Acts: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary

By Gareth Reese

Book Overview

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament book of Acts. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for lay church members.
Acts is a history book, written by Luke to complement and continue the record begun in his Gospel. In Acts, Luke demonstrates how Jesus' apostles faithfully and obediently put the Great Commission into practice, beginning "in Jerusalem, and then into all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Acts is also indispensable for the introductions it provides to many people encountered elsewhere in the New Testament: Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Apollos, Priscilla and Aquila, etc.
The Restoration Movement consistently treats Acts as history, but also as a type of unbiased How-To manual for the church.
75% of the New Testament books find their historical backdrop in Acts. Knowing when the churches in the Galatian region or in the cities of Ephesus or Thessalonica were planted is important to interpreting the epistles bearing their names. Knowing the circumstances of Paul's life during the time when he penned Romans or 1 Corinthians or Philippians colors our interpretation of those books. Knowing who Peter, Luke, and Timothy were influences our interpretations of numerous Scriptures. Such historical information is found in Acts.If the early church is the pattern and model for us to follow, Acts becomes a How-To manual of sorts. Who can be a Christian, and how does it happen? Who receives spiritual gifts, and how does it happen? What ordinances ought the church observe, and when? What makes a church grow, and how does it happen? What is the relationship between church and state? What is the right response to persecution and tribulation? How ought Christianity interact with other religions? How ought we to battle evil in the spiritual world around us? What is missionary work like, and whom should be sent? What is the right leadership structure in the church, and how are leaders selected? Such questions can be dealt with using the guidance the Holy Spirit provided in Acts.
Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author harmonizes Acts' teachings with other relevant Scriptures, and frequently examines the original language in which it was written. And because of their importance, multiple Special Studies are provided on many of the How-To topics noted above.

This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us in the Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0971765235
• ISBN13: 9780971765238
• Release Date: February 2023
• Publisher: Scripture Exposition Books LLC
• Length: 1070 Pages
• Weight: 4.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

The best commentary ever

I have had the privilege to have Mr. Reese's Acts class and Basic Bible Doctrine. I think that whoever thinks this is a bios commentary is definately wrong. It has every point of theory of bible doctrines and it allows you to choose the best possible theory that harmonizes with scripture. I've also had the privilege to be called a "bigot" by Mr. Reese and he's to my opion the best professor that Christian colleges have today. His thorough knowledge of the history of Israel and knowledge of Scripture proves himself worthy to write and excellent commentary. This commentary includes 20 special studies from "Was Peter ever in Rome" to "Predestination" and also "The study of occults and demon possession" and many many more. If you ever get a chance to listen to him teach take advantage of it.

One of the most scholarly commentaries on Acts published

This commentary was written to appeal to the Sunday School teacher as well as the graduate seminary student. Gareth Reese was a student of the late R. C. Foster (who wrote "Studies in the Life of Christ"--College Press Publising) at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. Reese has taught for over 40 years at Central Christian College of the Bible and held seminars and revivals throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. Reese uses the Grammatico-historical approach for all Bible study. Instead of merely relying on what uninspired men have said for the last 1900 years regarding biblical interpretation, Reese demonstrates what Luke really meant by picking apart the original Greek text in an easy to read format. The large print sections are intended for all readers, while the footnotes are intended for preachers, seminary students, etc. Special studies are provided throughout the book as a bonus to the reader. These studies are practical, informative, objcetive, and easy to understand, addressing problems and issues that church leaders are facing today. Reese also has published three commentaries on the following books: Romans; Hebrews; and 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus; --- all published by Scripture Exposition Books. These exegetical commentaries are written on a higher, more scholarly level, but are still intended for wide use.

Mr. Reese tries to give the Biblical view.

I was privileged to have Mr. Reese as a professor at Central Christian College where I received my degree. I sat in several of his classes, especially the class on Acts. He was always sincere in his teachings and wanted to give the correct understanding of the Scriptures. Even though you might not agree with what Mr. Reese has concluded, you will always be given as much information as he could find and share with you. I would recommend this book for anyone who is desiring a better understanding of the Bible.

If you only own ten books, this should be one of them!

A must read for everyone who is serious about learning what the Bible teaches. This book has been translated into Russian and, just recently, Chineese. Its also used as a textbook in at least 2 Bible Colleges. Includes excellent in-depth studies of the Holy Spirit, Speaking in Tongues, Church Discipline, and Seleciton of Elders and Deacons. Excellent source of information from the head of the New Testament Department at Central Christian Colleged of the Bible.

the most comprehensive critical study of the topic to date

this author is a awesome biblical new testament scholar. i had the priveldge to study under him in college. This text book is the most thorough and comprehensive study book for the book of acts and the topics that arise in the chapters of this biblical book. A book you want in your library