Have you ever evangelized to a friend, maybe someone who is a stranger or an acquaintance? I have often thought the Lord will guide these people to Him, even if you and I are barely involved in their lives. This study presents a further advancement of the Gospel, exploring themes in the book of Acts and Peter’s witness to the Gentiles. The book of Acts presents significant themes through the advancement of the Gospel to Antioch, unique topics explored in the passages, and an evaluation of Peter’s presentations to the Gentile audiences.

The first pivotal point in the book of Acts is the significant shift marGospel'she Gospel's advancement to Antioch. This marks a crucial moment in the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it becomes available not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. Following the Great Commission, missionally establishing believers to share the Good News with others (Matt. 28:10-20). The travels and similarities to Pentecost, as noted by David Peterson, play a key role in this shift. “Two journeys were required to bring about this encounter, with the Spirit directing Peter’s understanding and enabling him to respond appropriately to his Gentile visitors (10:1–29). The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius and his household was followed by an unmistakable outpouring of the Spirit (10:30–43).” The church regroups, appointing leaders, one of whom dies seeing the Lord in Heaven (Acts 6-7). After Stephen’s death, Saul begins to go rogue and attempts to destroy all the Christians (Acts 1-3, 9:1-2). Ger describes the implications of the scattering that progressed the Good News to the other regions in Acts: Witnesses to the World: “This persecution marked the alliance of the Pharisees and the Sadducees who, for the first time, united to destroy the Jerusalem church. The church was being forced into a new Diaspora, as many believers fled from Jerusalem, leaving behind a decimated flock.”[1] God used this circumstance to eventually bring Peter, a Gentile Roman Centurion, to Cornelius's house (Acts 10:34-48). After Peter reports the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, the scattered body of Christ continues to evangelize as far as Antioch (Acts 11:1-21).[2] Barnabas was sent to the beginning church of Antioch, later found Paul, and they both preached in this new church for a year (Acts 11:22-26). Furthermore, after King Herod’s death, the Word of God increased; Barnabas brought Paul back to Jerusalem after finishing service and brought with them John Mark (Acts 12:2). The Gospel was preached further into the other regions through all these events. The following section discusses the themes present in Acts.

The second reason is that the Book of Acts presents significant themes through unique topics in its passages. Throughout chapters eight through twelve, there are running details that help Christians understand the Lord better. The two considerable subjects are intertwined: the sovereignty and the kingdom of God. After Stephen’s death, Saul persecutes the church, which results in God’s sovereignty over His kingdom to Judah and Samaria (Acts 8:1-4, 9:31, 11:19-21, 12:24). Ger further describes these events in correlation to Jesus Christ, “As seed was scattered in Jesus’ famous parable (Matt. 6:26; 13:3–4, 18; 25:24, 26; Luke 8:5; 12:24), this persecution resulted in the seed of the gospel being scattered as the church was strewn throughout Judea, Samaria, the rest of Israel…”[3] This is important as you and I consider God’s glory to the nations, which is presented to the Gentiles (Acts. 10ff). Throughout these passages, the inclusive Gospel is expounded upon, as the Ethiopian eunuch comes to know Christ, Saul the Pharisee becomes a Christian, and the Gentiles receive salvation (Acts 8:26-40, 9:3-19, 10:1-48). The final implication is that Christians are called to go through tribulation. This begins the text with Saul persecuting the church, the oppression of the Jews, and the massacre of King Herod (Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-2, 9:23-25, 9:30-31, 12:1-5). Ger describes how James was beheaded, which was one of the most merciful consequences for country offenses.[4] Essential topics are present throughout the Acts of the Scriptures. The final section discusses Peter’s preaching to the Gentiles.

The third point is that the book of Acts provides significant themes by evaluating Peter’s presentations to the Gentile audiences. Chapters ten and eleven are vital as they show God making salvation available to the Jews. In his preaching, Peter first resolves to explain that God is impartial, but in every God-fearing nation, and does what is suitable and acceptable. Similarly, he goes into the pouring out of the Spirit, which even mentions that it will reach all flesh. This is important as God is omniscient, and Peter explains to the crowds that God’s plan for the Jewish people invites Jewish believers of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. As Peter continues, he emphasizes Jesus’ resurrection, including the fact that everyone is a witness to Him. He concludes with a warning and rebuke to the Jewish community, as well as forgiveness of sins for the Gentile crowd. Ger further discusses the identity of Jesus Christ, “What Peter meant in his climactic disclosure that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ or Messiah, was that Jesus’ true identity has now finally been revealed.”[5] This is important as he concludes both sermons; at the end of the appeal, Jesus Christ is Lord, who is the judge of the living and the dead, and even adds remarks to the crowd’s response to both sermons. These changes are significant because Christ is contextualized and preached to specific audiences. Paul will later use this method (in the following essay). Peter addressed the people, referenced Old Testament scriptures, and boldly proclaimed the truth so that the church could further use these sermons as applications to teach the Gospel.

In conclusion, the Book of Acts presents significant themes through the advancement of the Gospel to Antioch, explores unique topics in the passages, and evaluates Peter’s presentations to his audiences. During this Gospel, the Gospel reached the next geographical area. My call to action is to further study the themes from Acts to Paul’s letters.

Bibliography

Ger, Steven. Acts: Witnesses to the World. Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series. AMG Publishers, 2004.

Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.

[1] Steven Ger, Acts: Witnesses to the World, Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series (AMG Publishers, 2004), 111.

[2] In ESV, certain followers of Christ are called the circumcision party, referring to Jews.

[3] Ger, 112.

[4] Ger, 174-175.

[5] Ger, 50.