Spreading the Christian Message: Acts of the Apostles

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Fr. Felix Just, s.j. http//Catholic-Resources.or
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Comunicación y Gerencia

• Spreading the Christian Message Acts of the
  Apostles

March 31, 2007 Center for Religion
Spirituality LMU Extension
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The Acts of the Apostlesin the Lectionary
Readings of the Easter Season

• Unlike the rest of the liturgical year, the first
  reading at each Sunday liturgy during Easter
  Season is not taken from Old Testament, but from
  Acts of the Apostles.
• Why? What message do these texts have for us
  today?
• What can these stories about the growth of
  Christianity in the first century teach us about
  our role in spreading the good news of Jesus
  Christ in our own world?

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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary for Mass

• Christmas Vigil Years ABC
• Acts 1316-17, 22-25 Barnabas Paul preach in
  Antioch of Pisidia
• Baptism of the Lord Years ABC
• Acts 1034-38 Peter Preaches about Jesus to
  Cornelius Household

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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary for Mass
(cont.)

• Weekdays in Easter Season First Reading
• Easter Octave Acts 24 (selections)
• Easter Week 2 Acts 46 (selections)
• Easter Week 3 Acts 69 (selections)
• Easter Week 4 Acts 1113 (selections)
• Easter Week 5 Acts 1416 (selections)
• Easter Week 6 Acts 1618 (selections)
• Easter Week 7 Acts 1928 (selections)

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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary for Mass
(cont.)
Sunday / Feast Year A Year B Year C
Easter Sunday Acts 1034a, 37-43 (same as in Year A) (same as in Year A)
2nd Sunday Acts 242-47 Acts 432-35 Acts 512-16
3rd Sunday Acts 214, 22-33 Acts 313-15, 17-19 Acts 527-32, 40b-41
4th Sunday Acts 214a, 36-41 Acts 48-12 Acts 1314, 43-52
5th Sunday Acts 61-7 Acts 926-31 Acts 1421-27
6th Sunday Acts 85-8, 14-17 Acts 1025-26, 34-35, 44-48 Acts 151-2, 22-29
Ascension Acts 11-11 (same as in Year A) (same as in Year A)
7th Sunday Acts 112-14 Acts 115-17, 20ac-26 Acts 755-60
Pentecost Acts 21-11 (same as in Year A) (same as in Year A)
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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary Year A
Sunday /Feast First Reading Year A
Easter (ABC) Acts 1034a, 37-43 Peter to Cornelius Jesus Sent Apostles to Preach
2nd Sunday Acts 242-47 Communal Life of Believers in Jerusalem
3rd Sunday Acts 214, 22-33 Peter Preaches at Pentecost (excerpt Jesus David)
4th Sunday Acts 214a, 36-41 Peters Speech at Pentecost (Repent Be Baptized)
5th Sunday Acts 61-7 Appointment of Seven Hellenists as Community Servants
6th Sunday Acts 85-8, 14-17 Philip Evangelizes Samaria Apostles Concur
Ascension (ABC) Acts 11-11 Promise of Holy Spirit and Ascension of Jesus
7th Sunday Acts 112-14 Jerusalem Community Apostles, Women, Jesus Family
Pentecost (ABC) Acts 21-11 Holy Spirit Comes upon Disciples at Pentecost
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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary Year B
Sunday /Feast First Reading Year B
Easter (ABC) Acts 1034a, 37-43 Peter to Cornelius Jesus Sent Apostles to Preach
2nd Sunday Acts 432-35 Unity Sharing in Community of Believers
3rd Sunday Acts 313-15, 17-19 Peter Preaches in Temple God Has Glorified Jesus
4th Sunday Acts 48-12 Peters Speech before Sanhedrin
5th Sunday Acts 926-31 Saul (Paul) Visits and Preaches in Jerusalem
6th Sunday Acts 1025-26, 34-35, 44-48 Cornelius Family Receives H.Sp. Baptism
Ascension (ABC) Acts 11-11 Promise of Holy Spirit and Ascension of Jesus
7th Sunday Acts 115-17, 20a, 20c-26 Choice of Another Apostle to Replace Judas
Pentecost (ABC) Acts 21-11 Holy Spirit Comes upon Disciples at Pentecost
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Readings from Acts in the Lectionary Year C
Sunday /Feast First Reading Year C
Easter (ABC) Acts 1034a, 37-43 Peter to Cornelius Jesus Sent Apostles to Preach
2nd Sunday Acts 512-16 Signs Wonders Performed by Apostles
3rd Sunday Acts 527-32, 40b-41 Trial of Apostles before Sanhedrin
4th Sunday Acts 1314, 43-52 Barnabas and Paul Preach in Antioch of Pisidia
5th Sunday Acts 1421-27 Barnabas and Paul Conclude First Mission
6th Sunday Acts 151-2, 22-29 Letter of Apostles after Council of Jerusalem
Ascension (ABC) Acts 11-11 Promise of Holy Spirit and Ascension of Jesus
7th Sunday Acts 755-60 Martyrdom of Stephen
Pentecost (ABC) Acts 21-11 Holy Spirit Comes upon Disciples at Pentecost
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Acts of the Apostles Outline

