This index lists the topics discussed. Some of these topics arise not from what Acts teaches but from implications of or questions that arise from what Acts teaches. However, we can glean from this index many of the basic teachings of this book. On a few occasions, where a given topic appears in Acts but is not commented on, the page number given in this index is the page where the Scripture text is printed.
A B C D E F G H J L M N P R S T U W
Angels
agents of judgment, 363–64, 366
minister to the saints 210–11 , 215 , 283 , 319 , 362–63 , 366 , 370–71 , 607
Barriers broken down by Christ
between Gentiles and Jews 320–23, 325–27, 416–26
between Samaritans and Jews 271–76, 278–79
different types of converts in a single church 182–93, 225–26, 228–31, 236–39, 373, 376, 378–80, 447, 464, 471
expressed in a diverse leadership 373–74, 376, 378–80
expressed in Galileans having a prominent place 72, 89, 96
expressed in women having a prominent place 73, 552, 554–55, 557–58
inconvenience of breaking barriers 324, 328–29
joy over 272
prejudices, giving up 320–29
prejudices of devout Christians 325–27
preparation of the church for the idea 322
repenting and confessing our prejudices 322–23, 327–28
signified at Pentecost 87–88, 90, 91, 95–97
Churches in Acts, see also other related topics
composition reflected a cross section of society 230, 236–39, 373, 376, 378–80, 459, 460, 464, 471
met in homes 123, 127–28, 134–35
community life (Christian); see also barriers broken down by Christ; hospitality; leadership; nurture, encouragement, and leadership of believers
administration with passion is needed 228–29, 231–32
assisting the poor 122, 180–81, 185, 191–94, 225–26, 310–12, 314, 350–51, 353, 358–59
baptism 106, 110, 126–27, 132–33, 272, 284, 291–92, 337, 446, 505–6, 523
bending over backwards to accommodate others 553–56, 560
blameless before the world 579, 581, 583–85
confronting untruthfulness and sin in the body 197, 200–201, 205–6
creative new ventures, seeking body approval for 338–39, 342, 344–46
delegating responsibility 226–27, 229, 231–32, 350, 353, 357–58
differences from the typical business model 130–32, 345–46
disagreements among Christians over vision 551–52, 555–56, 558–59
disunity caused by administrative problems 226, 228–29, 231–32
disunity caused by interpersonal conflicts 431, 434, 436–37
disunity caused by pre-Christian prejudices 226, 231
disunity dealt with immediately 226, 228–29, 231
disunity dealt with wisely and sensitively 226–29, 231–32, 273, 418–22, 425–26
eating together 123, 128–29, 135
elements of 119–36
fear of consequences of sin in 197–98, 201, 206–7
fellowship, meaning of 120
follow through care (follow-up) 119–22, 124–27, 129–33, 143, 402–4, 406–10
healing hurts inflicted by colleagues 75, 78, 82–84
heterogeneous churches 189–90, 226, 230, 236–39, 373, 376, 378–80, 464, 471
house churches/fellowships 123, 127–28, 134–35, 448, 492
importance of 124–26, 130–32, 273, 276, 278–79
individualism, and 185–90
joy in the community 123, 128–29, 135–36, 272, 446, 450, 456
Lord’s Supper, the 120–21, 123, 126–28, 530
lying to win esteem, dangers of 197, 199–200, 205
no place for competition 559–60
not a perfect church 195, 198, 201, 431, 434, 436–37
oneness of heart and mind 74, 179, 181, 185–90, 227–29, 231, 342, 345–46, 420, 422, 428–29
pain of betrayal 75, 78, 82–84
praying together 30, 74, 76–78, 80–82, 84–85, 121–22, 127, 167–68, 171, 173–74, 227, 362, 365–66, 368–70, 374, 376–77, 400, 404, 410–11, 445, 552
prominence in Acts 30
sensitivity to the scruples of other groups in the body 418–19, 421, 425–26, 560
sexual immorality within the body, warnings about 419, 421–22, 426–27
sharing possessions 122, 180–85, 351, 353, 358–59
sincerity as a key to 123, 128–29, 135–36
sins of the city affect the church too 494–95, 497–98
