《Dunagan’s Commentary on Acts (Vol. 1)》(Mark Dunagan)
Commentator
Mark Dunagan is the pastor of The Fifth Street Church of Christ in Beaverton, Oregon.
This is a compilation of over 2700 pages of commentary notes written and compiled over the past 15 years by Mark Dunagan. These commentaries were written in preparation to teach each of the books in an adult Bible class.
This module contains Mr. Dunagan's commentaries on the following NT books:
- Ecclesiastes
- Job
- Acts
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
The text of these commentaries can be found here.
00 Introduction
The Book Of Acts
Authorship
When one compares Luke 1:1-4 with Acts 1:1, we are immediately impressed with the truth that God used the same human author to write both books. In fact, the book of Acts claims to be a sequel, “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach”. At various places in the book of Acts the events taking place are cast in the first person plural, indicating that the author was present when these events took place (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). From these passages we learn that the same author wrote the entire book. The author was one of Paul’s traveling companions and was with him in Rome (28:16). Most of Paul’s traveling companions are mentioned in contrast to the author. Therefore, we already know that the author couldn’t be Silas, Mark, Barnabas, Timothy (Acts 15:37-41; Acts 16:1-11), or, Sopather, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Tychicus or Trophimus (20:5). McGarvey notes, “As then the writer was none of these, and yet he journeyed with Paul on his visit to Jerusalem, and thence to Rome, we can identify him with no other than Luke (Colossians 4:10-14; Philemon 1:24)” (Commentary On Acts, p. xi). In addition, the book of Acts was listed as Scripture in the Muratorian Fragment (c. 170-180 A.D.), was quoted by Polycarp (69-155 A.D.), and Irenaeus cites passages so frequently from the Acts of the Apostles that it is certain that he had constant access to the book. Tertullian also ascribes the book to Luke, as does Clement of Alexandria.
Historical Accuracy
In the Gospel that bears his name, Luke notes that diligent and careful research went into his writings, “having investigated everything carefully from the beginning…so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4). Professional historians and archaeologists have long recognized the historical reliability and accuracy found in the book of Acts. Luke is always accurate in the titles that he gives for the various regional and local officials, even though titles often differed from province to province. “The ‘rulers of the city’ (politarchs) in Thessalonica (Acts 17:6) was unknown in any classical author until a few years ago. It has now been found in 19 inscriptions ranging from the 2nd century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D., as a title of magistrates in Macedonian cities. Publius is called the ‘chief man’ of the Island of Malta (Acts 28:7). Inscriptions in both Latin and Greek have shown this to be the proper title” (Introduction To Christian Evidences, Ferrell Jenkins, p. 64). “Luke was an intricate observer. James Smith, who was a seaman, in his ‘Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul’, shows that Luke is accurate even in the storm and wreck. They cast goods out of the hold, threw off the rigging, bound the ship around, and precisely the proper term in Greek is used for each activity. Every place where Luke’s accuracy can be checked, he has been found to be exactly right” (New Testament History, Acts, Gareth L. Reese, p. xxxi).
The Date
Luke leaves his readers with a description of Paul, a prisoner at Rome, but enjoying considerable liberty to preach and teach. The abrupt ending of the book is strong evidence for the date. The book ends here because there was nothing else to report, hence the book was written around 62 A.D. from the city of Rome.
Historical Timetable
One of the real benefits of the book of Acts is that it enables us to date Paul’s letters. In addition, we know the dates of various events in this book, because secular records mention the same basic event. For example: 1. Peter’s appearance before Caiaphas in chapter 4 took place prior to A.D. 36, for we know in that year that Caiaphas was removed from office. 2. We that the Herod who died in Acts chapter , died in the spring of A.D. 44. 3. We know that Acts 13:7, took place before A.D. 52, because by that time Sergius Paulus had been replaced. 4. Paul took before Gallio in Acts 18:12-17, and we know that this man was proconsul of Achaia from 50-54 A.D.
