THE BOOK OF ACTS

for
MARTA LILIANA MONTOYA RENGIFO
0117018

BIB3073
The Book of Acts
PN 01.11

Supplementary writing task

TEXTBOOK:
The Book of Acts
By Wave Nunnally
(Springfield, MO: Global University, 2009)

May, 2018
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Importance of the Book of Acts

Part 1: Authenticity of Facts

Importance of Facts for the canon.

By understanding that the canon is the seal of authenticity of all biblical doctrines, it can be concluded that the book of

Facts give relevance to the canon as it not only shows divine inspiration but also reveals the

manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit, in the birth of the church through the believers.

a. The oldest history of the primitive church:

The writings of the book of Acts are not only the earliest history of the early church, but they are the ones that

have survived throughout history becoming a necessary source for all times, stages and

processes of the development of the Church of Christ throughout its entire history, the book of Acts records how the

The apostolic church grew and developed until it extended its message transcending time, distances, and culture.

b. Bridge between the gospels and the epistles:

By quoting the words in (Acts 1:8), the writer shows that Acts is the bridge that connects the life and ministry of

Jesus with the epistles that are addressed to different Christians, spreading the message of the gospel everywhere.

c.Introduction to the Pauline epistles and their historical background:

The Book of Acts, having the record of the life, conversion, and ministry of the Apostle Paul, provides historical data.

truthful accounts that certify the existence of the churches to which Paul writes his epistles, churches that he founded during

his missionary journeys that are recorded in Acts.

Emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

work of the Holy Spirit including the baptism in the Spirit and the operation of spiritual gifts in life
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Every believer, it is evident through the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit and its manifestations are real and

irrefutable truths that empower the believer making them effective in the kingdom.

2. Hermeneutical and theological emphasis found in Acts

a. Continuity of the activity of the Holy Spirit:

The continuity of the activity of the Spirit is clearly accepted by the immutability of God, who is the same.

yesterday, today and forever, your continuous activity is not limited to quality or duration but rather to purpose and

fulfillment of His word to the promise of pouring out His Spirit upon all men, women, and children given by

his prophets in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-29) and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21) and

extended until the end of time (Acts 2:39).

b. Historical-redemptive perspective:

The historical-redemptive perspective emphasizes interpreting and understanding the biblical record in light of

of God's redemptive plan, this perspective establishes that from the beginning in Genesis and the end of Revelation there is

a unit in the redemptive message, although there are inequalities in the messages, these do not interfere in

its central message, the redemption of man.

c. The preeminent role of the Holy Spirit:

Throughout history, the work of the Holy Spirit has been interpreted in three different ways, each one being

they are important and essential for the growth and development of each believer as a member of the body of

Christ:

Wesleyan Holiness Movement defined the person of the Holy Spirit as an agent of holiness.

declaring that the propitiation of Christ not only provides salvation from sin but also total sanctification

that is progressively carried out through the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of each believer
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the classical Pentecostal movement defined the work of the Holy Spirit as the one who empowers the believer

for the service.

Charismatic movement emphasizes that the work of the Holy Spirit is to lead the believer to intensify their

relationship with Christ.

Although each of these positions contributes real elements of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer,

It is clear that the Book of Acts emphasizes that the work of the Spirit is to empower the believer for

service. (Acts 1:8, 4:29-31)

3. Theology comes from biblical material in the form of narrative.

The narrative used by the writer of Acts is only the literary form that Luke intentionally adopts.

from the writers of the Old Testament, with the clear purpose of influencing the faith and practice of their readers in

all times and everywhere. Lucas makes value judgments about the behavior of his characters demonstrating

with that, he is also a believer and defender of spiritual truths, which shows that Luke is more than

a historian is a theologian who knows how to present his Pentecostal theology with exceptional skill, therefore,

The theology, practice, and Pentecostal apologetics presented in the Book of Acts give it great value and relevance.

to the historical books, to the Pentateuch, and to the Gospels.

To unite theory and practice in the narrative of Acts, the reader must understand Luke's intention and be sensitive.

to the intention with which I register the message and refrain from interpreting what the author is not saying in their writing,

as well as taking into account that there are many recorded episodes that deal with spiritual experiences that

they can affect the practice if the cultural expressions of the time or era, preferences are not taken into account

personalities or eccentricities of the history in which those events occurred, points that must be taken into

Count to establish which behaviors the writer wants to present as normative and which are not.

they intend to establish principles of faith and conduct for all Christians everywhere and at all times. When
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If a situation is referenced repeatedly and in different contexts, the writer is surely giving

eternal relevance and spiritual value that must transcend and is applicable to every believer everywhere, but if

on the contrary, there is only one record found only once and in a single context; the reader must understand that

It is merely a historical report and the reader has no intention of establishing any normative rule.

