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Acts: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary
This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament book of Acts. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for lay church members.
Acts is a history book, written by Luke to complement and continue the record begun in his Gospel. In Acts, Luke demonstrates how Jesus' apostles faithfully and obediently put the Great Commission into practice, beginning "in Jerusalem, and then into all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Acts is also indispensable for the introductions it provides to many people encountered elsewhere in the New Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, etc.
The Restoration Movement consistently treats Acts as history, but also as a type of unbiased How-To manual for the church.
75% of the New Testament books find their historical backdrop in Acts. Knowing when the churches in the Galatian region or in the cities of Ephesus or Thessalonica were planted is important to interpreting the epistles bearing their names. Knowing the circumstances of Paul's life during the time when he penned Romans or 1 Corinthians or Philippians colors our interpretation of those books. Knowing who Peter, Luke, and Timothy were influences our interpretations of numerous Scriptures. Such historical information is found in Acts.If the early church is the pattern and model for us to follow, Acts becomes a How-To manual of sorts. Who can be a Christian, and how does it happen? Who receives spiritual gifts, and how does it happen? What ordinances ought the church observe, and when? What makes a church grow, and how does it happen? What is the relationship between church and state? What is the right response to persecution and tribulation? How ought Christianity interact with other religions? How ought we to battle evil in the spiritual world around us? What is missionary work like, and whom should be sent? What is the right leadership structure in the church, and how are leaders selected? Such questions can be dealt with using the guidance the Holy Spirit provided in Acts.
Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author harmonizes Acts' teachings with other relevant Scriptures, and frequently examines the original language in which it was written. And because of their importance, multiple Special Studies are provided on many of the How-To topics noted above.
This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us in the Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.
Acts is a history book, written by Luke to complement and continue the record begun in his Gospel. In Acts, Luke demonstrates how Jesus' apostles faithfully and obediently put the Great Commission into practice, beginning "in Jerusalem, and then into all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Acts is also indispensable for the introductions it provides to many people encountered elsewhere in the New Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, etc.
The Restoration Movement consistently treats Acts as history, but also as a type of unbiased How-To manual for the church.
75% of the New Testament books find their historical backdrop in Acts. Knowing when the churches in the Galatian region or in the cities of Ephesus or Thessalonica were planted is important to interpreting the epistles bearing their names. Knowing the circumstances of Paul's life during the time when he penned Romans or 1 Corinthians or Philippians colors our interpretation of those books. Knowing who Peter, Luke, and Timothy were influences our interpretations of numerous Scriptures. Such historical information is found in Acts.If the early church is the pattern and model for us to follow, Acts becomes a How-To manual of sorts. Who can be a Christian, and how does it happen? Who receives spiritual gifts, and how does it happen? What ordinances ought the church observe, and when? What makes a church grow, and how does it happen? What is the relationship between church and state? What is the right response to persecution and tribulation? How ought Christianity interact with other religions? How ought we to battle evil in the spiritual world around us? What is missionary work like, and whom should be sent? What is the right leadership structure in the church, and how are leaders selected? Such questions can be dealt with using the guidance the Holy Spirit provided in Acts.
Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author harmonizes Acts' teachings with other relevant Scriptures, and frequently examines the original language in which it was written. And because of their importance, multiple Special Studies are provided on many of the How-To topics noted above.
This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us in the Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.
- GenresReference
1070 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 1, 2008
This is the definitive commentary on the book of Acts. I took Acts class under Gareth Reese in 1988, and it was the hardest class I've ever had. But it was also one of the classes that I learned the most in. The man is brilliant, and if you are studying the book of Acts you have to pick up this book.
March 7, 2014
I truly love the Professor that wrote this book. I find myself looking back through his commentaries often.
September 27, 2018
Reece uses this book to teach his class. Personal feelings about a teacher using their own book to teach aside, this book is full of grammatical and factual errors. He refuses to let anyone other than his wife edit his work. When the dyslexic kid in the class notices your grammar it is a problem. Names of the apostles also get mixed up at points. Good content but needs a serious overhaul.
September 26, 2007
This book is huge and well written. The format is user friendly and the author is not overly repetitious.
There are about 20 special studies included at the end of the chapters that they pertain to.
When there are differences in the original manuscript copies that author points them out and examines which is most likely the original version. This gives the student a real feel for how accurate our modern translations are and why.
The Greek words are handled consistently adding color to the text.
There are about 20 special studies included at the end of the chapters that they pertain to.
When there are differences in the original manuscript copies that author points them out and examines which is most likely the original version. This gives the student a real feel for how accurate our modern translations are and why.
The Greek words are handled consistently adding color to the text.
July 28, 2011
One of the best commentaries on Acts ever written.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews