Originally posted by debbiejo
The Acts of the Apostles (Greek Praxeis Apostolon) is a book of the Bible, which now stands fifth in the New Testament. It is commonly referred to as simply Acts.Acts tells the story of the Early Christian church, with particular emphasis on the ministry of the Twelve Apostles and of Paul of Tarsus. The early chapters, set in Jerusalem, discuss Jesus's Resurrection, his Ascension, the Day of Pentecost, and the start of the Twelve Apostles' ministry. The remainder of Acts details Paul's conversion, his ministry, and finally his arrest and imprisonment.
It is almost universally agreed that the author of Acts also wrote the Gospel of Luke. The traditional view is that both the two books were written circa 60 AD [B]by a companion of Paul named Luke
— a view which is still held by many theologians. Alternatively, many modern scholars view the books as having been written by an unknown author at a much later date, sometime between 80 and 150 AD.The language about the ressurection and ascension is a theme of pauls that predates back to Mithra which was popular at that time and was big in Tarsus. [/B]
Wrong again.
http://www.abu.nb.ca/courses/NTIntro/Acts.htm
THE BOOK OF ACTS
1. Who wrote the Book of Acts?
1.1. It has already been determined that the Book of Acts was written by Luke; Acts is the second part of a two volume work: volume one (Luke) describes Jesus' ministry and passion; volume two (Acts) describes events after Jesus' ascension.
1.2. The Muratorian canon confirms the Lukan authorship of the Book of Acts: "Moreover the Acts of the Apostles are included in one book. Luke addressed them to the most excellent Theophilus, because the several events took place when he was present; he makes this plain by the omission of the passion of Peter and of the journey of Paul when he left Rome for Spain."
2. For whom was the Book of Acts written?
From Acts 1:1, what do you conclude about the intended readership of the Book of Acts?
The intended reader of the Book of Acts was Theophilus. No doubt, Luke also had a larger readership in mind.
3. When was the Book of Acts written?
3.1. Internal Evidence
3.1.1. From Acts 28:30, what do you conclude about the terminus a quo of the composition of the Book of Acts? Keep in mind that chapter 28 is the last chapter of the book.
At the earliest, the Book of Acts was written two years after Paul's imprisonment in Rome, c. 62.
3.1.2. What might Acts 28 also indicate about the terminus ad quem of the Book of Acts?
It could be that Luke said nothing about events after Paul's first two years of his Roman imprisonment because nothing had happened. This means that he completed the Book of Acts two years after Paul arrived in Rome.
3.2 External Evidence
3.2.1. Any conclusion about the terminus ad quem of the Book of Acts based upon the fact that it ends with Paul's having been in prison in Rome for two years is weakened by two data.
A. If Luke used the Gospel of Mark as a source for his gospel, if he wrote his gospel before the Book of Acts and if Mark wrote his gospel in the late 60's, then the Book of Acts must have been written several years after Paul's first Roman imprisonment.
B. The Muratorian canon offers an early and plausible explanation for why Luke omitted events that took place after Paul's first two years of imprisonment in Rome:
"Moreover the Acts of the Apostles are included in one book. Luke addressed them to the most excellent Theophilus, because the several events took place when he was present; he makes this plain by the omission of the passion of Peter and of the journey of Paul when he left Rome for Spain."
As already indicated, it seems that the explanation is that Luke did not include accounts of Peter's death or Paul's further journeys after his release from his Roman incarceration (to Spain?) because he was not an eyewitness of these events (and presumably because he did not have access to other eyewitness accounts).
3.3. What do you conclude about the date of the composition of the Book of Acts?
The date of the composition of the Book of Acts was probably not written before the early 70's, but how much later than this is impossible to say.
4. Where was the Book of Acts written?
From all available data, where might Luke have written the Book of Acts?
Luke could have written the Book of Acts almost anywhere. It is possible that Luke wrote his work in stages, so that the Book of Acts was written in many places.
