Changes

==Authorship==

==Authorship==

The work of one author, given the unity of style and its artistic completeness, (such an effect could never arise from the piecing together bits of writings of different authors). The writer writes as an eyewitness and companion of Paul. The passages 16:10 - 17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1; 28:16 are called the "we passages". In these the writer employs the first person plural, closely identifying himself with Paul. This excludes the theory that Acts is the work of a redactor. Renan <ref>Ernest Renan, The Acts of the Apostles (Les Ap“tres, 1866), trans. from the French. (New York: Carlton, Madison Square, 1866)</ref> held that such use of the pronoun is "incompatible with any theory of redaction".

The work of one author, given the unity of style and its artistic completeness, (such an effect could never arise from the piecing together bits of writings of different authors). The writer writes as an eyewitness and companion of [[Paul]]. The passages 16:10 - 17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1; 28:16 are called the "we passages". In these the writer employs the first person plural, closely identifying himself with Paul. This excludes the theory that Acts is the work of a redactor. Renan <ref>Ernest Renan, The Acts of the Apostles (Les Ap“tres, 1866), trans. from the French. (New York: Carlton, Madison Square, 1866)</ref> held that such use of the pronoun is "incompatible with any theory of redaction".

We know from many proofs that [[Luke]] was the companion and fellow-laborer of Paul. Writing to the Colossians, in his salutation Paul associates with himself, "Luke, the beloved physician" (4:14). In II Tim 4:11 Paul declares: "Only Luke is with me". To Philemon (24) Paul calls Luke his fellow-worker. Many suppose the Lucan authorship of the third Gospel as proved. The writer of Acts in his opening sentence implicitly declares himself to be the author of the third Gospel. He addresses his work to [[Theophilus]], the addressee of the third Gospel. The writer also mentions his former work and in substance makes known his intention of continuing the history which, in his former treatise, he had brought up to the day when the Lord Jesus was received up. There is an identity of style between Acts and the third Gospel. An examination of the original Greek texts of the third Gospel and of the Acts reveals that there is in them a remarkable identity of manner of thinking and of writing. There is in both the same tender regard for the [[Gentiles]], the same respect for the [[Roman Empire]], the same treatment of the Jewish rites, the same broad conception that the Gospel is for all men. In forms of expression the third Gospel and the Acts reveal an identity of authorship. Many of the expressions usual in both works occur rarely in the rest of the New Testament, other expressions are found nowhere else save in the third Gospel and in the Acts.  

We know from many proofs that [[Luke]] was the companion and fellow-laborer of Paul. Writing to the Colossians, in his salutation Paul associates with himself, "Luke, the beloved physician" (4:14). In II Tim 4:11 Paul declares: "Only Luke is with me". To Philemon (24) Paul calls Luke his fellow-worker. Many suppose the Lucan authorship of the third Gospel as proved. The writer of Acts in his opening sentence implicitly declares himself to be the author of the third Gospel. He addresses his work to [[Theophilus]], the addressee of the third Gospel. The writer also mentions his former work and in substance makes known his intention of continuing the history which, in his former treatise, he had brought up to the day when the Lord Jesus was received up. There is an identity of style between Acts and the third Gospel. An examination of the original Greek texts of the third Gospel and of the Acts reveals that there is in them a remarkable identity of manner of thinking and of writing. There is in both the same tender regard for the [[Gentiles]], the same respect for the [[Roman Empire]], the same treatment of the Jewish rites, the same broad conception that the Gospel is for all men. In forms of expression the third Gospel and the Acts reveal an identity of authorship. Many of the expressions usual in both works occur rarely in the rest of the New Testament, other expressions are found nowhere else save in the third Gospel and in the Acts.  

==Pentecost==

==Pentecost==

On Pentecost the Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles, and confers on them the gift of tongues. To the wondering witnesses Peter explains the great miracle, proving that it is the power of Jesus Christ that is operating. By that great discourse many were converted to the religion of Christ and were baptized, "and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls". This was the beginning of the Judeo-Christian Church.

On [[Pentecost]] the [[Holy Spirit]] descends on the [[Apostles]], and confers on them the gift of tongues. To the wondering witnesses [[Peter]] explains the great miracle, proving that it is the power of [[Jesus Christ]] that is operating. By that great discourse many were converted to the religion of Christ and were [[baptized]], "and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls". This was the beginning of the Judeo-Christian Church.

