THEMATIC ANALYSIS

Thematic Analysis of ACTS

Thematic Analysis of ACTS

 

The Book of Acts serves as a transition from the Old Covenant of law-keeping to the New Covenant of grace and faith. This transition is seen in several key events in Acts. First, there was a change in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose prime function in the Old Testament was the external “anointing” of God's persons, amidst them Moses (Numbers 11:17), Othniel (Judges 3:8-10), Gideon (Judges 6:34), and Saul (1 Samuel 10:6-10). After the resurrection of Jesus, the Spirit came to reside in the very hearts of believers (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16), directing and empowering them from within. The indwelling Spirit is the gift of God to those who arrive to Him in faith.

After Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples at Pentecost. They are able to speak in other languages, although some bystanders believe they are "filled with new wine." Peter heals a lame man at the Beautiful Gate in the Temple, but he is arrested for proclaiming salvation in Jesus Christ. Opposition increases and Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr. After this the gospel moves outward when Philip bears witness in Samaria to the north and to an Ethiopian heading south. Paul's meet with the risen Christ and Peter's vision signal the starting of mission to the Gentile world.

 

Acts 13-28 recounts Paul's missionary journeys

Paul embarks on some missionary journeys. The first is from Antioch to Cyprus and components of Asia secondary, where Paul and Barnabas establish Christian congregations regardless of opposition. At Lystra Paul heals a lame man and persons believe that he is a god. A seminar in Jerusalem determines that Gentile converts to Christianity manage not require to pursue the Jewish practice of circumcision. Paul continues origin congregations in Asia Minor and Greece. In Philippi he is succinctly imprisoned after casting out a demon from a slave girl. In Athens he sees an altar "to an unidentified God," and proclaims that God is made renowned through Christ. Upon coming back to Jerusalem, Paul is arrested, imprisoned at Caesarea, and appeals his case to the emperor. Although shipwrecked on the voyage, he arrives in Rome and continues teaching and preaching while awaiting his hearing.

(I) History Of The Early Church

The Book of Acts was in writing to supply a history of the early church. The emphasis of the publication is the importance of the day of Pentecost and being empowered to be productive witnesses for Jesus Christ. Acts records the apostles being Christ's observers in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the surrounding world. The publication sheds lightweight on the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, teaches, and serves as our Counselor. Reading the publication of Acts, we are enlightened and encouraged by the many miracles that were being presented throughout this time by the disciples Peter, John, and Paul. The publication of Acts emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's Word and the transformation that occurs as a result of understanding ...