The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles

by Richard C. H. Lenski

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1961

Overview

Thorough as a student of Greek, R. C. H. Lenski interprets the Acts of the Apostles with meticulous exegetical research while providing an original, literal translation of the text. With his conservative Lutheran perspective, he is unwavering in his high view of Scriptural authority, probing deeply and passionately—arguing his conclusions masterfully. Beyond exegesis, he provides linguistic and textual analysis, historical background such as information on the author, date, time of writings, authorial intent, chief themes, and much more. Often addressing difficult text, evading nothing, Lenski evaluates multiple interpretations before choosing one in particular. The Lenski Commentary, therefore, will introduce you to a range of interpretations and viewpoints, allowing you to see how other interpretations relate to one another, and will provide the context as to why he has settled on a particular viewpoint.

Praise for the Print Edition

A great work of exegesis, every page the result of long meditation, based on rich scholarship, warm with holy reverence for the Word of God.

—Moody Monthly

Lenski is one of the most helpful commentators on the New Testament you'll find — especially for his knowledge of the original Greek text. No serious exegete should neglect his insights.

—The Discerning Reader

The treatment is exhaustive; it seems that nothing has been overlooked or omitted.

—The Lutheran

My favorite New Testament commentary is that of R.C.H. Lenski. I smile whenever this scholar stabbed the “chiliasts” or those who reject infant baptism; yet I profit greatly from his sane and spiritually sensitive exposition. You do not have to be a Greek scholar to benefit from Lenski.

—Warren W. Wiersbe, A Basic Library for Bible Students

A conservative, very extensive and generally helpful exposition based upon an exegesis of the Greek text. Armenian in doctrine, maintains a rigid approach to Greek grammar, and follows an amillennial interpretation of eschatology. Exceedingly helpful background material and abounds in good preaching values.

—Cyril Barber, The Minister's Library

Product Details

• Title: The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
• Author: R. C. H. Lenski
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 1961
• Pages: 1,134

About R. C. H. Lenski

R. C. H. Lenski a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator, studied for the ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Upon earning his Doctor of Divinity, he became Dean of the seminary. He was a former professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught in the fields of exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative perspective.

Sample Pages from the Print Edition

Contents

Top Highlights

“But why did the Lord not send the angel to instruct and to baptize the eunuch and leave Philip in his successful work in Samaria? We have an answer to this question. The Lord bestowed the office of the ministry upon men and not upon angels, and we find that the Lord in every case makes use of the men he has called and honors their office and their work accordingly. So Philip is off on his long journey afoot; the time and the effort spent in winning the eunuch are not too great.” (Pages 336–337)

“It seems rather that Peter spoke only such words to Ananias that the Spirit inspired him to speak, and that the Spirit withheld the announcement of the death of Ananias in order to make it absolutely clear to all those present that this judgment was wholly a divine act and not one that was in any way due to Peter, or one in which he served even as an instrument.” (Pages 196–197)

“And having gotten through safe, then we knew that the island was called Melite” (Page 1098)

“But here this fact must be noted because it is the first fulfillment of the Lord’s promise given in Matt. 10:19, 20. Peter’s wonderful defense is not to be credited to his keen powers and his great courage. He and John had not lain awake all night planning what to say. They had not even known what turn things would take. It is the Holy Spirit who puts this telling defense into Peter’s mouth.” (Pages 160–161)

“In early Christian literature we are told that no Christian addressed a fellow Christian with such a title. We, therefore, conclude that in the Gospel the title was in place because Theophilus was then not as yet a Christian, but that it is no longer in place in Acts because Theophilus had now become a Christian, for which reason Luke sends him this second account.” (Page 21)

Product Details

• Title: The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
• Author: Richard C. H. Lenski
• Series: Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Print Publication Date: 1961
• Logos Release Date: 2008
• Era: era:modern
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Acts › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:LENSKI05
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T08:34:28Z

About Richard C. H. Lenski

R. C. H. Lenski (1864–1936) was a distinguished Lutheran scholar and commentator. He studied at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and upon earning his Doctor of Divinity became dean of the seminary. He also served as a professor at Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio, where he taught exegesis, dogmatics, and homiletics. His numerous books and commentaries are written from a conservative Lutheran perspective. Lenski authored Lenski’s Commentary on the New Testament, a 12-volume series of commentaries that provides a literal translation of the New Testament.

Among Lenski’s many works are The Interpretation of St. Mark’s Gospel, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation, and The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel.