The People’s Bible: Acts
Overview
Luke wrote Acts as a continuation of his gospel. In this book Luke recorded the growth of the early church after Jesus ascended to heaven. The first part of the book records the growth of the church in and around Jerusalem. Luke goes on to record the apostle Paul’s conversion and the spread of the gospel throughout the Roman world.
Many people have found The People’s Bible to be the most reliable Bible commentary series published. It’s the laypeople’s Bible—down to earth, clearly written, easy to read and understand, filled with practical and contemporary applications. The Christ-centered commentary follows the Scripture sections containing explanations of the text, historical background, maps, illustrations, and archaeological information.
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- Historical background
- Maps, illustrations, and archaeological information
- Practical and contemporary applications
Top Highlights
“‘[Jesus] spoke about the kingdom of God,’ which is not a place but an activity, not God’s realm but his reign. God rules in people’s lives by the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:47).” (Pages 9–10)
“The confusion of tongues that resulted at Babel when men tried to glorify themselves by building a great tower (Genesis 11:1–9) was reversed on Pentecost. On the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit moved men to glorify God in languages that were understood by all who heard. This ‘reversal of Babel’ still occurs when missionaries learn new languages in order to declare the wonders of God to people in world mission fields.” (Page 25)
“Peter was reminding his fellow Jews of something they knew: God had acted through Jesus.” (Page 28)
“Pentecost is the Greek name for the important Jewish observance of the Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23:16) or, as it was also called, the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22). Pentecost means ‘50th,’ for the feast took place 50 days after the Passover Sabbath (Leviticus 23:11, 15, 16). Every pious Jew tried to be in Jerusalem for this feast. Those who could not come to Jerusalem observed it in the synagogues throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Freewill offerings were brought (Deuteronomy 16:9–11).” (Page 22)
“The Roman government allowed the Sanhedrin to exercise jurisdiction over Jews living outside of Palestine. Saul’s intention was to bring those who belonged to the Way to Jerusalem as captives, to be tried by the Sanhedrin. For that purpose he asked for credentials that would give him the authority to do so.” (Page 99)
- Title: Acts
- Author: Richard. D. Balge
- Publisher: Northwestern Publishing House
- Publication Date: 1988
- Pages: 294