The Acts of the Apostles Through the Centuries

Charting the theological and cultural potency of Acts across the timespan of Christian history, this work of profound scholarship reveals the full extent of the New Testament book’s religious, artistic, literary, and political influence. Reveals the influence of Acts at key turning points in the history of the Christian church Traces the rich and varied artistic and cultural heritage rooted in Acts, from music to literature Analyzes the political significance of the book as a touchstone in the church’s external relations Provides detailed commentary on the exegesis of Acts down the centuries

List of Figures vii Series Editors’ Preface xiii Preface xv Acknowledgements xvii List of Abbreviations xix Introduction: Orienting the Reading 1 Acts 1 19 Acts 2 38 Acts 3–5 66 Acts 6–8 90 Acts 9 110 Acts 10–12 126 Acts 13–14 142 Acts 15 160 Acts 16–17 172 Acts 18–19 193 Acts 20–23 209 Acts 24–26 229 Acts 27–28 242 Epilogue 258 Appendix 1: Citations of the Acts of the Apostles in Creeds & Confessions of Faith in the Christian Tradition 262 Biographies and Glossary 285 Bibliography 296 Author and Artist Index 322 Index of Scripture References 330 Subject Index 339