Historical background: Acts is the second part of a two part history on the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and expansion of the Church of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the continued representative agent of the ascended Christ (the Divine Paraclete).
Acts is based in a multi-cultural setting. This book demonstrates how biblical Christianity came to be with other religions and worldviews (eg. Acts 13:8; 16; 19). This book highlights church planting in a "multicultural setting."
History is often retold and rewritten in a dishonest and biased manner (holocaust denials, moon landing deniers). Luke has no interest in this kind of thing. His account is the exact truth of what took place in the first century.
Many different sermons are abridged and presented in this inspired narrative.
Theological background: As one studies this book and interacts with newer commentaries they should beware of the influence of the New Perspective on Paul. Many other theological and practical matters are described in Acts. For example, racial division within the body of Christ is addressed in Acts 15 and in Galatians 2. As one studies the Gospels and Acts it is clear that the Lord Jesus Christ did not want three separate Churches divided by race; (one Gentle, one Jewish, and one Samaritan). Gentiles also belong to the covenant community of God. In short, the gospel does have racial implications (Gal. 3:28). The early church had to work through many different issues all of which find contemporary parallels.
Thomas suggested one read The Intolerance of Tolerance before preaching through the book of Acts. The early church had to deal various schools of philosophical thought; (stoics, the epicureans, etc). The believers had to learn how to flourish in the shadow of the mighty Roman Empire.
Luke provides a helpful foundation for developing a proper understanding of the Holy Spirit.
Seek to understand the theological intentions of Luke even when preaching historical narrative; (which highlights descriptions rather than prescriptions). Determining what things are normative and which things are unique is critical.
In Acts Jesus is active (even when He is not directly mentioned) as He works to build his church (Matt. 16:18). Remember the big picture which is always redemptive-historical. One does not need to mention the big picture in every sermon.
When preaching verse-by-verse through Acts one should note what are the biblical and theological patterns of Biblical Church growth? Their are some key GROWTH summations that are included throughout Acts (Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 6:7; 9:31; 11:21; 12:24; 13:43-44; 49). You might view this as Luke's theology of biblical revival. Thomas defines revival this way- When God through the Holy Spirit accomplishes what he normally does only in greater numbers and all at once.
Acts seems to follow the Great Commission progression from Jerusalem/Judea (Acts 2) to Rome (Acts 28). The first half of acts highlights the ministry of Peter and the second half follows Paul.
Key features in Acts: Repetition. Many things are repeated in Acts. Such as: the coming of the Holy Spirit; The conversion of Saul (Paul); the Gentile mission (10, 11, 15). the terms of Gentile inclusion (15, 21). The repetition of the word of the Lord spread phraseology (see above). The term dei in Acts (it must happen; sovereign fulfillment and promise).
The allocation of space. Notice how much space is given to the murder of Stephen (which directly led to the Gentile mission).
Major themes: Mission- What is God's overall mission, individual conversion stories, Gospel advance (progress), empowering of the Holy Spirit (both personally and in larger community).
Controversial issues: Experiences of the Holy Spirit, the New Covenant Ministry of the Holy Spirit, supernatural signs, and miraculous gifts, i.e. Cessationism and Continuationism; baptism.
