Reformed Expository Commentary: Acts

by Derek W. H. Thomas

Publisher:

P&R

, 2011

Overview

The church in our time easily loses sight of her mission to witness to the resurrected Christ. Studying Acts identifies us with the early church and the way the gospel shaped her as she began witnessing in Judea and continuing, in concentric circles, “to the end of the earth.” Acts reminds us that the story of the church remains incomplete—that there continues to this day an “Acts 29.”

We face relentless opposition as our postmodern world mirrors the world of the apostles. Planting and growing churches in such an environment poses particular challenges. Nevertheless, Acts clearly demonstrates that no obstacles can withstand the power of the Holy Spirit. As he did in the early church, the Holy Spirit teaches us in Acts to “expect great things.”

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Presents readers with a Christ-centered commentary
• Explores the structure, backgrounds and grammar of Acts
• Includes material well suited for pastors and students

Contents

Top Highlights

“Finally, there is the result of the prayer. Something extraordinary happened as” (Page 105)

“Second, they still retained a view that Jesus had come to do something great for ethnic-geographical Israel.” (Page 10)

“First, and very clearly, the disciples did not understand the nature of the purposes of Jesus Christ for them and for the world.” (Page 10)

“Third, they made a fundamental error in thinking that it was possible to predict the future precisely by events that were occurring in the present.” (Page 11)

“The book of Acts poses a question: How did the church grow and become so bold from such small and fearful beginnings in Jerusalem to ‘the end of the earth’ (Acts 1:8)?” (Page 4)

Praise for the Print Edition

Somewhere along the way the idea developed that commentaries are supposed to be a resource, but are not supposed to be all that readable. Derek Thomas and his treatment of Acts defies convention. Here you have a tremendous resource for pastors and students. And here you have a most readable, insightful, and enjoyable book for all. . . . a great gift for the church.

—Stephen J. Nichols, research professor of Christianity and culture, Lancaster Bible College

Biblically thorough, theologically accurate, pastorally sensitive—here is a rich feast set before God’s people. As Derek Thomas feeds us from the book of Acts, not only do we find ourselves satisfied, we are compelled to love Jesus more today than we did yesterday. And isn’t that the goal of all biblical preaching, writing, and living?

—Sean Michael Lucas, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, MS

The church of the twenty-first century desperately needs to know her first-century history. With pastoral care and thoughtful scholarship, Thomas gets to the very heart of Acts. . . . A much-needed resource for believers of all ages who desire to more fully know God’s sovereign history in the early church.

—Burk Parsons, editor, Tabletalk Magazine

Product Details

• Title: Acts
• Author: Derek W. H. Thomas
• Series: Reformed Expository Commentary
• Publisher: P&R
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 784
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Acts › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:REC65AC
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T05:22:42Z

About Derek W. H. Thomas

Originally from Wales, Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at the Jackson campus of RTS. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr. Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A graduate of RTS in 1978, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written or edited 15 books and has contributed to commentary series by Banner of Truth and Evangelical Press. He also co-edited Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship, (P & R) with Philip Ryken and Ligon Duncan. In 2004, Derek Thomas became Editorial Director for The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and the editor of its ezine, Reformation 21 (www.reformation21.org ). His interests include the music of Richard Wagner, Anton Bruckner, and Gustav Mahler, and he has a passion for good coffee and blue cheese