The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption

by Dennis E. Johnson

Johnson shows how the themes of Acts, centering on redemption in Jesus Christ, connect with both Old Testament prophecy and our experience today.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian, Reference, New Testament

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Dennis E. Johnson (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of practical theology at Westminster Seminary California and associate pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church.

Reviews

[Grant Carter]

This book is about the message of Acts in the history of redemption

[Jose Ovalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pick up and read any Dennis Johnson book you find. Heaters only

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine.

[Peyton Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this has the worst cover of any book I’ve ever read, but I liked the content.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting thematic overview of Acts with modern day vignettes at the beginning of each chapter. It feels surprisingly relevant even though it was written over 20 years ago. Greek is referenced often but it’s not overly scholarly. Perhaps overly critical of the American church and Baby Boomers specifically at times.

Unfortunately adopts the worst reference notes format of all time, end of chapter notes, which only make sense for publishers who hate their readers.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Touched upon many very helpful themes in the book of Acts. Helped also with application of the text to the modern-day church, though the application is admittedly dated. But thematic analysis is really helpful. Gives you a better understanding of the book as a whole, and ways of approaching it for study, teaching, and preaching.

[Brent Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super solid commentary on themes in Acts. Pat Schreiner’s commentary builds really helpfully on this when it goes through verse by verse exegesis. -1 star for endnotes

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dennis Johnson hits the key themes in Acts, connects them to the OT and the NT, develops the connections between Luke and Acts, and relates it all to redemptive history while demonstrating the intricate role that the gospel played in the advancement and growth of the church. Well done!

[Russell Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid and interesting thematic overview of Acts. Johnson's applications are surprisingly relevant almost 30 years removed.

[Stephen Hoogerhyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a commentary on the book of Acts, but rather an exploration of several themes that are prominent in the book. As always, Johnson's writing is clear, approachable, well supported by Biblical texts and illuminated by various commentators, and inevitably leading us to Christ.

He starts by giving us the context of Acts and relates it to Luke's first book, his gospel. He shows us how Acts describes the continuing work of Jesus through his disciples and his Holy Spirit. Pentecost and the coming of the Spirit and the works resulting from that and testifying to Jesus occupy our attention, then a focus on the growing community of faith in Jerusalem. The conversion of Saul takes up one chapter, as does the Gentile Pentecost at Cornelius' house.

Since so much of Acts is parts of sermons, Johnson spends a chapter covering themes in the apostles' preaching. One chapter focuses on the Master vs. the magicians, detailing four separate incidents. Paul's interactions and preaching at Athens and Ephesus takes up another chapter. The final chapter deals with the theme of suffering in the life of the Christian.

The book contains extensive endnotes, placed helpfully at the end of each chapter. Johnson also frequently cites Greek words in the text of Acts, to help us see connections between verses in other parts of the story. As the back cover of the book states, it is written for "students, pastors, Bible teachers, and thoughtful laypeople."

[Kevin V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, Johnson’s unpacking of the message of Acts is helpful and in-depth. In typical form for him, in places he displays an author so well-outlined that it promotes wordiness. His individual sections are small and help to break up the wordiness. Yet, he still manages to stall in places and his argument gets lost. This is the only reason I cannot give it 5-stars.

Perhaps the best part of the book is the excellent presentation of biblical-redemptive theology. Johnson has an excellent grasp of the Greek NT and LXX and he draws you into the mind of Luke as Luke draws on the mysteries and shadows of the OT, ultimately pointing to Christ and the continued work of the Spirit in the church today. Also helpful are the applications that Johnson makes at the end of each chapter. He truly desires not simply to fill up the head with more details about Acts, but to set the Christian’s heart ablaze for the work of Christ.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Mid

Maybe I am reviewing this harsher because I am coming off the tail end of two great books. (See my recent reviews for two 5/5 reviews).

Johnson's "The Message of Acts" does what its supposed to do. It offers a survey of themes from the book of Acts with practical considerations. That said, it doesn't do it in a way that is impressive, engaging, or unique. All of its contents area explored better in introductions to Acts Commentaries. I find myself unable to recommend this book, but I also wouldn't say someone wasted their time reading it. Hence- this was a "mid" reading experience.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and relevant. The style and content are something between a popular-level digest of Acts (plenty of applications and illustrations) and an academic commentary (frequent use of Greek). No footnotes, but there are endnotes at the end of every chapter.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good thematic overview of the book of Acts. Easy to read chapters in one sitting. The Gaffin influence is evident throughout!

[Nathan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book/commentary on the book of Acts, which is really a broad examination of some of the major themes of the book. This is one of my favorite works on Acts (ML Jones' sermons through Acts topping the list.) It is half commentary half devotional. It actually reminds me of the NIV Application Commentary Series, a series where sections are divided up under exegetical analysis, practical application, etc. But Johnson's insights here are wise and penetrating, reflecting a deep knowledge of scripture. It may not be the best 'commentary' on Acts, but I would highly recommend it to those wanting to study the book further or perhaps preach through some of the major themes of the book.

[Greg Baughman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for the pastor or seminary student. Somewhat debatable value for the average lay-person. As one's knowledge of the LXX and Greek increases, the benefit derived from this book increases. Make sure to read the end-notes (seriously, and this from someone who hates end-notes, as this will give you a wealth of OT background information). Some odd editorial decisions hurt this work somewhat.

Full review can be found here.

[Peter Stonecipher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a commentary on Acts, but Johnson covers many important themes and structures in the Acts of the Apostles, particularly with a view to their place in redemptive history. I found Johnson's book as a helpful complement to standard introductions to Acts.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful study of the main themes of the book of Acts especially as it relates to the message od redemption.