THE BOOK OF ACTS

THE BOOK OF ACTS

 

Give an explanation of the genre of the book of Acts as theological history.  

The book of Acts is similar to the Gospel genre according to Klein et al.[1] It is considered to be a narrative a various places, times, events and characters who give theological truths within the book.[2] The book of Acts does not focus on most of the apostles, which some Bible experts believe that giving it the title, Acts of the Apostles, is misleading in that its primary characters are Peter, Paul, and deacons such as Stephen and Philip.[3] The more preferred name would be Acts of the Holy Spirit due to the works that the Holy Spirit did in the lives of the believers who received Him on the Day of Pentecost and thereafter.[4]Klein highlights some of the errors that many interpreters have made regarding the book of Acts due to false dichotomies.[5] He claims that some scholars are overtaken with the archeology of Acts to prove its credibility and have lost sight of its theological tones. Other scholars, while remaining conscience of Acts’ theology significance, have unjustly claimed that Luke as its author contradicts the writings of Paul and various historical facts.[6] Then there are scholars who suggest that Acts is nothing more than a book for those wishing to find entertaining adventures written within.[7]

What are the implications for this particular genre on the interpretation of the book?  

Klein et al suggest that all three perspectives mentioned above can be intertwined in understanding the book of Acts without there being any competition or imbalance amongst them.[8] The historical aspects of Acts should be understood which involves the various characters, places, events, and customs held during that time.[9] Works work of history in writing Acts was to teach and tell of the work that God was doing in the lives of His people.[10]Therefore, the theological content written within Luke’s writings was necessary in  order to convey the work that the Holy Spirit was doing to further the Gospel to the world through the believers.[11]

How does the reader differentiate between the theology and the history in the book?  

The theology of Acts tells how the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of the believers beginning with Jesus instructing the disciples to be his witnesses throughout the earth, the rise of the church, and the hardships and challenges they faced as they set out to the work required of them.[12] A history of Acts includes understanding its archeological factors.

What kinds of things should an interpreter look for in Acts so as to understand properly the message of the book?  

To understand events in Acts correctly, it is important for the reader to link those events to Luke’s overall outline and themes in order to not erroneously make assumptions that was not part of his intentions when writing – therefore, thinking vertically.[13] The reader should also treat the books of Luke and Acts as one.[14] Theological and redactional emphases occurs in both books.[15]Special attention should be granted to those texts in which the church comes together to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in operating in unity.[16] The reader should look for parallels of the disciples’ lives in Acts with those in Luke when they were with Jesus.[17]

In your opinion, should Acts be read for doctrinal purposes?  Why or why not?  Please give examples from the book of Acts.

Yes, Acts should be read for doctrinal purposes. When we look at how the early church came together as one, we can learn that as the body of Christ, we are to do the same and share with one another. We live in a society that every man looks out for himself, but if we are to truly be Christ’ body, we are to be as giving to one another as they early church was. “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need” (Acts 2:44-45).[18]

The early church acted in unity through the leading of the Holy Spirit because when the Spirit came down, they were all on one accord. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).[19] In order for the church to have power as they early church did, we must stop the division, chaos, and competition that is amongst many believers in order to do the work that we have been called to do.

The early church worshiped, prayed, broke bread and fellowshipped together. “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).[20] How many times have we seen believers who do not even like each other – let alone will fellowship with one another? In order to be an example to the world, they should see that we exemplify Christ in our behavior with each other and to others. It is not just about what we say we are, but that we act in accordance to who we say we are as being Christians. 

We must learn to “be” the church and not just “go” to church. The early believers knew that they’re being the church was not just something to do or a place to go but who they were. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).[21]Souls depend on us being the example for them to see and only by being the true church can we hope to win them to Christ which is the mission given to the church.

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[1] William W. Klein, Robert L. Hubbard, and Craig L. Blomberg, Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2017), 532.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid., 533.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Ibid.

[12] Liberty University, "Presentation: Narrative in Acts," Liberty University Blackboard, 2012, http://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_423042_1&content_id=_23316425_1.

[13] Klein, Hubbard, and Blomberg, Biblical Interpretation, 535.

[14] Ibid.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Ibid.

[17] Ibid., 536.

[18] Acts 2:44-45 (New Living Translation).

[19] Acts 2:1 (King James Version).

[20] Acts 2:46-47 (New Living Translation).

[21] Acts 20:28 (English Standard Version).