...The Acts of the Apostles Following the wonderful story of the coming of God through man in Christ, the task of spreading the word and the good news fell on the hands of the apostles. It was their duty to expand the church and proclaim their message, exalting Christ and his kingdom. When it was time for Jesus to leave the earth he tells his disciples to continue his work and prepare for his second coming, a day only The Father knows. As the disciples leave Mount Olivet, the point of ascension, they congregate and try to figure out how to carry about God’s mission to the rest of the world, and wonder if the spirit of the Lord is still with them. Their answer came on the Day of Pentecost. On this day, as the disciples were praying and praising the Lord, the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they began to praise the Lord in foreign languages, languages familiar to the foreign onlookers – essentially speaking in tongues. The leaders of this movement were Peter and John, who took the initiative to fill in the vacuum that Judas had created when he betrayed Jesus by anointing and inducting Matthias into the group of eleven, thus making it twelve, just like how Jesus intended. As Peter and John begin their mission to illuminate the world on the good news, they come across a middle-aged man who has been lame since the day he was born. As they see him Peter looks at John and in a quick “let’s go” nudge to each other (as I would imagine) Peter heals the man in the name of Jesus...
Words: 1271 - Pages: 6
...St. Luke is believed to have wrote the Acts of the Apostles. They believe he wrote the book in the early 60's more specifically 6264 A.D. It is debated or thought to be in Rome, Ephesus, Antioch, or written in stages in different places. Although, no one really knows where the book was written. The book of Acts is believed to have been written either to give history about Jesus and the Apostles or to show the Romans that their goal was not to overthrow them. Some believe is could have been used as Paul's defense against Caesar. In verse 24, it states that a large number of people was added to the Lord. After Christ’s ascension, the Apostles preachings and all their actions became visible. The Apostles bravery to teach brought many...
Words: 252 - Pages: 2
...Acts is believed to be the second part of a two-volume work. The Book of Acts begins with a summary of the previous volume, the Gospel of Luke, and then introduces the second volume. In Acts 1:1-5, Luke describes Jesus' ministry and passion; volume two Acts describes events after Jesus' ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit. As a literary parallel to Luke-Acts Josephus writes a two-volume work, and introduces the second volume in a similar manner. He states the correct use of somewhat idiosyncratic political titles corroborates the view that the Book of Acts was written by someone historically close to the events narrated, such as Luke was. Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts explains the extensive linguistic agreement between the it and the Gospel of Luke and the details that Luke includes about the church in Antioch, the city from which he hailed. Several secondary sources confirm the Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts. The Muratorian canon states "Moreover the Acts of the Apostles are included in one book. For 'most excellent Theophilus' Luke compiled the individual events that took place in his presence.” The Anti-Marcionite Prologue identifies Luke as the author of a second volume, Acts: "And afterwards the same Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles." Origen identifies the author of Acts as Luke, the same who wrote the gospel: "Others that it was Luke, he who wrote the gospel and the Acts" (H.E. 6.25.14). Clement of Alexandria accepts Lukan authorship...
Words: 3500 - Pages: 14
...The Twelve Apostles: History, Function, and Theology “In the history of the Christian church, the Apostles form a first central group – a nucleus, from which all future effort takes its beginning” (Wayland 5). This quote from biblical historian John Wayland epitomizes the importance of the Twelve Apostles, even close to two thousand years after their deaths. Ultimately the apostles played a pivotal role in connecting Jesus and His message to the people of the rest of the World. Without the apostles, the foundational message and teachings of Jesus would not have been able to be passed on to future believers. In this paper, we will highlight the lasting theological impact of the Twelve Apostles, why they were chosen and the symbiotic relationship between them and Jesus. Before one can understand the everlasting impact of the Twelve Apostles, author Bernard Ruffin states that, “it is important to distinguish between the terms “the Twelve,” “the apostles,” and “the disciples.” They are not interchangeable. “Disciple” is the broadest term, referring to all those who followed Jesus and studied under Him. The Twelve and all other apostles were disciples, but not all disciples were apostles, and not all apostles were members of “the Twelve” (Ruffin 11). Even with a better-defined perspective of the Twelve, the biblical accounts of who they were are slightly different. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) all three authors agree that there were twelve original...
Words: 2946 - Pages: 12
...theology of Acts." Interpretation 13, no. 2: 157-169. ATLASerials, Religion Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed September 14, 2013). THEO 510 LUO (fall 2013) Survey of Christian Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary David M. Lowe (ID# L01477914) September 19, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction..................................................................................................................2 II. Brief Summary.............................................................................................................2 III. Critical Interaction with Author’s Work..................................................................4 IV. Conclusion....................................................................................................................5 Bibliography........................................................................................................................6 Introduction In the Book of Acts author Luke purposes to provide an account of the origin and development of the church under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Acts lays an original and graphic historical picture of the early church from its beginnings with the accension of Jesus to it’s end with Paul’s detention in Rome. Bo Reike in his article, “The Risen Lord and His Chruch, The Theology of Acts” presupposes...
