ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

AUTHOR, DATE, AND SIMILARITIES TO LUKE’Author: Same as Luke’s Gospel (2nd half of one

work) Also addressed to Theophilus Similar style and language Experiences and life direction of

apostles mirror those of Jesus: aka: martyrdom

Exception: John Date: mid-80s: directly after Luke

SIMILARITIES TO LUKEJerusalem still central

- Before Ascension, apostles told they will be Jesus’ witnesses not only in Jerusalem, but to the ends of the earth.- the base of operations for future of the church

SIMILAR THEMES I. Central role of Holy Spirit: is active

and alive in the disciples of Jesus- Apostles shown continuing Jesus’ work in the world- Jesus’ promise to send the Spirit- outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost- Spirit’s presence empowers apostles

SIMILAR THEMES IN LUKE AND ACTS (CONT.)The Gospel is for all people As in Luke, Jesus is universal Messiah

- Spirit inspires church leaders at first ecumenical Council of Jerusalem (50 AD?) to allow Gentiles to convert without first becoming Jews- Faith, baptism, and repentance are all required for conversion to Christ

PROLOGUE (ACTS 1:1-11) Addresses Theophilus-linking first work

to Acts Tells readers that Jesus appeared to

disciples over 40 day period Symbolic Meaning of Forty:

a reminder of Israelites’ 40 year experience in the desert

Jesus’ departure to the desert after receiving HS

A prep period for disciples before the coming of the Spirit

A complete generation

THE ASCENSIONMarks a transition in salvation history: From Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age

of the church.

THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM(ACTS 1:12-5:42)

Preparation for the coming of the Spirit

the apostles and other disciples, Jesus’ mother, and several other women form first community of Christians

10 days later, the descent of the Holy Spirit will occur on Pentecost

the community prepares itself by praying

Mathias is chosen to replace Judas

12 apostles: symbolic of 12 tribes of Israel

Highlighted Church as the New IsraelReflected God’s new covenant with all

people.

PENTECOSTThe Descent of the Holy Spirit Pentecost (fiftieth): a major Jewish

feast for the harvestAlso celebrated God’s covenant with

MosesJews from all over the Mediterranean

attendHoly Spirit inspires the apostles to

proclaim the gospelpeople from different nations understand

the message in their own languages

PETER’S PENTECOST SERMON Contains the kerygma-the central

proclamation of the Gospel message life, death, and resurrection of Jesus

Introduction: relates the speech to rest of storyassures audience disciples are not drunk Joel’s prophecy promising Spirit recalled

Old Testament proofs to support argument:Miracles of Jesus Jesus crucified: indicts hearers for their

part Announces glorious resurrection and

ascensionStates that he and other apostles were

eyewitnesses to these events Jesus’ promise to send Spirit is fulfilled

Sermon’s call to action: repentance and baptismGift of Holy Spirit then received

Peter heals crippled beggar Christian Community

Community must be rooted in the gospel truth handed down by apostles

Nourishment must come from Eucharist and prayer

Live out ideal of a community-loving fellowship: rich care for poor, healthy looking after sick, etc.