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__NOTOC__{{quote Infobox_Contents | texttopic_name =The first book I wroteBook of Acts | subtopics = Events: [[Pentecost]], Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, [[Acts (WEB)|Full Text of ActsJerusalem Council]]}}* Teaching: [[Kerygma]]==Synopsis== The Acts of the Apostles is the a book of the * People: [[New TestamentApostles]] that describes the formation of the early ([[churchApostle Peter|Peter]] and spread of , [[ChristianityApostle Paul|Paul]]. It was written by the ), [[apostle LukeCornelius]].| opinion_pieces ==Contents=={{bibleshort_opinions}}* [[Acts of the Apostles (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Acts of the Apostles]] | {{overview}}

==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". ---- '''Read [[Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary]] on the [[Text:MHC Concise {{topicsSUBPAGENAME}}|{{SUBPAGENAME}}* [[Pentecost]]''' ----

{{bookstudies}}* The major theme in Acts is the spread of the gospel. [[Acts of 1:8]] sets the scene for the Apostles (EBD)whole book.: ''{{Bible verse|acts|1|8|Eastonlang=WEB}}''s Bible Dictionary entry on the Acts of the Apostles]]

==Main article=[[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 Book content of these initial proclamations is sometimes referred to as [[Kerygma]] (from the [[Koine Greek]] word [[κηρυγμα]] - related to [[κηρυσσω]]).  In total, Actsrecords 16 speeches: # Peter's 7 speechs#* To Jews - [[Acts 2]]:14-39, written by the [[apostle LukeActs 3]]:13-26, is the account of early followers of [[ChristActs 4]] who:10-12, obedient to the [[Great CommissionActs 5]]:30-32#* To God-fearers - [[Acts 10]]:34-43, began to spread the [[good newsActs 11]]:5-17#* To believers - [[Acts 15]] of a risen Savior throughout the known world. Each section of the book (1:7-11# Stephen's speech -[[Acts 7; ]]:2-53# Paul's 8speeches#* To Jews -12; [[Acts 13]]:16-41, [[Acts 22]]:1-21, [[Acts 24]]:10-21, [[Acts 26]]:1-27, [[Acts 28) focuses on a particular ]]: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 audienceand 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, a key personalitywith persecution from Jewish leaders, and a significant phase through the leading of God (in particular, the expansion conversion of [[Cornelius]] in [[Acts 10]]), the [[gospel message]] spread to [[Gentiles]] (non-Jews). While  Jews of the apostles are mentioned collectively at several points, this book really records time divided the acts of Peter world up into Jews and Gentiles. Jews were further divided into Palestinian Jews (1-12born in Palestine) and of Paul Diaspora Jews (13-28born outside Palestine). Some have called Jews were also divided into Hebraists and Hellenists (who had embraced the book Greek culture and language). Gentiles were divided into Proselyte (those who had converted to Judaism and been baptized), God-fearer (those who respected the "Acts of the Holy Spirit"Hebrew God [[Yahweh]] but had not been circumcised) and pagan (those who followed other gods).  ==Quotes==

{{returnto}} [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_the_Apostles Wikipedia [Christianity]] - Acts of the Apostles=> [[Bible]] -> [http://wikible.org/en/Book_of_Acts Wikible - Acts of the Apostles[New Testament]]

{{returnto}} [[Category:Books of the New Testament]]