Further Study

Review Questions

These questions are designed to help you review important material covered in the lecture.

1. Discuss the explicit and implicit evidence from the Gospel of Luke that strongly suggests that one person wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
2. Discuss the historical evidence from the early church that supports the view that the same person wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
3. Which clues can we gain from the New Testament about the author of Acts? How do these clues support the idea that Luke wrote the Book of Acts?
4. What evidence suggests that the Book of Acts was written after A.D. 70? What evidence suggests it was written before A.D. 70?
5. Describe the original audiences of the book of Acts.
6. Describe the social context of Acts in terms that include a discussion of (1) the Roman Empire and (2) the relationship between the church and the Jews.
7. Demonstrate that Luke’s theological perspectives were grounded in the Old Testament’s view of history in general and its view of of Israel’s history in particular.
8. Compare and contrast the Christian view of the messianic kingdom of God with the views of contemporary Jewish theology and with the view of John the Baptist.
9. How does the theology of the kingdom of God in Luke’s Gospel prepare us to understand the message of Acts? In your answer, give particular attention to the roles of Jesus and of the apostles.

Application Questions

Application questions are appropriate for written assignments or as topics for group discussions. For written assignments, it is recommended that answers not exceed one page in length.

1. How does knowing the authorship of Luke help us better understand and apply the book of Acts?
2. How are our lives and theology influenced by our own governments and cultures?
3. What are some similarities and differences between unbelieving Jews and Christians today? How can understanding the similarities and differences help us evangelize modern Jews?
4. Why have Christians of both Jewish and Gentile heritage been granted full status in the church?
5. Why is it important to recognize that Christians of both Jewish and Gentile heritage have equal standing?
6. How should the Old Testament’s view of world history inform our own thinking as Christians in the modern world?
7. In what ways do we currently participate in God’s kingdom? What is our role in the process of kingdom building?
8. How should we change our thinking and priorities in light of the fact that God’s kingdom expands as people receive and trust in Jesus as the Messiah?
9. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study?

Discussion Video

Additional information concerning the lesson topic is provided in a video presentation of a question and answer session. If you are struggling to understand any portion of the lesson or if you would simply like to deepen your understanding of the subject, this video will be helpful.