|
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH--AN
OVERVIEW OF
|
|
THE BOOK OF ACTS
|
|
JIM
LAWS
|
|
There have been many books written on church
history, but none compares to God's divine book, the book of Acts. It
includes such valuable material regarding God and his people that it has to
be the greatest book on the subject of the history of the church that we
have. One really cannot understand New Testament Christianity properly without
it; we can never get too much of it. This does not mean that Acts is
exhaustive in its treatment of every event and detail that took place.
However, the details presented are sufficient to accomplish the purpose the
Holy Spirit had in revealing the book: that purpose being to teach man of the
beginning and growth of the church.
|
|
At the very outset the reader sees that a close
relationship exists between Acts and the book of Luke. It is certainly true
that Luke is the writer of both, however, in addition
one will find that there are a number of other elements, which show a close
relationship. For instance, the opening statement Luke gives the book serves
as a good purpose statement and links the two books together, "The
former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all
that Jesus began both to do and teach" (Acts 1:1, see also Luke 1:3).
Luke tells his readers what Jesus did while here on earth, then in Acts he
continues to tell them what Jesus did through the Holy Spirit, through the
Apostles, and through the church. Acts becomes a type of sequel to the mighty
acts of God found for us in the four accounts of the life of the Lord. The
close relationship between the two books may be seen again, when one
considers the fact that Luke ends with the ascension of Jesus, while Acts
begins with the ascension scenes of the Lord. Luke reveals the Lords
instructions to the apostles that "repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem"
(Luke 24:47). In addition to this, Jesus tells them that they are to tarry in
Jerusalem until they receive
power from on high (v. 49). As the book of Acts opens, we see the apostles
doing as they have been instructed. It can be seen, then, that in the book of
Acts Luke is continuing the story for the reader and he is explaining how the
great commission of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15:16) was executed and put into action.
|
|
An important passage to consider is Acts 1:3.
Here Luke records the fact that Jesus "shewed
himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them
forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom
of God." As the reader will
see, much of the book of Acts is the preaching of Peter, Stephen, Paul, and others
with emphasis being given to the matter of the kingdom. Peter emphasizes that
Jesus is now reigning as king of his kingdom, the church, both in his sermon
on Pentecost (Acts 2), as well as, his sermon on the temple porch (Acts 3).
The common elements in all of their preaching are: (1) The promises of God in
the Old Testament are now fulfilled, (2) The Messiah has come in Jesus of
Nazareth, (3) He did mighty works by the power of God, (4) He was crucified
according to the purpose of God, (5) He was raised from the dead by the power
of God, (6) He now reigns as king at the right hand of God, (7) He will come
again and judge the world; (8) therefore, all men everywhere need to hear
this message, repent of their sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins.
One will see these elements throughout the book.
|
|
Another important passage is found in Acts 1:8,
which proves itself to be a valuable outline for the rest of the book. Luke
states, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea, and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Here Jesus tells them that
they would receive the promised Holy Spirit, and that they are to be
witnesses for him. This charge will prove to mean much more than to give a
casual acknowledgement of having known Jesus once upon a time. It will mean
that they will declare the resurrected Christ and his kingdom the church with
boldness and great power. They will carry this message far and wide. That is
much of what the book of Acts is about, the preaching of the Gospel message.
Therefore, this article will take Luke's outline (Acts 1:8) and use it as the
means of presenting the salient elements of the book of Acts.
|
|
JERUSALEM
|
|
(Acts 1-7)
|
|
The first seven chapters of Acts may be summed
up well as the church in Jerusalem.
