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Interpreting the Book of Acts

by Walter L. Liefeld

Publisher:

Baker

, 1995

ISBN: 9781441255273

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Overview

The diversity of material in the Book of Acts demands a variety of exegetical tools and strategies. Since speeches constitute over 30% of the text, the interpreter must be adept at handling discourse as well as narrative.

Interpreting the Book of Acts presents the fruit of the author’s thirty–year reflection on the Lukan corpus. With a sure hand he guides the reader through numerous approaches to the text. Literary purpose and structure, narrative theology, discourse analysis, cultural backgrounds—all are exploited for insight. Yet throughout, the author keeps in view the practical needs of the student and pastor, breathing a spiritual warmth into the applications he makes.

Guides to New Testament Exegesis introduces the key New Testament genres and the principles needed to exegete them. Each guide surveys the breadth of scholarly opinion, while focusing on the practical implications for interpretation.

Top Highlights

“If the narrative of Acts teaches theology at all, it teaches that the Holy Spirit is regularly active among God’s people in this age.” (Page 84)

“It is probable that more theories exist as to the purpose of Acts than for any other New Testament book.” (Page 21)

“Chapters three and four attest to the significance and power of the name of the resurrected, ascended Christ (3:6, 16; 4:7, 10, 12, 17, 18, 30) as it is mentioned by both the protagonists and the antagonists of the gospel. In one of these instances (4:12) the name is coupled with salvation, again affirming its importance in Luke’s theology, which features salvation. The name of Christ is a prominent theme throughout Acts and is not limited to chapters three and four: 2:21, 38; 5:28, 40, 41; 8:12, 16; 9:14, 15, 16, 21, 27, 28; 10:43, 48; 15:17, 26; 16:18; 19:5, 13, 17; 21:13; 22:16; 26:9. Does this make Christology significant in the purpose of Acts, or is its prominence what one would expect in a New Testament book?” (Page 27)

“Luke’s purpose must, to take three themes as examples, be consistent with a strong emphasis on the powerful name of the exalted Christ, the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, and the powerful effect of the sovereign will and plan of God.” (Pages 29–30)

“Acts is concerned with the progress of the church rather than with its structure.” (Page 96)