introduction to acts - ekklesia empowered

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AC TS EKKLESIA EMPOWERED

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This is the first presentation for our new Bible Class series entitled "Acts - Ekklesia Empowered." The material in this presentation covers the introductory material as we begin our study of the Book of Acts. The purpose, place, author, and themes found within the book are discussed.

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Page 1: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

AC TSEKKLESIA EMPOWERED

Page 2: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

EKKLESIAIs a word that means “assembly.” The church is

an assembly of God’s people with a purpose to teach, inspire, and lead others to faith in Jesus Christ. The Book of Acts shows us what the

assembly can do when they are empowered by God to reach out into the whole world.

Page 3: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

INTRODUCTIONThe book of Acts serves as a sequel to the

Gospels and as supplemental information to the Epistles. Acts validates the inspiration of the

Apostles (specifically Peter + Paul) and those who taught after them. It holds a unique place in

Scripture and the NT. It builds upon the work of Jesus and highlights the birth of the church.

Page 4: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

PURPOSERead Luke 1:1-4 + Acts 1:1-5. The stated purpose of Acts was to give Theophilus an

accurate account of the origins of Christianity and its spread into the known world.

Read Acts 28:22 as well. Christianity was not well-regarded and the secondary purpose may

have been to correct misconceptions.

Page 5: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEOPHILUS?We just don’t know who he was. What we do know is that he already knew something about

Christianity and the author’s aim was to give him more info. He could be a normal, everyday person;

a high-ranking Roman official responsible for Paul; or the name could be representative of

Christianity as a whole (means “dear to God”).

Page 6: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

AUTHORThe book itself is anonymous. Earliest tradition has

stated Luke (the friend of Paul) wrote both the third Gospel and Acts.

1 “We” sections implies a companion of Paul.2 Written in excellent Greek, implying an

educated man wrote it.

Page 7: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEMESChristianity isn’t a new innovation but instead the proper fulfillment of Israel’s religion and

responsibility towards God.

That is an idea that is repeated in the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Page 8: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEMESA defense of faith in Jesus Christ will be required by those who claim faithfulness. From the early arrests and trials of the Apostles to Stephen’s defense and Paul’s arrest; men and women of God will be put to the test in Acts to defend

their faith.

Page 9: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEMESThe geography of the ancient world will become important. The Roman Empire had made travel possible for someone like Paul (a Roman citizen) and the spread of Christianity is partially due to that privilege. Towns like Ephesus, Antioch, and Rome will take center stage in the lives of God’s

people.

Page 10: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEMESSermons will continue to a big part of God’s

message to the world. Several sermons deliveredby men like Peter (at Pentecost in ch. 2) and

Stephen (his defense in chs. 5-7) will take prominentroles as we study through the text. The sermon

will become an important method to God’s peoplewhen it comes to spreading the Gospel.

Page 11: Introduction to Acts - Ekklesia Empowered

THEMESThe spread of God’s message to the Gentiles will take center stage in Acts like never before. God’s messengers will “branch out” and find a receptive audience in the Gentiles who for so

long were ignored by the Jewish people.