Word Studies: Acts

Class: 2 Peter/Jude

Week #7-#8: October 17-November 4
Professor: Mr. Frank Roe

Assignments: The entire book of Acts must be read within the week before and/or during the two weeks of the class.
A Bible Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles (edited by Mal Couch) must be read within the week before and/or during the two weeks of the class.
List of over 100 terms, people, etc.; each one defined in no more than four sentences.
Four maps charting Paul's missionary journeys and his trip to Rome.
Summarize the book of Acts in no more than fifty words.

Mr. Frank Roe has a history with Word of Life Bible Institute in Owen Sound, having worked with the school for over 17 years. In 1995, he joined Across Borders for World Evangelism (ABWE) in which he now holds the postion of Ministry Director of Canada. He and his family reside in London, ON.

The book of Acts in the New Testament is a lengthy chronological record of the movements of the newly born church. Luke, though usually only recognized for his gospel, also wrote the book of Acts as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Both books are written as letters to a man in high authority, Theophilus, who was probably a high ranking Roman official. The author, from what is known, is most likely a Greek doctor who Paul led to Christ during one of his missionary journeys. Acts is Luke's testimony of the Christian faith to Theophilus as he seeks to lead Theolphilus to Christ. God's purpose for Acts was to show how the Holy Spirit was the major influence in the movements of the church and the apostles. Acts shows how the gospel first went out to Jerusalem, second, to Samaria, and lastly, to the ends of the world and how the Holy Spirit worked through those movements. In the book, Peter's, Philip's and Paul's evangelistic efforts and missionary journeys are described in detail. Paul's personal testimony is told, following his life from being a persecutor of the gospel to being a preacher of the same. Several sermons which the apostles preach throughout their ministry are also recorded in Acts. The work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the book and it is amazing to realize that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the ministry today. For it is only by the work of the Spirit the gospel has any effect.

One of the assignments the students had to complete was a fifty word summary of Acts, and two of the students shared their work:

"A book written by Luke. It describes how Acts bridges the gospels to the Epistles or law to grace, as well as the spread of the gospel to the world within 30 years. It also shows the beginning of the church and Israel's rejection of it."
- Allison, Owen Sound

"Acts, recounting the ministry of the apostles, primarily Peter, Phillip and Paul, from the ascension of Christ until Paul’s imprisonment, tells of the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the expansion of the church, the missionary journeys of Paul, and shows the transition from law to grace and Gospels to Epistles."

- Jonathan, Huntsville

Mr. Roe has a marvelous way of expounding the book of Acts using a variety of teaching methods. He also loves spending time with students. Since he will be joining them on their missionary trip to Jamaica in March he also took some time to encourage the students to participate in the trip. These are some comments he made about the class and some parting words for the students.

"What a great blessing to teach the book of Acts once again at WOLBI. Each class is unique and offers many opportunities to see the Lord work in hearts to better understand, apply, and practice the lessons. What a great time we had together and I look forward to seeing how God uses this great class. Keep in touch and keep those sails full."

- Mr. Frank Roe

This class is foundational to understanding the General Epistles which the students will be studying throughout the year. It is vital for understanding the context in which Paul is writing to churches such as Corinth, Ephesus, Colosse and others. Acts also contains important doctrine on the Holy Spirit and Its work in the lives of believers and their ministry. Never is it appropriate to think it isn't necessary to study a book of the Bible. 2 Timothy explains how all scripture is profitable and therefore even stories from Acts and other historical records in the Bible are all equally important as the rest of the Bible which is why WOLBI places such a heavy emphasis on studying the entire Word of God.

BW