social levels, had people from all 230, 236–39, 447, 464, 471, 492–93
Sunday worship 530
teaching 30, 50, 52–53, 57–63, 79, 120, 126, 132, 176, 229, 234–35, 349–50, 352, 354–55, 402–3, 406–7, 414, 469–70, 529, 533–34, 538–40, 546–48, 631–32
team ministry 138–39, 141–42, 144–45, 321, 338, 431, 435, 437–39
truthful to each other 199–200, 205
unity of the body of Christ fostered 226, 228–29, 273, 276, 278–79, 342, 344–46, 553–54, 556–57
unity of the body of Christ fostered through missionary exchange 276, 278–79
warm love within 534, 551–52, 555–60
conversion, see salvation
baptizing shortly after 106–7, 126–27, 132–33, 272, 284, 291–92, 337, 446
body of Christ, importance in 303, 307
demonic influences destroyed after 517, 521, 523–24
evidenced by a desire for teaching 120, 126, 132
in families and groups 107, 152, 448, 451, 489
individual but not individualistic 304, 307–8
personal encounter with Christ 303, 306
psychological explanations of Paul’s 296–97
repentance and surrender to Lordship of Christ 36, 106, 116–18, 140, 141, 303, 306–7, 399, 476, 482
Demonic forces and magic
combating is an aspect of Christian ministry 273–74, 276, 279–80, 376–77, 381, 382, 444–45, 448–49, 453–55, 516–17, 520–21, 522–24
demonization of Christians 197, 199, 204
demons attacking each other 516–17
destroying paraphernalia 517, 521, 523–24
“good” actions and miracles through demonic power 273–74, 276, 279–80, 444, 448–49, 453–54
power encounter with 375–77, 381–82, 515–17, 520–21, 522–24
use of symbols in encounters with 522–23
Encouragement, see nurture, encouragement, and leadership of believers
evangelism, context of
of all segments of society 478, 482–83
of demon- and magic-influenced people 272–74, 276, 279–80, 375–78, 381–82, 512–26
of families and larger groups 107, 152, 154, 448, 451, 489
in homes 123, 127–28, 134–35, 324–25, 330–31, 444, 446, 448, 452–53, 492, 532–33, 624
of intellectuals 472–88
in Jewish place of prayer 443
of Jews, see Jews
personal evangelism 124, 263, 282–92, 624
in profligate places 490–91, 494–95, 497–98
of rich and powerful 376–77, 492, 580–82, 585–88
street evangelism 283–84, 478, 482
in synagogues and temple 137, 208, 375, 386, 398, 458–59, 473, 514
through tentmaking 491–92, 495, 498–99, 515, 534, 625–26
of the unreached 67, 68, 348, 351–52, 374, 376–77, 380–81, 399, 402, 473–88
evangelism, importance of
costly commitment to evangelism 153–55, 157–59, 213, 214, 216–217, 262–65, 267–69, 300, 399, 435–36, 439, 533, 536–38, 541–43
creative efforts required 254–55, 480, 485–86
encouragement from God to persevere 170, 172–73, 177–78, 210–11, 216, 493, 496, 500
Great Commission, the 29–30, 52, 56–57, 68–70, 336–37
obedience to 153, 156, 161, 172, 177, 211, 215–16, 220–24, 283, 287–88, 598, 604, 605
priority in church life 30, 52, 56–57, 68–70, 172, 177, 179, 181, 190–91, 214, 216, 222–24, 228, 263, 265, 285–87, 350, 376–77, 380–81, 460–68, 492, 495–96, 499–500, 627, 632
proclaiming the gospel when brought to trial 152–53, 211–12, 216, 246, 580, 596
serious responsibility, as 492, 495–96, 499–500, 533
evangelism, nature and methods of; see also salvation
and apologetics 30, 108–9, 112–14, 143, 147–48, 248–49, 304–5, 336, 387, 390, 394–95, 460–62, 464–67, 473–88, 514, 520, 522
baptism, the place of 106–7, 126–27, 132–33, 272, 284, 291, 337, 446
biblical theology of evangelistic proclamation 460–62
bridgeheads, looking for 101, 108, 110–11, 139, 284, 289, 447, 450, 465, 475, 481, 486–87, 491
confidence in giving an invitation 602
contextualization and crosscultural evangelism 142–43, 146–48, 249–50, 255, 288, 480, 485–86, 520–24
contextualization can be overemphasized to cloud personal witness 288
contextualization without syncretism 249–50, 255, 480, 484–85, 522
denouncing those who lead others astray 375–77, 381–82
and dialogue 291, 460–61, 465–67, 474, 632
divine and human activity 123–24, 302–3, 305–6, 444, 447–48, 451, 598–99, 601–2
divine quickening needed for accepting the message 444, 447–48, 451
emphasizes both truth and power 30, 143–44, 147–49, 211, 515–17, 522
encounter with Christ, the goal 303, 306
and explaining the gospel 460–61, 464–66
fear and evangelism 201, 206–7, 210, 517, 521–22
felt needs and aspirations 101, 108, 110–11, 142–43, 146, 284, 289, 386, 447, 450, 475, 480–81, 486–87, 516, 520–22
and follow-through care, 119–22, 124–27, 129–33, 143, 402–4, 406–10
and holiness 210, 214, 217–20, 566, 579, 581, 583–85
holistic ministry 143, 145–48, 520, 522
and hospitality 127–28, 134–35, 324–25, 330–31
households coming to faith in Christ 444, 446, 448, 451, 493
human and divine activity 123–24, 302–3, 305–6, 342–43, 388, 447–48, 451, 598–99, 601–2
and human reason 474, 476–77, 602, 604
and identification/incarnation 142–43, 147–48, 214, 310–12, 314–15
legal protection for 446–47, 493, 519, 521–22, 525–26
miracles open minds to considering the gospel 122, 127, 133–134, 139, 172, 210, 271–72, 376–78, 382
numbers, importance of 107, 152, 154, 156–57, 210
opposition and misrepresentation inevitable 458, 462–63, 468
personal evangelism 124, 263, 282–92, 624
and persuasion 108–9, 462, 467–68, 599, 602–4, 625
and power or power encounter 210, 214, 217–20, 515–17, 520–24
primacy of truth in, 30, 50, 52, 53, 57–63, 112–14, 143, 145–47, 156, 211, 390, 394, 395, 460–62, 464–68, 520, 522
process summarized 460–62, 598, 627, 629–32
restraint in expressing feelings of horror 444, 473, 479, 483–84
Spirit-led boldness and power 52, 64–66, 110, 118, 152, 155, 160–61, 287–88, 376, 381–82
symbols, place of 494, 496–97, 500–501
and syncretism 249, 250, 255, 480, 484–85, 522
and the state 31, 446–47, 493, 519, 521–22, 525–26, 565–66, 569–70, 572, 573, 580–81, 593, 597, 599–600
as teaching 30, 211, 539, 540, 631–32
as team ministry 100–101, 138–39, 141–42, 144–45, 321, 338, 342, 431, 435, 437, 439
tentmaking in 491–92, 495, 498–99, 515, 534, 625–26
unreached, sending the most capable to the 533, 536–38, 541–43, 475, 478
wisdom in strategizing for 401, 404–6, 599–600
as witness 35, 57, 69–70, 103, 140, 156, 213, 336, 341, 565
evangelist, the
as apologist 30, 52, 53, 59–62, 108–9, 112–14, 143, 147–48, 245, 248–49, 336, 341, 390, 460–62, 464–68, 473–88, 514
blameless before the world 566, 579, 581, 583–85
church must recognize one’s call to evangelism 374, 376–77
community-life needed if evangelizing non-Christians 160, 485
confidence because of objective realities 57, 112–14, 153–56, 160–62, 213
courage because of nearness to Christ 69–70, 110, 118, 153, 155, 161
as courageous witness 110, 153, 155, 160–61
deflecting glory from oneself 139, 142, 145, 322–23, 398–99
encouragement and support to 292
emphasis on message 112–14, 143, 145–47, 156, 211, 394–95, 460–62, 464–68, 520, 522
as encourager 301, 303, 349–50, 352–53, 354–58, 385, 389–93, 434–35, 437, 532–34, 538–40, 543–44
every opportunity used to witness for Christ 152–53, 155, 160–61, 246, 594–96, 624–27, 629–30
falling into the sins of the surrounding community 497
filled with the Spirit 51, 52, 54–57, 64–66, 90, 94–95, 110, 118, 155, 160, 170, 244–45, 248–49, 349, 352, 376–77
homes, staying in on travels 310, 312, 314–15, 338, 444, 448, 452, 456, 489
identifying with the people 142, 214, 250, 315, 532–33, 538–39, 544–46
knowledge of beliefs of non-Christians 476–77, 479, 484–88
knowledge of non-Christian writings 476–77, 484
knowledge of Scripture 162
knowledge on fire 245, 248–49, 251
lay witness 263, 285–86, 348, 351–54, 515
as miracle-worker 30, 143–44, 147–49, 214, 219, 244, 248, 377–78, 382, 515–17, 520–21
miracle-working apologists 30, 143, 147, 244–45, 248, 378
open spiritually with team members 439
obedient because of loyalty to Christ 156, 161
