ACTS Midterm- Prof. Lunde
How is this verse appropriately applied to Jesus?
- Application to Jesus? Typology again - Jesus is now the source of the deliverance of the nation today.
Which of these interpretive approaches does your instructor support, and what is the significance of the phrase "signs and wonders" for the Book of Acts?
- David is prophesizing about Jesus; viewing his life corprately - The significance—these things indicate that it is the time for the salvation of the world.
How should we characterize the sharing of material possessions in the first century Church?
- Generosity with others, but not true communism - Private ownership of possessions... linked with communal use of possessions
What did your instructor suggest was the significance of Stephen's description of the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God?
- Jesus, the Son of Man -suffered and vindicated, now advocate to the Father. Guarantees the eventual vindication of his people. Jesus had used this same picture at his trial - now his words are proven to be true by Stephen. Stephen submits to his fate in a way reminiscent of Jesus. - Jesus had used this same picture at his trial, now it has come true. He is also not sitting, but standing, vouching for Stephen. Relates to Daniel 7 and the vision of the Ancient of Days.
In addition to the charge that they had persisted in preaching in the name of Jesus, what was the serious accusation that the Sanhedrin brought against the apostles?
- Laying guilt of Jesus' blood at their feet. - The penalty of murder is death. - They are trying to blame the Sanhedrin for Christ's death.
What are the three main interpretations of the "cosmic imagery" portions of Joel's prophecy?
- Metaphorical: Merely communicating the significance of the events—not literal - Literal at the return of Christ? Events that will occur at the Parousia - Apocalyptic imagery referring to literal events at that time the phenomena that occurred in Jesus' ministry and at his crucifixion the miracles performed by the Christians after Pentecost and his resurrection
How does Psalm 110:1 apply to Jesus?
- Resurrection transformed the cross - Outpouring of the Spirit—a demonstrated of Jesus' enthronement So, repent and be baptized
What is it about the Spirit-event at Pentecost that convinces Peter that Joel 2 was coming to fulfillment?
- Signs and wonders will be seen and everyone in the name of the Lord will be saved. - Joel= "Afterwards" - Peter= "In the last days" - This is that" = "This [event] is that [which the prophet was speaking about]" Conclusion? - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. - They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) o All the people of God, not just the leaders "all" together
What are the elements of internal evidence that point to Lucan authorship of Acts?
- Similar prefaces: former book=earlier account, Jesus began to de and to teach=been fulfilled, those who were the first witnesses=apostles He had chosen, Theophilus - Common interests: in Luke and in Acts (Gentiles, women, prayer, Holy Spirit, Herod etc) - The "we" sections in Acts-sections indicate Paul and his companion during the narrative.
According to your instructor, what is the reason for Stephen's treatment of Joseph in his sermon?
- Stephen demonstrating prior pattern of rejection and vindication - Although rejected by his brothers (Israel in embryo), God brought divine deliverance through him. - Thus, the initial rejection of Joseph did not nullify God's purpose - Thought their rejection God accomplished his plan of redemption.
Who is the likely audience of Acts?
- Theophilus= "lover of God" - Could be an individual or a generic address - If an individual, Theophilus either a believer or an interested non-believer - Likely the patron of the work Not uncommon to dedicate a book to an individual person yet have a larger audience in mind
What did your instructor suggest was the implication from Stephen's use of Amos 5 in his sermon?
- Thought the Israelites/Jews continued to offer sacrifices to God, they were unfaithful. -They should have been listening to the prophets rather than focusing on the temple. - Focusing on the wrong thing- instead of the temple, should have been listening to the prophets - would not have missed Jesus.
Why is it understandable, from an OT perspective, that the apostles expected Jesus to establish the kingdom after his resurrection from the dead?
-Jesus was fulfilling OT prophecies: OT Expectation. Give new heart and spirit=Ez. 36:26-27 & Servant David and have one shepherd Ez. 37:24-25 -Jesus' re-direction to the mission: it is not for you to know the date or the hour
What were Sir William Ramsay's conclusions regarding the historical worth of Acts?
-Ramsey's inference-if Luke is careful in the insignificant details, he would also be careful in the important details. -Ramsey converted to Christianity as a consequence of his conclusion concerning Lucan reliability
What are the main candidates for the OT background to the mention of the "cloud" in the ascension of Jesus and what do they both imply about Jesus?
-Shekinah= glory that both manifests and hides the divine presence. Above the tent of meeting [like when Moses went into the tent] -A Theophany- visible manifestation of God -Jesus' return; Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven -Jesus' surprising reign -When the Son of Man receives the Kingdom in Dan 7, all nations are conquered -In Acts, the church-age fulfillment of Daniel's vision is accomplished by evangelism -Until then, a Messianic Reign without the "Consummation"- Inaugurated Eschatology - When he does return in power, he will gather his people who have been won to Christ in the mission
Why do the first Christians feel the need to replace Judas?