Words: 1176 - Pages: 5
...Acts 1:7-8 is sandwiched between Jesus’ last activity before his ascention (1:1-6) and the apostles’ first activity after the ascention (1:9-14). Jesus’ last activity was speaking to his apostles about the Holy Spirit and the kingdom of God (1:1-3). However, the apostles were only interested in knowing the time when the kingdom of God would be realized (1:4-6). The conversation between Jesus and his discples during meal prepares the readers for how the discples’ interest changes from time of the kingdom of God into how the kingdom of God will come (Acts 1:7-8). Acts 1:7-8 answers the question about how the kingdom of God will come. Jesus obviously explains that the kingdom of God will begin to be realized when the Holy Spirit comes. He already had instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusal until they would receive the Holy Spirit (1:4). The apostles became to learn about what to do now rather than when they could know about arrival of the kingdom of God through Acts 1:7-8. As a result, they focus on waiting and praying until the Holy Spirit (1:12-14) Paul rebukes the Corinthian believers for their unworthy manner in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). He declares that they are guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 explains why Paul is angry with them. The Corinthian believers were abusing the Lord’s Supper by humiliating the poor (11:20-22). Paul needs to remind the Crintian believers that the focus of the Supper is Christ...
Words: 350 - Pages: 2
...PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS For BIBL 364 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE BY e of Contents Introduction 3 Saul of Tarsus 3 The Damascus Experience 4 The Call 6 The Conversion Debate 8 Conclusion 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11 Introduction The Book of Acts is a literary masterpiece filled with stories of miracles, faith, chronicles of the growth of Christianity, Holy Spirit encounters, and stories of supernatural conversions. It is one of the main books of the Bible studied to learn about the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s ability to use anything and anyone for His purpose. The “call” of Saul was one of the most significant events not only in the Book of Acts, but throughout the Bible. Christians in the Twenty-First Century owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Apostle Paul for his courage and obedience in answering the “call” of God. The spontaneous response to this call has a direct impact on Christians, Jews and non-Jews all over the world. The reason Saul’s call was so important was because it was a fulfillment of Jesus’s Great Commission. Saul’s pedigree as well as his character made him the least likely candidate to become one of the greatest Apostles to the Gentiles. This paper will examine who Paul of Tarsus was, the importance of his call, whether or not he was converted, and the impact his decision to answer God’s call has on Christianity today. Saul of Tarsus Prior to his calling by God, Saul of Tarsus was highly qualified...
Words: 2688 - Pages: 11
...each other. What some referred to as, “memoirs of the apostles”, are not considered to be a biography of Christ; rather, the same information arranged and written as their individual interpretation to present the portrait of Christ that they choose to show . Out of The four Gospel writers Luke's interpretation is fascinating for many reasons. Luke had so much to tell, so he needed a second book, The Acts of the Apostles that is considered to be...
Words: 2270 - Pages: 10
... 2 Introduction This charismatic gifts debate will explore God’s biblically stated purpose and intention for His supernatural gifts to be manifested in the practice of the New Testament Church. The question of whether the Bible declares if sign gifts are to be expected until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, or have those gifts ceased, will be researched. The contemporary use of the sign gifts will be examined in the light of Scripture. Biblical research will reveal that in fact, only certain of the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased with the completion of the Canon; and with the death of the last Apostle John. What is the Purpose of the Sign Gifts It is understood by most scholars that the sign gifts...
Words: 2988 - Pages: 12
...Pauls’ Trial Response Acts of the Apostles Professor Phillips Joie Johnson Q- Why does Luke go into so much detail about the five trials that Paul went through? Luke was with Paul through all of years of imprisonment. Luke saw everything first hand as he went with Paul from Jerusalem to Rome. Luke was a historian and a theologian. He was interested in the growth of the gospel. He watched and took note of the hostel response of the Jews to the gospel of Christ. Luke also observed the acceptance of the gospel among the Gentiles. Luke’s experience gives us in detail the comparison of the two presentations of the truth. The Jews who were strict in their traditions, were less accepting of Christ being their messiah, and savior of the world. While the Romans and the other Gentile nations were quite accepting of the new love they found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Q-What three main advantages were there in Paul being a prisoner? The three advantages of Pauls’ stay in prison is chronicled in Stott’s book “The message of Acts” where he gives three compelling examples. The first is the belief that while being locked up his ministry was expanding. It is believed that Paul presented the gospel to Agrippa, Felix and even Nero himself. The second advantage was Paul’s witness was increased during a two year stay in Caesarea prison. Stott wrote that Paul had five years of comparative inactivity. Two years of prison, two years under house arrest in Rome. Six months of travel between...
