September 22–December 22, 2002
10:15–11:05 in the Parish House Annex

The Reverend Donald D. Binder, PhD

Course Description

An examination of the Acts of the Apostles, with special attention to the missionary activities, theological reflections and worship practices of the early Christians—and how these continue to inform the life of the Church today.

Suggested Texts for Personal Study and Reflection

The Bible. The Bible obviously contains the book that is the focus of our study. We will be examining passages from Acts in detail, as well as relevant portions of its companion volume, the Gospel of Luke, and several of the Pauline epistles. While it is not required, it would be helpful if participants brought their Bibles to class. Suggested versions include: The New Revised Standard Version, The Revised Standard Version, and The New International Version.

Witherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. A recent and excellent commentary on Acts, which enhances its discussion of theological concerns with a presentation of recent archaeological discoveries and ancient rhetorical practices. A great volume for the "Type A" student.

Outline of Class Meetings

September 22 — Introduction

• Acts of the Apostles: An Orderly Account, Part II
• Questions of Author, Date and Purpose
• A Matter of Interpretation

September 29 — The Birth of the Church: Acts 1–2

• A Glorious Farewell
• Unfinished Business
• The Meaning of Pentecost

October 6 — The Church in Jerusalem: Acts 3–5

• Everything Held in Common
• Early Successes and Failures
• Support from an Unlikely Source

October 13 — Rising Opposition: Acts 6–7

• A Matter of Language
• Service with a Smile?
• The First Christian Martyr

October 20 — Movement into Samaria and Syria: Acts 8–12

• The Samaritans: A Bridge to the Gentiles?
• Light on the Road to Damascus
• Clean or Unclean?
  

October 27 — The First Missionary Journey and Its Fall-out: Acts 13–15

• Time for a Road Trip
  
• Quarreling Rabbis
• A Successful Council?
  

November 3 & 10 — Movement into Europe: Acts 16–18

• Philippi: Is this Any Way to Treat a Citizen?
• Acceptance and Rejection in the Synagogues: Deja Vu all Over Again
• Clashes in Corinth

November 17 & 24 — Settling Down in Asia: Acts 19–20

• Life in the Big City
• Remembering Diana
• A Farewell Address
  

December 1 — No Class: Annual Parish Meeting

December 8 — No Class: Rector Away

December 15 — Trials in Caesarea: Acts 21–26

• A Gift Not Well Received?
• Rhetoric of the Courtroom
• Benefits of Citizenship: A Free Trip to Rome
  

December 22 Journey to Rome: Acts 27–28

• Danger on the High Seas
• God's Providence
• Journey's End