-The listing of the eleven apostles in v. 13 -The significance of the apostles in Jesus' ministry—recovery of the whole nation -"Apostles" = sent ones -Thus, identity and missions are both implied here
As they pertain to the delay of the Spirit in Samaria, what are the two versions of the "One-Stage Initiation" view and what are their weaknesses?
1. Insincere Belief: >Spirit fell when sincere faith occurred- at the coming of Peter and John >No temporal delay between faith and Spirit Problem? >No implied defect in their faith >No preaching by Peter and John >Goes against Luke's attempt to parallel Philip's and Apostles' ministries 2. Sincere Faith >Sincere faith with the Spirit, with subsequent visible confirmation Problem? >Luke emphasizes they did not have the Spirit
What are the early lines of external evidence that point to Lucan authorship of Acts?
1. Manuscript P75- has the first occurrence of the title "The Gospel According to Luke" at the end of the 3rd Gospel. 2. The Muratorian Canon- the earliest list of canonical books/letters, attributes both the 3rd Gospel and Acts to Luke 3. The Anti-Marcionite Prologue to Luke- Attributes both the 3rd Gospel and Acts to Luke 4. Early church fathers agree: Irenacus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Tertullian
7 main themes in the Book of Acts
1. Messiahship of crucified and risen Jesus. 2. Identity of Christians- the true people of God. 3. Ministry of the Spirit of angels. 4. Fulfillment of Scripture. 5. Role of miracles. 6. Witness of the Church to the gospel about Jesus. 7. Redemption of the Nations.
What are the two versions of the "Two-Stage Initiation" view and what are their weaknesses?
1. Second Blessing >Initional conversion, followed later by Spirit baptism in power Problem? >Other conversions- immediate presence of the Spirit and no subsequent tongues experience >Luke- no experience with Spirit before Apostles >NT Theology- conversion is one-stage process with the Spirit 2. Apostolic Validation >Apostolic Validation for the Preservation of Unity >Spirit sovereignly withheld until Apostolic validation >The "Samaritan Pentecost" which breaks down the division >Confirmation in Cornelius and apostolic ministry Problem? >No pattern with Gentile conversions >Resolved by Samaritan precedent, as well as Cornelius
What are the "four commitments" of the early Christian community?
1. To learn 2. To care 3. To fellowship 4. The worship/prayer -The Result—The Pentecost Christians were missionaries
What is the nature of the "attack" on the Christians in chapter 6?
A third attack by Satan - distraction
According to your instructor, what is the reason for Stephen's treatment of Abram in his sermon?
Abram was called out of Mesopotamia, not the temple. God's promises to him were not fulfilled until after his death, just as they were with Jesus.
What does it mean to say that the author of Acts was "selective" in his history writing? What are examples of this?
Acts is clearly rooted in history and faith must never be kept independent from historical events- Acts is clearly selective in its history E.g. - On Peter's ministry- "Then he left and traveled to another place." (Acts 2:17), No description of where he went and what he did during years of AD 42-67, with the exception of AD 48 and his role in the Jerusalem Council. - On Paul's ministry- But Saul ... confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, ... but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. ... And when he had come to Jerusalem ... (Acts 9:17-26) - On the other Apostles: no description of their ministry
What does your professor mean by the description of Acts that it is "narratively Exhorting"?
Acts is written to exhort later Christians -written to encourage and sustain those who continue the witness in their own time, in a subsequent generation -witness to God's plan -guidance of a similar nature is available to his readers as they explore how to bear witness in their own time and own way
What is the Apostolic Validation view and what is its weakness?
Apostolic Validation >Apostolic Validation for the Preservation of Unity >Spirit sovereignly withheld until Apostolic validation >The "Samaritan Pentecost" which breaks down the division >Confirmation in Cornelius and apostolic ministry Problem? >No pattern with Gentile conversions >Resolved by Samaritan precedent, as well as Cornelius
According to your instructor, to whom does Peter point as the person(s) his hearers were to listen as he appeals to Moses' promise that God would raise up a prophet like himself?
Appealing back to the patriarchs to connect something new to the old views of the Jews. •There are two servants Peter points to: 1.The unrighteous servant > Those in exile, Israel. 2.The righteous servant > Jesus, the "prophet promised" or true servant. > The survivors of the Exile=Jesus return from death.
According to your instructor, what is the reason for Stephen's treatment of Moses in his sermon?
Even though Moses and Jesus were rejected, God promises were still fulfilled through them.
How does Gamaliel's advice "save" the apostles from the Sanhedrin?
Fury averted by Gamaliel's appeal to previous figures. Figures such as Thuesdas and Judas of Gamala. This kept them from putting the Apostles to death.
What is it that Jesus claimed that connects with these charges?
He claimed that if the temple of God were destroyed he would raise it in three days.
What were F. C. Baur's assumptions concerning the purpose of Acts and the literary method behind it?
In the nineteenth century, however, a scholar named F. C. Baur and his students at Tübingen, Germany viewed Acts as an attempt to varnish over the conflict between Peter and Paul. Baur's assumptions/ Tübingen Theory
What was the significance of the Feast of Pentecost for the Jews?
