Authorship of Acts
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Theophilus Long
!1 “They’re Real People!” By Pastor Jim Ayars 6 January 2018 Luke 1:1-4 1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. [ESV] “They’re Real People!” If it were not for Luke’s dedication of his two-volume historical record to him, we would never know of a man named Theophilus. Luke mentions him twice, first in the preface to his first book, now called the Gospel According to Luke, and second, in the opening lines of his second book, now called The Acts of the Apostles. In his dedication of the second volume, Luke wrote: “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” [Acts 1:1-3 ESV] Who was he? Most scholars have no clue. As early as the beginning of the third century, Origen, an early Christian commentator and theologian from Alexandria, Egypt, who lived from 184/185 – 253/254, suggested that the name Theophilus is really a metaphor for all believers. -
Acts of the Apostles Bible Study Lesson # 1 “What Is the Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church?”
Acts of the Apostles Bible Study Lesson # 1 “What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church?” Introduction The gospel writer Luke in his second volume, called “The Acts of the Apostles” or simply “Acts,” is giving Theophilus an account of the birth of the Church, how it organized and solved its problems, and its subsequent spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ following his ascension. Luke makes it clear that the Church did not start on account of any human endeavor but by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to give. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, the Church became an agent for change, bore witness to the faith and became a radically unique and diverse community. From Jerusalem at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the Church to spread to Syria, Asia, Europe and Africa. The Holy Spirit also took a wide range of people, from a Galilean fisherman to a learned scholar, to cities and towns throughout the Roman Empire to preach the good news, heal, teach and demonstrate God’s love. Despite the apostle’s imprisonment and beatings, and an occasional riot, the band of faithful managed to grow in spite of their persecution. The growth of the Church Luke credits to the guiding work of the Holy Spirit that cannot be bottled or contained. Women, children, Jews and Gentiles were coming together into a new sense of community and purpose through the common experience of encountering the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This bible study is produced to not only help the faithful understand God’s plan for the expansion of the Church but to challenge individual Christians as well as faith communities to seek to understand what God is asking them to do in light of God’s current movement of the Holy Spirit. -
One Ethiopian Eunuch Is Not the End of the World: the Narrative Function of Acts 8:26–40*
ONE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD: THE NARRATIVE FUNCTION OF ACTS 8:26–40* Curt Niccum Over the last century appreciation for the story of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26–40) has increased, although not at the same rate as Ethiopic Enoch. When modern interpreters began viewing the Book of Acts as a collection of roughly chronological vignettes, attention to the eunuch’s conversion centered on its minor contribution to the history of Christianity’s early expansion. As scholars turned to more literary approaches, the pericope’s perceived value rose because its indepen- dence from the surrounding narrative marked it as a source. Originally a Hellenistic Christian tale about the first Gentile convert, Luke poorly edited and purposely diluted its content in order to maintain Petrine primacy with the competing Cornelius story, which he favored.1 With the advent of narrative criticism, interest grew in the story’s contribu- tion to the overall message of Acts.2 Liberationist readings now have arguably given the passage its greatest prominence to date.3 At every stage in this development interpreters have associated the Ethiopian eunuch with Jesus’ statement in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the end of the earth.” As a result, even though the story’s stock has appreciated, the verdict about its message has basically remained the same. Luke composed, incorporated, or edited this event to reveal “the * I am grateful to Jim for the hours spent reading 1 Enoch with me, his careful reading of a technical dissertation, and his critical, editorial eye. -
2020 Yale Bible Study-Acts-Intro.Pages
