An exegetical study focusing on the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the book of Acts in the New Testament. Prerequisites: Introduction to the New Testament and Biblical Interpretation.

Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

1. Understand how the history and culture of the first century impacts the message and practices of the developing church.
2. Discuss knowledgeably authorship, date, purpose, literary genre, and major theological concepts of Acts.
3. Outline the major structure of Acts, the significant life events of Paul, and identify and chronologically order the other significant events and persons of Acts.
4. Discuss the outward expansion of the church from a Jewish to a largely Gentile mission by identifying the major cities and provinces listed in the three missionary journeys of Paul.
5. Understand and appreciate the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church, both in the first century, and in our time.

The following competencies as outlined in the Sourcebook on Ordination: United States of America Edition, 2006 to meet the educational requirements for Ordination within the Church of the Nazarene will be achieved by completing this course:

• Ability to summarize the significant life events of Jesus and Paul. (CN-10)
• Ability to identify the significant elements of the message of Jesus and Paul. (CN-11)
• Ability to describe the impact of the historical background of the New Testament on the message of Jesus and Paul. (CN-12)

Introduction to the New Testament and Biblical Interpretation.