Acts (The New American Commentary, vol. 26 | NAC)

by John B. Polhill

Publisher:

B&H

, 1992

Overview

Since a commentary is a fundamental tool for the expositor or teacher who seeks to interpret and apply Scripture in the church or classroom, the NAC focuses on communicating the theological structure and content of each biblical book. The writers seek to illuminate both the historical meaning and contemporary significance of Holy Scripture.

In its attempt to make a unique contribution to the Christian community, the NAC focuses on two concerns. First, the commentary emphasizes how each section of a book fits together so that the reader becomes aware of the theological unity of each book and of Scripture as a whole. The writers, however, remain aware of the Bible’s inherently rich variety. Second, the NAC is produced with the conviction that the Bible primarily belongs to the church. We believe that scholarship and the academy provide an indispensable foundation for biblical understanding and the service of Christ, but the editors and authors of this series have attempted to communicate the findings of their research in a manner that will build up the whole body of Christ. Thus, the commentary concentrates on theological exegesis, while providing practical, applicable exposition.

Contents

• The Spirit Empowers the Church for Witness (1:1–2:47)
• The Apostles Witness to the Jews in Jerusalem (3:1–5:42)
• The Hellenists Break Through to a Wider Witness (6:1–8:40)
• Peter Joins the Wider Witness (9:1–12:25)
• Paul Turns to the Gentiles (13:1–15:35)
• Paul Witnesses to the Greek World (15:36–18:22)
• Paul’s Witness Overcomes Opposition in Ephesus (18:23–21:16)
• Paul Witnesses before Gentiles, Kings, and the People of Israel (21:17–26:32)
• Paul Witnesses to Jews and Gentiles without Hindrance (27:1–28:31)
• Selected Bibliography

Top Highlights

“The same Spirit that gave the community its growth also maintained its purity. This seems to have been Luke’s point, for the Ananias and Sapphira story is bracketed by an emphasis on the unity of the community (4:32–35) and the power of the Spirit in its midst (5:12–16).” (Pages 161–162)

“Peter emphasized here that it was prophecy, inspired utterance from the Lord.” (Page 109)

“ remainder of Acts clarifies that the promise applies to the Gentiles as well: it is indeed poured out on ‘all people.” (Page 109)

“The repetition is not by chance: it is the whole point of the story. The church is a holy body, the realm of the Spirit. By the power of this spiritual presence in its midst, the young community worked miracles, witnessed fearlessly, and was blessed with incredible growth. The Spirit was the power behind its unity, and its unity was the power behind its witness.” (Page 160)

“Scripture that has a prophetic emphasis must come to fulfillment.^{56” (Page 91)}

Product Details

• Title: Acts
• Author: John B. Polhill
• Series: New American Commentary
• Volume: 26
• Publisher: B&H
• Print Publication Date: 1992
• Logos Release Date: 2000
• Pages: 571
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Acts › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781430086116, 9781433675645, 1433675641, 1430086114
• Resource ID: LLS:29.49.12
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:43:44Z

About John B. Polhill

Senior Professor, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.