COURSE SUMMARY
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
The events described in Acts take place in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the surrounding occupied lands of the Greco-Roman empire as well as Asia Minor during the 1st century between 30-60 CE. Acts likely composed between 60 and 90 C.E.
ORIGINAL INTENDED AUDIENCE:
This work was authored by Luke along with the “The gospel of Luke” to be read aloud to a room full of Greek-speaking Jews who have placed their faith in Jesus and are now following the New Covenant. Specifically, this work would have been read aloud in its entirety before taking the Lord’s supper together in a small gathering.
LITERARY CONTEXT:
written in a “narrative” style. Much like a travel journal.
STRUCTURE:
Divided into five parts.
Jesus’ Commission
The arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Life within the Jesus movement
The Mission of the Church
Paul’s arrest
OVERARCHING THEME:
The Holy Spirit, the Great Commission, and the Church
UNIQUE FACTS ABOUT ACTS:
Famous name: “Acts of the Apostles” Perhaps misnamed from antiquity- only covers 2 of the apostle's works. Peter & Paul. Could be named “Acts of the Spirit” or “Acts of Jesus”
Completes the NT Pentateuch (4 gospels)
A bridge between the life of the Messiah and the epistles
Our only record of how the Church was birthed from Gentiles
Author - Luke. Written as a single work along with “Luke”
Comprises 25% of the NT and only one written by a gentile
Luke: travel companion & doctor for Paul (close friend). He died at age 84 and was unmarried.