Date: / Event: / Contemporary Events:30 / Pentecost (ch. 2) / Tiberius Emperor (14-37) Pilate Governor (26-36)
32-33 / Stephen Stoned (ch. 7)
34-35 / Saul Converted (ch. 9)
36-43 / Saul in Jerusalem, Tarsus, Antioch (9-11) Cornelius Converted (ch. 10). / Caligula Emperor (37-41) Claudius Emperor (41-54) Herod Agrippa I (41-44) dies.
43-44 / James is executed (ch. 12)
45-47 / Famine in Judea (ch. 12)
47-48 / First Missionary Journey (13-14)
49 / Council at Jerusalem (ch.15) / Claudius expels all Jews from Rome
49-50 / Second Journey begins (15-16) / Gallio Proconsul of Achaia
50-52 / Paul at Corinth (ch. 18). / 1 and 2 Thessalonains Written (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
52-55 / Paul In Ephesus (ch. 19) / Felix procurator of Judea (52-59) 1 and 2 Corinthians Written (1 Corinthians 16:8)
56-57 / In Macedonia and Corinth (ch. 20) / Nero Emperor (54-68) Galatians, Romans Written (Romans 15:25-31)
57-59 / Voyage to Jerusalem (20-21) Arrested, imprisoned at Caesarea (:27) / Festus procurator of Judea (59-61)
59 / Paul stands before Festus/Agrippa (:32)
59-60 / Paul’s voyage to Rome (:16)
60-62 / Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (ff) / Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon written (Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:13)
The Importance Of Acts
The Spread of the Gospel Is Documented ():
The gospels end with the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:46-47). The book of Acts reveals how this was accomplished. McGarvey notes, “The writers chief design was to set forth to his readers a multitude of cases of conversion. The cases recorded represent all the different grades of human society, from idolatrous peasants up to priests, proconsuls, and kings. They represent all the degrees of intellectual and religious culture; all the common occupations of life; and all the countries and languages of the then known world; thus showing the adaptation of the one system of life and salvation to all the inhabitants of the earth (Acts 9:2; Acts 19:9; Acts 22:4). If then, modern conversions accord with these, they must be right; if they do not, they must be to that extent wrong” (pp. xix-xx).
The Establishment of the Church:
The church that Jesus promised to build (Matthew 16:18), is established (Acts 2:47). Besides its establishment, we find its growth (8:4); work (2:42); mission and worship (20:7); and organizational structure (14:23; 20:17,28). We also see the importance of local church membership (Acts 9:24; Acts 11:26; Acts 13:1; Acts 14:26; Acts 11:30; Acts 12:25; Acts 15:2).
The Absence of the an Argument against Christianity:
The book of Acts records the various persecutions inflicted upon the church. The Jewish authorities sought to put an end to this movement (Acts 4:1-37; Acts 5:1-42; Acts 6:1-15; Acts 7:1-60; Acts 8:1-40; Acts 9:1-43; Acts 13:1-52; Acts 14:1-28; Acts 15:1-41; Acts 16:1-40; Acts 17:1-34; Acts 18:1-28). So did various pagan authorities or special interest groups (Acts 16:16-21; Acts 19:24ff). They sought to intimidate Christians, mock and physically hurt or imprison them, and yet we never find anyone being able to discredit, out-argue or undermine the truthfulness of the gospel message (Acts 6:10). The one glaring gap in all the opposition that the church faced is the absence of the great Jewish, heathen or Roman argument against the resurrection of Jesus and the Christian faith. This book tells us that the world really doesn’t have an argument against the validity of the gospel message.
Agreement among the Apostles:
Some have argued that the book was written to contradict the claim that Peter and Paul were rivals. Whether that is true or not, the case remains that the book very clearly teaches us that Peter and Paul taught the same gospel. The terms of salvation that Peter preached (Acts 2:38), are the same terms that Paul preached (Acts 18:8; Acts 16:30-34). In fact, the first 12 chapters deal primarily with Peter while the rest of the book deals primarily with Paul. See also (Acts 15:7-12; Galatians 2:1-10; 2 Peter 3:15-16).