Yale BIBLE STUDY The Acts of the Apostles Introduction The Book of Acts is the second volume of a two-volume work. The first volume is the Gospel According to Luke and the second volume is the Acts of the Apostles. The arrangement of our Bibles confuses the close relationship between these two works by separating them with the Gospel of John. Almost certainly the first readers of Acts would have read our book or heard it as the immediate sequel to Luke’s Gospel. Traditionally both volumes have been attributed to Luke and Luke has been identified as a physician and as Paul’s travel companion (see Philemon 24, Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11). The identification of Luke as the author of the Gospel and of Acts is later than the earliest versions of the writings themselves, but in these studies, we will refer to the author as “Luke” without trying to make a judgment about whether he was the Luke who is mentioned both in Acts and in the New Testament epistles. What we can tell about out author is that he is self-consciously a historian. Each of our four biblical gospels is written for particular purposes, but it is Luke who most clearly states the purpose of his two volume work in the prefaces he writes – Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-5. In the prologue to Acts, Luke states clearly that this is the second volume of his work. Both prefaces are addressed to Theophilus. Theophilus may have been Luke’s patron – the one who invited him to write the two volumes. -
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 – 14 Overview: Paul and Barnabas
Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 – 14 Overview: Paul and Barnabas begin their first missionary journey (13:4-12). Paul arrives at Antioch in Pisidia (13:13-15) and addresses the synagogue (13:16-43) and the Gentiles (13:44-52). Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium (14:1-7) and then to Lystra (14:8-20) and return to home (14:21-28). First Missionary Journey: 13:1 – 12 • Prophets/teachers: Two ecclesial ministries often listed by Paul (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:28) • Worshipping/fasting: Provide an opening to listening to the Holy Spirit and receive direction • Lay hands: Expresses the community’s setting apart for God’s mission (Kurz, 203). Correct Order Incorrect Order Worship/fasting – flows into mission Plan mission – ask God to bless our plans • Seleucia: Named after the Hellenistic dynasty that ruled northern part of Greek empire • John (Mark): Holy Spirit called Saul and Barnabas, but they also brought John Mark • Note: Mark will abandon mission and go to Jerusalem; Barnabas is from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) • Bar-Jesus: “Son of Jesus”; he was a Jew, magician, and false prophet (Kurz, 206) • Sergius Paulus: Gentile who desires to hear God’s word; from Pisidia Antioch in Asia Minor • Opposed them: Those who reject the gospel throw up roadblocks to its expansion • Key: Just as Satan opposed Jesus from the beginning, so Elymas opposed Paul at beginning • Paul: Luke switches from Saul (Jewish name) to Paul (Roman name) for the first time • Twisting: Son of the devil twists the straight paths of the Lord (Is. -
Bible Study Guide on the Acts of the Apostles
Investigating the Word of God Acts Artist’s Depiction of the Apostle Paul Preaching at the Areopagus in Athens Gene Taylor © Gene Taylor, 2007. All Rights Reserved All lessons are based on the New King James Version, © Thomas Nelson, Inc. An Introduction to Acts The Author There are no serious doubts as to the authorship of the book of Acts of the Apostles. Luke is assigned as its author. As early as the last part of the 2nd century, Irenaeus cites passages so frequently from the Acts of the Apostles that it is certain that he had constant access to the book. He gives emphasis to the internal evidence of its authorship. Tertullian also ascribes the book to Luke, as does Clement of Alexandria. That Luke is the author of the book of Acts is evident from the following. ! The Preface of the Book. The writer addresses Theophilus (Luke 1:3), who is the same individual to whom the gospel of Luke was also directed, and makes reference to a “former treatise” which dealt with “all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was received up” (1:1-2). This is very evidently a reference to the third gospel. ! The book of Acts and the gospel of Luke are identical in style, as a number of scholars have pointed out and demonstrated. ! The book of Acts comes as an historical sequel to the gospel of Luke, taking up with the very events, and at the point where the gospel of Luke concludes, namely the resurrection, the appearances following the resurrection, and the commissioning of the Apostles to the task for which they had been selected and trained by the Lord, and the ascension of Jesus. -
We Are Theophilus
