BNEW 213 – Acts of Apostles – Bruce McLarty – Fall 2011  

Name: _____________________________ Date: _______________  

I have read the entire book of The Acts of the Apostles January 1, 2010. 

_____________________________ _______________________________ (Printed Name) (Signature)

-OR- 

I have read _______ chapters of The Acts of the Apostles since January 1, 2010 

_____________________________ _______________________________ (Printed Name) (Signature)

39 27

A.D. 29-62

The Name of ActsThe Name of Acts• ½ of Luke/Acts, known as “A

History of Christian Origins” • By 2nd century known as “The Acts

of the Apostles”• Actually “Some of the Acts of Some

of the Apostles”• Since 4th Century – “Acts of the Holy

Spirit”

RecipientRecipient• Theophilus = “Loved of God”

(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1)

• A wealthy patron

• Eventually to more than one person – to the whole church (Philemon, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus were to more than just individuals)

Two Books – One PrologueTwo Books – One Prologue

Luke Acts

Luke 1:1-4Luke 1:1-4

PurposePurpose• Historical Purpose (orderly account)

• Apologetic Purpose (know the certainty)

• Theological Purpose (the things you have been taught)

? ?

Luke the WriterLuke the Writer• The Beloved Physician (Col. 4:14)The Beloved Physician (Col. 4:14)• A Gentile (Acts 1:19 – A Gentile (Acts 1:19 – theirtheir))• The Greek is formal & polished.The Greek is formal & polished.• Frequently with Paul Frequently with Paul

((we –we –16:6-10)16:6-10)• With Paul in Roman With Paul in Roman

Prison (Philemon Prison (Philemon 23-24; Col. 4:10-17)23-24; Col. 4:10-17)

Luke the WriterLuke the Writer• Irenaeus (A.D. 180) says Acts was Irenaeus (A.D. 180) says Acts was

written by Luke.written by Luke.

•2 Timothy 3:16-17

•2 Peter 1:21

• Theophilus – “loves…God”

• Starts where Luke ends

• Jesus appeared 40 days (3)

Kingdom of God (3)Kingdom of God (3)

• Political? (Herod, Crowds Jn. 6:15)• Not of this world (John 18:36)• Kingdom = “Reign or rule of God”• Restore the kingdom to Israel? (6)

Promised Holy SpiritPromised Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4Luke 24:49

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and

to the ends of the earth.

(Acts 1:8)

Theme of Acts

Outline of ActsOutline of Acts

1:8

Outline of ActsOutline of Acts

1:8

Jerusalem – (1-7)

Judea & Samaria – (8-12)

Ends of the Earth – (13-28)

Witnesses of the ResurrectionWitnesses of the Resurrection

• “Witness” appears 29 times in Acts

• Greek (martus) – martyr

• Means “eyewitness”

• Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection (Acts 4:20; 1 John 1:1-3)

Jesus….will come back! (11)

Ascension 2n

d C

omin

g

NowThe In-Between

Time

Waiting (12-14)Waiting (12-14)

• Mount of Olives – overlooks Jerusalem

• Sabbath Day’s Walk – ¾ Mile

• Upper Room

• The Women (Lk. 8:1-3; 23:49)

Mary, Mother of JesusMary, Mother of Jesus

This is the last time she appears in the New Testament (1:14).

Replacement for Judas (15-26)Replacement for Judas (15-26)

• Peter takes the lead (15)

• 120 Believers were together

• Judas had killed himself (1:18; Matthew 27:3-9)

• Their language = Aramaic (1:19)

• Akeldama = Field of Blood

Requirements for New ApostleRequirements for New Apostle(Acts 1:21-22)(Acts 1:21-22)

• A man (anēr = male)

• Been with them the whole time from John’s baptism to the Ascension

Apostle Selection ProcessApostle Selection Process

• Prayed• Cast lots (Barsabbas or Matthias)

– Leviticus 16:8– Numbers 26:56– 1 Samuel 10:20-21– Proverbs 16:33– Jonah 1:7– Last appearance of “casting lots” in New

Testament– Not used to select elders (Timothy & Titus)

Matthias is ChosenMatthias is Chosen• Replaces Judas• Apostleship was a mission,

not an office.• Eyewitnesses of the ministry and

Resurrection of Jesus• James was not replaced (12:2).• Ready for the greatest chapter in the

Bible.