Peter and John heal a man, lame from birth, at the door of the Temple which is called Beautiful. The people are filled with wonder and amazement at the miracle and run to Peter and John in the "Solomon's" portico. Peter again preaches Jesus Christ, asserting that by faith in the name of Jesus the lame man had been made strong. "And many of them that heard the word believed", and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Peter and [[John the Apostle|John]] heal a man, lame from birth, at the door of the Temple which is called Beautiful. The people are filled with wonder and amazement at the miracle and run to Peter and John in the "Solomon's" portico. Peter again preaches Jesus Christ, asserting that by faith in the name of Jesus the lame man had been made strong. "And many of them that heard the word believed", and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

==Early church==

==Early church==

The fervor of the Christians at that time was very great. They had all things in common. As many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and delivered the price to the Apostles, and this money was distributed as anyone had need. But a certain Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, the wife being accessory to the deed. Peter is inspired by the Holy Spirit to know the deception, and rebukes Ananias for the lie to the Holy Spirit. At the rebuke the man falls dead. Saphira, coming up afterwards, and knowing nothing of the death of her husband, is interrogated by Peter regarding the transaction. She also keeps back a part of the price, and lyingly asserts that the full price has been brought to the Apostles. Peter rebukes her and she also falls dead at his words. The multitude saw in the death of Ananias and Saphira God's punishment, and great fear came upon them all. This miracle of God's punishment of sin also confirmed the faith of those that believed and drew disciples to them. At this stage of the early Church miracles were necessary to attest the truth of their teaching. The power of miracles was abundantly bestowed upon the Apostles. These miracles are not reviewed in detail in Acts, but it is stated: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people".<ref>Acts 5:12</ref>  Multitudes both of men and women were added to the Christian community. The people of Jerusalem carried out the sick and laid them on beds and couches in the streets that the shadow of Peter might fall on them. They brought the sick from the cities round about Jerusalem, and every one was healed.

The fervor of the Christians at that time was very great. They had all things in common. As many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them and delivered the price to the Apostles, and this money was distributed as anyone had need. But a certain [[Ananias]], with [[Saphira]] his wife, sold a possession and kept back part of the price, the wife being accessory to the deed. Peter is inspired by the Holy Spirit to know the deception, and rebukes Ananias for the lie to the Holy Spirit. At the rebuke the man falls dead. Saphira, coming up afterwards, and knowing nothing of the death of her husband, is interrogated by Peter regarding the transaction. She also keeps back a part of the price, and lyingly asserts that the full price has been brought to the Apostles. Peter rebukes her and she also falls dead at his words. The multitude saw in the death of Ananias and Saphira God's punishment, and great fear came upon them all. This miracle of God's punishment of [[sin]] also confirmed the faith of those that believed and drew disciples to them. At this stage of the early Church [[miracle]]s were necessary to attest the truth of their teaching. The power of miracles was abundantly bestowed upon the Apostles. These miracles are not reviewed in detail in Acts, but it is stated: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people".<ref>Acts 5:12</ref>  Multitudes both of men and women were added to the Christian community. The people of [[Jerusalem]] carried out the sick and laid them on beds and couches in the streets that the shadow of Peter might fall on them. They brought the sick from the cities round about Jerusalem, and every one was healed.

The most powerful sect among the Jews at this time were the Sadducees. They were especially opposed to the Christian religion on account of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. <!--So they were "Sad, you see"-->The truth of the Apostles' teaching was: Life Everlasting through Jesus, Who was crucified for our sins, and Who is risen from the dead. The High-Priest Annas favored the Sadducees, and his son Ananus. who afterwards became High-Priest, ''was'' a Sadducee. <ref>Josephus, Antiq., XX, viii</ref> This made Annas and Caiphas enemies of  the Apostles of Christ. The Acts leaves us in no doubt as to the motive that inspired the High-Priest and the sectaries: "They were filled with jealousy". The religious leaders of the Old Law saw their influence with the people waning before the power which worked in the Apostles of Christ. An angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought the Apostles out, and bade them go and preach in the Temple. The council of the Jews, not finding Peter and John in the prison, and learning of their miraculous deliverance, are much perplexed. On information that they are teaching in the Temple, they send and take them, but without violence, fearing the people. It is evident throughout that the common people are disposed to follow the Apostles.<br>

