This is an introductory course on the Acts of the Apostles. It is not, however, a “Bible Study” in that an academic approach will be used rather than that traditionally employed in parochial Bible studies. The course is intended for ANCC seminarians preparing for ordained ministry, for ANCC clergy desiring continuing education, and for lay persons and others seeking a deeper understanding of Holy Scripture.
Over the course of the ten-week course we will explore such topics as the historicity, authenticity and authorship of the Book of Acts; understanding the use of Jewish Scriptures in the Christian Bible; and the socio-political context of the mid to late first century. Additionally, we will examine Paul’s apostolic journeys, several of the prominent speeches in the Book of Acts and the theology revealed therein, and the issue of the incorporation of Gentiles into the life of the early church as can be seen, for example, in the first church council in Jerusalem and subsequent decisions about ritual purity and circumcision.
