Acts for Everyone, Part One: Chapters 1-12

For those unfamiliar with Wright's "______ for Everyone" series, they are a series of commentaries on the New Testament books by Bishop Wright based on his extensive historical scholarship. He provides his own translation (based on his study of the source languages) which is a very engaging paraphrase. The text is divided up into chronological topic-based segments, followed by a 2-3 page sermonette/commentary based on that section. This volume covers chapters 13-28 of the Book of Acts, which could be considered as the "Trials of Paul" as it follows the adventures of Paul as he travels throughout the Mediterranean area, preaching the good news and encountering opposition everywhere he goes. The church continues to define its Jewish/Christian identity, chiefly over the circumcision issue and the prerequisites for admission to the fellowship of believers in a time when the Jews are "zealous" for their traditions and national identity under Roman occupation. Of Wright's commentaries, this edition is unique in that many sections are illustrated with maps to show the areas mentioned and Pauls' journeys. Even though this is the longest volume (249 pages), it reads quickly like a novel, as we see Paul face his trials. Wright suggests that Luke has compiled this chronology as a sort of affidavit for Paul's trial to show that he has not offended against the Jewish traditions, being found not guilty repeatedly while the Jewish zealots attempt to stir up trouble for him. Wright suggests that Paul's last voyage and shipwreck are Luke's allusion to Jesus' crucifixion and death and the story of Jonah. The end of the Book of Acts, Wright emphasizes, is our beginning. (NOTE: I did notice an error in Wright's translation of Acts 25:12, which initially made me do a double-take: it is FESTUS, not FELIX, who tells Paul "to Caesar you shall go!")

An uncommon commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. N.T. Wright does an excellent job of providing a "homily" on each portion of the Gospel message. His comments are different from the "more scholastic" commentaries; not item by item, but more pastoral in nature. Great for the beginner to study the Bible.

Tom Wright has written a series of New Testament commentaries that are easy and enjoyable to read. He combines excellent scholarship and insight with reader friendly simplicity. I highly recommend the Everyone series to everyone. In each book a very readable translation of the New Testament book being discussed, is provided by Tom Wright. He follows this by a story or anectedote and then gives his insightful comments on the text itself. At the end of each book is a helpful glossary of terms. In chapters 1-12 that make up part 1 Wright skillfully walks us through the stories of the ascension, the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2, the spreading of the gospel by Peter before the Sanhedrin, the stoning of Stephen that caused the church to move out from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and unto the utmost parts of the earth. This spread of the gospel climaxes with Peter and Cornelius and the spread of the gospel out into the Gentile world. In part 2 he works his way through chapters 13-28. This will take you through the missionary journey's of Paul, the Jerusalem Council, Paul's trip to Jerusalem, his two years in prison at Ceaserea where he offers his defense before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, then the trip to Rome, which includes Paul on the isle of Malta, and finally in Rome awaiting trial. Wright takes the position that Luke is taking Paul's life in parallel to Jesus, who set his face toward Jerusalem, where he knew the son of man would be handed over to be crucified. Paul, despite prophecies of warning from Agubus, goes to Jerusalem and causes a stir about the resurrection. He ends up in Rome preaching the Gospel. Wright masterfully walks us through the drama of Acts and does so with simple and easy clarity, but with the backing of great scholarship.

Anything and everything by N.T.Wright is from Good to Excellent. I have never read anything below these levels and I have read just about everyting he has writen. The only one of dubious value is God and evil, which shows how difficult the subject is.

Insightful and thought-provoking comments on Acts 1-12 parallel the author's own readable translation of the Bible text. Background information about the scriptures, helpful explanations about its meanings, and discussion of how it can be relevant to lives today are woven together seamlessly in the author's inviting style. This book includes a glossary.