Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, Volume 3

by Craig Keener

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2014

Overview

Highly respected New Testament scholar Craig Keener is known for his meticulous and comprehensive research. This commentary on Acts, his magnum opus, may be the largest and most thoroughly documented Acts commentary available. Useful not only for the study of Acts but also early Christianity, this work sets Acts in its first-century context.

In this volume—covering Acts 15–23—Keener continues his detailed exegesis of Acts, utilizing an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offering a wealth of fresh insights. This magisterial commentary will be an invaluable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, and Acts scholars.

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 a detailed exegesis of Acts
• Offers insights into early Christianity
• Exhibits meticulous and comprehensive research

Contents

Top Highlights

“Stoicism was the most popular sect in the period,2920 especially among those involved in public affairs.2921” (Page 2593)

“Epicureanism was widely known for valuing pleasure.” (Page 2585)

“Although many in Jerusalem might not understand the difference, Paul and the elders understand that he is affirming Jewish believers rather than repudiating Gentile believers.” (Page 3142)

“Most likely, they question not whether there is a Holy Spirit, or even whether the Spirit will be poured out in the future, but whether this has already begun to occur.” (Page 2819)

“The prohibitions against ‘things strangled’⁷⁰⁵ and against ‘blood’ are probably two approaches to the same question; strangled animals would not have the blood drained.” (Pages 2275–2276)

Praise for the Print Edition

Keener’s incredibly detailed megacommentary on Acts is a scholarly achievement that is unlikely to be surpassed in the foreseeable future. The author has an enviable mastery over an amazing number of primary and secondary sources, evident on nearly every page in footnotes providing both documentation and stimulating discussions. He provides in-depth discussions of various critical approaches to the major interpretive issues in Acts, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of each position while carefully arguing his own position. The commentary also includes a rich variety of informative excursuses that provide detailed analysis of a wide variety of important side issues and topics. Every serious student of Acts owes it to herself or himself to carefully work through this significant contribution to scholarship.

—David E. Aune, Walter Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, emeritus, University of Notre Dame

Keener’s scholarship and personal experience give a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to his commentary. His excursuses are treasure troves of cultural information on topics such as ancient anti-Judaism; dreams; patrons, clients, and reciprocity; and suicide. This detailed commentary will deservedly be a major resource on Acts in many libraries—personal and public—for years to come.

—John J. Pilch, Odyssey Program, Johns Hopkins University

As in the previous volumes, the author proffers a very detailed and nuanced analysis of the text’s exegetical problems while also paying close attention to the Greco-Roman environment that shaped Luke’s narrative. Scholars of the New Testament, theologians, and classicists, but also laypersons, will want to consult and will benefit from Keener’s erudite, impressive work.

—Andreas Bendlin, department of classics, University of Toronto

Keener’s massive commentary on the book of Acts is a gold mine of valuable information. His socio-historical reading of the text demonstrates the crucial importance of interpreting Acts in the context of Greek and Roman historiography. In addition, the vast amount of references to ancient sources and literature will be helpful for anyone interested in doing serious research on Acts.

—Samuel Byrskog, Center for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University

Product Details

• Title: Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, Volume 3: 15:1–23:35
• Author: Craig Keener
• Series: Acts: An Exegetical Commentary
• Volume: 3
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 1200
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Acts 15:1-23:35 › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781441257413, 9780801048388, 9780801048364, 9781108468688, 9781108475587, 1441257411, 0801048389, 0801048362, 1108468683, 1108475582
• Resource ID: LLS:ACTSEXGTCLCOMM03
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T21:49:06Z

About Craig Keener

Dr. Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, and is the author of 17 books, four of which have won book awards in Christianity Today. One, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, has sold more than half a million copies. He has authored scholarly commentaries on Matthew, John (two volumes), Acts (four volumes), and more briefly on Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Revelation. Dr. Keener is married to Dr. Médine Moussounga Keener, who spent 18 months as a refugee in her nation of Congo before their marriage.