Acts Summary
Chapter 1 is a summary and introduction. In chapter 3, Peter preforms a miracle before the temple, and John accompanies him. The number of disciples is increasing, and in chapter 8, Saul approves Stephen’s execution, which Saul follows by throwing other members of the church in prison. While on his way to persecute more believers in another region, God gives Saul an experience that changes his ways and Saul becomes a disciple himself!
Unique elements
- Most of NT is gospels or epistles, Acts in neither
- Genres- a history (agreed upon- introduction) or ancient novel (humor and irony)
- Acts introduces Paul, whose letters follow naming his as apostle
- Also wrote the gospel of Luke, wrote to fill the gap between the gospels and Paul’s letters (split apart because of John)
- Most memorable stories of NT
- Pentecost
- Stephen’s murder
- Saul’s conversion
- Peter’s vision- revision of dietary laws
- Jerusalem council- first ecumenical (church) council
- Paul’s missionary journeys- gospel goes out to Gentiles
Historical criticism
Terminus ad quem- 180 CE
Terminus a quo- 75 CE
Date of composition- 75-110 CE
Terminus ad quem
180 CE
Termins a quo
75 CE
Date of composition
75-110 CE
Literary criticism: Divine characters
God 1. Directs all events Jesus 1. Correcting teacher Spirit 1. Empowers and prevents
Literary criticism: Paul and Peter
Both has season of rejection
Both underwent change after divine encounter
- Peter- resurrection
Both concerned about Gentiles
Peter’s story converges on Paul’s story, only to fade away after intersection (Ch. 12)
