The Books of the Bible - the of Acts - Book Report/Review Example

The Books of the Bible - the Book of Acts Introduction The book of Acts covers 30 years - from the Ascension of Jesus in AD 33 to the second year of Paul’s imprisonment around AD 63 or 64 - of early church history. McGhee calls it a “bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles.” It was written by Luke, the only Gentile NT writer. He was an unmarried physician and one of Paul’s closest companions. He died in Boeotia at the age of 84. (Utley pg. 14) Luke mentions several verifiable historical events that help to date this work. They include the famine under Claudius (Acts 11:28 - AD 44-48), the death of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20-23 - AD 44) and Claudius’s expulsion of the Jews from Rome. (Acts 18:2 - AD 49). Romans and Galatians are two of Paul’s most profound epistles. Since Paul’s conversion to Christ in A.D. 35, (Calvin pg. 13) he is widely heralded as the greatest apostle. J. Vernon McGee calls him “the Moses of the New Testament.” Paul’s life turned 180 degrees from his conversion. He was passionate in his persecution of Christians as Saul and his passion changed that all may know Christ as he knew Him. Thirty years later he is addressing the Jewish remnant in Rome. Acts and these two Epistles provide fundamental truths for day to day Christian Living. Acts 1:21-2:4 The Day of Pentecost is the 50th day after the Passover. It is one of the three annual feasts. Jesus was crucified during the Passover which is another one of the annual feasts. Pentecost portrays Christ’s character and marks the beginning of His kingdom. (McGarvey pg. 28) 21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. The 11 remaining Apostles gathered to choose someone to take Judas’s place in the ministry. They felt that Judas Iscariot’s apostasy left a void in their ministry. (Acts 1:17) Their requirements was for a man that has been with them since the beginning of Christ’s ministry and also witnessed his resurrection. Many theologians including J. Vernon McGee believe that Peter and the rest were operating in the flesh and without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Acts, pg. 6) 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Not much is known about these two men. Henry suggests that this Joseph is the same one that Paul mentions in Colossians 4:11. Not only is Joseph circumcised, but he remains faithful in ministry. (Henry pg. 36) 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, The Apostles were consistent in seeking God during their selection process. Hearkening to 1 Samuel 16:7, they asked God to examine the hearts of both candidates. They limited God’s choice between these two. Since many people met the criteria listed in the earlier verses, it is unknown the process the Apostles used to choose these two as the final candidates. This is different than the process that is demonstrated in Joshua 7:16-18. In order to discover whose sin caused the Israel to be defeated at Ai, Joshua cast lots repeatedly until he arrived at Achan. It is very likely that the Apostles were guilty of seeking God in the middle of the selection process and not from the beginning. 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. This is the last time that Matthias is mentioned in Scripture. That by itself is not a condemnation of him. Most of the Apostles’ deed were not mentioned in Scripture. This is in no means a statement that they are less important than Apostles like Peter who appear throughout both the book of Acts and the entire New Testament. (Schultz pg. 14) Matthew Henry believed that the number of apostles had to be twelve. Matthias was Judas’ replacement. When James was killed, Paul was selected as an apostle. (Henry pg. 37) Some believe that the Apostles, like Abraham did by having Ishmael (Genesis 16:2), gave God a “sanctified hand” by choosing Matthias. 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. Pentecost began on Saturday evening. It did not fully come until Sunday morning. The church was on one accord waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. For these Jerusalem believers to be on one accord is the miracle before the miracle. A Review of the Gospels reveals several conflicts between the Apostles. The repeated times of intense prayer between the Resurrection and Pentecost has influenced the believers creating a unity of heart. (Henry pg. 38) 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. The sound was immediate and loud and completely supernatural. There was no build up to the wind nor where things stirred naturally. It is very likely that the noise was heard throughout the city. This set the stage for Peter’s sermon. Crowds would have gathered around the house with hopes of seeing what was happening. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Henry quotes Dr. Hammond regarding this verse. “There was an appearance of something like flaming fire lighting on every one of them, which divided asunder, and so formed the resemblance of tongues, with that part of them that was next their heads divided or cloven.” (Henry pg. 40) 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Many churches continue to take “speaking in tongues” as the only sure sign of having the Holy Ghost. This is not what this verse is saying. The early church was in a multi-lingual culture. The Apostles were not learned men and none of them knew another language naturally. This gift not only testified to filling of the Holy Spirit but equipped them to minister to the gathering masses outside the house. Galatians 1:13-24 This passage is part of Paul’s testimony and a defense of his Apostleship. Whereas Romans was written from his head, Galatians bursts forth from the heart of Paul. (McGhee, Galatians, pg. 4) It was written in AD 57 in Ephesus. This was during Paul’s third missionary journey and before his epistle to the Romans. As with most other NT books, Galatian’s date is disputed among theologians. Dr. Lenski