The book of Acts The Gospel The Gospel Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John The Apostle The Apostle Pauls letters
Slide 3
The book of Acts The book of Acts connects the two collections
The book of Acts connects the two collections It is the sequel to
first collection NB it is the second volume of Lukes account NB it
is the second volume of Lukes account It provides the background
and context of the second
Slide 4
The book of Acts Acts and the Marcionite heresy Acts and the
Marcionite heresy Marcions teaching (mid-second century) Christ was
the revealer of a new religion unrelated to Israel and the Hebrew
scripture Christ was the revealer of a new religion unrelated to
Israel and the Hebrew scripture Paul was the only true apostle, all
others were false apostles (corrupted by Judaism) Paul was the only
true apostle, all others were false apostles (corrupted by Judaism)
Lukes gospel (edited) and 10 of Pauls letters (edited) were
accepted as scripture Lukes gospel (edited) and 10 of Pauls letters
(edited) were accepted as scripture
Slide 5
The book of Acts Acts and the Marcionite heresy Acts and the
Marcionite heresy Acts undermined Marcions claims It demonstrated
Pauls legitimacy as an apostle It demonstrated Pauls legitimacy as
an apostle But it likewise demonstrated the legitimacy of the other
apostles But it likewise demonstrated the legitimacy of the other
apostles Even the title adopted by the early church (acts of the
apostles)emphasized this Even the title adopted by the early church
(acts of the apostles)emphasized this
Slide 6
How normative is narrative? The mere fact that something is
recorded does not make it normative The mere fact that something is
recorded does not make it normative There is a difference between
descriptive and prescriptive There is a difference between
descriptive and prescriptive Some texts merely record what happened
Some texts record what should happen
Slide 7
How normative is narrative? Something may be recorded without
being an ongoing expectation or requirement Something may be
recorded without being an ongoing expectation or requirement The
disciples were instructed to remain in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4) They
regularly participated in temple and synagogue activities (e.g.
3:1; 5:12; 9:20; cf. 10:14) The Jerusalem church held everything in
common (4:32)
Slide 8
How normative is narrative? Yet some things are normative Yet
some things are normative Prayer Evangelism Gathering together
Ministering to one another
Slide 9
How normative is narrative? How do we know which is which? How
do we know which is which? Are the activities mandated elsewhere?
Is there additional teaching on the issue?
Slide 10
The selection of a leader It was necessary to replace Judas
(1:21) It was necessary to replace Judas (1:21) The use of The
decision was ultimately made by casting lots (1:26) The decision
was ultimately made by casting lots (1:26) Is this a normative
practice? Is this a normative practice?
Slide 11
The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the
steps of the process The set of criteria (1:21-23) The candidate
had to have been with them from the beginning The candidate had to
have been with them from the beginning The candidate had to be able
to serve as a witness of the resurrection The candidate had to be
able to serve as a witness of the resurrection
Slide 12
The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the
steps of the process They selected two candidates (1:23) They
prayed (1:24) They recognized their limitations re knowing the
heart of each man (cf. 1 Samuel 16:6-7) They recognized their
limitations re knowing the heart of each man (cf. 1 Samuel
16:6-7)
Slide 13
The selection of a leader NB the steps of the process NB the
steps of the process They cast lots (1:26; cf., e.g., Lev 16:8;
Joshua 18:6-10; Nehemiah 11:1) Proverbs 16:33-The lot is cast into
the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD Proverbs 16:33-The
lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD
This was the final step
Slide 14
The selection of a leader NB the timing of the episode NB the
timing of the episode This took place prior to the coming of the
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost
Slide 15
What now? Recognize the need Recognize the need Recognize our
limitations Recognize our limitations Rely on the Holy Spirit Rely
on the Holy Spirit