Acts of the Apostles

1
Acts of the Apostles
Pentecost
Epilogue
Prologue
Witnesses to the Resurrection
Witness into Gentile Territory
Witness in Judea, Samaria
Witness in Jerusalem
Prisoner to Rome
247
541
61
1225
11
2816-31
31
2136
131
2137
2815
2
Acts of the Apostles
Introduction 11-247
Pentecost
Epilogue
Prologue
Witnesses to the Resurrection
Witness into Gentile Territory
Witness in Judea, Samaria
Witness in Jerusalem
Prisoner to Rome
247
541
61
1225
11
2816-31
31
2136
131
2137
2815
3
Climax 2827-28 For this people's heart has
become calloused they hardly hear with their
ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise
they might see with their eyes, hear with their
ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and
I would heal them.' "Therefore I want you to
know that God's salvation has been sent to the
Gentiles, and they will listen!"
Acts of the Apostles
Pentecost
Epilogue
Prologue
Witnesses to the Resurrection
Climactic Empowerment to Witness in World
Witness into Gentile Territory
Witness in Judea, Samaria
Witness in Jerusalem
Prisoner to Rome
247
541
61
1225
11
2816-31
31
2136
131
2137
2815
4
Acts of the Apostles
Pentecost
Epilogue
Prologue
Witnesses to the Resurrection
Temple Centered Worship
House Centered Worship
Witness into Gentile Territory
Witness in Judea, Samaria
God not confined spatially
Witness in Jerusalem
Prisoner to Rome
247
541
61
1225
11
2816-31
31
2136
131
2137
2815
5
Acts 2
Acts 2
Life in the Community
Coming of the Spirit Peters Pentecost Sermon
21
242
243 47
6
Acts 2
Acts 2
Coming of the Spirit
Peters Pentecost Sermon
Setting
Life in the Community
Time Persons State
Effect
Cause
13
214
242
22
Climax
Descent of the Spirit
Reactions of Multitude
Declarations of Peter
Response to Peters Declarations
Answer
214
36
1.Qs.-What-Do? (37) 2. Answer Repent
Be Baptized (38-40) 3. Action
(41-42)
Preparation (214a) Speech (214b-36) (a)
Identification- Event Fulfillment
of Joels prophecy
(214b-21) (Men of Judahgive ear to my
words) (b) Implications-Event Exaltation of
Jesus (222-36) (Men of Israelhear
these words)
21
22
4
25
13
237
42
243 47
Qs. - What does this mean? (213)
7
Logic of the Passage Preparation/Realization
21 - Setting 22-47 - Realization (1) Time
- Day - Pentecost (2) Persons - They (cf.
115-26) (3) Situation Recurrence of Question
(and Causation) (1) Question - Crowd What does
this mean? (212) Answer of Peter (Apostles)
(214-36) (Cause) (2) Question - Crowd What
shall we do? (237) -gt (Effect) Answer of
Peter (Apostles) (238-40)
Together
In one place
8
Causation
The coming of the Spirit (22-13) (Cause)
Peters bold Pentecostal sermon (214-36) (Effect)
9
Climax (1) Re. existence of the community
(21-47) (2) Re. the Pentecost Sermon
(214-42)
Continuing graced existence (and continuing
increase) of the community (243-47)
Pouring out of Spirit and large evangelistic
response
Declaration of the status of crucified Jesus
God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ
Peters Sermon
10
Acts 2 Thought Flow and Interp

• The following slides describe in detail a thought
  flow through the material in Acts 2 (similar to
  working at detailed observation)

