Acts of The Apostles
Acts 1:1—28:26
Doctrine. 36:00 – Written by Luke who used a different writing style and emphasis than what he used when writing the gospel. The style and approach is historical. There are some doctrinal issues. Many of the critical doctrinal issues today are spoken to in the book of Acts. The major theological contribution of this writing has four major doctrines:
The Person of Christ. The foundation of the faith of these first disciples was a person, a person who lived among them, and who claimed to be the Son of God. Luke began the book of Acts with some affirmations about Jesus. The risen Christ gave evidence and encouragement to the disciples who were faced with the task that was now before them.[1] The ascended Christ universalized the Gospel.[2] The coming Christ will return to bring to a climax all that God has done. The sermons included in the book of Acts further develop these themes according to Jesus Christ and affirmed that all of this happened in fulfillment of the promise of God which was made to the people of Israel.
Origin and Nature of the Church. The book of Acts is most important because of the insight it gives into the origin and nature of the church. In every century, God’s people raise the question, “who are we and why are we here?” The definite answers to these questions are found in Acts. The practice that provided power for the people of God. In the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, the church was empowered by the ministry of the Spirit to which God had called it. Luke outlined the qualities that should characterize God’s people in every generation. Doctrinal study, fellowship, worship at the Lord’s table, prayer, mutual support, and evangelism. In a very dramatic story of a healing in Acts 3:1–10 Luke epitomizes the ministry of the church. The ministry of the church is to take the resources available to them and apply the resources to the needs of the people.
Challenge Missions. The story of the expansion of the church through every barrier that was put up that was standing in the way provides a picture of the mission of the church which was to move out of obedience to the command of Christ[3] and His witness to the world to every inhabitant no matter what the cost may be. From the moment the disciples moved out of the upper room motivated by the power and presence of the Spirit to proclaim the gospel to the city of Jerusalem until the book closed with Paul in Rome proclaiming the gospel of Christ the books of Acts reminds us that our purpose as God’s people is to be on mission for Him. If we are born again Christians, then this is our mission. In Acts 1–7 we see the mission outreach of the church primarily to the Jews in Jerusalem. In Acts 8, the mission outreach of the church gradually expanded to include the Samaritans and then in Acts 10 the mission of the church was expanded to further include gentiles. Beginning in Acts 13 with the missionary journeys of Paul the mission venture spread throughout the known world, Luke was explaining to the people of his day the worldwide scope of their mission challenge.
Doctrine of God. Acts proclaims that God started something in Jesus Christ that cannot be stopped. The focus of the book is then on God. Primarily in the teaching on the Spirit, Luke gives us focus of the book. Therefore, it is a picture of the presence of God in the life of every believer through the Spirit. When the Spirit comes to a believer, the Spirit provides power,[4] boldness,[5] and character. Some of the terms that were used such as ‘signs’ and ‘wonders’ are common phrases that Luke used throughout the book and these were used to indicate the power of God which was manifest in our own lives. The disciples rely on the power in their bold proclamation of the gospel. Acts also clearly focuses on the purpose of God. God’s purpose is to provide every person with an opportunity to respond to His love and Grace that they may be redeemed. The picture of God given in the book of Acts is not complete until we notice what Luke says about the love of God. Peter’s classic statement was this, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. That excepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.[6] This is affirmed in every experience that is found in Acts. All people were created by God and all have equal opportunities to be restored to God through Christ. God’s love is for all of mankind. Luke was providing for the people of his day a fortune of God and a perception of the church that would inspire and encourage them as they carried out their work.
[1] Acts 1:15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)
[2] Acts 1:9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
[3] Acts 1:8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
[4] Acts 1:8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
[5] Acts 5:29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
[6] Acts 10:34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Refs.
Seay, William. 2019. New Testament Theology [MP3]. Andersonville Theological Seminary (ATS). Camilla, GA: ATS
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).