All the events in these first chapters of the book take place either in the
upper room, the temple, the public jail, or the synagogue. The events of the
first chapter took place in the ten days that elapsed from the day of the
ascension to the day of Pentecost (a Jewish festival that came fifty days
after Passover). It was during this time that the disciples prayed in the
upper room (Acts 1:14), and that
they filled the office of Judas (vv. 15, 26). By chapter two the great day,
that both John and Jesus had promised, actually came. The apostles were
promised that they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit (1:5), and that they
would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (1:8). We see the
fulfillment of this promise in Acts 2:1-5. Acts 2 is significant for other
reasons, as well. During the time of his early ministry, Jesus had promised
to build his church (Matt. 16:18 ekklesia - a
calling, to call, Vine, p. 85, 86). It is on this day, the day of Pentecost
(Acts 2) that this event took place. It was on this day that men and women
would hear the gospel message and learn of the specific commands of the
gospel regarding entrance into the kingdom
of God. As the minds and hearts
of the apostles were immersed in the Holy Spirit, they were given the power
to speak in foreign languages (the grammatical construction of 1:26 and 2:1 points to the apostles as the
only ones who received the Holy Spirit). It was indeed a great day, as this
large company of Jews assembled could hear and understand the apostles, as
they were given the ability to speak and thus preach the gospel in the
languages and dialects of the day. The sermon that Peter delivered by
inspiration is one of the greatest of the entire Bible (vv. 14-36). What was
happening was the fulfillment of prophecy (vv. 14-16; see Joel 2:28-32). This fulfillment of prophecy
served as a springboard for Peter to launch into a presentation of the facts
about Jesus, whom they had crucified. God had raised him from the dead, as
death could not keep him (v. 23); God had planned these matters (vv. 25-32);
and now Jesus, the one you have crucified is both Lord and Christ (v. 33). He
reigns as king over his kingdom, the church, and has sent the Holy Spirit, as
he has promised. This is what they were seeing and hearing. The conclusion
comes in verse 36 with the result recorded in verses 37-42. The conscious
stricken audience are convinced of their need for
forgiveness, and they are told to repent and be baptized for the remission of
their sins (v. 38). It is in verse 40 where we learn that Peter testifies and
exhorts them further, regarding these matters pertaining to their sin and
their need of salvation. Those who gladly received this message of salvation,
repented of their sin, and were baptized (v. 41). They continued to meet
together to study and learn, worship and pray (v. 42). They were united in
their fellowship (v. 44); benevolent in their attitudes toward each others needs
(v. 45), as well as, having hearts filled with joy (v. 46); being fruitful in
their work for the Lord (v. 47). Acts chapter two ends with the affirmation
that the Lord himself "added to the church daily such as should be
saved."
|
|
Acts 3:1-4:31 continues the discussion of the
spread of the gospel in Jerusalem
with the work of Peter and John. With the miraculous healing of the lame man
at the gate called beautiful, Peter launches into another inspired sermon
(Acts 3:11-26). The power to heal
this lame man came from God, the divine power that raised Jesus from the
dead. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the one who
was to come and suffer (v. 18); yet the apostles themselves stand as
witnesses to his resurrection. The sermon calls upon the audience to repent
and be converted (see his sermon in Acts 2). Arrest and trial would naturally
be the lot of those who would preach and teach so boldly in the name of
Christ (4:1-12). When faced with such opposition, Peter responds under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit (vv. 8-12). The council members go into secret session
(vv. 15-20); they can not deny that a miracle has occurred (the healing of
the lame man), yet they try to stop any further preaching in the name of
Jesus. Peter's answer is classic, "For we cannot but speak the things
which we have seen and heard. “(v. 20) Peter's response is a statement of
obedience to God, but, in addition to that, it is a statement that stresses
the apostles' first hand knowledge of the matters that they were teaching.
|
|
In the last portion of chapter four the reader
learns something of what life was like in the church of the first century
(vv. 32-37). Luke's use of words, such as "heart" and
"soul", reveals the unity and fellowship, which the church at Jerusalem
enjoyed toward each other, as well as, to God. The sharing of goods, which
was a voluntary matter and not a new economic order being established, is but
a reference to the love and concern early Christians had for each other (see
Acts 2:42-47). By chapter five
Luke reveals the judgment of God upon the wickedness of Ananias
and Sapphira, which passage possesses a distinct
contrast to the generosity we read of at the end of chapter four.
|
|
By the later portion of chapter six one learns
of the work of Stephen, a powerful preacher of the gospel. The Jews are
beaten in argument by him, so they resort to persecution, and it is severe.
Stephen is martyred (7:58), and
Christians are driven out of Jerusalem
(8:1). Later, we learn of James, who was put to death by the sword by orders
of Herod Agrippa I (12:2); Peter is arrested (12:3-4). Yet, Christians
continue to teach and preach, and the gospel message spreads even further.
|
|
JUDEA
AND SAMARIA
|
|
(Acts 8-12)
|
|
Due to persecution the church is scattered from
Jerusalem with Philip going into Samaria
(Acts 8). Philip was a man of Christian character (see Acts 6:3), who laid
aside his duties of serving tables and begins preaching the gospel (v. 5).
The word "preach" comes from a Greek word, which means to proclaim
or publish (kerusso-to be a herald, or, in general,
to proclaim, Vine, p. 883). Philip preached Christ to the people of Samaria
and saw great results in doing so (v. 6, 7). Luke informs us that preaching
Christ to the Samaritans included the commands of Christ relative to his law
of pardon (v. 12), as well as, preaching about the kingdom
of God or the church (see Matt. 16:18, 19). The results of Philip's
work saw the Samaritans believing and being baptized, as there was great joy
in the city over both the physical, as well as, the spiritual blessings to be
found in the gospel.
|
|
It was during this time that Luke records the
matter of Simon, his conversion (vv. 8-13), and his falling from grace (vv.