5. What is the Book of Acts?
5.1 Introduction
It is important to note that the Book of Acts is the second half of the larger work, the first part being the Gospel of Luke. The sources of the Book of Acts are Luke's own eyewitness accounts (the "we-sections"😉 and second-hand accounts. The Book of Acts is a selective history of the early church told from a Christian point of view; it focuses primarily on two figures: Peter and Paul. It can be structured in different ways. These are three possibilities.
5.1.1. The Book of Acts can be organized according to a geographical and biographical structure.
A. 1-12 From Jerusalem to Antioch focusing on Peter
B. 13-28 From Antioch to Rome focusing on Paul
5.1.2. The Book of Acts can be organized according to a thematic/theological structure, having as its mid-point Acts 15:35/36.
A. Part One: The period before the clarification of the gentile question at the Jerusalem council (Acts 1-15)
B. Part Two: The period after the clarification of the gentile question at the Jerusalem council (Acts15-28)
5.1.3. The Book of Acts can be organized in accord with another geographical structure based on the missionary command in Acts 1:8 to bear witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and to the far reaches of the earth. It should be noted that in the two-volume work of Luke/Acts there is first (Luke) a movement towards Jerusalem where Jesus is crucified and resurrected, which is followed by a movement away from Jerusalem after the ascension of Jesus (Acts). Related to this is the movement in Luke/Acts from Jew to gentile. This is the structure that is followed below.
5.2. Outline of the Book of Acts
A. 1:1-5
In the prologue, Luke describes his work as the second volume of a two-volume work, which he has dedicated to Theophilus.
B. 1:6-26
Jesus ascends to heaven, and the disciples remain in Jerusalem waiting the fulfillment of the giving of the Holy Spirit. Lots are drawn in order to replace Judas as one of the twelve; the lot falls to Matthias.
C. 2:1-8:3
The spread of gospel within Jerusalem is described.
1. 2:1-41
The Holy Spirit falls upon those gathered in upper room of a house, and they begin to speak in other languages, so that all foreigners who have come to Jerusalem for the festival of Pentecost hear the gospel in their native tongues. Peter explains what is happening as the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32. He also cites Ps 16:8-11 as fulfilled by Jesus' resurrection: God did not allow his holy one to see corruption. Peter commands all to repent and be baptized in order that they may receive the Holy Spirit.
2. 2:42-47
The early Jerusalem church is described as meeting regularly to hear the apostles' teaching, share common life, break bread and pray. The church met in the Temple, and broke bread in private homes; there was a communal sharing of all things. A sense of awe was upon all, and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles. Many were added day by day to the church.
3. 3:1-26
Peter heals a lame man in the Temple and explains what he did to those who witnessed the healing. He explains that he healed the lame man by the power of Jesus, whom they handed over to Pilate to ne executed, but whom God raised from the dead. Peter exhorts his hearers to repent, and cites Deut 18, 15, 18-19 as fulfilled in Jesus: he is the prophet like Moses whom God has raised up.
4. 4:1-22
Because of the healing of the lame man, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin. Peter defends his action by saying that it was in the name of Jesus that this lame man was healed. He cites Ps 118:22 as fulfilled in Jesus: he is the rejected capstone.
5. 4:23-31
Upon their release, Peter and John pray citing Ps 2:1-2 as fulfilled of Jesus: he is the anointed one installed by God against whom and the Lord the nations rage and the kings and rulers oppose. After the prayer the place where they prayed was filled with the Holy Spirit.
6. 4:32-37
The Jerusalem church is described as living communally, sharing everything in common.
7. 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira die under God's judgment, because they lied to the Holy Spirit about the value of some land that they sold.
8. 5:12-16
It is said that the apostles performed many signs and wonders and that the church met in Solomon's portico and was held in high regard by the people. Many were added to the church and people brought their sick and demon possessed to be healed.