Pentecost- Celebrated the wheat harvest >Seven weeks after the first sheaf of the season's grain harvest was presented to Yahweh in thanksgiving for his provision >Thus, "Pentecost" ("fifty/fiftieth") = 50 days after the beginning of the harvest >Became associated with the renewal of the Mosaic Covenant—Sinai believed to be 50 days after the Exodus >Contrasts with the New Covenant—embraces all people and involves the Spirit >One of three required Jewish pilgrimages (thus many Jewish
How does this healing function as a present demonstration of Jesus' vindication?
Peter said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Using Jesus' name gives him power and authority as the Messiah.
How do the Christians use Psalm 2 to refer to Jesus and what is the significance of the change in referents from the OT to the NT contexts?
Psalm 2 is an enthronement psalm, read on the day the new King rose to the throne. The enemies of Jesus fulfill the gentile pattern. OT: 1.Nations/people = gentiles 2.Kings/rulers = gentile rulers 3.The Lord = Yahweh 4.Anointed one = King of Israel/Davidic King NT: 1.Nations = Rulers 2.People = Jews 3.Kings = Herod 4.Rulers = Pontius Pilate/Jews 5.The Lord = Yahweh 6.Anointed One = Jesus
What did your instructor suggest may be the reason why God judged this couple so dramatically?
Satan's strategy - attacking within. In order to maintain the unity within the Church. It was another effect of the Spirit's filling - that hypocrisy will kill the church.
What are the charges brought against Stephen?
Speaking against the temple and the law
Against the backdrop of the OT, what is the significance of the physical and auditory phenomena associated with the coming of the Spirit?
The Presence of Yahweh - Fire— Burning Bush - Pillar of fire Protect them from the Egyptians with a pillar of fire - Divine judgment burn like a furnace - Wind/Spirit- Theophanic= manifestation of Yahweh - theos = God phaino = I show, manifest - The Reversal of Babel? End-time expectation - The Missionary Spirit- Nothing could have demonstrated more clearly than this the multi-racial, multi-national, multi-lingual nature of the kingdom of Christ
What are the causes of the antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans in the first century?
The Samaritans were half-breeds that were formed in the time of the exile. Their holy place the temple was on Mt. Gerazim where the blessings of the Jews were proclaimed.
What does their use of Psalm 2 imply about their perception of their own identity?
The close identification between Jesus and themselves. Thus the historical pattern was repeating again in their own days. Since Jesus is the anointed one it follows that the enemies of Jesus fulfill the gentile pattern. The Christians are therefore the true Israel.
Why is the identity of the man who was healed outside of the gate called "Beautiful" important?
The crippled man's identity would have been known throughout the community so him being healed validates the miracle. It was public knowledge that he was crippled since birth.
In what ways is Acts 1:8 important for the Book of Acts?
The importance of 1:8 for the structure of Acts= theme of witness! - "In Jerusalem" corresponds to Acts 1-7 - "in Judea and Samaria" corresponds to Acts 8:1-11:8 - "the ends of the earth" relate to the remainder of the book, Acts 11:9-28:31
According to your instructor, who is likely the referent of the "stone the builders rejected" in the context of Psalm 118?
The original referent was an OT king who had led the Israelites into battle, but was almost defeated by the builders (the opposing nations). God gave him unexpected victory and made him into the corner stone.
What is "new" in the apostles' preaching concerning repentance and forgiveness of sin?
The shocking message - repentance and forgiveness through a crucified Messiah
In light of their use of Psalm 2, why are the Christians so confident and bold in the face of persecution?
Their confidence is grounded in Jesus' identity.
What was the nature of Ananias's and Sapphira's sin?
Their sin. Their attempt to lead others to think they were giving the entire price - thus hypocrisy is on display.
What does it mean to say that Acts is a "salvation-historical" presentation?
Theologically interpreted - Acts is rooted in history, yet theologically interpreted—appeals to the OT and presents God's presence and direction - The Acts narrative is therefore "salvation-historical"—it traces God's actions within history to bring about salvation for the world
Why does Peter affirm that God sent his Messiah to Israel first?
Through the seed of Abraham will come the blessing of Israel. It is priority of the Jews to hear the news first. Through Israel all nations will be blessed
How can the verses cited by Peter from Psalm 69 and 109 apply to Judas, when they almost certainly are not referring to him initially?
Typology >A prophecy of his enemy's destruction >A prayer for his enemy's replacement Typology pattern in History—Historical correspondence >"Typology"-from "tupos"= "mark," "imprint," "pattern" >A type = an OT person, institution, or practice that foreshadow in some way the person and work of Jesus (e.g., the temple). >Not an indication of apostolic succession no replacement of James
In your instructor's perspective, who is the referent of Psalm 16, and how does this permit Peter apply it to Jesus?
it is King David-corporate solidarity- typology David seems to only refer to himself-but it is the line of kings=refer to all= cor. solidarity
