The Acts of the Apostles: Interpretation, History, and Theology

Padilla (The Speeches of Outsiders in Acts), associate professor of New Testament studies at Beeson Divinity School, seeks to conclusively answer critical questions about the biblical book of Acts, but even as Padilla tries to present a compelling academic argument for the historical veracity of Acts, accepting his conclusions finally depends on faith, namely the particular beliefs of this book's intended readership. For example, as Padilla explains in the introduction and fleshes out in the book's final chapters, readers can understand Acts as history (accurate reporting of actual events) because the Bible is the word of God and the resurrection really happened. But of course, accepting these "truths" depends entirely on faith. That they are "inscripturated testimony of the apostles" is proof enough only for faith-based biblical literalists. With style and jargon more like a doctoral dissertation than a discussion for educated non-specialists, this book is not for the casually curious reader but will appeal to Christians threatened by secular scholarship about the Bible. (Apr.)