#04b Comments on Acts
Unless more dialogue opens up, I'll go ahead with the next study
sometime today. In the meantime I want to give you certain
considerations with regard to the study of Acts. To begin with the Acts
of the Apostles is a divine recording of a transitional period in which
the new covenant church begins as a sect in Judaism, and then
becomes a multi-cultural religion. This was God's intention from the
beginning. (It is recorded in the prophets.)
So keep in mind that Acts was not designed to be exclusively a
doctrinal book. It is a history book that includes doctrine. However,
some truths are also being discovered during this period of time. It
would be necessary for the Church to discard her Jewish clothing, and
become clothed with her true nature. For she was to be a people from
all nations, tribes and tongues.
The book covers roughly a 35 years. It completes itself not long before
the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 a.d. Both Peter and Paul will lose
their lives before the destruction. (This is not recorded in the book
itself, but is set forth in Church history.)
Then we need to realize that many occurrences in Acts have to do with
laying the foundation for the Church by the apostles themselves. This
is why you will see certain things taking place in Acts, that will not be
found in later periods of the Church. (I'm not talking about healings
and miracles. These always belong to God's people.)
As a final thought --- Always keep in view that while the covenant of
Moses fulfills itself in the cross, the temple priesthood itself, and the
sacrifices are permitted to continue during this transitional time. The
purpose is for an outgathering of Jews who will turn to Jesus. When
this period of time is complete, then the temple will be destroyed
completely.
When the book of Acts closes, we hear a parting word from Paul. But
let's not go there now.
Previous: #04a: Acts 2:1-13
The New Covenant Comes Into Place
Next: #04c: Comments on Acts:
God became a Jew
This study on
Acts was originally part of a
series on the book of Acts given to members of
Hebraic Foundations from July 10, 2002 through January 19, 2003.
They were written by Pastor Buddy Martin, Founder and Senior Pastor of
Christian Challenge International.
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