New Testament Survey - 16: Acts

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the Acts of the Apostles, as presented in the New Testament Survey by Brad Copp. It aims to highlight the key themes, events, and significance of the Acts, helping you understand its role in early Christianity and how it connects to the rest of the New Testament.

Step 1: Understanding the Context of Acts

• Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke, authored by the same writer, and serves as a historical account of the early church.
• It covers the period from Jesus' ascension to the imprisonment of Paul in Rome.
• Recognize the main themes, including the spread of the Gospel, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.

Step 2: Key Events in Acts

• Familiarize yourself with significant events, such as:
  • The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2): The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, enabling them to speak in various languages.
  • The conversion of Saul (Acts 9): Saul becomes Paul, a pivotal figure in spreading Christianity.
  • The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15): Early church leaders meet to discuss the inclusion of Gentiles.

Step 3: Main Characters in Acts

• Identify key figures:
  • Peter: Leader of the apostles who performs miracles and preaches boldly.
  • Paul: Missionary whose journeys spread Christianity across the Roman Empire.
  • Stephen: The first martyr, showcasing the early church's challenges.

Step 4: Themes and Messages

• Analyze core themes such as:
  • The power of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers.
  • The importance of community and fellowship among early Christians.
  • The mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

Step 5: Practical Applications

• Reflect on how the lessons from Acts can apply to modern faith practices:
  • Emphasize the importance of evangelism and outreach in your community.
  • Foster a sense of community among believers, just as the early church did.
  • Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Conclusion

The Acts of the Apostles serves as a crucial link between the life of Jesus and the formation of the early church. By understanding its context, key events, characters, and themes, you can appreciate its significance in the New Testament. To deepen your study, consider reading through Acts while taking notes on how its teachings can be applied to contemporary Christian life.