Current Living Room: Acts of the Apostles Part 1

Luke narrates the story of Jesus and tells the story of the founder's followers and the growth of the Jesus movement. The main purpose of Acts is not a simple re-telling of chronological events. Luke's higher aim is to tell a story that tells the truth about what it means to be the church. Luke not only wants the reader to know the story. Luke wants the reader to become part of it.

Our abridged study of Acts begins by highlighting Luke's central themes:

The universality of the gospel: The Jesus movement has a global vision. It was a movement meant to be extended through God's promises to the people of Israel (God chose Israel for the sake of the world) Acts 1:8

Women: Women play a prominent role in Acts. Mary the mother of Jesus is named when Luke names the Apostles. Priscilla the woman pastor, Lydia the merchant, and Dorcas; all are important to the fledgling early church.

The Holy Spirit: Jesus promises the Apostles the Holy Spirit in Acts 1: 4-5. Nothing can be started until the Spirit comes. The Holy Spirit is the continuing presence of Jesus on earth. The action of the Spirit defines what it means to be part of the Christian community (10: 44-48).

Old Testament Fulfilled: There is continuity between the story of Israel and the Jesus movement. The apostles were observant Jews. Luke says there were about 120 believers, the proper number for the formation of a synagogue. Peter also assures the crowd at Pentecost "this is that." Meaning, the coming of the Holy Spirit is in line with Old Testament prophets and promises.

The Nature and Mission of the Church: Luke's purpose it not just to tell what life was like in the early church. His theological purpose is to tell what it means to be the church and what the church's mission is.

Reflection:

• Which of these themes is most relevant to the church today? Why?
• What is your opinion of the importance of the church and of the necessity for all Christians to be part of it?