March 2/3 WE ARE THEOPHILUS John Fuller, Senior Pastor INTRODUCTION This week, Pastor John begins our seven-week series Luke: The Gospel for the Rest of Us. He explains that in writing to Theophilus, Luke set out to write to the “average” person; hence the sermon title “We are Theophilus.” In the first three chapters of his comprehensive Gospel, Luke fills in the blanks regarding some areas of uncertainty about Jesus. To quote Pastor John, “So it was thought… but with God, there’s always more than we thought.” DISCUSSION 1. Read Luke 1:3-4 aloud. As Pastor John stated, “It’s easy to believe a few things about God without really believing God.” Discuss why it’s problematic to have some information about God without more complete knowledge and certainty. 2. Pastor John used passages from chapters 1-3 to help illustrate that life is not random. Discuss how Luke’s accounts of the following help teach us about God’s purposefulness: Zechariah & Elizabeth Mary & Joseph The Roman Census Prophecy about John the Baptist Jesus’s Genealogy 3. God chooses to use unexpected, ordinary people for His glory. Who are some of the characters in the first three chapters of Luke who help to illustrate this truth about God? In what ways does this bring encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord? Share with the group. 4. Heaven is not “earned” by anyone. Rather, it is for everyone who loves Jesus and surrenders their lives to Him. Read Ephesians 2:8-10 aloud. Discuss how this passage should influence us as a church community as well as individually. -
7 Sunday of Easter –A the Feast of Ascension of Our Lord a Beautiful Story Tells About How Jesus, After His Ascension Into
7 Sunday of Easter –A The Feast of Ascension of our Lord A beautiful story tells about how Jesus, after his ascension into heaven, was surrounded by the Holy Angels who began to inquire about his work on earth. Jesus told them about his birth, life, preaching, death and resurrection, and how he had accomplished the salvation of the world. The angel Gabriel asked, “Well, now that you are back in heaven, who will continue your work on earth?” Jesus said, “While I was on earth, I gathered a group of people around me who believed in me and loved me. They will continue to spread the Gospel and carry on the work of the Church.” Gabriel was perplexed and asked, “You mean Peter, who denied you three times, and all the rest who ran away when you were arrested? Do you mean to tell us that you left them to carry on your work? And what will you do if this plan doesn’t work?” Jesus said, “I have no other plan- it must work.” Truly, Jesus has no other plan than to depend on the efforts of his followers! The ascension focuses on the heavenly reign of Christ as an everlasting king, judge, and a loving father. Christ goes to heaven to sit at the right hand of his Father and intercede for us forever. That’s why today’s responsorial psalm mentions the universal kingship of Jesus who rules his people forever. Fact of the Ascension -Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles states, “While the disciples were still staring into the sky as he was going, the angels appeared and said to them, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking at the sky?’ ” The ascension of our Lord conveys a message of hope and a message of challenge. -
Acts 15:36-41 the First Division Among Church Leaders
The First Division among Church Leaders JUNE 21-23, 2017 Pastor David Andersen / PO BoxBible 2020, Chesterfield, Study VA Title 23832 / [email protected] Acts 15:36-41 “Then after some days Paul said to Paul owed Barnabas an incredible debt of gratitude for all Barnabas, ‘Let us now go back and visit our that he had done for him. Barnabas had introduced him brethren in every city where we have preached the to the Jerusalem church who had refused to trust him word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.’ 37) because of the terror he had inflicted upon them through his fierce persecution. When Barnabas had been sent to Now Barnabas was determined to take with them the church at Antioch, after his ministry began to be John called Mark. 38) But Paul insisted that they blessed there, he went to Tarsus to get Saul to help him. should not take with them the one who had Their dynamic pastoral leadership together caused the departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not believers to “first be called Christians at Antioch.” On their gone with them to the work. 39) Then the first mission trip, after Paul had won the king and taken contention became so sharp that they parted one his name, Barnabas gave him the leadership of the mission team. Thus, he became the primary speaker as from another. And so Barnabas took Mark and they visited the synagogues in Pisidian Antioch and sailed for Cyprus; 40) but Paul chose Silas and Iconium where it seems that over half of these cities are departed, being commended by the brethren to won for Christ. -
