We are beginning (Fall 2004) a study of "Acts" and the Epistles. "Acts" begins with the Ascension of Jesus and the sending of the Holy
Spirit. In the Gospel by his name, Luke purposed by inspiration to present a clear and orderly account of all that Jesus began to do
and to teach for Theophilus and us (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1). Acts thus is a continuation of that account. Here the Holy Spirit continues to
trace what JESUS is doing and teaching as the gospel travels from Jerusalem to Rome and (since Rome was then the capitol of the world)
to the world (Acts 1:8). Thus the witness of the Holy Spirit is a continual glorifying of Jesus - a leading into the truth of all
His teaching.
"The Acts of the Apostles" is the title you will find in your Bible. That title was added by men many years after the book
was breathed by the Holy Spirit through the pen of Luke. The avowed purpose of this book as well as its contents demonstrate that a
better title would have been: "The Acts of the Arisen and Ascended LORD JESUS CHRIST'. Though we are given brief sketches
of the ministry of some of the Apostles, the continual emphasis is on He whom they herald. It is His resurrection that they preach. It is His
power that they reveal. It is His commands that they teach. This book thus serves as an example and a commentary of Jesus' continuing
fulfillment of His promise: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Thus the working theme of this book is "The Word of the LORD Grows. (Compare Acts 6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20, & 28:31) What a sermon there is for us in that oft repeated phrase. Humanly speaking there are ups and there are downs but the Word of the LORD was always growing. Men's actions may be zealous for the Word or against it. But always the Word of the LORD grows. The question is whether we will grow with it or away from it. Renew your daily study of God's Word and grow with it. Sometimes you may wonder: "What does this mean?" But keep studying the Word and you will grow in faith. Pumpkins can grow in weeks but it takes time and patience to grow an oak tree. Be a spiritual oak tree.
We sometimes recognize the value of something by what we would be missing without it. The loss of Acts would deprive us of
the background to the epistles, which we will study in their historical context in Acts. The loss of Acts would also deprive us
of tremendous examples of faith in action: evangelism, worship, and life.
The history of the New Testament Church is the history of the growth, progress and triumph of the Word of Jesus Christ, our
risen LORD and Savior. Those who believe in Him are His instruments to carry the Word of His Kingdom to their neighbors, friends
and the four corners of the world. The Word of the LORD grew from Jerusalem to Rome to you. That Word is the witness of the act of God in
history that gives us faith and hope: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its living under the dominion of that Word that
empowers us with the Spirit to earnestly strain toward the goal of being found in Christ at His glorious return, that gives us the bold
confidence to faithfully confess Christ in our lives, and that creates the will to joyfully serve Christ in unity and love.
ACTS -- The Word of the LORD Grows
Author: Luke, the "beloved physician" (Col. 4:14), a companion of Paul on His
missionary journeys. Luke wrote "Acts" as a sequel to his Gospel; they are both addressed to the same person (cf. Lk. 1:1-3, Acts 1:1).
Main Theme: Acts tells of the founding of the New Testament Church, the spread of the Gospel of the
crucified and risen Christ, and the missionary efforts of the disciples, particularly Peter and Paul.
Key Verse: "But 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." -- 1:8
Outline: (from Martin Franzmann in the Concordia Self-Study Commentary): "Luke has himself outlined the
structure of his work by inserting summarizing statements at six points in it. Each of the units marks a step in the progress of the
Word of the Lord on its way from Jerusalem to Rome."
I. The Word of the Lord in Jerusalem (1:1-6:7)
The Word creates and sustains a church in Jerusalem which overcomes internal tensions and triumphs and grows despite outward opposition.
Summarizing statement: "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of
priests became obedient to the faith." -- Acts 6:7
II. The Word of the Lord triumphs over persecution (6:8-9:31)
The Word goes to Samaria, and the persecutor Saul becomes the Lord's chosen instrument.
Summarizing statement: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It
was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." -- Acts 9:31
III. The Word of the Lord becomes a light to the Gentiles (9:32-12:25)
The Lord demonstrates through Peter and Cornelius that the Gospel is truly intended for all nations; a predominantly Gentile
congregation is founded in Antioch; Peter promotes Gentile freedom from Jewish ceremonial law.
Summarizing statement: "But the word of God continued to increase and spread." -- Acts 12:24
IV. The Word of the Lord Unites Jew and Gentile in one, free Church (13:1-16:5)
Paul's first missionary journey; the Judaistic controversy and its resolution at the Jerusalem Council.
Summarizing statement: "So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in
numbers." -- Acts 16:5
V. The Word of the Lord goes to Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia (16:6-19:20)
The second and third missionary journeys of Paul.
Summarizing statement: "In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power." -- Acts 19:20
VI. The Power of the Word of the Lord is made perfect in weakness (19:21-28:31)
Paul the prisoner witnesses before "rulers and authorities" (Lk. 12:11) and brings his Gospel to Rome.
Summarizing statement: "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught
about the Lord Jesus Christ." -- Acts 28:31"