The most powerful sect among the Jews at this time were the [[Sadducees]]. They were especially opposed to the Christian religion on account of the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. <!--So they were "Sad, you see"-->The truth of the Apostles' teaching was: Life Everlasting through Jesus, Who was [[crucified]] for our sins, and Who is risen from the dead. The High-Priest [[Annas]] favored the Sadducees, and his son Ananus. who afterwards became High-Priest, ''was'' a Sadducee. <ref>Josephus, Antiq., XX, viii</ref> This made Annas and Caiphas enemies of  the Apostles of Christ. The Acts leaves us in no doubt as to the motive that inspired the High-Priest and the sectaries: "They were filled with jealousy". The religious leaders of the Old Law saw their influence with the people waning before the power which worked in the Apostles of Christ. An angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought the Apostles out, and bade them go and preach in the Temple. The council of the Jews, not finding Peter and John in the prison, and learning of their miraculous deliverance, are much perplexed. On information that they are teaching in the Temple, they send and take them, but without violence, fearing the people. It is evident throughout that the common people are disposed to follow the Apostles.<br>

The council accuses the Apostles that, contrary to its former injunction not to teach in Christ's name, they had filled Jerusalem with Christ's teaching. Peter's defense is that they must obey God rather than men. He then boldly reiterates the doctrine of the Redemption and of the Resurrection. The council is minded to kill the Apostles.<br>

The council accuses the Apostles that, contrary to its former injunction not to teach in Christ's name, they had filled Jerusalem with Christ's teaching. Peter's defense is that they must obey God rather than men. He then boldly reiterates the doctrine of the Redemption and of the Resurrection. The council is minded to kill the Apostles.<br>

At this point Gamaliel, a [[Pharisee]], a doctor of the Jewish law, held in honor of all the people, arises in the council in defense of the Apostles. He cites precedents to prove that, if the new teaching be of men, it will be overthrown. But if it be of God, it will be impossible to overthrow. Gamaliel's counsel prevails, and the council calls the Apostles, beats them, and lets them go, charging them not to speak in the name of Jesus. But the Apostles departed, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. And every day, in the Temple and privately they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus the Christ.

At this point [[Gamaliel]], a [[Pharisee]], a doctor of the Jewish law, held in honor of all the people, arises in the council in defense of the Apostles. He cites precedents to prove that, if the new teaching be of men, it will be overthrown. But if it be of God, it will be impossible to overthrow. Gamaliel's counsel prevails, and the council calls the Apostles, beats them, and lets them go, charging them not to speak in the name of Jesus. But the Apostles departed, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. And every day, in the Temple and privately they ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus the Christ.

==Saul, Paul==

==Saul, Paul==

Saul, breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, sets out for Damascus to apprehend any Christians whom he may find there. As he draws near to Damascus, the Lord Jesus speaks to him out of the heavens and converts him. Paul is baptized by Ananias at Damascus, and straightway for some days abides there, preaching in the synagogues that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He withdraws into Arabia; again returns to Damascus. It is only after three years that he goes up to Jerusalem. At Jerusalem Paul is at first distrusted by the disciples of Jesus; but after Barnabas narrates to them Paul's marvellous conversion, they receive Paul, and he preaches boldly in the name of Jesus.

Saul, breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, sets out for [[Damascus]] to apprehend any Christians whom he may find there. As he draws near to Damascus, the Lord Jesus speaks to him out of the heavens and converts him. [[Paul]] is baptized by [[Ananias]] at Damascus, and straightway for some days abides there, preaching in the [[synagogue]]s that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He withdraws into Arabia; again returns to Damascus. It is only after three years that he goes up to Jerusalem. At Jerusalem Paul is at first distrusted by the disciples of Jesus; but after [[Barnabas]] narrates to them Paul's marvellous conversion, they receive Paul, and he preaches boldly in the name of Jesus.