• Lukes Prologue Summary of end of Lukes Gospel
  (11-14)
• Early Days of Church in Jerusalem (11583)
• Christianity Spreads thru Judea and Samaria
  (841225)
• Barnabas Saul/Paul Sent from Antioch
  (1311428)
• Council of Jerusalem Gentile Xn Converts
  (151-35)
• Mission Journeys to Greece Asia Minor
  (15362038)
• Paul Returns to Jerusalem prison in
  Caesarea (2112632)
• Paul Taken as Prisoner to Rome (2712831)
• Paul in Rome, Continues Preaching about Jesus
  (2817-31)

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Acts Literary Issues
Abbrev (Length) Acts (28 chapters / 1005 verses / 18451 words in Greek)
Author No attribution in book traditionally ascribed to "Luke", physician companion of Paul (Col 44 2 Tim 411 Phlm 24) well-educated Greek writer, probably Gentile heritage
Authenticity Definitely by same author as Gospel of Luke
Recipients "Theophilus" (11) well-educated Greek or group familiar with Paul's teachings
Date Late 80's shortly after Lukes Gospel
Where From Unknown, possibly Antioch in Syria
Unity/Integrity Single work, but compiled from multiple older sources (see Luke 11-4)
Literary Genre Record of "acts" partial account of growth of early Xnty, focusing on certain Apostles
Language Good literary Greek quoted speeches use various Greek styles
Purpose Continue the "orderly account" begun in Lukes Gospel, showing growth of Christianity
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Acts 18

• But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
  has come upon you and you will be my witnesses
  in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to
  the ends of the earth.
• Acts 17 preaching of the apostles and growth
  of the Church in Jerusalem.
• Acts 812 spread of Church to other parts of
  Judea and Samaria (and nearby Syria).
• Acts 1328 expansion of Christian mission to
  the ends of the earth, esp. to Asia Minor,
  Greece, and Rome, capital and center of Roman
  empire.

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Acts of the Holy Spirit

• As in Lukes Gospel, most of the action within
  the Acts of the Apostles is inspired/guided by
  Gods Spirit
• Jesus instructs apostles through the Holy
  Spirit (12).
• First disciples are baptized with the Holy
  Spirit at Pentecost (15, 8 21-4 1115-16).
• Apostles are full of/filled with the Holy
  Spirit, esp. when they preach (18 24 48, 31
  1124 139, 52).
• Holy Spirit also spoke thru King David and
  prophets in Israel (116 425 2825).
• God will pour out his Spirit on all people in
  the last days (217-18, 33 1045).

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Acts of the Holy Spirit(cont.)

• Believers, even Gentiles, receive the Holy Spirit
  when they repent and are baptized (238 158
  195-6).
• Sometimes receiving the Holy Spirit even precedes
  baptism (1044-48).
• Some people test, lie to, oppose the Holy
  Spirit, with dire consequences (51-11 751).
• Deacons/ministers must be full of the Spirit
  (61-6), esp. when they prophesy (610 755-59
  1128 214).
• Spirit is conferred by laying on of hands
  (817-19 917 196).
• Spirit speaks to the apostles prophets (829
  1019 1112 131-4 2111).
• Spirit leads guides decisions actions of
  Christian leaders (1528 166-7 1921
  2022-23).