11
Acts 2, Detailed Analysis
Time - Day of Pentecost
Setting (21)
All together (pa,ntej omou/ - cf. 114-15)
Situation
Recurrence
In one place (evpi. to. auvto - cf. 114-15)
I. The Event - Coming of the Spirit (22-13)
A. Descent of Holy Spirit (22-4) 1.
Accompanying Signs (22-3) (Prepn) a.
Auditory - Sound (Wind) (22) b. Visual
- Tongues (glw/ssai) (Fire) (23)
(Realn) 2. Arrival - Spirit (24) B.
Reactions of the Multitude (25-13)
Manner - Suddenly
Initial Action - Came
Origin - Heaven (cf.19-11)
Nature (Comparison) - Like rushing, mighty wind
Further Action - Filled All - House (inclusive
scope)
(Prepn)
Nature - (Comparison) - As of fire
Distributed
Phenomena
Resting - Each one them
Inclusive Scope- (Recurrence-vv.1-2)
Individual Focus
Persons - All (Recurrence of inclusive scope)
Filled - Holy Spirit (Cause)
Phenomena
Manner - Other tongues (glw,ssaij)
Spoke (lalei/n)
Causation
(Effect)
Agency - Spirit gave utterance
12
B. Reactions of the Multitude (25-13) 1.
Setting - Persons (25) - a. Race -
Jews (Prepn) b. National Origin -
Every nation under Heaven -
cf.v.2 c. Character - Devout
d. Situation - Dwelling in Jerusalem
13
Realn
2. Substance (26-13) a. Reaction -
Bewildered, amazed, wondered (26-7a) (sunecu,q
h) (evxi,stanto) (evqau,mazon) b.
Reason - Reaction - Each heard Galileans speaking
(26b-11) in his own language (diale,ktw)
and tongue (glw,ssaij) mighty works -
God c. Further Reaction (212-13)
Internal-Amazed, perplexed (evxi,stanto)
(dihpo,roun)
Perplexity - All (212)
Spoken - What does this mean?
Manner - Mocking
Mockery - Others (212)
Possible Answers
Speech-Filled-New wine
Human Explanation vs. Divine Explanation
Correct Answer
II. The Proclamation - Peters Pentecost Sermon
(214-42)
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II. The Proclamation - Peters Pentecost Sermon
(214-42) A. Declarations - Peter
(214-36) 1. Prepn - Peter standing (with 11)
(cf.115) 2. Speech (214-36) a.
Identification - Event Fulfillment of Joels
prophecy (214b-21) (1) Introductory Call -
Hear (214b)(Prepn) (2) Explanation of
Phenomena (215-21) (Realn) (a)
Negative - Not drunkenness (215) (b)
Positive (216-21) 1 General - Spoken of -
Prophet Joel (216) 2 Particular
(Quotation-Joel 228-32) (Also substantiation)
Lifted up - Voice
Addressed Them (avpefqe,gxato)
Men of Judea
Persons
All dwell Jerusalem
Be known - You
Appeal
Give ear
Substantiation
What it is not vs. What it is
Substantiation - 3rd Hour - Day
Contrast
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2 Particular (Quotation - Joel 228-32)
(217-21) - Prophet Joel a Effusion of
Spirit (217-19) 1. Preparation
(217) 2. Promise (217-18)
Time - In Last Days
Actor - God
General cause - Pour out my spirit -gt All flesh
(inclusive)
Cause
Gender - Sons/Daughters - Prophesy
Particular Effect
Young men - Vision
Note Particular causation with general
substantiation, by chiasm Note also The changes
in the quotation over against original wording of
Joel.
Age
Old men - Dreams
My menservants
General cause - Pour out my spirit And-They
shall prophesy (Possibly climax)
My maidservants
b Consequent signs (219-20) 1.
General (219) 2. Particular
(220) c Consequent Salvation
Wonders-Heaven above (cf.22)
Inclusive Scope
Blood
Signs-Earth beneath
Fire
Effect
Vapor
Sun -gt Darkness
Events
Move -gt Blood
Great
Time-Before-Day of Lord
Manifest
Persons-Whoever (inclusive)
Cause
Action-Calls upon-Name of Lord
Effect-Shall be saved (passive)
16
b. Implications - Event Exaltation of Jesus
(222-36) (1) Introductory call to
hear (222a) (2) Story of Jesus (as it
bears upon the pouring out - Spirit) (a) Death
Persons-Men of Israel
(cf. 214)
Appeal-Hear these words
Identity-Jesus of Nazareth
Person
Mighty works
Attestation-By God
Wonders (cf.v.19)
--In your most
Put to death by You (222-23)
Signs
Circumstance-Delivered up-acc. to plan
foreknowledge-God (Divine purpose)
Murder
Actions-Crucified/Killed (Rec.)
Deeds-You
Contrast
Means-Lawless men (human crime)
(b) Resurrection/Exaltation (224-36) raised
and Exalted by God 3-Fold Witness 1
Witness - Scripture (24-31) 2 Witness -
Apostles (32) 3 Witness-Pouring
out-Spirit (Climax-Sermon) (33-36)
Affirmation (24)
Proof (25-31)
Affirmation (32a)
Proof (32b)
Proof (33-35)
Lord
Affirmation (36)
Christ
17
Causation
B. Response to Peters Declarations (237-42)
1. Question - What shall - Do? 2. Answer
(38-40) a. Particular b.
General-Witnessed/Exhorted-Save yourselves-This
crooked (40) generation Causation
3. Actions
Inter. (237)
Repent
Appeal
Be baptized -gt Forgiveness of sins (cf.vv.22-
23,36)
Persons-Every one-You (inclusive/individual)
(38-39)
Substance-Receive gift-H.S.
Promise
You/Your children (part.)
Objects
Note Both causation and substantiation
Everyone-Lord calls (Gen.) (cf.v.21)
Generalization
Conversion (About 3000) (41) (Cause)
(41-42)
Existence (42) (Effect) a. Teaching -
Apostles b. Fellowship c. Breaking of
bread d. Prayers
(transitional to vv.43-47)
18
Acts 2 Historical-Cultural and Interpretative
Work

