Preaching Acts
January 31, 2014
One week from this Sunday I will begin preaching a series through Acts. I'm looking forward to it. The preparation has been rewarding as it is every time the opportunity comes to study and outline a book of the Bible. As is always the case, I cull through a lot of resources in the preparation time with an eye to selecting those which I will use regularly throughout the process of preaching.
The following are, for me, the most helpful commentaries I have found:
Acts (ZECNT) by Ekhard Schnabel
If I could have only one commentary to consult, this would probably be it. I have found both the content and the format of the commentary to be quite helpful.
The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary by Ben Witherington
Dr. Witherington is a very helpful Wesleyan and this commentary is no exception. Like all good commentaries, Witherington's focuses on the exegesis of the text. What's special about this volume is the attention to the sociological, rhetorical, and archaeological study of Acts.
The Acts of the Apostles (PNTC) by David Peterson
This is such a solid series of commentaries and Peterson is a reliable guide.
The Book of Acts (NICNT) by F.F. Bruce
Like most of Bruce's work, his commentary on Acts just keeps on going. I have used this one a lot over the years and remains a standard.
The Message of Acts (BST) by John Stott
I bought this one when I was a brand new youth pastor and I've used it ever since. Classic Stott.
Acts (REC) by Derek Thomas
This is probably my favorite homiletic resource on Acts.
The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption by Dennis Johnson
I could read Dennis Johnson all day. This accessible volume is great for preachers, Sunday School teachers, or small group leaders.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus (NSBT) by Alan J. Thompson
Acts does not exist primarily to settle contemporary disputes in the church. Key to Thompson's project is to view Acts through the lens of redemptive history.
The following are, for me, the most helpful commentaries I have found:
Acts (ZECNT) by Ekhard Schnabel
If I could have only one commentary to consult, this would probably be it. I have found both the content and the format of the commentary to be quite helpful.
The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary by Ben Witherington
Dr. Witherington is a very helpful Wesleyan and this commentary is no exception. Like all good commentaries, Witherington's focuses on the exegesis of the text. What's special about this volume is the attention to the sociological, rhetorical, and archaeological study of Acts.
The Acts of the Apostles (PNTC) by David Peterson
This is such a solid series of commentaries and Peterson is a reliable guide.
The Book of Acts (NICNT) by F.F. Bruce
Like most of Bruce's work, his commentary on Acts just keeps on going. I have used this one a lot over the years and remains a standard.
The Message of Acts (BST) by John Stott
I bought this one when I was a brand new youth pastor and I've used it ever since. Classic Stott.
Acts (REC) by Derek Thomas
This is probably my favorite homiletic resource on Acts.
The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption by Dennis Johnson
I could read Dennis Johnson all day. This accessible volume is great for preachers, Sunday School teachers, or small group leaders.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus (NSBT) by Alan J. Thompson
Acts does not exist primarily to settle contemporary disputes in the church. Key to Thompson's project is to view Acts through the lens of redemptive history.