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Christian Theology in the Speeches of Acts

• Many sermons speeches given by apostles (esp.
  by Peter and Paul) in various contexts summarize
  early Christian preaching in Acts

214-41 312-26 48-12 529-32 72-53 826-38
1035-49 1316-41 1630-34 1722-34 191-7 2017-35
221-21 231-6 2410-21 261-23 2823-28
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Theology in SpeechesSummary / Outline

• Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah, Christ, sent by
  God,
• as promised in the Scriptures, as foretold by the
  prophets,
• for the forgiveness of sins, for the salvation of
  the world
• He was rejected by people, condemned by
  authorities
• he suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried.
  
• Yet God exalted him on high, raised him up to new
  life
• and he will one day return to us in glory.
• In response, people must repent, believe, be
  baptized,
• receive the Holy Spirit, and join the community
  of believers.

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Community Life of the First Disciples

• Communal life of early believers in Jerusalem
• After Peter preaches to a crowd at Pentecost,
  many become believers are baptized
• They devoted themselves to the apostles'
  teaching (didache) and fellowship (koinonia), to
  the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts
  242)
• More description of common life (Acts 243-47)
• More about sharing property (Acts 432-35)
• Two examples of sharing
• Positive Barnabas (Acts 436-37)
• Negative Ananias Sapphira (Acts 51-11)

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Parallels between Apostles and Jesus
The Apostles in Acts Jesus in Luke's Gospel
Holy Spirit on apostles at Pentecost (21-4) Holy Spirit on Jesus at baptism (321-22)
Peter preaches, quoting from prophet Joel (216-36 quoting Joel 228-32) Jesus preaches, after reading from prophet Isaiah (414-30 quoting Isa 611-2)
Apostles call people to join them (237-41, 47b) Jesus calls his first followers (51-11, 27-32)
Peter and John heal a lame beggar (31-10) Jesus heals a blind beggar (1835-43)
High priest arrests some apostles questions them before the council (41-22) Jesus is arrested interrogated by the council (2247-71)
Narrator summarizes signs and wonders of apostles, especially healings exorcisms (512-16 86-7, 13) Narrator summarizes miraculous activity of Jesus, esp. healings exorcisms (440-41 617-19)
The sick are healed thru Peter's shadow (515) Paul's handkerchiefs (1911-12) A woman is healed when she touches fringes of Jesus' clothing (843-48)
Jewish leaders want to kill the apostles, because of their teachings (517-42) Jewish leaders plot to kill Jesus, partly due to his teachings (1945-48)
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More Parallels of Apostles and Jesus
The Apostles in Acts Jesus in Luke's Gospel
Peter raises Tabitha from the dead (936-42) Jesus raises a widow's son (711-17)
Apostles meet a Roman centurion (101-48) Jesus heals son of a Roman centurion (71-10)
Paul goes to Jerusalem, despite dangers that await him there (1921 218-17) Jesus goes to Jerusalem, despite dangers that await him there (951 1333 1911-28)
Paul is welcomed in Jerusalem by believers, and soon goes to the temple (2117-26) Jesus is welcomed in Jerusalem by large crowds, and soon goes to the temple (1928-48)
Paul seized by a Jewish mob later on trial before Roman governors (2130-36 23232632) Jesus arrested by a Jewish mob later tried by Roman procurator (2247-54 231-25)
Paul argues against Sadducees, who do not believe in resurrection (236-9) Jesus is questioned by Sadducees, who dispute concept of resurrection (2029-38)
Paul takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and eats (2735 cf. 207-11) Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to disciples to eat (2735 cf. 2430)
As hes stoned, Stephen hands his spirit over to Jesus forgives his executioners (759-60) As hes dying, Jesus forgives his executioners hands his spirit over to God (2334, 46)
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Parallels betweenPeter and Paul

• 1st half (Acts 1-12), early Church in/near
  Jerusalem
• focuses on leadership of Peter (and John)
• 2nd half (Acts 13-28), expansion of Church into
  non-Jewish areas of Roman Empire
• focuses on Barnabas Paul (and their associates)
• Yet some overlap
• Paul (named Saul before 139) is introduced as
  early as 758, and also 81-3 91-30 1125-30.
• Peter (called Simon in 1017-18, 32 Simeon in
  1514) is still a key player at Council of
  Jerusalem (151-35), although leadership of
  James in Jerusalem church is now more evident
  (1513-21 cf. 2118).

