Acts

Question 1

Acts Summary

Answer 1

Chapter 1 is a summary and introduction. In chapter 3, Peter preforms a miracle before the temple, and John accompanies him. The number of disciples is increasing, and in chapter 8, Saul approves Stephen’s execution, which Saul follows by throwing other members of the church in prison. While on his way to persecute more believers in another region, God gives Saul an experience that changes his ways and Saul becomes a disciple himself!

Question 2

Unique elements

Answer 2

• Most of NT is gospels or epistles, Acts in neither
• Genres- a history (agreed upon- introduction) or ancient novel (humor and irony)
• Acts introduces Paul, whose letters follow naming his as apostle
• Also wrote the gospel of Luke, wrote to fill the gap between the gospels and Paul’s letters (split apart because of John)
• Most memorable stories of NT
  
  • Pentecost
  • Stephen’s murder
  • Saul’s conversion
  • Peter’s vision- revision of dietary laws
  • Jerusalem council- first ecumenical (church) council
  • Paul’s missionary journeys- gospel goes out to Gentiles

Question 3

Historical criticism

Answer 3

Terminus ad quem- 180 CE
Terminus a quo- 75 CE
Date of composition- 75-110 CE

Question 4

Terminus ad quem

Answer 4

180 CE

Question 5

Termins a quo

Answer 5

75 CE

Question 6

Date of composition

Answer 6

75-110 CE

Question 7

Literary criticism: Divine characters

Answer 7

God
1.	Directs all events
Jesus
1.	Correcting teacher
Spirit
1.	Empowers and prevents

Question 8

Literary criticism: Paul and Peter

Answer 8

Both has season of rejection
Both underwent change after divine encounter
- Peter- resurrection
Both concerned about Gentiles
Peter’s story converges on Paul’s story, only to fade away after intersection (Ch. 12)