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Chapter 13

Acts of the Apostles

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Key Topics/Themes

A continuation of Luke’s two-part narrative of Christian origins

Emphasizes same themes of Luke

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Introduction

Volume two of Luke’s two-volume narrative of Christian origins

Highly selective account concentrating on Christianity’s movement from Jewish roots into Hellenistic cultures

Paul as Luke’s hero of Hellenistic Christianity Theologically oriented like Luke

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The Divine Plan of Humanity’s Salvation

Theme verse: Acts 1:8 Christianity to spread to “the ends of the

earth” Luke’s major theme: how God’s Spirit is

operating in human history to bring God’s promises to Israel to pass

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Luke’s Use of Speeches

Parallel to use of speeches in writings of Greek historians

Thucydides a good example

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Organization of Acts

Reflects Luke’s interest in showing Christianity moving from its Jewish roots

Moves into Hellenistic cultures Ends when Christianity’s hero, Paul,

comes to Rome preaching the Gospel

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Prologue and Account of the Ascension (1:1-11)

Significance of “forty days” God’s rule to be realized gradually through

the spread of the Christian message Jesus’ ascent into heaven

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Founding of the Jerusalem Church (1:12-2:47)

The Apostles The Holy Spirit at Pentecost The Jerusalem commune

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The Work of Peter and the Apostles (3:1-5:42) Peter’s second speech Jewish leaders acted “in ignorance” in their

condemnation of Jesus Confrontations between apostles and

Jerusalem religious leadership God intervenes to assure fledgling Church’s

success

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Persecution of the Hellenist Jewish Christians (6:1-8:40)

Disputes between the Hellenist and Hebrew Christians

Stephen: the first Christian martyr The Samaritan mission

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Preparation for Mission: Paul and Barnabas (9:1-12:25)

Paul’s vision of the risen Christ Peter’s call to baptize the Gentile Cornelius The fate of the blasphemer Herod Agrippa I

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First Missionary Journey: Jerusalem Conference (13:1-15:35)

Paul teamed with Barnabas at Antioch Paul and Barnabas make first missionary

journey to Asia Minor The Jerusalem Conference Paul’s independence of the apostolic

church

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Second Missionary Journey (16:1-18:21) Basic themes of second half of Acts

Spirit’s control over the Church’s growth Favorable response of Gentiles to Gospel Roman officials familiar with and indifferent toward

Christianity Paul teamed with Silas and Timothy

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Second Journey (continued)

New work in Macedonia Philippi Thessalonica

New work in Athens Paul’s attempts in Athens Corinth

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Third Missionary Journey (18:22-20:38) Emphasis on Paul’s lengthy stay in Ephesus Influence of religion of John the Baptist Influence of Apollos Competition with Artemis cult at Ephesus Paul resolves to go to Jerusalem

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Paul’s Arrest and Imprisonment (21:1-26:32)

Paul’s desire to take offering to Jerusalem Paul’s presence in Jerusalem Temple sparks

a riot Paul saved by Romans who arrest him Christianity and the state in Acts Christians’ political influence in Acts

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Paul’s Journey to Rome(27:1-28:31)

Long sea travel section narrated in first- person plural

Paul shipwrecked at Malta Paul arrives in Rome Possible reasons Acts ends so abruptly Paul preaches at Rome “openly and without

hindrance”

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Summary

Acts a continuation of Luke’s Gospel Focuses on Peter and Paul Traces Christianity’s rapid expansion from

Jewish roots into Gentile cultures throughout Roman Empire

Acts as Luke’s apologia for the faith

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Summary (continued)

Christianity a new religion that is an outgrowth of Judaism

Christianity no threat to the Roman state