Words: 359 - Pages: 2
...Testament Context Chart Matthew Author: Matthew the apostle Intended Audience: Jews / Jewish Christians It was written to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, and that he was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It tells the story of the life and works of Jesus. Mark Author: John Mark Intended Audience: The Romans It is believed to have been written to encourage Christians to persevere through persecution led by the Roman emperor, Nero. Also written to preserve Peter’s account of the life and teachings of Jesus Luke Author: Luke Intended Audience: Greek and Gentile Christians, also directly addressed a person named Theophilus. His importance is unknown, but believed to be a non-Christian and highly regarded Roman. Luke desired to give his audience a clear and coherent understanding of the teachings and works of Jesus through an organized account of Jesus life through eye-witness accounts. Luke often explained Jewish customs and sometimes substituted Greek words for Hebrew. John Author: John, the apostle Intended Audience: Non-Jewish believers and unbelievers who were struggling with the acceptance of Greek philosophies. John’s primary purpose for his writing is stated in chapter 20 verse 31, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” It is most likely a compilation of the oral traditions and theology of the apostle John that became published by a companion after his death. Acts Author: Luke Intended Audience: Addressed again to...
Words: 907 - Pages: 4
...Speaking in Tongues: an evaluation of the corporate use of tongues through the book of acts A research paper submitted to Dr. paul brewster In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For BIBL364 Liberty University Online By Michael Douglas Lynchburg, Virginia August 16th, 2013 Table of Contents Introduction2 The Meaning of Speaking in Tongues in the Church Today--------------------------------------2 The Use of Tongues in Acts3 The Precedent and Purpose of Tongues as Established in Acts----------------------------6 Conclusion7 Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 Introduction The debate over tongues is one that will not be settled in one session of writing or discussion; men will be having their say on the subject until the day we meet Christ face to face in heaven. In the modern sense, this spiritual phenomenon is closely associated with the Pentecostal movement which originated in the Azusa St. Revival of 1906 and has caused a severe split in the church. This division has been caused, primarily, by an incorrect interpretation of the gift of tongues in the New Testament through the exclusion of studying the gift through the Biblical precedent of the gift established by Luke in the book of Acts. In order to properly interpret and comprehend the references to speaking in tongues in...
Words: 2049 - Pages: 9
...God. It is the purpose of this paper to show that biblical evidence demonstrates that glossolalia is irrelevant for today. We will first introduce a working definition of glossolalia, then look at some important historical facts revealed in Acts, the gospel of Mark, and 1 Corinthians, consider supporting arguments from each side of the debate, and finally conclude with a position that is supported by thoughts from informed theologians and more importantly, the Holy Bible (God’s word). DEFINITION Glossolalia is derived from the Greek noun glossa which is interpreted as “the tongue, a language,” and the verb laleo which is interpreted as “to speak”. Therefore, glossolalia is a literal translation of the Greek words “glosso” and “laleo” meaning “speaking in tongues”. Oxford Dictionary defines glossolalia as a phenomenon of (apparently) speaking in an unknown language, especially in religious worship. The most common usage for the phenomenon is the phrase “speaking in tongues”. There are two types of tongues: glossolalia and xenolalia. The kind of tongues spoken at Pentecost were xenolalia (Speaking in a “known” language other than one’s own), and not to be confused with glossolalia (speaking in a so-called “Heavenly language”). Acts 2:4 reads, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues...
Words: 2477 - Pages: 10
...evidence for determining the date Acts was written. What indicators of historical reliability are found in Acts? Historically, the book of Acts is believed by three different schools of thoughts to have been written at least A.D. 62-70, 80-95 and last 115-130. Baur and his Tübingen School of thought date the Acts of Luke in as late as the middle of the second century. This view according to Dr. Archibald Thomas Robertson in Word Pictures in the New Testament asserts that this believe and dating of Acts has long since been abandoned because the Tübingen School held the second century to be the date of this late pamphlet as they termed it after the fashion of the Clementine Homilies. Considering Acts as the second volume to the Luke’s Gospel most scholars now date Acts in the 80s or a bit later according to Carson and Moo (p. 298). Some scholars put their estimation at about 80-95 A.D. because they believe the Acts shows signs of having been written some years after the first volume of Luke’s Gospel. However, if one took into comparing this assumption to historical evidence the time frame of 80-95 A.D. falls short of accuracy as one could see in Acts 18 under the leadership of a certain Claudius a Roman leader Christian Jews were expelled out of Rome; and prominent among these Christians were Aquila and his wife Priscilla; a time of about C. 49 which history has well before A.D. 60. Finally most scholars settled for dating Acts before A.D. 70 settling on A.D. 62...
Words: 1924 - Pages: 8
...Roles, the job of a person or thing in a particular situation. It is a responsibility or a job depending on one’s position. In addition to roles, women of the early church had roles as well. The roles of women in the early church can be understood in the Acts. The roles of women in the early Church included worshipping, being gifted with prophecy, being influential and prominent, and practicing almsgiving. Women of the early Church practiced in worshipping by praying. They participated in praying with the apostles. Proof of this can be found in the Acts of the Apostles. Women also worship the apostles. In acts 1, women are said to have been incited by the Jews. This led to the expulsion of Paul and Barnabas from the city. Through this act,...
Words: 343 - Pages: 2
