Description
The book of Acts describes the exciting beginnings of the Christian church. Miracles and healings combine with powerful preaching and church growth - along with martyrdom, opposition, and failure amongst church members and leaders. If Acts has a 'hero', it is God himself, who plans and guides the spread of the gospel, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Acts is also a long book, and this can cause problems for getting to grips with its message. In this accessible and lively guide, Chris Green provides keys to the 'architecture' of Acts. First, he looks at the big picture and tries to make sense of it theologically, as a coherent and structured narrative. Next, he focuses on smaller sections, as Luke appears to have arranged them. Then he offers some examples of real sermons, which show how to apply the structures and patterns. Finally, he turns to the impact Acts should have on Christian life and ministry in today's churches. With clarity, warmth and insight, this book opens up Acts in the spirit of the apostle Paul: 'Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified' (Acts 20:32).