Message of Acts
To the Ends of the Earth
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Paperback / softback
£14.99
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN: 9781789741483
Number of Pages: 448
Published: 19/11/2020
Width: 13.8 cm
Height: 21.6 cm
The Book of Acts is vital not only for its vivid historical record, but also for the inspiration which it brings to us now. Today's church can seek to recapture something of the early confidence, enthusiasm, vision and power of the church of the first century. Despite all its imperfections and troubles, the young church clearly had been overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit, who thrust it out to witness.
The experiences of the early church have lots to say about issues that concern Christians today. What can Acts tell us about extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit? How should churches structure themselves - with elders, deacons, pastors or all three? And, of course, how should the church reach out into a lost world, with the glorious message of salvation?
As John Stott concludes: 'The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished: the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world.'
Contents
General preface vii
Author's preface ix
Chief abbreviations xiv
Select bibliography xvi
A chronological table xxi
Introduction 1
A. In Jerusalem (1:6 - 6:7)
1. Waiting for Pentecost (1:6-26) 19
2. The Day of Pentecost (2:1-47) 41
3. The outbreak of persecution (3:1 - 4:31) 70
4. Satanic counter-attack (4:32 - 6:7) 87
B. Foundations for world mission (6:8 - 12:24)
5. Stephen the martyr (6:8 - 7:60) 107
6. Philip the evangelist (8:1-40) 125
7. The conversion of Saul (9:1-31) 146
8. The conversion of Cornelius (9:32 - 11:18) 162
9. Expansion and opposition (11:19 - 12:24) 181
C. The apostle to the Gentiles (12:25 - 21:17)
10. The first missionary journey (12:25 - 14:28) 196
11. The Council of Jerusalem (15:1 - 16:5) 221
12. Mission in Macedonia (16:6 - 17:15) 240
13. Paul in Athens (17:16-34) 258
14. Corinth and Ephesus (18:1 - 19:41) 276
15. More about Ephesus (20:1 - 21:17) 300
D. On the way to Rome (21:18 - 28:31)
16. Paul's arrest and self-defence (21:18 - 23:35) 321
17. Paul on trial (24:1 - 26:32) 342
18. Rome at last! (27:1 - 28:31) 365
Study guide 386