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Parallels betweenPeter and Paul (cont.)

• Paul calls himself apostle to the Gentiles (Rom
  1113) and calls Peter apostle to the
  circumcised (Rom 28)
• Yet in Acts, both convert both Jews Gentiles
• Peter preaches mainly to Jews, but is also
  involved in conversion of some Samaritans
  (814-25) of Cornelius, a Roman centurion
  (101111-18).
• Paul works mainly among Gentiles, but normally
  begins in a new town by preaching in local
  synagogue to fellow Jews (135, 14, 44 141
  171 184 etc.).

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Easter Sunday (ABC)

• Acts 1034a, 37-43 Peter to Cornelius
• God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with Holy Spirit
  power
• We are witnesses of all He did in Judea
  Jerusalem
• They put him to death God raised Him on the
  third day
• He appeared to us, chosen witnesses ate drank
  with us
• He sent us to preach
• All who believe in Himreceive forgiveness of
  sins

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2nd Sunday of Easter (C)

• Acts 512-16 Many signs wonders are performed
  by the Apostles
• They gathered in Solomons Portico (in Jerus.
  Temple)
• The Lord added great numbers of believers
• Peters shadow heals the sick in the streets
• Many people bring the sick demoniacs

Massacio, 1426, Florence
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3rd Sunday of Easter (C)

• Acts 527-32, 40b-41 Trial of the Apostles
• Apostles arrested brought before Sanhedrin
• Questioned by High Priest (ref. back to 41-21)
• Peter We must obey God rather than men
• You killed Jesus, but God raised/exalted him
• We are witnesses, as is the Holy Spirit
• Lect. omits Gamaliels speech
• Apostles dismissed rejoice
• Jacques Tissot (1832-1902)

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4th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Acts 1314, 43-52 Barnabas Paul Preach
• Antioch of Pisidia (south-central Turkey)
• Preach on sabbath in synagogue
• Week later, controversy with Jews
• Apostle turn toward Gentiles
• Word of God continues to spread
• Paul Barnabas opposed/expelled
• Disciples filled with Joy H.S.

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5th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Acts 1421-27 Mission to the Gentiles
• Barnabas Paul leave Derbe,revisit new Churches
  (cf. 13131420)in Lystra, Iconium, Pisidian
  Antioch
• Strengthen the disciples warn about hardships
• Appoint presbyters/elders in each Church pray
  fast
• Go back to Syrian Antiochreport to Church all
  about their Mission to Gentiles

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6th Sunday of Easter (C)

• Acts 151-2, 22-29 Council of Jerusalem
• Controversy in Antioch Must Gentiles be
  circumcised?
• Paul Barnabas visit apostles elders in
  Jerusalem
• Lectionary omits most of the councils
  deliberations
• Apostles write a letter, summarizing their
  conclusions
• Send Barsabbas Silas back with Paul
  Barnabas.
• Gentiles do NOT need to keep full Mosaic Law.
• Just refrain from blood,idolatry, and immorality.

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Ascension of the Lord (ABC)

• Acts 11-11 The Promise of the Holy Spirit and
  Ascension of Jesus
• Luke to Theophilusbrief review of Gospel
• Disciples Kingdom? When?
• Jesus Youll receive Holy Spirit
• Youll be my witnesses in Jerusalem,Judea,
  Samaria, ends of the earth
• Jesus ascends to heaven
• Two men in white Why look up?Jesus will
  return!

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7th Sunday of Easter C

• Acts 755-60 The Martyrdom of Stephen

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Pentecost Sunday (ABC)

• Acts 21-11 Coming of the Holy Spirit

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Acts of the Apostles

• First Apostles
• Filled with Holy Spirit
• Sent Out to Preach Good News
• Todays Apostles
• Are We Filled with the Spirit?
• What Do We Preach (in words actions)?
• Questions? Discussion?

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The Acts of the Apostlesin the Lectionary
Readings of the Easter Season

• Unlike the rest of the liturgical year, the first
  reading at each Sunday liturgy during Easter
  Season is not taken from Old Testament, but from
  Acts of the Apostles.
• Why? What message do these texts have for us
  today?
• What can these stories about the growth of
  Christianity in the first century teach us about
  our role in spreading the good news of Jesus
  Christ in our own world?