Additional texts, volume 1 the acts of the apostles translated from the codex bezae. The details of the voyage, which took paul and luke to rome, start in acts 27.
Most bible narratives take place in one corner of the near east. Much more than simply theology or a word study, the bible knowledge background commentary opens a window to transport the reader back into the setting of the new testament to see, touch, and hear as much of the world of that time as possible. The book of acts is an important book for understanding the actions of the apostles, mostly paul and peter, after jesuss ascension into heaven. This seminarylevel study also retains its depth and uses an engaging interactive format. The recipient of the book, theophilus, is the same person addressed in the first volume, the gospel of luke see introduction to luke. The book of acts ends with paul in house arrest waiting to present his case before caesar.
Was the church being persecuted when the book of acts was written. Authorship of actsluke is the author of the book acts. The ending of acts plays an important role in route of determining the books date. These letters were sent out as circular epistles to be passed around and read in several locations. Study basics about bible books, people, dates, places, and content, and take webbased selftests.
Luke acts makes up 28% of the new testamentmore than that written by either paul or john. This is a desperation move of the captain, when even the tackling must go overboard. The book of acts is the only historical record of the birth and early days following christs establishing his church. The new testament without the book of acts leaves a great yawning gap. Book of acts bible study book of acts bible study stories. This is the story of christianitys beginnings and how evangelism played. The book of acts bible study christianity oasis ministry has provided you with the book of acts bible study on the book of acts bible study events. It is worth noting that in this history of the early christian church, luke. And more important than that greek literature is the book of acts itself, where luke uses this same trio of expressions in chapter 7, where in stephens speech he uses those three verbs. The esv study bible includes maps on many of the pages in the book of acts that help illustrate the various places mentioned in acts and routes taken by the apostles as they proclaim the gospel. Watch our overview video on the book of acts, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Here are a few of the major themes weve already seen developed in the book of acts.
The book of acts provides a bridge for the writings of the nt. The group of soldiers and prisoners were under the command of a roman centurion named julius. A chapterbychapter bible study of the book of acts 2 acts the beautiful, amazing, powerful, weak, dysfunctional church table of contents scripture passage page 1. Introduction to the book of acts acts study guide medium. Purposes of the book of acts reformed bible studies. As the gospels end and the book of acts begins, we see a transition that men couldnt have predicted, but that god had long planned. Study 1 going through the book of acts words of life. It is useful to make some preliminary points on acts in order to highlight the importance of this book in the new testament. Content includes book studies on luke, ephesians, thessalonians, james, 1 samuel, john, and acts. Acts covers some of the most important events that occur in the history of the. Judging by mark allen powells introductory text on the nt 2009, petrine authorship is not as out of favor as it was.
Careseries classes and groups include dinner pizza and salad bar from 5. A bible study lesson series about the beginning of christianity as revealed in the book of the acts of the apostles. Some have suggested that a better title might be the acts of the holy spirit. Well try to put the book of acts in context to prepare us to take on the text. When we study an epistle, such as the book of james, we can usually find more background information about the audience and sometimes about the authors interaction with the audience in the book of acts. But theologians are well aware of the difficulties with which such. Acts is clearly on some of the acts or deeds of mostly peter. The bible knowledge background commentary, new testament by craig evans cook communicationsthis powerful reference tool written canonicallybookbybook, chapterbychapterprovides an indepth look at the historical, geographical, cultural, and economic background of.
It makes reference to about 100 geographical places including regions, provinces, cities, and islands around or near the mediterranean sea. Acts 25 background information with maps and images. It is a bridge between the gospels and the epistles. The book of acts tells the story of both the glorious and tumultuous. At this time moses was born same word as we have acts 22. Acts intro to acts biblica the international bible society. Book of acts overview insight for living ministries. Festus agreed and sent paul to rome to stand trial. The book of acts was likely written between ad 61 and 64.
Chapterbychapter bible studies acts kathleendalton. The offering sent by barnabas and saul to the jerusalem elders. Without this historical record, little would be known about the expansion of the church. Includes lessons about the kingdom of christ, church organization and worship, examples of conversion, the nature and purpose of miracles, and the work of the holy spirit. He was also the author of its companion work, the gospel of luke. Acts chapter 27 explained discover the 66 books of the bible. I love this book as it makes everything seem so real. Timeline of the apostle paul includes the year, the life of paul, the books written, and historical.
For ecclesiastical purpose, it may have been written in order to edify the church, serving as a history. Learn study bible 4 acts with free interactive flashcards. Intro to acts biblica the international bible society. He at this time ruled over all his fathers dominions. Three pages of questions to help you study the book of acts and open yourself for an encounter with god. There are many pictures, maps, and graphics throughout the book which makes the book of acts, pauls missionary journeys and everything else to really come alive. Bobdeffinbaugh graduated from dallas theological seminary with his th. Examine the historical, cultural, and literary background. Herod the kinggrandson of herod the great, and son of aristobulus. In one of his works defending the supernatural character of the new testament, he said of the book of acts. The book of acts ends just as it begins, emphasizing the apostles role as those who expanded gods kingdom on earth, through their proclamation. Extending the timeliness of a topic idea organizing your. The goal of lifelight is that through a regular program of indepth personal and group study of scripture, more and more christian adults may grow in their personal faith in jesus christ.