states that Galatians was written in Corinth around AD 53. (McGhee Galatians, pg. 1) Utley quotes Martin Luther’s feelings about the Epistle to the Galatians.”The book of Galatians is my letter; I have betrothed myself to it; it is my wife.” (Utley pg. 16) The Epistle to the Galatians is more controversial than most since the dispute extends to whether it was written to the North Galatians or the Southern Galatians. The North Galatians were blond orientals who were conquered by Rome in 189 BC. McGhee states that the Gallic Celts resembled Americans: “The infirmity of the Gauls is that they are fickle in their resolves, fond of change and not to be trusted.” (Pgs 2-3) Many theologians were attracted to the North Galatian Theory because it provided such ripe “parallels” with American culture. On the other hand, Paul established four churches in the southern part of the province. They where Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. (Acts 13:14 - 14:23) Paul personally ministered to the believers in these churches. (Apple pg. 7) Whether North or South, the church at Galatians was in serious trouble and needed stiff correction. A group called the Judaizers had infiltrated the church and was leading many astray and attacking Paul’s apostleship. According to them, a true Christian had to become a Jew first. The Judaizers wanted all believers to be circumcised and adhere to the law. This works doctrine polluted the gift of grace. They claimed to be followers of Peter, James and John. (Henry pg. 1018) The Judaizers told the Galatians that Paul had been taught by one of the other Apostles learned to be obedient to the Law. (Martin Luther pg. 29) The Judaizers claimed Paul was not equal with them. Further grievances with Paul included his support of the Council of Jerusalem’s AD 49 decrees and Timothy’s circumcision. (Pullani, pg. 78) 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: Before he came to Christ, Paul persecuted Christians with a passion. He was definitely a “Type A” personality and a role model to many. He was considered the Pharisee of Pharisees. He was totally committed to killing Christians because he viewed them as a serious threat to the Jews. 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Paul could be considered the “Michael Jordan” of the Mosaic Law. No one of the circumcision could compete with him. (Martin Luther pg. 27) The Roman General Titus had destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. The Pharisaic party relocated to Jamnia and the Sadducean sect was destroyed. Paul’s personality plays a part in his “success” as an Apostle. Before he met Christ, Paul applied himself to his goals with his whole heart. His encounter with Christ did not diminish his zeal but harnessed it for God’s glory. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Paul’s begins the defense of his apostleship. Using language similar to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5), Paul states that God called him from his mother’s womb. God called Paul in spite of his passionate persecution of the early church. He refers to this when he concludes this verse with “...by his grace.” Paul attacks the Judaizer’s legalistic claims while confessing his past sins. 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Paul encountered Christ on the Damascus Road. (Acts 9:1-9) A true Apostle is personally called by Jesus. This distinguishes Paul from Matthias. Similarly to the original Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4), Christ names Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15) 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Paul, as in days when he was Saul, pursued God’s calling whole heartedly. The other Apostles had their assignments and he had his. This counters the Judaizers claim that Paul spent time being taught by the other Apostles. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. Paul gives a careful account of his personal history to continue his defense against the Judaizers. Even when he met the other Apostles, the visitation time was too brief to be properly taught the ways of Christ. This corresponds with Paul’s Jerusalem visit that was recorded in Acts 9:26-30. (Utley pg. 29) 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. In the Early Church, James was an important leader. For several generations the early church chose one of Jesus’s physical relatives for a leader. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; Paul continues to review his personal history and prove that he was never taught by another Apostle. The Judaizers had ruined Paul’s credibility. He testifies to the veracity of his statements with an oath. 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me. Paul was consistent in his teachings from church to church. His testimony often preceded him. The Christians who used to fear Saul were inspired by Paul. If God could transform his life, there is hope for anyone. Paul’s life constantly pointed others toward Christ. Romans 11:1-12 Romans, at the most, was written 30 years after the Crucifixion (Schultz, Romans, pg. 3) in A.D. 57-58. This was during Paul’s third missionary journey between January and March in Corinth. (McGee, Romans, pg 3) Little is known about the founding of the church in Rome. Ambrosiaster, a 4th century church father, stated that the church of Rome was founded by Jewish Christians. (Constable, pg. 2) Romans has been heralded both as “the Constitution of Christianity” (Schultz, Romans, pg. 1) and “the greatest document of our salvation.” (McGee Romans, pg 7) Romans 11 focuses on Israel’s future. Even though the Jews have rejected Christ, their rejection is not total nor is it final. (Schultz, Romans, pg 4) Matthew Henry describes it as God’s Mercy mixing with divine wrath. (pg. 694) God’s Mercy can be divided into three sections: 1). not all the Jews are cast off, 2). Although the body of the Jews were rejected the Gentiles were adopted and 3). God will return the Jews into the church when the