The Necessity of Water Baptism:
When we study the conversion of Saul, we find a man who actually saw the resurrected Jesus (); was sincerely repentant and was engaged in prayer (9:9-11), and yet who still had his sins prior to being baptized (22:16). The same is true in reference to Cornelius, who was a good moral and religious man (10:2), extremely obedient and humble (10:24-33), was baptized in the Holy Spirit (10:44-45), and yet he was still commanded to be baptized in water (Acts 10:47-48).
01 Chapter 1
Introduction
THE BOOK OF ACTS | CHAPTER 1
OUTLINE AND COMMENTARY - MARK DUNAGAN
I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER ONE:
I. Introduction To This Volume:
II. The Promised Spirit:
III. The Ascension:
IV. The Fate of Judas And Selection Of Matthias:
II. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER ONE:
Verse 1
Acts 1:1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,
"FORMER"-The first.
"TREATISE"-narrative. "The use of "logos" (word) for treatise or historical narrative is common in ancient Greek.." (Robertson p. 3) "In my first book" (Phi) Thus this verse admits the existence of the Gospel of Luke. It is interesting to note how the various New Testament books admit the existence of and actually endorse the inspiration of other books (see 2 Peter 3:15-16; and 1 Timothy 5:18, which contains a quotation of Luke 10:7).
"I MADE"-Luke was actually written by Luke.
"O THEOPHILUS"-(thih AHF uh luhs) (lover of God or friend of God).
Points to Note:
In the Gospel of Luke, this individual is addressed by the title "most excellent" (Luke 1:3). The title "most excellent" could be used in a technical sense, indicating rank, or given by way of courtesy. From Luke 1:4 we learn that Theophilus was an individual who had been taught about Christ. The name Theophilus was a common name among both Jews and Gentiles from the third century B.C. onwards. Various theories concerning this man exist: (a) He was the defense lawyer for the hearing of Paul"s appeal to Caesar. (b) He was a high Roman official who had converted to Christianity. (c) Reese notes, "A more likely suggestion is that Theophilus was the patron of the book. He would see to the circulation of a large number of exact copies. He would pay for the publication of the book. It was a very common thing to name the patron who was sponsoring the book in the prologue." (p. 2)
"ALL THAT JESUS BEGAN BOTH TO DO AND TO TEACH"-Reese says concerning the word "began", "This is a Hebrew form of expression, meaning the same thing as "what Jesus did and taught"." (p. 2) Stott says the word "began" is significant, "It is no exaggeration to say that they set Christianity apart from all other religions. These regard their founder as having completed his ministry during his lifetime; Luke says Jesus only began his." (p. 34) All would agree that the book of Acts is a continuation of the work that Jesus started. And it is a record of Jesus working through and speaking through His apostles (Hebrews 1:2; 1 Corinthians 14:37).
"TO DO"-i.e. His miracles, His acts of kindness and self-sacrifice. (Acts 10:38 "who went about doing good").
"AND TO TEACH"-People forget that Jesus "taught", He revealed definite doctrines that one must believe if they truly accept Him (Luke 6:46; John 12:48; John 14:15).
Point to Note:
For Luke to keep on writing concerning events that happened after the ascension of Jesus Christ, is proof that all the information Christians need, isn"t found in the Gospels. Luke didn"t believe in the theory which says, "Emphasize the Gospels, and downplay or ignore the rest of the New Testament."
Verse 2
Acts 1:2 until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
"UNTIL THE DAY IN WHICH HE WAS RECEIVED UP"-The Gospel of Luke ends with the ascension of Jesus Christ. Carefully note: From this statement we know that the book of Luke we currently possess correctly ends at the right spot! The Bible hasn"t been corrupted. Books and chapters aren"t missing! (1 Peter 1:23).
"AFTER THAT HE HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENT THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT UNTO THE APOSTLES"-These instructions include the Great Commission (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20); and the injunction to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the promise from the Father (Luke 24:44-49). Note how Jesus deliberately made provision for the continuance of the work that He had started.
"WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN"-(Luke 6:13). All the apostles, even the replacement for Judas (Acts 1:24); and Paul"s selection (9:15; 22:14-15); were chosen personally by Jesus Christ. "It is thus emphasized that all the apostles...were neither self-appointed, nor appointed by any human being, committee, synod or church.." (Stott p. 35).
Verse 3
Acts 1:3 To whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God:
"TO WHOM"-To the apostles.
"PASSION"-i.e. suffering
"BY MANY PROOFS"-"a convincing, decisive proof" (Stott p. 35); "convincing manifestations" (Mon); "convincing demonstrations" (Amp). We have a couple of these convincing demonstrations recorded in the Gospels (Luke 24:38-43; John 20:26-29; John 21:1-22). "The word speaks of proofs that carried certainty of conviction with them, as contrasted with those that were only probable or circumstantial." (Reese p. 4)
"APPEARING UNTO THEM BY THE SPACE OF FORTY DAYS"-"The only passage where the interval between the resurrection and the ascension is given." (Vincent p. 443) There are no less than 13 different appearances of Jesus to His disciples recorded in the New Testament. "The idea conveyed by the Greek verb and preposition here is that our Lord was not with the apostles constantly..but that He came and again disappeared." (Reese p. 5) "At intervals during the forty days" (Robertson p. 6) See 1 Corinthians 15:5 ff.
"AND SPEAKING THE THINGS CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD"-
Points to Note:
1. The same kingdom that Jesus said was "at hand" (Mark 1:15) and would come with "power" (Mark 9:1) within the lifetime of the apostles. This is the kingdom of O.T. prophecy (Daniel 2:44).
2. It is very easy to prove that the Kingdom of God was established in Acts Chapter 2: (a) The power came (=2:1-4). (b) The kingdom is inherently connected with forgiveness of sins (Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:9-10), and the conditions to obtain such forgiveness is proclaimed by Peter (2:38). (c) Jesus is on His throne in Acts 2:1-47 (2:30-32). If we have a King, then He must have a Kingdom to rule over.
3. Clearly, Jesus isn"t teaching His apostles, "The plan failed, God didn"t anticipate Jewish opposition and rejection, therefore the Kingdom of God won"t be set up until the Millennium." By inspiration, Peter made it clear that no prophecies had been postponed (Acts 3:24).
4. Stott notes, "He thus presented himself to their senses: their eyes, ears and hands. Such an objective experience of the risen Lord was an indispensable qualification of an apostle, which explains why Paul could be one (1 Corinthians 9:1; 1 Corinthians 15:8 ff)..and why there have been no comparable apostles since and can be none today." (p. 35)
5. God made sure that people from all ages could have confidence in the apostles writings. These men were true eyewitnesses (; 10:41).
6. Bruce notes, "The Gnostic schools..claimed that He gave them certain esoteric teaching, not recorded..But Luke declares that He continued to instruct them on the same subjects as had formed the burden of His teaching before his passion--"the things concerning the Kingdom of God."" (pp. 33-34)
Verse 4
Acts 1:4 and, being assembled together with them, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, {said he,} ye heard from me.:
"NOT TO DEPART FROM JERUSALEM"-The city from which the prophets had foretold that the House of God and the law of the Lord would spread out from (Isaiah 2:2-4 "And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"; Micah 4:1-5).
"THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER"-i.e. the promised Spirit or Comforter Who would guide them into all truth (John 14:26; John 15:26-27; John 16:13; Luke 24:49).
Verse 5
Acts 1:5 For John indeed baptized with water;but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence.
"FOR"-The statement that John made concerning the One who would baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). Is only applied to two specific groups of people in the book of Acts, i.e. the apostles and the household of Cornelius (the first Gentile converts) (Acts 11:15-17). Jesus is telling His apostles, "the time is drawing near when that prediction made by John would be fulfilled." (Reese p. 7)