The Purpose Of The Book Of Acts
How does the purpose of the book of Acts determine the interpretation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2 (Jensen, 209-216)? “The primary purpose of Acts must have been edification, for it was inspired and written to profit for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness- a ministry of edifying of the church of God.” (Jensen 1981, p 210). As I searched the scriptures on this purpose of edification, I found I Corinthians 14, the whole chapter is dedicated edification and encouragement of the church and it is interpreting the gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 and 4 of this chapter reads like this; “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.
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To show God’s power in anyone’s life, even a wretched sinner like Saul, who at the time was persecuting and killing many Christians. I think many believers forget this; God can transform anyone because “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV). Paul’s conversion is the coolest thing ever!! God showed what true repentance looks like and then proceeds to give him the boldest faith and message, next to Jesus. Then he picks up and goes where ever God tells him edifying Jesus and the church. Sharing the gospel and completing the command in Acts …show more content…
Acts 13 is the starting point of the first missionary trips of Saul/Paul and Barnabus. It is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 (NASB) “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” The missionary trips are reaching “the remotest part of the earth.” However, to me the key transition point is when Saul’s name changes to Paul, which shows all believers true transformation of a sinner to a Holy Spirit filled child of God. See Acts 13:9 (NASB) “But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him,”. The other key purpose starts in verse 26, Paul begins giving the Jewish history to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. This is why these events are so significant, the gospel was not just for the Jews it is for all people that is why Paul’s journey, message, and testimony are so very important then and
To show God’s power in anyone’s life, even a wretched sinner like Saul, who at the time was persecuting and killing many Christians. I think many believers forget this; God can transform anyone because “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV). Paul’s conversion is the coolest thing ever!! God showed what true repentance looks like and then proceeds to give him the boldest faith and message, next to Jesus. Then he picks up and goes where ever God tells him edifying Jesus and the church. Sharing the gospel and completing the command in Acts …show more content…
Acts 13 is the starting point of the first missionary trips of Saul/Paul and Barnabus. It is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 (NASB) “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” The missionary trips are reaching “the remotest part of the earth.” However, to me the key transition point is when Saul’s name changes to Paul, which shows all believers true transformation of a sinner to a Holy Spirit filled child of God. See Acts 13:9 (NASB) “But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him,”. The other key purpose starts in verse 26, Paul begins giving the Jewish history to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. This is why these events are so significant, the gospel was not just for the Jews it is for all people that is why Paul’s journey, message, and testimony are so very important then and