Acts is the second part of Luke’s two-volume work that provides a selective account of the early shaping of the church. In volume one Luke expresses his intent behind his writing to Theophilus; “in order that he might know the certainty of the things he had been taught.” (Luke1:4) John R.W. Scott indicated that Luke approached his work from three points of view; a Christian historian, a diplomat and a theologian-evangelist. Luke’s work is now a tool to help us understand the apostles. Specifically, their words, actions, and intent behind them. Like Theophilus, many have questions about Christianity and Luke’s words assist in strengthening individuals’ beliefs and providing an account of how the church and its members should act. John R.W. Scott explains further that the two volumes should be considered “two stages of the ministry of the same Christ”. The first volume, the Book of Luke, ends with the end of Christ’s earthly ministry, and the second volume, The Book of Acts, begins His heavenly ministry.
John Wesley explains that the Acts of the Apostles shows “Christian doctrine, and the method of applying it to Jews, heathens, and believers; that is, to those who are to be converted, and those who are converted the hindrances of it in particular men, in several kinds of men, in different ranks and nations: the propagation of the Gospel, and that grand revolution among both Jews and heathens: the victory thereof, in Spite of all opposition, from all the power, malice, and wisdom of the whole world, spreading from one chamber into temples, houses, streets, markets, fields, inns, prisons, camps, courts, chariots, ships, villages, cities, islands: to Jews, heathens, magistrates, generals, soldiers, eunuchs, captives, slaves, women, children, sailors: to Athens, and at length to Rome.”
In addition to the Ascension of Jesus, Acts chapter one speaks to the promise and waiting for the Spirit. Peter also quotes Psalms 69 and 109 the prediction of Judas’ death and his subsequent replacement, Matthias. (Acts 1:1-26)
Chapter Two’s overarching theme is the establishment of the church starting with the outpouring of the Spirit, the crowd’s reaction, and Peter’s explanation of this fulfillment of the prophet Joel. (Joel 2:28-32) Peter then gives his first sermon attesting to Christ’s ministry on earth and His power over death. Through this sermon, about 3,000 were baptized as the apostles obeyed the command of God to baptize for the forgiveness of sins. (Acts 2:1-47)
Chapter Three opens with Peter and John healing a lame man. Peter then gives his second sermon, a warning to Israel, to “repent, then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out…” (Acts 3:19) Chapter Four explains the animosity of the religious leaders, sparking them to put Peter and John in jail. Yet because of their boldness, the church continued to grow. (Acts 3:1-26 and 4:1-37)
Chapter Five shows the struggle of the church from within when human nature, a corrupt spirit, seeps in. John R.W. Scott explains that the death of Ananias and Sapphira is important because it a. “illustrates the honesty of Luke as a historian” and “it sheds light on the interior life of the first spirit-filled community”. Satan was hard at work even then and Peter spoke out about the hypocrisy of their actions. This brought further respect from the people but also more jealousy from the leaders. (Acts 5:1-42)
Chapter Six brings about more struggles within the church. It opens with what seems to be racial tension between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews and the lack of support of the Hellenistic widows. This was addressed by selecting seven Spirit-filled men to be responsible for this ministry. Among those seven was a young man named Stephen. Acts 6:8 states that Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Disagreements led to plotting to arrest Stephen. (Acts 6:1-15)
Chapter Seven begins with Stephen addressing the Sanhedrin. John Wesley states that “And truly this solemn testimony of Stephen is most worthy of his character, as a man full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith and power: in which, though he does not advance so many regular propositions, contradictory to those of his adversaries, yet he closely and nervously answers them all”. To sum up Stephens address in two points, God keeps His promises and God protects His people. Stephen’s accusers so filled with vile hate took him out and stoned him leading him to be the first martyr(Acts 7:1-60)
Chapter Eight tells of the continued persecution of the church in Jerusalem by Saul. Saul made a vow to kill off all believers. While he was busy persecuting the church Peter, John, Phillip and Simon are preaching and performing signs and wonders. Peter and John explain to Simon that he cannot do anything to buy the presence of the Holy Spirit, that it is given to us by the grace of God through faith. (Acts 8:1-40)
Chapter Nine brings back attention to the man of Saul who received a decree from the synagogue to capture Christians. As he sets out to Damascus He is confronted by a voice “severe, yet full of grace”. (John Wesley, ) God who blinded Saul uses a man by the name of Ananias to pray for Saul so that his sight was restored. During this time the Holy Spirit fills Saul. His mission to capture Christians ends with Saul going to the synagogue proclaiming and proving that Jesus was the Christ. All who heard were amazed, yet many Christians were still skeptical of this man’s conversion. Chapter 9 ends with an account of Peter’s miracles. Aeneas was healed and the whole town saw the miracle and turned to the Lord. Peter also prayed and raised Dorcas/Tabitha from the dead resulting in more believing in the Lord. (Acts 9:1-43)
Luke preserved history for us to study so we can obtain a perspective on where we are now and how we connect to the future.
References:
John R.W. Scott, The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Acts, IVP Academic, 1990.
John Wesley, Notes on the Acts of the Apostles, Wesley Center Online, http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/john-wesleys-notes-on-the-bible/notes-on-the-acts-of-the-apostles/#Chapter+I
Zondervan,. The Amplified Study Bible.