Acts: An Exegetical Commentary: Introduction and 1:1-2:47

by Craig S. Keener

Overview

Highly respected New Testament scholar Craig Keener is known for his meticulous and comprehensive research. This commentary on Acts, his magnum opus, may be the largest and most thoroughly documented Acts commentary available. Useful not only for the study of Acts but also early Christianity, this work sets Acts in its first-century context.

In this volume, the first of four, Keener introduces the book of Acts, particularly historical questions related to it, and provides detailed exegesis of its opening chapters. He utilizes an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offers a wealth of fresh insights. This magisterial commentary will be a valuable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, Acts scholars, and libraries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801048364
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	09/01/2012
Pages:	1104
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 10.10(h) x 2.50(d)

About the Author

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) the F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1: Writing and Publishing Acts Chapter 2: Proposed Genres for Acts Chapter 3: Acts as a Work of Ancient Historiography Chapter 4: The Character of Ancient Historiography Chapter 5: Historical Perspectives, Tendenz, and Purpose Chapter 6: Approaching Acts as a Historical Source Chapter 7: Acts and Paul Chapter 8: Speeches in Acts Chapter 9: Signs and Historiography Chapter 10: Date Chapter 11: Author of Luke-Acts EXCURSUS: ANCIENT PHYSICIANS Chapter 12: Luke's Audience Chapter 13: The Purpose of Acts Chapter 14: Israel's Story Chapter 15: Some Lukan Emphases EXCURSUS: BACKGROUND FOR LUKE'S VIEW OF THE SPIRIT Chapter 16: Unity and Structure of Luke-Acts Chapter 17: Geographic Background Chapter 18: Luke's Perspective on Women and Gender
COMMENTARY
The First Outpouring of the Spirit (1:1-2:47)
Narrative Introduction and Recapitulation (1:1-11)
EXCURSUS: GOD'S KINGDOM IN EARLY JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN TEACHING Preparation for Pentecost (Awaiting the Promise, 1:12-26)
EXCURSUS ON THE SABBATH IN EARLY JUDAISM EXCURSUS ON ZEALOTS The Event of Pentecost (2:1-13)
EXCURSUS ON ASTROLOGY EXCURSUS ON WINE AND EXCESS DRINKING Peter's Call to Repentance (2:14-40)
EXCURSUS ON PROPHECY (2:17-18)
EXCURSUS ON DREAMS AND VISIONS (2:17)
EXCURSUS ON PROVIDENCE, FATE, AND PREDESTINATION EXCURSUS ON THE CROSS AND CRUCIFIXION EXCURSUS ON MESSIAHSHIP EXCURSUS: PROPOSED BACKGROUNDS FOR BAPTISM The Life of the Empowered Community (2:41-47)
EXCURSUS: SUMMARY SECTIONS AND STATEMENTS EXCURSUS ON POSSESSIONS Apostolic Leadership in Jerusalem (3:1-4:30)
A Healing of the Paralytic and Its Aftermath (3:1-4:30)
EXCURSUS: ANCIENT POVERTY