18-25). Luke records the fact of thousands obeying the gospel (the
Samaritans), as well as, the conversion of one individual (the treasurer, a
man of Ethiopia
(vv. 26-40)). The message is clear that God indeed wants all men every where
to be saved (I Timothy 2:4). So much so, that even the conversion of one is
an important matter to him and it should be to us.
|
|
Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of Christ (Acts
9:1,2), becomes the focus of our interest at this
point. He was a man who was aggressive in his persecution of the Way (Acts
22:4). However, he is struck down on the way to Damascus
(vv. 3-9) by the bright light from heaven. By means of a vision God instructs
Ananias of Damascus (vv. 10-18) regarding Saul and
God's plan for him. Though Ananias is fearful of
Saul (v. 13-14), Ananias follows God's instruction
and commands Saul, the penitent believer, to be baptized (v. 18; see Acts 22:16 for the purpose of Saul's baptism).
Saul preaches in the synagogue that Jesus, the one whom he had once
persecuted, is the Son of God (v. 20). Saul goes to Arabia
(Gal. 1:15-17), then returns to Damascus
to preach God's saving message for three years (Gal. 1:18). Disciples, who once feared him, now as brothers,
aid his escape (v. 25) from Jews who plot to take his life (vv. 23, 24). The
power of the gospel message to change a man's life can be easily seen in
Saul, the persecutor; now a soldier of Christ (Rom. 1:16).
|
|
Another watershed incident from this section
takes place in Acts 10. Here the reader is introduced to Cornelius, the moral
centurion (vv. 1-8). Living in Caesarea (v. 1) he is a
Roman soldier of rank. He is, also, a religious man, who is devout and
worships God; he is benevolent and prayerful (v. 2). However, Cornelius is a
Gentile, who is lost due to sin and in need of the Gospel. Cornelius is
instructed by the angel to send for Peter (v. 5-7). As Peter comes, he once
again preaches by inspiration, and his sermon is remarkable. First, God would
have all men to be saved, as he is "no respecter of persons" (vv. 34,
35). Second, Peter speaks of the lordship of Christ (vv. 36, 37). Third, he
gives evidence for the deity and lordship of Christ (v. 38)
, and fourth, he teaches the fact of the resurrected Christ, who is
judge of all (vv. 42-43). Luke records that the Holy Spirit came upon his
hearers (v. 44). This happened as Peter began to speak (see Acts 11:15). The Holy Spirit came upon
unbelievers, as Cornelius could not have believed, until he had heard Peter's
sermon about Christ (see Acts 15:7). The purpose of the Holy Spirit's coming
was to prove to the Jews God's intention for the Gentiles to hear and believe
(Acts 11:17; cf. 2:39). In light of this Peter commands
Cornelius and the other Gentiles to be baptized in water (v. 48). As one
reads Acts 11, he learns that Peter defended his actions at the house of
Cornelius to Jewish brethren. He tells them of how the Holy Spirit had been
given to the Gentiles (v. 15), and that to refuse them would be rebelling
against God's will (v. 17). The Jewish brethren upon hearing this laid their
contentiousness aside, and they glorified God in that the Gentiles have been
granted "repentance unto life."
|
|
Unto the Uttermost Part of the Earth
|
|
(Acts 13-28)
|
|
Luke now moves our attention to the carrying of
the gospel message to the world, as the need for evangelism to take place on
a greater scope is seen. Chapters 13 and 14 relate the first of three
missionary tours of Paul. The Holy Spirit said, "Separate me Barnabas
and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them" (13:2). It was persecution
that had caused the disciples to carry the gospel from Jerusalem
into the regions of Judea and Samaria;
it was the Holy Spirit that told them to go from Antioch
to the rest of the world. In both cases one can see God's hand in having the
gospel message carried to others and not just to a select few. The church at Antioch
sends out Paul and Barnabas along with John Mark. They go to the island
of Cyprus, and there they preach
first at Salamis. They go on to Paphos; then they sail to Asia Minor.
In some instances, they meet with receptive hearts, however, in many cases
they face hearts that are filled with jealousy and strenuously oppose the
gospel message. It is at Antioch of Pisidia, when
Paul faces Jewish opposition, that he makes an important statement, "Lo,
we turn to the Gentiles" (13:46).