9. 5:17-42
The apostles are arrested by the high priest, but are released by an angel and commanded to preach in the Temple. When later told not to teach in Jesus' name, Peter replies that they must obey God rather than men. Gamaliel convinces the Sanhedrin to take a "wait and see" attitude towards the Christian movement, because, if it is of man, it will founder, but, if it is of God, they will be found to be opposing God.
10. 6:1-7
The apostles chose seven men to take care of the daily distribution of food to the widows. One of these is Stephen.
11. 6:8-7:60
Stephen is brought to the Sanhedrin because he allegedly speaking against the Temple and the Law. He defends himself in a long discourse, in which he tries to prove from scripture God does not dwell in houses made with human hands and that Jesus is the Righteous One, whom his generation put to death. Stephen's hearers are enraged and stone him; a certain Saul is complicit in this.
12. 8:1-3
After Stephen's martyrdom, a persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem. Many are scattered to other parts of Judea and to Samaria. Unexplainably, only the apostles remain behind.
D. 8:4-11:18
The spread of the gospel into Samaria and coastal regions is described.
1. 8:4-25
Philip preaches "the Christ" in Samaria with much success, healing and exorcising. Even Simon the sorcerer believes, who later tries to buy the gift of the Spirit from the apostles, who arrived in Samaria after hearing of Philip's success. Peter rebukes Simon, who repents.
2. 8:26-40
An angel of the Lord commands Philip to go to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, puzzling over the meaning of Isa 53. Philip explains that this passage speaks of Jesus, proclaims to the eunuch the gospel about Jesus and then baptizes him. Philip is snatched away by the Spirit, finding himself at Azotus, where he preaches the gospel.
3. 9:1-31
Saul (Paul) pursues believers from Jerusalem who fled to Damascus. On his way, he sees a vision of the risen Christ and hears him ask why Paul is persecuting him. Saul is struck blind, but continues to Damascus, where a certain Ananias, being commanded by God, reluctantly goes and prays for Saul, whereupon his sight is restored. Paul is said to be God's chosen instrument to bring God's name before the gentiles. Saul is then baptized and begins to preach that Jesus is the son of God and the Christ in Damascus. Because of hostility from unbelieving Jews, Saul must secretly escape from the city and goes to Jerusalem. Because the church still feared Saul, Barnabas takes Saul to the apostles. Saul disputes with the Hellenistic Jews in Jerusalem and they plot against him. Thus he escapes to Caesarea.
4. 9:32-42
Peter preaches the gospel in Lydda, Sharon and Joppa. He heals Aeneas in Lydda and Tabitha in Joppa. In Joppa many believed because of this Tabitha's healing.
5. 10:1-11:18
The "god-fearing" Roman Cornelius receives an angelic command to send to Joppa for Peter. In Joppa, Peter has a vision in which God tells him not to call unclean what God has called clean. When Cornelius's emissaries arrive Peter understands that the vision refers to gentiles, so he travels to Caesarea, where he preaches the gospel to Cornelius and his household. While Peter is preaching, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and others. In amazement, Peter concludes that he cannot withhold baptism from these gentiles whom God has poured out his Holy Spirit.
2. 21:37-22:30
Paul addresses the riotous mob, explaining how he came to be a believer and apostle. At the point when he says that, while he was in a trance, Jesus told him to go to the gentiles, the mob begins to shout for Paul's death. Paul is taken to the citadel adjacent to the Temple, and, because he is a Roman citizen, is spared an interrogation by torture. He is released and brought before the Sanhedrin the next day.
3. 23:1-11
The Sanhedrin is divided in their opinion of Paul: the Pharisees on the council are sympathetic because of Paul's belief in the resurrection, whereas the Sadducees are hostile. The disagreement turns violent and Paul is taken back to the citadel for his own protection.
