Although often treated as mere background history to the letters of Paul and other biblical writings, the book of Acts possesses its own unique theological message. Richard Thompson, in this volume of the Reading and Interpreting the Bible Series, explores the distinctive characteristics of this remarkable book and guides readers in its interpretation using pivotal Scripture passages as illustrations. From speeches and summaries to repetition and characterization, Dr. Thompson examines each literary feature and demonstrates its effect on the meaning and application of the text. Each chapter further concludes with helpful questions designed to review the topic at hand and encourage deeper reflection. For additional study, an extensive bibliography completes this exceptional resource. Reading the Bible with understanding is challenging. Without sound guidance, making sense of the different literary types, settings, and cultures found in the Scriptures can be overwhelming. The Reading and Interpreting the Bible Series opens the door to a proper and accessible method of biblical interpretation. Each volume concentrates on a specific literary type found in the Bible, highlighting its features and function. Social, political, and religious settings are examined, and a critical analysis of the biblical text brings to light its message and relevance for today. Readers will find in these volumes numerous illustrations of how to interpret specific texts, which can be used as a pattern for individual or group Bible studies.