fullness of time has come. (Henry pg. 695) 1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul begins Chapter 11 reminding the church of Rome that all of the Jews have not been rejected. He is a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. Paul is part of the believing Jewish remnant. (Calvin, pg 299) 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, God has not forgotten Israel. Paul distinguishes between the natural seed of Israel (the Jews) and the spiritual seed of Abraham (the elect). God’s has chosen and reserved a body of believers to Him from before the beginning of time. These people are saved by God’s power and not because of anything that they achieve. To the eyes of the early church, the number of believing Jews appeared to be minute. We do not see God’s plan in its entirety. Things often appears darker than they actually are. Even though Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, he reminds them of the Jews importance in God’s plan. The number of Jewish believers had greatly dwindled since Pentecost. Many Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, felt that the Jews had been forsaken by God. 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Elijah is tired - physically, emotionally and spiritually. After a triumph against the priests of Bal, he fled at Jezebel’s threat. He pours out his fear and frustration to God through prayer. God is gentle with his servant, meeting all of his needs, before reminding him that He has 7000 men who “have not bowed the knee to Bal.” 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. The church at Rome’s situation paralleled the plight of Israel during Elijah’s time. Calvin sums up verse 5 when he declares that “God has a way, easy to himself, hidden from us, by which he wonderfully preserves his elect, even when all things seem to us to be past all remedy.” (pg. 301) 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Paul, the former Pharisee of Pharisees, lifts up grace over works. It is either one or the other. We are chosen by God either because of our goodness or because of God’s favor. Believers are chosen by God through His grace. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded Israel is waiting for the Messiah. The elect are able to see and hear God and have accepted Him as their personal savior. The rest, because of their rejection of Christ, blind themselves to eternal truth. 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Many Jews saw the miracles of Jesus. However they were like many during the time of Isaiah. (Isaiah 29:10) The see with their eyes and hear with their ears but their hearts remain untouched. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. Like David (Psalms 69:22-23), Paul begins to pray for God’s enemies. God’s curse will turn meat into poision. God’s word brings life to the believer. Many Jews were so threatened by early Christians that they rejected everything about them. This included Christian benevolence to those in need. Instead of seeking the truth, the Jews focused on the politics of the time. (Henry pg. 707) 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? The Jews rejection of Christ hastened the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The good news is the richest treasure in the world today. The Gentiles received this and many were living fruitful lives to God’s glory. Even now, more than 2000 years later we are still reaping the rewards of the Jews rejection of Christ. God, however, has not forgotten Israel. In Revelation 7:1-9 we glimpse part of God’s future plans for Israel. Future blessings are still reserved for those who Israel blesses. Acts 1:21-2:4, Galatians 1:13-24 and Romans 11:1-12 provide a solid foundation for the New Testament Church. In Acts, we witnessed the birth of the church and the fulfillment of the Comforter’s arrival. It is through the Holy Spirit that we can learn divine truth. Salvation is a gift from God. The Galatians passage reminds us that we can never earn it. God transformed Paul’s life. His testimony is still an encouragement to believers. Finally, Romans looks at the Jews rejection of the Christ. It also expands on grace and God’s sovereignty. Verse 5 is a reminder that we do not see God’s entire plan for our lives. We need to trust him. Furthermore, our walk with Him is one of receiving His grace. The Gentiles walk in God’s grace and the time will come when God will draw the Jews back to himself. References Apple, P. 2001. Born Free, Live Free, Stay Free A Devotional Commentary on the Book of Galatians. Baltimore, Paul Apple Calvin, J. 1999. Commentary on Romans. Grand Rapids, Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Constable, T., 2008. Notes on Romans 2008 Edition. Sonic Light. Darby, J. N., 1995. Synopsis to the Books of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Henry, M. 2000. Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelations). Grand Rapids, Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Luther, M. 1999. A Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians. Grand Rapids, Christian Classics Ethereal Library. McGarvey, J.W., 1872. A Commentary on Acts of the Apostles. Lexington, Transylvania Printing and Publishing Co. McGee, J.V., Notes and Outlines Acts. Pasadena, Through the Bible Radio Network. McGee, J.V., Notes and Outlines Galatians. Pasadena, Through the Bible Radio Network. McGee, J.V., Notes and Outlines Romans. Pasadena, Through the Bible Radio Network. Maclaren, A., 2004. Expositions of Holy Scripture: Romans Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) Project Gutenberg. Pullen, L., 2007. The Books of the New Testament. Project Gutenberg. Schultz, J. 2002. Commentary to the Book of Acts. Bible-commentaries.com. Schultz, J. 2002. Paul’s Epistles to the Romans. Bible-commentaries.com Utley, B., 1995. The Book of Acts. Texas, East Texas Baptist University. Utley, B. 1995. Paul’s First Letters Galatians and Thessalonians. Texas, East Texas Baptist University. Read More