Contents

Editor's Preface

Preface

Abbreviations

Introduction

A. Circumstances of Composition

B. Genre and Purpose

C. Literary Dimensions of Luke-Acts

D. The Prophetic Structure of Luke-Acts

E. Literary-Religious Themes

Translation, Notes, Interpretation

1. Prologue (1:1-4)

I. Birth and Childhood of the Prophet

2. The Prophecy of John's Birth (1: 5-25)

3. The Prophecy of Jesus' Birth (1: 26-38)

4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (1: 39-56)

5. Prophecy Fulfilled: John's Birth (1:57-80)

6. Prophecy Fulfilled: Jesus' Birth (2: 21-40)

7. Jesus Is Presented to the Lord (2: 21-40)

8. Jesus Teaches in the Temple (2: 41-52)

II. The Prophets John and Jesus

9. The Prophetic Ministry of John (3: 1-20)

10. The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus (3: 21-38)

11. The Testing of the Prophet (4:1-13)

12. The Prophetic Messiah (4;14-30)

13. First Sings and Wonders (4:31-44)

14. Jesus Calls His Disciples (5:1-11)

15. Two Healings (5: 12-26)

16. Call and Controversy (5:27-39)

17. Two Controversies and a Choice (6:1-16)

18. The Prophet's Public Preaching (6: 17-35)

19. Prophetic Wisdom (6: 36-49)

20. Two Prophetic Wonders (7: 36-50)

21. John, Jesus, and the People (7: 36-50)

22. The Friend of Sinners (7: 36-50)

23. Gathering the People of Faith (8: 1-21)

24. Two Wonders (8:22-39)

25. Saving Faith (8:40-56)

III. Preparing a leadership for the People

26. The Apostolic Tasks (9: 1-17)

27. Recognizing Jesus (9:18-36)

28. Flawed Followers (9:37-50)

IV The Prophet Journeys to Jerusalem

29. Turning Toward Jerusalem (9: 51-62)

30. Acceptance and Rejection (10:1-24)

31. Rejection and Acceptance (10:25-42)

32. Teaching on Prayer (11:1-13)

33. The Two Kingdoms (11: 14-26)

34. Prophetic Warnings (11: 27-36

35. Attack on Opponents (11: 37-54)

36. Courage in Time of Danger (12:1-12)

37. Treasure and the Heart (12:13-34)

38. Watchfulness and Service (12:35-48)

39. A Call for Decision (12:49-59)

40. Warnings to Repent (13:1-21)

41. Prophetic Pronounements (13: 22-35)

42. Conflict at Table (14: 1-14)

43. Invitations to the Banquet (14:15-35)

44. Parables of Lost and Found (15: 1-32)

45. Possesions in Parable and Paraenesis (16:1-13)

46. The Claims of Moses and he Prophets (16: 14-31)

47. Teaching and Healing (17:1-19)

48. The Kingdom and the End-Time (17:20-37)

49. Parables on Prayer (18:1-14)

50. Entering the Kingdom (18: 15-34)

51. Saving Faith - Again (18:35-19:10)

52. The Kingship Parable (19:11-27)

V The Prophet in Jerusalem

53. Entering Jerusalem (19:28-48)

54. Conflict with Leaders (20:1-19)

55. Debates with Leaders (20:20-21:4)

56. Prophecies about Jerusalem (21:5-24)

57. Preparation for the Son of Man (21:25-38)

VI The Suffering of the Prophet

58. The Plot at Passover (22:1-13)

59. The Pasover Meal (22:14-23)

60. Teachings at Table (22:24-38)

61. The Time of Testing (22: 39-53)

62. The Sanhedrin Hearing (22:54-71)

63. Delivered to Prefects and Kings (23:1-12)

64. Condemnation to Death (23:13-31)

65. The Death of the Prophet (23: 32-46)

66. Responses to the Prophet's Death (23:47-56)

VII The Prophet Is Raised Up

67. The Empty Tomb (24:13-35)

68. Appearance to Two Disciples (24:13-35)

69. The Community Is Gathered (24:36-53)

Indexes

Scriptural Index

Index of Ancient Writings

Index of Authors

The Acts of the Apostles is really the second volume in the two-part writing scholars call Luke-Acts. It continues the story begun in the Gospel of Luke, showing how the Good News offered by Jesus to the outcast of the people was eventually extended to the end of the earth," so that Gentiles as well as Jews came to share in the blessings of God.
This commentary treats Luke-Acts as an apologetic history. It takes with equal seriousness both Luke's literary artistry and his historical interests, fitting his methods comfortably within the ancient standards of historiography. This perspective illustrates in particular that Luke's historical narrative serves a definite religious intent. Tracing that intent through the specific contours of Luke's story is the special contribution of this commentary.