 

==Judea, Samaria and Galilee==

==Judea, Samaria and Galilee==

Acts then goes on to describe the Church in [[Judea]], [[Samaria]] and [[Galilee]] as "at peace, being builded up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and by the strength of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied". Peter now goes throughout all parts comforting the faithful. At Lydda he heals the palsied Aeneas; and at Joppa he raises the pious widow Tabitha (Greek, Dorcas) from the dead. These miracles still more confirm the faith in Jesus Christ. At Joppa Peter has the great vision of the sheet let down from Heaven containing all manner of animals, of which he, being in a trance, is commanded to kill and eat. Peter refuses, on the ground that he cannot eat that which is common and unclean. It is then made known to him by God, that God has cleansed what was before to the Jew unclean. This great vision, revealed three times, was the manifestation of the will of Heaven that the ritual law of the Jews should cease. Henceforth salvation should be offered without distinction to [[Jew]] and [[Goyim|Gentile]]. The meaning of the vision is unfolded to Peter, when he is commanded by an angel to go to Caesarea, to the Gentile centurion Cornelius, whose messengers were even then come to fetch him. He goes, and hears from Cornelius also the centurion's own vision. He preaches to him and to all assembled; the Holy Spirit descends upon them, and Peter commands that they be baptized. Returning to Jerusalem, the Jews contend with Peter that he has gone in to men uncircumcised, and eaten with them. He expounds to them his vision at Joppa, and also the vision of Cornelius, wherein the latter was commanded by an angel to send and fetch Peter from Joppa, that he might receive from Peter the Gospel. The Jews acquiesce, glorifying God, and declaring that "unto the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life". Those who had been scattered abroad from Jerusalem at the time of Stephen's martyrdom had travailed as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch preaching Christ; but they preached to none save the Jews. The calling of the Gentiles was not yet understood by them. But now some converts from Cyprus and Cyrene come up to Antioch, and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. A great number believe, and turn to the Lord. The report of the work at Antioch comes to the ears of the Church in [[Jerusalem]], which sends Barnabas, "a good man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith", to them. He takes Paul from Tarsus, and they both dwell at Antioch a whole year, and teach many people. The disciples of Christ are called Christians first at Antioch.

Acts then goes on to describe the Church in [[Judea]], [[Samaria]] and [[Galilee]] as "at peace, being builded up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and by the strength of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied". Peter now goes throughout all parts comforting the faithful. At Lydda he heals the palsied Aeneas; and at Joppa he raises the pious widow Tabitha (Greek, Dorcas) from the dead. These miracles still more confirm the faith in Jesus Christ. At Joppa Peter has the great vision of the sheet let down from Heaven containing all manner of animals, of which he, being in a trance, is commanded to kill and eat. Peter refuses, on the ground that he cannot eat that which is common and unclean. It is then made known to him by God, that God has cleansed what was before to the Jew unclean. This great vision, revealed three times, was the manifestation of the will of Heaven that the ritual law of the Jews should cease. Henceforth salvation should be offered without distinction to [[Jew]] and [[Goyim|Gentile]]. The meaning of the vision is unfolded to Peter, when he is commanded by an angel to go to Caesarea, to the Gentile centurion Cornelius, whose messengers were even then come to fetch him. He goes, and hears from Cornelius also the centurion's own vision. He preaches to him and to all assembled; the Holy Spirit descends upon them, and Peter commands that they be baptized. Returning to Jerusalem, the Jews contend with Peter that he has gone in to men uncircumcised, and eaten with them. He expounds to them his vision at Joppa, and also the vision of Cornelius, wherein the latter was commanded by an angel to send and fetch Peter from Joppa, that he might receive from Peter the Gospel. The Jews acquiesce, glorifying God, and declaring that "unto the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life". Those who had been scattered abroad from Jerusalem at the time of Stephen's martyrdom had travailed as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch preaching Christ; but they preached to none save the Jews. The calling of the Gentiles was not yet understood by them. But now some converts from Cyprus and Cyrene come up to Antioch, and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. A great number believe, and turn to the Lord. The report of the work at Antioch comes to the ears of the Church in [[Jerusalem]], which sends Barnabas, "a good man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith", to them. He takes Paul from Tarsus, and they both dwell at Antioch a whole year, and teach many people. The disciples of Christ are called Christians first at Antioch.

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[[Category:Biblical books]]

[[Category:Biblical Books]]

[[Category:New Testament]]

[[Category:New Testament Books]]