Luke records the fact that this was part of God's plan, that is, that the
Gentiles hear the gospel and have the opportunity to receive the blessings
that are to be had by obeying it (v. 47). Upon his return to Antioch of Syria
he reports to the church the things God had done through them, mentioning,
particularly, that he had been given opportunity for reaching the Gentiles
with the gospel.
|
|
The second missionary journey begins at 15:36 and continues through 18:22. It is during this time that Paul
writes I and II Thessalonians. Due to a disagreement
over John Mark, Paul and Barnabas do not travel together, rather, Paul took
Silas and according to 15:41 they
went through Syria
and Cilicia; then they come
to Derbe and Lystra
(16:1). Paul found Timothy at Lystra; Timothy goes
with Paul and Silas, as they continue on the journey. Paul receives the plea
to go into Macedonia
(16:9), and by 16:10 Luke shifts
to the first person plural in writing about his details of the journey. This
indicates that the writer himself has become a part of the missionary group.
Chapter 17 tells of activities in Thessalonica, Berea,
and Athens. Paul then goes on to Corinth,
and it is in chapter 18 that we learn of his labors there. It is here at Corinth
that Paul works with Aquila
and Priscilla.
|
|
The third missionary journey begins at 18:23 and ends at 21:16. Paul returns to Ephesus,
where he had left Aquila and
Priscilla. Here he scripturally baptizes twelve men, who had known only the
baptism of John. He remains in Ephesus
for three years during which time the gospel is spread to the surrounding
areas. In chapter 20 Paul leaves Ephesus
headed for Macedonia;
he spends three months in Greece,
as he is determined to return to Syria.
As they sail from Philippi, they arrive at Troas.
It is at Troas that the disciples came together on the
first day of the week to break bread, that is, to partake of the Lords'
supper (20:7). Chapter 21 tells of Paul's trip to Jerusalem.
It is likely that Paul wrote Galatians, either at the beginning of the third
missionary tour, or during it. We can be more certain that he wrote I and II Corinthians and Romans while on the third tour.
|
|
Luke records the opposition Paul faced by the
Jews in Jerusalem beginning at 21:17. He tells of his rescue from the Jews
by the Roman captain, of his subsequent trials, and his journey as a prisoner
to Rome. Chapter 22 contains
Paul's defense before the Jews. Chapter 23 tells of Paul's defense before the
Sanhedrin. Paul is removed to safety at Caesarea.
Chapter 24 tells of Paul's defense before the governor, Felix. Paul is left
as a prisoner in Caesarea, as Felix is succeeded by
Festus. Chapter 25 tells of Paul's defense before Festus and of his appeal to
Caesar. Chapter 26 relates Paul's defense before Agrippa. Chapter 27 and 28
describe the voyage to Rome by
ship. While in Rome, though a
prisoner, Paul continues to preach. In fact, for two years Paul preaches to
all that will come to hear him. During this time Paul wrote Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. So ends the book of Acts--the history
of the church.
|
|
Some might think this to be an abrupt way to
end this book of history. However, inspiration has an important point in
this, that being, that the preaching and teaching of the gospel message is a
never-ending process. Each new generation must be about the work of
proclaiming the message of Christ, as we have seen it done in the book of
Acts. Therefore, even though the history of the church of the Lord, as
recorded by inspiration, ends with Acts 28:31, in another sense, the work of
preaching and teaching goes on and on into subsequent generations.
|
|
End Notes
|
|
The book of Acts has been the primary reference
for this study, however, there are a number of works
that are helpful in understanding both the language that is used, as well as,
the background to the book. I suggest that the reader consult the New
Bible Dictionary edited by J. D. Douglas, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1982). Another helpful
reference would be the New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by
Ronald F. Youngblood, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995). For a more
scholarly treatment of the issues based on Acts, one would look to Donald
Guthrie's New Testament Introduction, (Downers Grove, IL:
Inter-Varsity Press, 1966); also, a very helpful volume would be Everett F.
Harrison's, Introduction to the New Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm.
B. Eerdman's Publishing Co., 1971). Irving L.
Jensen has produced Jensen's Survey of the New Testament. Jensen's book
presents a number of charts outlining the books of the Bible, which may prove
to be particularly helpful.
|
|
The interest that we have shown regarding the
book of Acts is truly historical. Campbell
first produced his Acts of the Apostles, in 1858,
J. W. McGarvey's Commentary on Acts came out
in 1863 with his New Commentary on Acts of Apostles in 1892. David
Lipscomb produced his Commentary on Acts of the Apostles in 1896. In more
recent times H. Leo Boles wrote his commentary in 1941, and Don DeWelt's Acts Made Actual came about in 1958. In
my mind McGarvey's earlier work, Commentary on
Acts, produced in 1863, is unsurpassed in dealing with the biblical text.
|
|
HOME
|
Laws Publishing