(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: Acts – short for “The Acts of the Apostles,” though it primarily follows the ministries of Peter and Paul
• Definition: A historical-theological narrative that traces the birth, expansion, and empowerment of the early Church through the work of the Holy Spirit, beginning in Jerusalem and reaching to Rome

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Traditionally attributed to Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, also author of the Gospel of Luke; both books form a two-volume work
• When: Likely written around AD 62–70, possibly earlier if the abrupt ending reflects the situation prior to Paul’s martyrdom
• Audience: Addressed to Theophilus and intended for a wider Greco-Roman audience, particularly Gentile Christians and those interested in the origins of the Christian movement
• Purpose: To provide a theological history of the early Church, demonstrating the continuity between Jesus’ ministry and the apostolic mission, and to highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the global spread of the Gospel

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Structured as a historical narrative with speeches, travelogues, miracles, and legal proceedings; includes chiastic patterns and parallelism with Old Testament stories
• Key Themes: Holy Spirit empowerment, Church expansion, apostolic authority, persecution and witness, unity amid diversity, and fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Jesus is presented as the risen and exalted Lord who continues to work through His Church (Acts 1:1–11)
○ His death and resurrection are central to apostolic preaching (Acts 2:23–24; 3:15; 13:29–30)
○ Salvation is offered through His name alone (Acts 4:12)
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ Wind and fire at Pentecost symbolise the Spirit’s presence and power
○ Baptism represents cleansing, incorporation, and reception of the Spirit
○ The journey motif reflects the Church’s global and eschatological mission

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Divided geographically: Jerusalem (Acts 1–7), Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12), and the ends of the earth (Acts 13–28); includes nearly 30% speech content
• Canonical Significance: The only historical narrative in the New Testament after the Gospels; bridges the ministry of Jesus with the apostolic Church and provides the backdrop for the Pauline epistles
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Direct sequel to Luke; shares themes and language with the Gospel; provides context for Pauline letters
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Fulfilment of prophecy (e.g., Joel 2 in Acts 2); echoes of Exodus, kingship, temple, and covenant themes
○ Connections to the New Testament: Lays the foundation for Church structure, mission theology, and Spirit-led living; connects to the theological content of Romans, Corinthians, and Revelation
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: Jesus is proclaimed as the fulfilment of messianic prophecy (Acts 2:25–36; 3:18–24); the restored Davidic kingdom (Acts 15:16)
○ Connections with Judaism: Depicts the transition from temple-based Judaism to Christ-centred faith; preserves continuity while showing distinction
○ Connections with Islam: Reveres Jesus and some early figures as prophets; Islam also traces its heritage to Abraham, but differs on Trinitarian theology and apostolic succession
• Key Passages or Verses: Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptised… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”
Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else…”
Acts 17:28 – “In him we live and move and have our being”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: Luke acts as a theological historian, presenting the acts of the risen Christ through His Spirit-led Church, with accuracy and theological intent
• Who are the Main Characters: Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, James, John, Silas, Lydia, the Ethiopian eunuch, Roman authorities, and the Holy Spirit as the principal agent of mission

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Orchestrates redemptive history, directs mission expansion, and grants salvation to all who believe
○ The Son – Continues His work through His Spirit-filled witnesses, is exalted as Lord and Christ, and is the focus of proclamation
○ The Holy Spirit – Central character; empowers, guides, comforts, convicts, and performs miracles through the apostles and Church
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Prophetic voices arise in the Church (e.g., Agabus); Jesus is the final king and priest; apostles function as spiritual leaders and teachers
• Role of the Church: Born at Pentecost, marked by fellowship, teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer; expands across ethnic and geographic boundaries
• Role of Men and Women: Women like Lydia, Priscilla, and daughters of Philip play key roles in ministry, hospitality, and prophecy; both genders empowered for witness and leadership

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: From Jerusalem to Rome, including Samaria, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, and many Gentile regions
• Historical Context: Set during Roman imperial dominance; persecution of Jews and Christians occurred under various local authorities
• Cultural Context: A mix of Jewish traditions, Greco-Roman institutions, and Hellenistic urban life; tension between exclusivist and inclusive visions of God’s people

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Roman roads, Pax Romana, and trade routes facilitated Gospel spread; diverse languages and religions presented missional challenges
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Gentile engagement required navigation of idolatry, philosophy, and civic religion; Paul often addressed Greco-Roman audiences with adapted rhetoric
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: Debates on circumcision, food laws, and temple customs reflect tension between Jewish heritage and Gentile inclusion
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Synagogue worship, public debate, Roman trials, hospitality customs, and spiritual healing were key elements of daily life and mission

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Connects Jesus’ earthly ministry with the universal Church; bridges Jewish foundations with Gentile expansion
2. Theological Significance: Establishes pneumatology, ecclesiology, missiology, and soteriology; affirms God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises
3. Spiritual Themes: Empowerment by the Spirit, boldness in witness, unity in diversity, perseverance through persecution, and divine guidance in mission
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: The Gospel is for all. The Spirit empowers mission. Suffering accompanies faithful witness. The Church is God’s chosen instrument
5. The Book in Christian Theology: Foundational for understanding Church identity, mission theology, spiritual gifts, and apostolic succession
6. Historical Reception: Regarded as canonical from the early Church; highly valued for Church history, liturgy, and missionary practice

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Continues the narrative of redemption from Genesis through the prophets to Christ and the Spirit-empowered Church
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Viewed externally; some Jewish readers have studied it as a historical document on sectarian development
3. Connections with Islam: Acknowledges some common moral principles and spiritual devotion, though diverges significantly in theology and history
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Shaped Christian missions, education, social justice, governance models, and ecumenical dialogue
5. Scientific Perspectives: Studied for historical accuracy, sociological insight, linguistics, and medical terminology (consistent with Luke’s profession)
6. Global Perspective: Vital in global Christianity; models cross-cultural engagement, Church planting, and Spirit-led innovation across cultures

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: The Pentecost event is seen as spiritual awakening; divine guidance through visions and dreams interpreted as continuous in mystical traditions
2. Comparative Mythology: Distinct in presenting a historical and verifiable expansion of a real movement, not mythological constructs
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Explores identity, justice, courage, and ethical communal life through Spirit-transformed relationships
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Live in unity and generosity
   ○ Preach with boldness regardless of opposition
   ○ Submit to the Spirit’s guidance
   ○ Break down cultural and ethnic barriers in Christ
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Informs Christian approaches to diversity, persecution, leadership, social justice, and global mission

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Harmonising with Pauline epistles, understanding the historical accuracy of speeches, and interpreting miraculous events
2. Theological Debates: The role of the Spirit in Church leadership, continuation of spiritual gifts, and ecclesial authority across denominations
3. Key Questions Addressed: How does God grow His Church? What is the role of the Spirit? How should Christians live under political oppression? What is the relationship between Jewish roots and Gentile inclusion?