Part 2: Literary Parenthood of Facts

4. Analysis of critical scholarship.

The role of critical scholarship and the early versions of liberalism that have their roots in humanism

Renaissance, openly exposing their hostility against Christianity by demystifying traditional beliefs.

in order to destroy a faith that they considered outdated and harmful to the progress of society,

strongly attacking the total authority of the Bible as the foundation of faith and rule of ethical and moral conduct of

man, this liberal movement particularly demystified the gospels and the book of Acts questioning their

literary paternity and its dating.

In light of this position, three possible dates were presented regarding the writings of Luke-Acts in order to make

irrelevant to its ethical, moral, and spiritual value, dates that Nunnally fully refuted in his position as he did

use of historically proven facts, presenting compelling grounds against such possible positions

closed as it is in the case of 64 AD, since Luke does not refer in his writing to external evidence.

historical, such as; the persecution of Christians by Nero and the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, Nunnally

it also shows that a date between the years 70 and 85 is not possible either since the arguments given are

that Lucas made use of Marcos as a source for his writings is doubtful, nor is it possible that the writing

In fact, it was done in the second century to solve division problems among the followers of Paul.

and from Pedro since there are no records in any of the epistolary writings of this supposed division, nor is it

Is it true that the writings of Luke are dependent on the writings of Josephus since they do not coincide in date of writing?

neither in the order of events, nor is it possible to write about Facts in the second century since there is no relationship with
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other known writings from that time, therefore Nunnally makes it clear that the dating of the book of Acts is

around the beginning of the year 60 AD.

5. Explanation:

Internal Evidence:

In the same book of the writings of Luke-Acts, there are records of events that certify that the

the author of the book is Lucas, as is the author's own testimony when describing the access he had to people

who were eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2-3) that provide details without any personal interest, it is also the

Lucas's personal involvement and his interest in accurately researching the events he records.

(Luke 2:3), another demonstration of Luke's authorship as the writer of Luke-Acts can be found in the

narrations that this one makes in the first person showing these records are personally present in the mentioned

events (Acts 16:10-11; 20:6a).

External Evidence:

Ancient sources that certify the authorship of the writings of Luke are:

Canon of Marcion, despite the fact that Marcion had prejudices against the Jews, accepted a shortened version of the gospel.

from Lucas.

The fragmentary manuscript from the late second century A.D. that describes who Luke was, what his profession was, his

social status, marital status and their religious position.

The Muratorio fragment describes Lucas as Paul's traveling companion and a physician by profession.

The testimony of the parents of the early church, who acknowledge Luke as a follower of Paul and

including his gospel among the four as the only indisputable ones within the church.

Evidence of the Pauline epistles:

(Philemon 24), to the affection that Paul has for him (Colossians 4:14), to his faithfulness (2 Timothy 4:11), and this is the most basic

A firm that certifies that Lucas is the collaborator who stayed with Pablo in Rome for more than two years and that he is

Lucas the anonymous author of Acts (Acts 28:30).

Clearly, this evidence is convincing because the theological and Pauline terminology contained in it is irrefutable.

the writings of Luke-Acts, which suggests that Luke was influenced by Paul in some way

very close which places him within the circle of his closest collaborators.

description

Medical conditions:

Medical conditions are highlighted in passages such as (Luke 18:25), Luke speaks of passing through the eye.

of a needle refers to passing through the eye of a 'surgeon's needle' (greek bolones), while (Matthew

19:24 and Mark 10:25 refer to passing through the "eye of a sewing needle" (Greek rafidos), these

differences in the references made by different authors provide a strong indication of the writer's medical profession

from the books of Luke-Acts.

There are also external references to Luke's medical activity found in some Pauline letters.

as it is in the letter to the (Colossians 4:14), where Paul describes Luke as 'the beloved physician'

Health services:

The narratives of healings found in the book of Acts clearly show Luke's intention to

physical detail and the concern for a correct diagnosis, providing more detailed information regarding the

physical conditions, as well as the healing process, as it is done in the passage of (Acts 3:2-7), in this passage

Lucas reports a specific diagnosis 'lame from birth' (congenital disability) and subsequently in the same
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the passage also records the miraculous healing of this man who was; externally observable, irrefutable and

irreversible, "his feet and ankles were affirmed," these descriptions from the author show that Lucas has an interest

very elevated on health matters, more than other authors of the New Testament.

Sea voyages:

The periodic narratives made by the writer of the book of Acts such as the passages from (Acts 16:10-

11; 20:6a) also called the "we" passages are an undeniable indication of the author's presence in

mentioned events, although there is clear evidence that the author shows a keen interest in identifying the

travel group before himself. The author supports his narratives with generalized records and real events in

specific situations, showing the real accuracy of what is reported, thus adding an involuntary touch of

authenticity and paternity to the writings making it known without a doubt that the author of the narrated events is Luke.