• The following is a study of background work on
  Acts 2 Trying to answer the question, What does
  this mean?
• It ends with a study regarding the Fullness of
  the Spirit in Acts.

19
Acts 21-13 Pentecost Event

• Chapter 1 Day 1 - Day of Ascension
• Chapter 2 Day 2 - Day of Pentecost
• Chapter 1 - Inert Spectators
• Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking?
  (111)
• Chapter 2 Energized Prophets
• Are not all these who are speaking
  (prophesizing?)
• Galileans? (27)

20
Acts 21-13 Pentecost Event

• Event has feel of Old Testament Echo (Spiritual
  déjà vu)
• Genesis 111-9 Tower of Babel
• Foundational story about language prepare for
  world-wide
• witness
• Luke 18-23 Zechariah in Temple struck dumb
• yet is later filled with Holy Spirit (167)
  and prophesizes
• regarding Israels hope in salvation (168-79).
• Note Place where Zechariah could not speak
  (Temple)
• Place where it was restored (home)
• Exodus 1916-20 Mt. Sinai
• Note the change of location of divine revelation
• From Mt and desert to city (polis) and house
  (oikos)
• These represent the major sites of witness in
  Acts

21
Acts 21-13 Pentecost Event

• Event has feel of Old Testament Echo (Spiritual
  déjà vu)
• Isaiah 6 Temple of the Lord
• Note change of spatial dimension
• Theophany in Temple vs. private residence
• Joel 216-21
• Hold till later

22
Acts 21-13 Pentecost Event

• 4. The Galilean Issue
• Not just what they were hearing but who was
  speaking (27)
• Luke-Acts treats Galilee 3 ways
• 1. Part of the larger nation of Israel
• (Luke 444 235, Acts 1037)
• 2. Inferior regional distinction
• (Acts 413, John 146, 715)
• 3. Not to mention the closer association
• with the gentile world (Mt 415, Luke 617,
  71-10)
• The Global Scope
• Every nation under heaven
• All nations may be represented by no ethnic
  diversity (all appear to be Diaspora Jews

23
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• Peters Joel 2 quotation is programmatic for Acts
• Much as Jesus Isaiah 61quotation is programmatic
  for Luke
• (416-19 see also 721-22)
• Peters sharp temporal change
• Joel 228 Afterward
• Joel 31 (LXX) In those days and at that time
• Acts 217 In the last days I will pour out my
  Spirit
• The indeterminate times or seasons known only
  to
• the Father in Acts 17 is now made known as God
  declares (217)

24
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• God will dissolve (suspend?) heaven-earth
  Spatial Dimensions
• I will show wonders from heaven above and signs
  on the earth below (219)
• Via
• Visions and dreams (217)
• Young men...old men is reversed in Acts from Joel
• Elderly Zechariah (18-20) and Simeon (225-35)
  but from that point on in Luke-Acts younger men
  see and hear.
• Apostles see heaven opened in 19-11, so expect
  to see further revelations

25
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• God will dissolve (suspend?) heaven-earth
  Spatial Dimensions
• I will show wonders from heaven above and signs
  on the earth below (219)
• Via
• 1. Visions and dreams (217)
• 2. Wonders and signs (219-20)
• For the most part in Luke-Acts signs-wonders are
• acts of mercy to relieve the suffering of
  humanity
• from disease, demons and deathonly occasionally
  
• does Jesus manipulate the forces of nature

26
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• God will dissolve (suspend?) heaven-earth
  Spatial Dimensions
• I will show wonders from heaven above and signs
  on the earth below (219)
• Via
• 1. Visions and dreams (217)
• 2. Wonders and signs (219-20)
• 3. Prophecy (218)
• In addition to signs and wondersthe Spirit will
  anoint men and women to prophesy. The stage is
  set for Peter to prophesy but also for sons and
  daughters also.