4. 23:12-24:26
Some Jews conspire to kill Paul by ambushing him. Paul's nephew hears of the plot and tells the tribune, who then transfers Paul in an armed escort to Caesarea, to be under the protection of the governor Felix. There Paul waits in vain for the Jews from Jerusalem to lay a complaint against him. While in custody, Paul explains how he became the object of Jewish hostility. Paul also speaks to Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who is Jewish, about faith in Christ Jesus.
5. 24:27-26:30
Two years after Paul arrives in Caesarea, Felix is replaced by Festus. Paul's Jewish opponents ask Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem to stand trial, because they are planning to kill Paul on the way to Jerusalem. Because Festus is inclined to cooperate with Paul's accusers, Paul appeals to Caesar, to have his case heard in Rome. Before being sent to Rome, Paul is interviewed by Agrippa II and his sister Berenice. Paul explains how he came to be an apostle to the gentiles and how he came to be in custody in Caesarea. He explains to Agrippa that he proclaims nothing that Moses and the prophets did not say would happen, that the Messiah must suffer and be raised from the dead. Paul attempts to convince Agrippa to believe.
6. 27:1-44
Paul sets sail as a prisoner for Rome, but on the way is shipwrecked, and washes up on the island of Malta. The centurion prevents the soldiers from killing Paul along with the other prisoners.
7. 28:1-10
On the island of Malta, Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake, but miraculously does not die. The local inhabitants take him to be a god. Paul also heals the father of Publius, the chief official on the island, as well as many others.
8. 28:11-30
Paul is placed upon a ship that has wintered on the island, and lands at Syracuse, Rhegium and then at Puteoli, where Paul is met by some believers. Arriving in Rome, Paul is put under house arrest, but charges are not forthcoming from Paul's accusers. Paul teaches the Roman Jews about the Kingdom of God, and tries to convince them from the Law and prophets about Jesus. Some Jews are convinced, but many are not, so that Paul quotes Isa 6:9-10 as describing their obstinancy. Paul has been in Rome for two at the end of the Book of Acts.
6. Why was the Book of Acts written?
6.1. What does Acts 1:1-5 indicate about Luke's purpose in writing the Book of Acts?
It indicates that Luke wrote the Book of Acts to inform Theophilus about events that took place after Jesus' ascension and after the baptism of the Holy Spirit, "the promise of the Father." One could describe the Book of Acts as the "acts" of the Holy Spirit.
6.2. What would you describe the purpose of Luke's two-volume work, Luke-Acts, to be?
Luke's two-volume work is an account of the appearance of God's salvation in human history. The first volume deals with the coming of the Messiah, his death and resurrection. The second volume deals with the ascension of the Messiah, the sending of the Spirit, and the evangelism of Jews, Samaritans and gentiles, beginning in Jerusalem and moving progressively outward. The focus of the Book of Acts is on Peter and Paul predominantly.
Originally posted by Kelly_LS
Why would Ghandi be in Hell? mullet
Originally posted by Lord Urizen
You are completely wrong 👇Peejayd has confirmed that those people with kind hearts, whether believers or non believers will not go to Hell...for they shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven...
[b]Blessed are the poor..for they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven
the Bible says itself, Ghandi was poor AND kindhearted.....He is not in Hell, he is in Heaven.
I know you LOVE the idea of innocent people ending up in Hell, but your sick little fantasy is put to rest by many Biblical quotes, many of which Peejayd and Feceman already presented and confirmed.
Nice Try 👇...can you please quit trying to condemn and judge people ? Thanks [/B]
First, Luke 6:20 says poor and Matthew 5:3 says poor in spirit. Remember the Gospels must be examined collectively to arrive at a complete understanding. Whatever information is not included in one Gospel must be incorporated into the interpretation to get the full account of what was said or done. Second, scholars agree that this is referring to believers not unbelievers. Upon further examination this is apparent. Third, Jesus said it Himself that the words that He speaks are spirit (or spiritual) and life. That means that there is always a spiritual import underlying everything that Jesus said. All of the descriptions here have a deeper, spiritual meaning. Jesus is not even talking about how to be saved in those passages. Jesus could not be referring to how to be saved because salvation from sin comes only by faith in the finished work of Christ. If salvation comes through being broke and kind then Jesus wasted time coming from Heaven to be born of a virgin. He lived for thirty years on this planet then embarked on a three-year ministry in vain. He was spit on, tortured beyond human comprehension and crucified for nothing.
