View source for Acts of the Apostles

{{Infobox_Contents | 
topic_name = The Book of Acts | 
subtopics = Events: [[Pentecost]], [[Jerusalem Council]]
* Teaching: [[Kerygma]]
* People: [[Apostles]] ([[Apostle Peter|Peter]], [[Apostle Paul|Paul]]), [[Cornelius]] | 
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} 
* [[Acts of the Apostles (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Acts of the Apostles]] | 
}} 

{{chapters}}
[[Acts 1|1]] 
[[Acts 2|2]] 
[[Acts 3|3]] 
[[Acts 4|4]] 
[[Acts 5|5]] 
[[Acts 6|6]] 
[[Acts 7|7]] 
[[Acts 8|8]] 
[[Acts 9|9]] 
[[Acts 10|10]] 
[[Acts 11|11]] 
[[Acts 12|12]] 
[[Acts 13|13]] 
[[Acts 14|14]] 
[[Acts 15|15]] 
[[Acts 16|16]] 
[[Acts 17|17]] 
[[Acts 18|18]] 
[[Acts 19|19]] 
[[Acts 20|20]] 
[[Acts 21|21]] 
[[Acts 22|22]] 
[[Acts 23|23]] 
[[Acts 24|24]] 
[[Acts 25|25]] 
[[Acts 26|26]] 
[[Acts 27|27]] 
[[Acts 28|28]] 

==Commentary==

The Book of Acts, written by the [[Text:EBD:Luke|apostle Luke]], is the account of early followers of [[Christ]] who, obedient to the [[Great Commission]], began to spread the [[good news]] of a risen Savior throughout the known world. Each section of the book (1-7; 8-12; 13-28) focuses on a particular audience, a key personality, and a significant phase in the expansion of the gospel message. While the apostles are mentioned collectively at several points, this book really records the acts of Peter (1-12) and of Paul (13-28). Some have called the book the "Acts of the Holy Spirit". 
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'''Read [[Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary]] on the [[Text:MHC Concise {{SUBPAGENAME}}|{{SUBPAGENAME}}]]'''

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===Themes===

The major theme in Acts is the spread of the gospel.  [[Acts 1:8]] sets the scene for the whole book.
: ''{{Bible verse|acts|1|8|lang=WEB}}''

The results of this empowerment can be seen with the gospel spreading to the Jews throughout Jerusalem and Judea in Acts 1-7, to Samaritans in [[Acts 8]] and to the Gentiles throughout the "rest of the world" in Acts 9-18.

===[[Kerygma]] and Speeches in Acts===

Acts records a number of speeches given by early Christians. These speeches combine the proclamation of the gospel to introduce the hearers to Jesus, and an appeal for them to believe and become his followers. The content of these initial proclamations is sometimes referred to as [[Kerygma]] (from the [[Koine Greek]] word [[κηρυγμα]] - related to [[κηρυσσω]]). 

In total, Acts records 16 speeches:

# Peter's 7 speechs
#* To Jews - [[Acts 2]]:14-39, [[Acts 3]]:13-26, [[Acts 4]]:10-12, [[Acts 5]]:30-32
#* To God-fearers - [[Acts 10]]:34-43, [[Acts 11]]:5-17
#* To believers - [[Acts 15]]:7-11
# Stephen's speech - [[Acts 7]]:2-53
# Paul's 8 speeches
#* To Jews - [[Acts 13]]:16-41, [[Acts 22]]:1-21, [[Acts 24]]:10-21, [[Acts 26]]:1-27, [[Acts 28]]:17-20, 25-28
#* To pagans - [[Acts 14]]:15-17, [[Acts 17]]:2-31
#* To believers - [[Acts 20]]:18-35

There is significant variation in what is actually said in different speeches. All proclaim salvation through [[Jesus Christ]], but each is closely tailored the audience and context.

===The Jewish World during the time of the Acts of the Apostles===

After the [[resurrection of Jesus]] the early church initially grew with only Jewish converts in Jerusalem, but soon, with persecution from Jewish leaders, and through the leading of God (in particular, the conversion of [[Cornelius]] in [[Acts 10]]), the [[gospel]] spread to [[Gentiles]] (non-Jews).

Jews of the time divided the world up into Jews and Gentiles. Jews were further divided into Palestinian Jews (born in Palestine) and Diaspora Jews (born outside Palestine). Jews were also divided into Hebraists and Hellenists (who had embraced the Greek culture and language). Gentiles were divided into Proselyte (those who had converted to Judaism and been baptized), God-fearer (those who respected the Hebrew God [[Yahweh]] but had not been circumcised) and pagan (those who followed other gods).

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_the_Apostles Wikipedia - Acts of the Apostles]

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[[Category:Books of the New Testament]]