Luke is uniformly identified as the author acts by the second century a. Acts is the book that reveals the power of the church. Bob is a pastorteacher and elder at community bible chapel in richardson, texas, and has contributed many of his bible study series for use by the foundation. Acts records the apostles being christs witnesses in jerusalem, judea, samaria, and the surrounding world.
The purpose of lukeacts may be ecclesiastical or apologetic. As a second volume to lukes gospel, it joins what jesus began to do and to teach 1. It is an important book in understanding how we can be directed by the holy spirit and the role of jesus lessons in our lives. The book of acts was written within the lifetime of most of the eyewitnesses of the life, death and resurrection of jesus christ.
Pbb test of alternative text early church fathers additional textsgeneral introduction early church fathers. The latest date for the book of acts is in the second century writings of the church fathers. The historical background of first corinthians preaching. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 2 introduction to james background of the book the epistle of james is one of the general epistles, including 1 and 2 peter, 1, 2 and 3 john, and jude. Was christianity attractive to the socially disenfranchised. The book certainly does not tell all the acts of all the apostles.
The background of acts 2009 by third millennium ministries. There is no guarantee that a specific passage will have important elements in each of these categories, but there will definitely be at least general historical, cultural, or literary aspects to your passage. Acts ends abruptly with paul imprisoned in rome, waiting to bring his appeal before caesar. We find this important background information on the book of james in acts 8. More than likely, luke completed the book before either of these events occurred, sometime between ad 60 and ad 62, while paul sat in prison, awaiting the resolution of his appeal. The effect of his preaching had been to electrify the people of judah to the point that. Specific questions about the readings in the book of acts can be found in the attached study new testament acts study. Archaeological findings support the accuracy of lukes account.
One is simply to strengthen believers as witnesses to the work and life of jesus, both in history and in their lives. How does the historical setting help us understand acts. As you prepare to work through acts and new testament history this year, take time today to skim the book of acts. As i have been reading back through acts this week in order to regain my bearings, i have been reminded how much i love this book and how much we have learned already. Howson chronology of the acts some readers may be surprised that up to this point we have made no attempts to ascertain or to state exact chronological details. Thanks to the support of our faithful financial partners, american bible society has been engaging people with the lifechanging message of gods word for nearly 200 years. The book of acts comes at a special time in the bible story and there are some unique things to watch out for as you read. These notes are the culmination of many years of my teaching new testament studies, but as time rolls on, and the lord permits, i will add more information. Studies in acts chapters 1 3 by francis dixon study verses. It might also be called the acts of the holy spirit, as that person of the godhead is very much an active participant throughout the book. The book of acts mentions about 100 individuals by name. Davidistre abstract% thistrainingcoursestudiesthebook ofacts toprovideinsightintotheway theearlychurchworkedand. The second is to serve as preparation for urbana96. Rather, the focus is clearly on some of the acts or deeds of mostly peter the key figure in the first half and paul the key figure in the second.
The background of acts third millennium ministries. Romans is one of those books where an understanding of historical background is essential, but not to the extent that it is in others. In the case of research centers, this is because their purpose is to bring together scholars and practitioners who have interdisciplinary expertise in a particular area of study. Lesson 1 investigates the author, historical setting, and the theological background of. Besides linking the gospel narratives on the one hand and the apostolic letters on the. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for. Jul 15, 2010 during his trial, paul demanded his right, as a roman citizen, to be tried by caesar. This course is based on the lecture series, the book of acts, produced by third millennium ministries and presented by dr. They have their understanding of the book of revelation obscured by their lack of understanding about history, biblical language, and even modern opinions. In many ways acts is the most exciting book in the new testament because it is full of movement and interest. Acts and historical narrative, at luther seminarys bible tutor. Bible study of acts join us for an inspiring study on.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. This the book of acts bible study on the book of acts bible study verses looks at the book of acts bible study stories and asks what is the book of acts bible study about, who is in the book of acts bible study stories, why is the book of acts. The account in acts 2 focuses on the miraculous appearance of tongues of fire, when god gave the holy spirit and inspired the message from peter that convicted the hearts of many who were listening. Therefore, when a church begins to dwindle, lose its power, and turn dull and drab in its witness, it needs desperately to get back into the spirit, expectation, knowledge and teaching of the book of acts. This free course answers those questions by explaining the background, structure, and content of the book, including a study of the major themes and guidelines for applying the lessons of acts today. The acts actions of those who were being persecuted because of their faith. The book of acts was written to provide a history of the early church.
John the baptist had prepared the way for the messiah by teaching repentance toward god. Timeline of the book of acts from the bible generation word. Bible study tips for the book of acts unlocking the bible. If the book of acts were gone, there would be nothing to replace it the last recorded fact about jesus in the gospel of matthew is the resurrection. There are interesting facts as well as a good summary of all the events of the book of acts. Choose from 500 different sets of study bible 4 acts flashcards on quizlet.
Complete bible timeline links interlinear bible bible commentaries bible lexicon topical bible bible summary bible outline bible timeline childrens bible bible hub homepage. The acts of the apostles tell the story of the joy, suffering, and journeys across. Book of acts versebyverse bible study and indepth commentary of the acts of the apostles in plain english for everyone to understand. Lightfoot was one of the greatest scholars of his day.
The emphasis of the book is the fulfillment of the great commission. The acts actions of those whose lives were changed when they became christians. The book of acts ends with paul in house arrest waiting to. Like all scripture, the book of acts was inspired by the holy spirit. Timeline of the book of acts dates reference events books written historical events roman emperors c.