The fact is that Jesus saves people from their sins. Salvation by works and salvation by faith cannot coexist. The Bible overwhelming states that we are saved by faith not on the strength of our own good, moral lifestyles--regardless of how noteworthy they are. All of our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. Salvation comes only through Christ. I leave you with these words from Jesus' foremost disciple (who actually walked with the Master and heard His gospel message first-hand. If anybody ought to know how to get to Heaven it ought to be those who walked with Jesus) Peter the Apostle.
Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
First, Luke 6:20 says poor and Matthew 5:3 says poor in spirit. Remember the Gospels must be examined collectively to arrive at a complete understanding. Whatever information is not included in one Gospel must be incorporated into the interpretation to get the full account of what was said or done. Second, scholars agree that this is referring to believers not unbelievers. Upon further examination this is apparent. Third, Jesus said it Himself that the words that He speaks are spirit (or spiritual) and life. That means that there is always a spiritual import underlying everything that Jesus said. All of the descriptions here have a deeper, spiritual meaning. Jesus is not even talking about how to be saved in those passages. Jesus could not be referring to how to be saved because salvation from sin comes only by faith in the finished work of Christ. If salvation comes through being broke and kind then Jesus wasted time coming from Heaven to be born of a virgin. He lived for thirty years on this planet then embarked on a three-year ministry in vain. He was spit on, tortured beyond human comprehension and crucified for nothing.The fact is that Jesus saves people from their sins. Salvation by works and salvation by faith cannot coexist. The Bible overwhelming states that we are saved by faith not on the strength of our own good, moral lifestyles--regardless of how noteworthy they are. All of our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. Salvation comes only through Christ. I leave you with these words from Jesus' foremost disciple (who actually walked with the Master and heard His gospel message first-hand. If anybody ought to know how to get to Heaven it ought to be those who walked with Jesus) Peter the Apostle.
[B]Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [/B]
So you have to make stuff up?
Originally posted by JesusIsAlive
First, Luke 6:20 says poor and Matthew 5:3 says poor in spirit. Remember the Gospels must be examined collectively to arrive at a complete understanding. Whatever information is not included in one Gospel must be incorporated into the interpretation to get the full account of what was said or done. Second, scholars agree that this is referring to believers not unbelievers. Upon further examination this is apparent. Third, Jesus said it Himself that the words that He speaks are spirit (or spiritual) and life. That means that there is always a spiritual import underlying everything that Jesus said. All of the descriptions here have a deeper, spiritual meaning. Jesus is not even talking about how to be saved in those passages. Jesus could not be referring to how to be saved because salvation from sin comes only by faith in the finished work of Christ. If salvation comes through being broke and kind then Jesus wasted time coming from Heaven to be born of a virgin. He lived for thirty years on this planet then embarked on a three-year ministry in vain. He was spit on, tortured beyond human comprehension and crucified for nothing.The fact is that Jesus saves people from their sins. Salvation by works and salvation by faith cannot coexist. The Bible overwhelming states that we are saved by faith not on the strength of our own good, moral lifestyles--regardless of how noteworthy they are. All of our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God. Salvation comes only through Christ. I leave you with these words from Jesus' foremost disciple (who actually walked with the Master and heard His gospel message first-hand. If anybody ought to know how to get to Heaven it ought to be those who walked with Jesus) Peter the Apostle.
[B]Acts 4:12
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [/B]
Originally posted by debbiejo
😆Everyone that had those is going to hell....