Interpretation Bible Commentary- Acts

This lively, readable commentary encourages readers to encounter Acts as a book that depicts the church as a hospitable and multicultural community on a journey in which it continues to be surprised by the new realities the Holy Spirit makes possible in the post-Easter world. Encounter Acts as a book that depicts the church as a hospitable and multicultural community on a journey in which it continues to be surprised by the new realities the Holy Spirit makes possible in the post-Easter world. Acts: An Interpretation Bible Commentary is a lively, readable commentary that offers historical, literary, theological, and pastoral analysis of the Acts of the Apostles. It explores the biblical narrative’s potential to inform the theological imagination of ancient audiences and offers insights about how Christian readers and communities might constructively engage Acts today. In this fresh commentary, Matthew L. Skinner opens up both the text and the worlds of its first audience—communities of faith in need of a clear sense of identity and encouragement that the power of God was still with them. The commentary respects the complexity of difficult and significant themes that permeate Acts, such as the friction between Jesus’ followers and powerful Roman interests, depictions of opposition led by Jewish antagonists, humorous undertones in violent episodes, and storytelling flourishes, such as incredible coincidences and last-second escapes from danger. This interpretation of Acts written by a scholar and preacher illuminates meaningful connections between the story Acts tells and challenges facing churches today, such as countering antisemitism, embracing inclusivity, articulating the good news in ways that respect the distinctiveness of different cultures, ensuring security…