NBST 610 - Hermeneutics Discussion Thread on Acts
Question 1 - Acts
Give an explanation of the genre of the book of Acts as theological history
The Book of Act is a theological history because it combines historical events from a
theological perspective. “In Acts, Luke gives us accurate, reliable history, but he has selected
and arranged his material for theological purposes.” 1 Acts follows the missionary journeys of
Peter and Paul as they spread the Gospel of Jesus following his resurrection. Acts uses
historical stories to highlight the power of the Holy Spirit
What are the implications for this particular genre on the interpretation of the book
Acts provides us with the story of how the Church was formed. Luke provides us with historical
events that took place, but the way these events were carried out shows us how we too can
model growing the Church. The implication is we must interpret these events, stories, and
speeches both from a historical lens and a theological lens. Luke provides a lot of speeches to
to encourage mission and perseverance “Luke does not create them (speeches) out of thin air,
but he does paraphrase in ways that advance his theological purpose of telling the story of
God’s salvation.” 2
How does the reader differentiate between the theology and the history in the book?
Dr. Percer points out that Luke’s stories can be a bit all over the place, specifically when referring
to speaking in tongues. Acts references speaking in tongues in relation to Pentecost (Acts 2:4,
6-11), the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:46), and the rebaptism of the 12 men at Ephesus
(Acts 19:6). Dr. Percer says it can be confusing trying to understand exactly what we are to
take away from the historical stories but theologically we should recognize “that when the Holy
Spirit comes upon people the supernatural powerful abilities to do the things God's call us to do
becomes real. The Spirit empowers us to be witnesses.” 3
What kinds of things should an interpreter look for in Acts so as to understand properly the
message of the book?
Dr. Leo Percer in the Class Video “Narrative in Acts” recommends the following when
interpreting Acts: 4
1. Look for what Luke intended to communicate to the original readers. What’s
the point of the story we need to consider?
2. Look for positive and negative examples in the characters. Before
determining if something is normative. Is the story meant to show how I
should behave or how I should not behave.
3. Read individual passages in light of the overall story of acts and the rest of
the New Testament
4. Look to other parts of Acts to clarify what is normative.
In your opinion, should Acts be read for doctrinal purposes? Why or why not? Please give
examples from the book of Acts.
Yes, Acts can be read for doctrinal purposes. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,
every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” teachers about baptism, repentance, forgiveness, and the
Holy Spirit. The entire book shows the power the Holy Spirit has leading people to Christ Acts
2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit
enabled them. “This is biblical history at its finest, painted in broad strokes to assure Christians
that they are part of God’s grand plan. We can hear Luke saying to believers, “You’re on the right
track. You’re truly part of what God is doing. Don’t give up!”” 5
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1 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting,
and Applying the Bible , Fourth Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 308.
2 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting,
and Applying the Bible , Fourth Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 309.
3 Dr. Leo Percer, “Narrative in Acts”, Class Video, Liberty University, Spring 2025, 4:30.
4 Dr. Leo Percer, “Narrative in Acts”, Class Video, Liberty University, Spring 2025, 2:31.
5 J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting,
and Applying the Bible , Fourth Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 310.
Bibliography
Duvall, J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God’s Word: A Hands-On Approach to
Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible , Fourth Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Academic, 2020).
Percer, Leo, Dr., “Narrative in Acts”, Class Video, Liberty University, Spring 2025.
