Lesson 1 - Introduction

Lesson 1 - IntroductionOctober 28, 2012

Who Wrote the Book?• Luke• A Gentile convert to The Way• A physician by training

– Colossians 4:14• “14Luke, the beloved physician, sends you

his greetings ...”• Possibly from Troas

– Acts 16:8-10• A detailed and objective researcher

The Acts of the Apostles 2

Purpose of the Book of Acts• Written for Theopholis

– Possibly a Roman official (“most excellent”)

– Some contend that the title represents any “friend of God”

• Probably Luke’s patron– Covered Luke’s expenses as he traveled

and researched– Writing materials were expensive


Purpose (cont)• Second in a two-volume set

– Luke’s Gospel was Volume One• Luke seeks to provide a detailed

account of Jesus’ appearance, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and the Apostles’ works afterwards

• An early apologist of the Christian faith

• His writings were intended to provide evidence in support of the faithThe Acts of the Apostles 4

The World of Luke’s Day• Glory Days of the Roman Empire

– Romans occupy Judea– Governors and Client Kings rule– Pax Romana

• Secular Culture is Hellenistic– A remnant of Alexander’s Greek Empire– Greek is common language– Significant distinction and tension between

Jews who embrace Greek culture and those who do not

• Judaism is “religio licita”The Acts of the Apostles 5

Roman Empire – 1st Century


After the Ascension• Acts 1:12-14

– 12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.


For Discussion• Where did the Apostles go after the

ascension?– Possibly the same room as the Last

Supper– Far from certain

• Some attribute this room to the home of Mary the Mother of Mark

• With the number of pilgrims coming to Jerusalem for feasts, families with any substance had a guest room for visitorsThe Acts of the Apostles 8

For Discussion• What were they doing there?

– Waiting– Praying

• Who was with them?– The women who had followed Jesus– Note the reference to the Lord’s brothers– They have come to believe


Peter’s Leadership• Acts 1:15-17

– 15At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16"Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry."


For Discussion• Why would Peter be the one to step

up at this point?– Peter was a natural leader– Sometimes impetuous

• To whom did he speak?– This was possibly the core of what would

become the Jerusalem church• Note that they are probably no

longer in the upper room


Luke’s Interjection• Acts 1:18-19

– 18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)


For Discussion• Luke interjects this information for

the benefit of his audience, who would not have been familiar with these events

• Peter would not have needed to educate those to whom he was speaking at the time

• An example of Luke’s attention to detail


A Replacement for Judas• Acts 1:20-22

– 20"For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT'; and, 'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.' 21Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."


For Discussion• Why was it necessary to replace

Judas?– Was the success of The Way really

dependent on the number of Apostles?– “Let another take his place ...”

• Twelve represents totality, wholeness, and the completion of God's purpose– Twelve tribes of Israel– Possibly leaders of twelve tribes of New

Israel


For Discussion• While several others in the NT are

referred to as apostles, Peter states the qualifications for the one to take the place of Judas among the Twelve – an Apostle– Someone who has been with them since

Jesus’ baptism until His ascension


The Selection of Matthias• Acts 1:23-26

– 23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen 25to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.


For Discussion• Was this a proper way to choose a

replacement for Judas?– Gambling, drawing straws

• Note there dependence on God to direct the outcome

• Some see Paul as the ultimate replacement for Judas– Though Paul would have possibly

challenged such an assertion


Conclusion• This marks a time of waiting and

praying• Equipping Jesus’ disciples for future

service• Preparing to carry out the Great

Commission


Next Week• Lesson 2 – The Day of Pentecost


Documents

Lesson 1 - Introduction