THE ACTS of the APOSTLES Introductory Notes
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Introductory Notes 1 Who wrote Acts? u Acts of the Apostles is part 2 to The Gospel of Luke. The same author is thought to have written both books. u The Gospel of Luke describes the ministry of Jesus Christ, his birth, death and Ascension. u Acts of the Apostles focuses on the ministry of Peter in the first half of Acts and on Paul’s ministry in the second half. u Luke makes many comparisons between their ministries and the ministry of Jesus. 2 The Author u No where in either the Gospel of Luke or in Acts of the Apostles does the writer identify himself. u Both books are dedicated to “Theophilus” who may be a patron to whom the books are dedicated. u Tradition has called the author, Luke, a “fellow worker,” and companion of Paul or “the beloved physician” mentioned in Col 4:14, 2 Tim 4:11, and 2 Cor 8:18. 3 The “we passages” in Acts u Most of Acts is written in the third person as a narrator telling a story would. u In other places, Luke writes in the first person using "we," as in "we" did this or that. u These "we" narratives provide the most detailed accounts in Acts including the time Paul spent in Philippi. u These passages point to a person who was there with Paul and a witness to some of the events in 4 Acts. Genre u Acts is considered a narrative account. The text is a series of stories about the Apostles told in story form. -
“Becoming a World Communion Church” October 4, 2020
“Becoming a World Communion Church” October 4, 2020 Overarching theme: In 2020, FUMC will be a GO church! Instructions: When using this material as teacher, feel free to pick and choose the point you want to emphasize in the lesson. The format of the curriculum is designed to have an abundance of information in which to refer as desired. Core Point: The past is the past. There is nothing that can be done about it. The past can only be used to gain wisdom for the future. What can change is the future. When we, as God’s people, are willing to follow God in our daily lives, God will make a good way in the future. The way may be bumpy at times and have curves, but the process will be filled with God’s love and grace. Acts: Acts is a companion volume to the Gospel of Luke, continuing the story of Jesus’ followers and tracking the church’s growth after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Both books are written by the same author and addressed to Theophilus. The writer’s name isn’t given in either book, but early tradition names the author as Luke, doctor and companion of Paul. Whoever the actual author was, these works contain no specialized medical language or otherwise reflect a doctor’s touch. They do reveal an educated writer of considerable literary skill and extensive knowledge of Jewish and Greco-Roman history, religion, and society. Theophilus was likely a prominent Roman citizen who supported Luke’s project. He may have funded Luke’s research, writing, and publication. -
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Luke 1. Luke Never Met Jesus. in Fact, None of the Evangelists Did. After the Resurrection
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Luke 1. Luke never met Jesus. In fact, none of the evangelists did. After the Resurrection, the Apostles went out to preach the good news, as instructed by Jesus, handing on stories of his miracles, sayings, teachings, and most importantly, passion, death and Resurrection, to the new Christian communities they founded. It was not until after the first Apostles began to die that the next generation of Christians began writing down some of the material they had received. Eventually, people such as Luke pulled this material together into a cohesive Gospel account. 2. Luke is also thought to be the author of the Acts of the Apostles, a book which continues the story where the gospel leaves off. There is much continuity between the books as many of the same themes found in the gospel are also developed in Acts. In addition, we see the Apostles performing many of the same miracles we saw Jesus perform in the Gospel, highlighting the connection between their ministry and Jesus’. 3. It is possible that Luke was at one point one of Paul’s travel companions. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul relays greetings to the community from several of his companions, including a physician named Luke. From the earliest centuries, many believe this companion to be the evangelist. 4. Luke was most likely a gentile from Antioch (Syria) addressing a gentile audience. Unlike Matthew, Luke makes few references to Old Testament quotes and explains Jewish traditions, in addition to being attentive to emphasizing that the Gospel message is addressed to all peoples, including gentiles.