Book Description
The Acts of the Apostles explores the story of the early church, from its inception in Jerusalem to the hub of the Roman Empire. The early church firmly believed that it was not a new religion, but the realization and fulfillment of Judaism and the Scriptures that Judaism revered. But as the church lived out its mission as “the fulfillment” of its own religious heritage, it had to learn to reach beyond the comfortable boundaries of its traditions. It had to learn that central to the fulfillment of the hopes of Scripture was the incorporation of all persons, Jews and non-Jews, into the people of God.
Book Reviews
-- Marion L. Soards
Professor of New Testament Studies
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Chance’s solid scholarship provides insightful observations upon the historical and narrative world of the Acts of the Apostles. His interpretations, clear writing style, and ability to find analogies present a fresh reading of this often neglected New Testament work. Chance excels in uniting the biblical world of our ancestors in faith with the world of contemporary Christians. This commentary reflects an author who has thoroughly engaged Acts on both a critical and personal level. Chance is to be commended for an outstanding addition to the Smyth and Helwys commentary series.
-- David M. May
Professor of New Testament
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Shawnee, KS
Followers of Jesus have, for two millennia, looked to The Book of Acts for guidance and inspiration about how to live faithfully and missionally in the face of changing cultures and unexpected challenges. J. Bradley Chance helps us listen wisely and deeply to the text, inviting us to hear through it the contemporary voice of the Spirit. His commentary is grounded in thorough familiarity with the work of other scholars, but there is also a refreshing originality in his reading of Acts, especially in his connecting of ‘then’ and ‘now’—of ‘there’ and “here.’
-- Guy Sayles
Pastor
First Baptist Church of Asheville, NC