Difference between revisions of "Acts of the Apostles"
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The major theme in Acts is the spread of the gospel. [[Acts 1:8]] sets the scene of the whole book | The major theme in Acts is the spread of the gospel. [[Acts 1:8]] sets the scene of the whole book | ||
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This 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. | This 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. |
Revision as of 07:08, 19 September 2007
Synopsis: The Acts of the Apostles is the a book of the New Testament that describes the formation of the early church and spread of Christianity. It was written by the apostle Luke.
Contents
Chapters
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Related topics
Translations of Acts of the Apostles
Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Acts of the Apostles
Main article
The Book of Acts, written by the 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".
Themes
The major theme in Acts is the spread of the gospel. Acts 1:8 sets the scene of the whole book
This 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.
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 (those who were born in Palestine) and Diaspora Jews (those who were born outside Palestine). Jews were also divided into Hebraists and Hellenists (those who had embranced 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 pagans (those who followed other gods).
Quotes
Links
Wikipedia - Acts of the Apostles
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