Part 3: Pentecostal Foundations

Acts 8:4-40

The story introduced in verse 4 of chapter 8 of Acts shows Philip as the main protagonist.

of the story, where the persecution of the church in Jerusalem resulted in the fulfillment of the plan laid out by

Jesus in (Acts 1:8 and Matthew 24:14), showing a new stage of the ministry and expansion of the church.

The presentation of the Gospel shows that the passion of Christ occupies the central message of his preaching.

a pure message confirmed by the signs that followed it (Acts 8:6-7) resulting in the conversion of

many Samaritans, who by the laying on of hands of Peter and John receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit

that the crowd on the day of Pentecost (Acts 8:17).

By recording this episode with the Samaritans, Luke's goal is to make clear that the outpouring of the Spirit

Saint about the Samaritan believers emphasizes three things. First, that all the believers of the nascent

The church was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and was guided by Him (Acts 8:29). Second, that baptism
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the Holy Spirit has as physical evidence the demonstration of power to those who experience it and that power

is above all practices of witchcraft and magical arts that the Samaritans were accustomed to and that

it is a power that is non-transferable by human will (Acts 18-21) that is only received by divine will and that

his manifestations are subject to the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit Himself, although Luke does not provide details about these

manifestations, the previous and subsequent accounts of Luke regarding the baptism with the Holy Spirit show

What is a normative rule, and it is common to see that the power of the Holy Spirit manifested with the evidence of speaking in.

other languages. Third, Luke shows the relevance of the gospel that goes beyond the Jews (Acts 8:25) and that

transcends the borders of Israel as in the case of the man from Ethiopia, territory described by Greek sources

as "the last of the earth" and the Ethiopians as "the last men". Fulfilling Acts 1:8 and Matthew 24:14

in that generation.

8. Difference between baptism in the Holy Spirit and baptism in water.

The difference between baptism in the Holy Spirit and baptism in water is that baptism in the Spirit

Holy is exclusive to the believers, only Christians are qualified to receive the gift of the Spirit, it is

they must have had the experience of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, then considering baptism

in the Holy Spirit as a separate and subsequent step to conversion, but which can take place before or after

of baptism in water, as in the case of Paul when Ananias prayed for him and said to him, 'receive the Holy Spirit' and

After this and having regained his sight, he was baptized in water, (Acts 9:18-19), the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

It is also an experience accompanied by observable manifestations of supernatural power.

externally, as was visible on Pentecost (Acts 2:5-13; 9:20-21), with the Samaritan believers.

(Acts 8:16-17), in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46) and that aims to empower the believer to

make it effective within the kingdom and be able to fulfill the plan established by Jesus (Acts 1:8) and in compliance

from the promise made by God (Acts 2:33; 2:39). In contrast, water baptism has a clear purpose to give

an external indication of an internal change, is a transfer of status of the new believer showing that they have

has been included within the family of God and from that moment it is made public that they are under the divine covenant.
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of salvation, therefore baptism in water does not refer to an act that is performed to be saved as

many have misinterpreted the passage of (Acts 2:38) by stating that it is necessary to be baptized in water to

receive salvation since this statement by Peter clearly alludes to the fact that whoever is baptized in water is giving

public testimony that he is now saved and suitable to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit and that he has no

impediment to manifest it publicly.

Pentecostal practice.

Description.

One of the Pentecostal practices found in the book of Acts is the fulfillment of the great commission given.

by Jesus to his disciples in (Matthew 28:19-20) and the receipt of the promised power to carry it out (Acts 1:8;

The life of the apostolic church of the first century clearly shows that its evangelistic activity was marked

through strong experiences of the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit or it can also be said that the strong

experiences of the power of the Spirit in the life of the church lead every believer to be true witnesses of the power

Savior and supernatural of God even amidst persecutions, threats, and dangers of death (Acts 4: 23-31)

an evangelism that transcended, culture, religious beliefs and being inclusive to all who would accept it

message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ and receiving the same promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit for all as

confirmation of God's acceptance for each new believer.

Application.

Just like in the primitive church, the church of Christ at this time is tasked with fulfilling the great

commission, carrying the message of salvation 'to the ends of the earth' 'and make disciples of all nations',

but just like the first disciples needed to be filled and empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit thus

The current church itself needs to be filled and empowered with the same power to be effective in the work that is assigned to it.

they have commissioned, being assured that they will see God's support in their message as God extends His hand and

to perform miracles through every believer (Acts 19:11), it is also necessary for the current church to have commitment.
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total and that your service is genuine and your dedication is unconditional for the cause of Christ and his message, that you learn

to stand firm in the midst of dangers, persecutions, and death threats. That the example of dedication, commitment and

service (praxis) be genuine in each believer today, which is only achieved by having a life full of power

of the Holy Spirit.