27
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• God will dissolve (suspend?) gender and class
  bias
• I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
• Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
• your young men will see visions, your old men
  will dream dreams.
• Even on my servants, both men and women,
• I will pour out my Spirit in those days
  (217-18)
• Luke 1-2, Elizabeth, Mary, Anna
• Luke 81-5
• Do note the andocentric words of Peters speech
• Men of Judea (214)
• Men of Israel (222)
• men-brothers (229)
• But notice the regional expansion move to
  familial. The next move may incorporate
  households (see Luke 821)

28
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• The last line of the Joel prophecy (Acts 221)
  raises another interesting question
• And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
  (ku,rioj)
• will be saved.'
• Who is the Lord?
• God (qeo,j) used 8xs in 222-36
• Yet the definition is being reoriented through
  Jesus
• Life (222)
• Death (223)
• Resurrection (224, 32)
• Exaltation (232, 36)

29
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• The last line of the Joel prophecy (Acts 221)
  raises another interesting question
• And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
  will be saved.'
• 1. Who is the Lord?
• 2. Who needs to be saved?
• Jesuswhom YOU crucified and killed.
• Peter ignores the specific Jewish groups who were
  involved
• in the trial and death (chief priests, scribes,
  temple elite and Judas) plus the functional
  involvement of the Romans.
• Rather Peter puts the full blame on the listening
  audience
• and the entire house of Israel (236)
• The fate of the entire nation of Israel hangs in
  the balance because the people have rejected
  Gods saving purpose.

30
Acts 214-36 Pentecost Interpreted

• What Does This Mean? (212)
• The last line of the Joel prophecy (Acts 221)
  raises another interesting set of questions
• And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
  will be saved.'
• 1. Who is the Lord?
• 2. Who needs to be saved?
• 3. Why?
• Salvation is no longer found in the security of
  ethnicity but or in the Old Covenant but In the
  name of Jesus (238-39)

31

• The Kerygma in Acts
• The age of fulfillment, or the coming of the
  Kingdom of God is at hand (vv. 16-21)
• This coming of the kingdom has taken place thru
  the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus
  (vv.22-23)
• By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus is exalted
  at the right hand of God as the Messianic head
  of the new Israel (vv.24-36)
• The H.S. in the church is the sign of Christs
  present power and glory (v.33)
• The Messianic age will shortly reach its
  consummation in the second coming of Christ.
  (vv.34-35)
• Forgiveness, the H.S., and salvation come w/
  repentance (vv.38-39)
• - C.H. Dodd, Apostolic Preaching and Its
  Development

32

• Acts 2 - Fullness of the Spirit
• 1 Arguments for Subsequent Experience
• In Acts 8 the Samaritans receive the Spirit
  some time after they believe and are baptized.
• In Acts 192 the aorist participle is employed,
  possibly translated Have you received the H.S.
  after you (cf. Acts 1029) believed?
• In all the Gospels (including Luke) the disciples
  are pictured as believers (e.g., Lk 91-2 1020
  Mt. 1246-50 Jn.15-17)
• In John 2020, on the evening of Easter, Jesus
  breathes on the disciples and exhorts them to
  receive the Spirit
• Conclusion At Pentecost the disciples were
  fully converted and already had
  an initial experience w. the Spirit - Pentecost a
  subsequent experience w. the Spirit

33

• Acts 2 - Fullness of the Spirit
• 2 Arguments for Initial Experience
• In Acts the phrases fullness/filled w/. The
  Spirit, receive the Spirit, baptized w/. the
  H.S., the Spirit poured out, etc. seem to be
  used interchangeably, and to refer to the same
  experience (see references throughout). All of
  these are first experiences w. the Spirit, and
  they are often clearly linked to conversion
  (e.g., 1044-47 158).
• Acc. to context, scriptural testimony, and
  grammarians, the aorist participle. often
  indicates contemporaneous action vs. antecedent
  action this is esp. true in Luke/Acts when the
  participle follows the finite verb, as it does in
  Acts 192.

34

• Acts 2 - Fullness of the Spirit, cont.
• 2 Arguments for Initial Experience
• In Luke (and in all the Gospels) the disciples do
  not have any experience of the Spirit during
  Jesus earthly ministry. The Spirit in Lk is
  restricted to the person of Jesus (Lk. 1113
  1212 Acts 1021- 22 1720-21). In Jn, the
  counselor comes only after Jesus is gone
  (1417,25-26 167).
• The accounts of Acts 2 and 8 represent
  unique events in salvation history, and ought
  therefore not to be pressed as normative.
• Conclusion The fullness of the Spirit involves
  the initial reception of the Spirit, normally
  experienced as part of conversion.