Acts: Pattern of Progress

January 28, 2007

            In a recent bulletin, we investigated the theme of “Acts:  God’s Work Will Progress Unhinderedly.”  No matter what the opposition, the Gospel would progress throughout the Roman Empire.  Luke shows the progress of God’s Work even though it was 1) opposed by the Jews 2) scandalized by false accusations, 3) in conflict with the financial interests of pagans, and  4) received illegal treatment by Roman officials.  On the positive side, the author of Acts shows that Christianity was tolerated by Rome.  Some Roman officials not only gave it a good testimony, some even embraced this new religion.
            As the Gospel message marched from Jerusalem to Rome, a pattern of progress develops.  Luke highlights several divisions in Acts with progress reports: Jerusalem (1:1-6:7); Stephen, Philip, Paul (6:8-9:31); Peter (9:32-12:24); Asia (12:25-16:5); Europe (16:6-19:20) and Rome (19:21-28:1). 


            More specifically, various patterns are seen in the framework of Luke’s writing.  The following pattern of progress dominates the first half of Acts. 

            [A]       Prayer
            [B]       Power
            [C]       Preaching
            [D]       Persecution
            [E]       Progress

Note that progress is seen despite the many occasions where the Gospel met with opposition. 


On the Day of Pentecost
[A]       The apostles are praying in the upper room before Pentecost (1:14) and when selecting Judus’ replacement (1:24).
[B]       On the day of Pentecost the twelve receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (2:1-4).
[D]       Some mock (persecute) the apostles saying “They are full of new wine” (2:13).
[C]       Peter preaches the first Gospel sermon (2:14-36).
[E]       Three thousand obey (progress)  the Gospel (2:41).


Post-Pentecost
[A]       They continue in prayer (2:42).
[B]       Many powerful wonders and signs are performed (2:43)
[C]       Preaching continued in the temple (2:46).
[E]       The progress continues as God adds to their number daily (2:47).


The Arrest of Peter and John
[A]       Peter and John go to the temple at the hour of prayer (3:1).
[B]       They heal a man lame through the power of Christ (3:2-13).
[C]       Peter preaches on Solomon’s Porch (3:11-26).
[D]       Persecution comes as they are arrested (4:1-3).
[E]       About 5000 men believe (4:4).
           


Choosing the Seven
[A]       Seven men are selected for serving tables so the apostles could give themselves to prayer
[C]       and preaching the word (6:6).
[E]       After praying and anointing the seven comes another progress report (6:7).
           


Successes among the Samaritans
[B]       Next, comes one of the seven, Stephen, who was  full of faith and power performing great wonders and signs (6:8).
[A]       His message to the Pharisees results in his death, as he is being stoned he offers up a prayer for killers and his soul (7:59,60).
[D]       At that time a “great persecution arose” (8:1).
[C]       The church is scattered, preaching the word.
[E]       Philip preaches in Samaria baptizing both men and woman, including Simon (8:12,13).


Raising of Tabitha
[A]       Peter prays over Tabitha’s dead body (9:40).
[B]       Tabitha raised from the dead (9:41).
[E]       Many believed in Joppa (9:43).


Conversion of Cornelius
[B]       Cornelius sees a vision of an angel (10:3).
[A]       Peter prays on roof top (10:9).
[B]       Peter sees a vision (10:10f).
[C]       Peter preaches to Cornelius’ household and friends (10:28f)
[B]       Cornelius’ household speaks in tongues (10:44,45).
[E]       Cornelius’ household baptized (10:47,48).


Death of James and Herod
[D]       Herod persecutes the church killing James, imprisoning Peter (12:1-3).
[A]       Prayer made by church for Peter (12:5).
[B]       Peter rescued by an angel (12:6f).
[B]       Herod killed by an angel (12:23).
[E]       Progress (12:24)


Conversion of Sergius Paulus
[B]       Holy Spirit called out Barnabas and Saul for first missionary journey (13:2).
[A]       The church prays (13:3).
[C]       They preach in Cyprus and to Sergius Paulus (13:4f).
[D]       Elymas caused trouble for them (13:8).
[B]       Paul blinds Elymas (13:11).
[E]       The proconsul believes (13:12).


Conversion of the Jailor and his household
[B]       Paul casts out a demon (16:18).
[C]       Paul and Silas accused of preaching unlawful customs (16:21).


[D]       Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned (16:22-24).
[A]       Paul and Silas pray and sing (16:25).
[B]       An earthquake sets them free (16:26).
[C]       They teach the jailor (16:32).
[E]       The jailor and his household are baptized (16:34).

            In the second half of Acts the pattern of progress is different.  According to Gundry it is as follows: