Exam questions Acts Flashcards
The Relationship between Acts and the Rest of the Bible
- Acts is the first book of Scripture in which the Gentiles are given a wide reception and actively enter the scene.
- The book of Acts marks the beginning of a new era.
- In the Old Testament we have the dispensation of the Father: God for us.
- In the Gospels, we have the dispensation of the Son: God with us.
- In Acts, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit begins: God in us.
- Acts served as a book in between the Gospels and the writings of Paul.
What were characteristics of the first Christian communities?
- the impression of unity despite the existence of differences of opinion.
- the early experiment in communal living, despite its ultimate cessation.
- the true spirit of the believers for which Ananias and Sapphira failed.
- the joyfulness among the early Christians.
Where is the book of Acts located in the Bible?
The Book of Acts is located in the New Testament of the Bible. It can be found immediately following the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Acts is considered to be the second half of the Book of Luke as it was written by the same author and is a continuation of the same message.
Luke + Acts was known as the history of Christian Origins.
Is the Book of Acts a history book?
- Primitive theology is being described
How is Jesus called in the Book of Acts?
- Both Lord and Christ
- God’s Servant
- Son of Man
- Son of God
- Prince of Life
- Saviour
- the Righteous One
- Lord of all
Features that reoccur in the story of Peter and Paul in the book of Acts
- Both heal cripples (3:2-8; 14:8-12).
- Both heal by strange means - Peter through his shadow, Paul with his clothes (5:15; 19:12).
- Both have encounters with sorcerers (8:18; 13:6).
- Both are concerned in restoration scenes (9:36; 20:9).
- Both are miraculously released from prison (12:7; 16:26).
What do we know about the character of Paul?
- He made a huge effort to first destruct the early church, and after his enlightening experience with God to built it.
- He is humble.
Acts 20: 35In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ 36When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
His kneeling Miletus is a sign of humility. - He is passionate, cares deeply about the work of God.
Acts 14: 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out - He made a certain motion with his hand, when he had something important to say.
Acts 26: 1Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: - He could gaze to people intently in important circumstances > being completely in the present moment, they had all his attention, for good or for bad.
Acts 14: 9This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, - His courage and determination to move to Rome and fulfil Gods work. Trusting and surrendering completely and lovingly.
What are the arguments that The Book of Acts was written before AD 64 (the Great Fire of Rome)
Emperor Nero blamed the devastation on the Christian community in the city, initiating the empire’s first persecution against the Christians.
- The absence of reference to important events which happened between AD 60 and 70.
- The absence of reference to the death of Paul.
- The primitive character of the subject-matter.
- The primitive nature of the theology.
- The attitude of State towards the Church.
- The relation of Acts to the Pauline (Paul’s) Epistles > Epistle simply means letter.
What are arguments that the Book of Acts was written between AD 70 and 85?
- The dating of the Gospel of Luke generally assumes that Luke has made more clear the reference in Mark 13:14 to “the abomination of desolation” to the more specific Luke 21:20 “compassed with armies” through his knowledge of the details of the siege of Jerusalem. In other words, Luke is supposed to have written after AD 70.
“Now when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be … then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14)
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.” (Luke 21:20)
But a lot of Christians believe that Luke was inspired by God to write this.
