acts of the apostles
DESCRIPTION
Acts of the apostles. Author, date, and similarities to Luke’. Author: Same as Luke’s Gospel (2 nd half of one work) Also addressed to Theophilus S imilar style and language Experiences and life direction of apostles mirror those of Jesus: aka: martyrdom Exception: John - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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.