pain, voluntarily taking on 157–59, 435–36, 439–40, 536–38, 541–43
as personal evangelist 283–92
personal ministry of 283–92, 532–33, 538–40
pitfalls of traveling evangelists 144–45, 312, 314–15
as proclaimer and persuader 59, 108–9, 460–62, 464–68, 599, 602–4, 625–26
significant evangelism by nonprominent people 262–63, 348, 351–54
sovereignty of God gives confidence to 170–72, 174–78, 629–30
as teacher 30, 211, 438, 539–40, 631–32
as team person 100–101, 138–39, 141–42, 144–45, 321, 338, 342, 431, 435, 437, 439
as tentmaker 491–92, 495, 498–99, 515, 534, 625–26
upset by idolatry, demonic influences 376–77, 381–82, 444, 449, 454, 473, 478–79, 483
evangelistic message; see also uniqueness of Christ
accreditation of, appeal to 50, 52–53, 57–62, 103, 108–9, 112–14, 140, 156, 213, 335–36, 341, 476, 482, 597–98
affirming what is good in other faiths 477, 479–80, 484–85
belief/response to 37, 106, 108, 110, 116, 118, 141, 156, 163–66, 212–13, 291, 303, 306–7, 337, 339, 340, 342–43, 387, 416, 420, 423, 445–46, 448, 467–68, 476
content and truth of 30, 52–53, 57–63, 112–14, 143, 145–48, 156, 211, 250, 389, 390, 392–95, 460–62, 464–68, 520, 522, 630–32
date-setting about the last days, no place for 51–52, 56, 66–67
foundational truths of 142–43, 145–47
God as Creator 33, 393, 399, 402, 475, 481, 487–88
God, identity of 33–34, 393, 399, 402, 475, 481, 487–88
identification with the audiences 101, 108, 110–11, 142–43, 146, 289, 386, 480, 481, 486–87
idolatry, combating 475–81, 483–85, 487–88
Jesus’ ascension and reign 72–73, 77, 104–5, 107–10, 116, 140, 212
Jesus as promised Messiah 34, 36, 105–6, 108, 140, 142–43, 152, 247, 337, 386–87, 390, 592, 594, 625, 628
Jesus’ death, its meaning 35, 102–3, 107, 109, 114–15, 140, 212, 284, 387, 534
Jesus’ death planned by God 35, 75–76, 78, 102–3, 109, 114–15, 140, 152, 169, 284, 387, 461, 592
Jesus’ exaltation and reign 36, 104, 107–10, 116, 140, 260–61, 264, 266, 296
Jesus’ life and miracles 35, 50, 102, 107–9, 111–12, 335, 340–41
Jesus’ life, witnesses to events of 35, 50, 76, 103, 109, 112–14, 140, 153, 156, 213, 336, 341, 387
Jesus as Lord 36, 104–6, 108–10, 116, 140, 141, 217–20, 296, 303, 306–7, 344, 476
Jesus’ name 102, 106, 139–40, 152–53, 156, 163–67, 208–9, 213, 272, 293–94, 337, 441, 506, 516–17, 562, 591
Jesus’ resurrection, centrality of 35, 50, 52, 59–60, 76, 103–4, 107, 109, 112–14, 140, 152, 212, 296–98, 335–36, 341, 387, 461, 474, 476, 482, 567–68, 580–81, 594, 597–98, 600–601
judgment and warnings 36, 106, 110, 141, 143, 197, 200–201, 206–7, 247, 249, 250, 252–53, 337, 341, 343–44, 363–65, 376–77, 381–82, 387, 476, 482, 533–34, 580, 586–87
kerygma and didache, no wedge between 539–40, 631
kingdom of God 50–53, 56, 62–63, 116, 140, 272, 400, 403, 459, 514, 528, 630–31
objective facts as well as subjective experience 52–53, 57–58, 108–9, 112–14, 143, 146–49
other faiths, different systems 479–81, 484
other faiths, points of contact with 142–43, 246, 250, 475, 479–81, 486
personal benefits of salvation 37, 106, 117–18, 140–41, 146–49
prophecy fulfilled 34–35, 75–76, 101–3, 109, 140, 284, 337, 387, 418, 461, 596, 624
relationship with God, primacy of 143, 146–47
repentance and forgiveness 37, 106, 110, 116–18, 140, 274, 337, 387, 476, 481–82, 598
response aimed at 37, 106–7, 110, 116–18, 140–41, 143, 284, 291, 303, 306–7, 337, 387, 446, 462, 467–68, 476, 482, 495–96, 499–500, 580–81, 586, 596, 598–99, 602
unfolding of God’s plan for humanity 386, 387, 389–90, 392–93
False teaching
opposing 422, 424–25, 533–34, 540, 547–48
God-fearers
identity of 318–19
guidance and decision-making
community involvement in 76, 78–80, 84–85, 227–29, 231–32, 338, 342, 344–46, 420–22, 428–29
different from our ambitions 432, 433, 436, 439, 440, 569, 571, 572
human planning and divine overruling 432–433, 436, 439–40, 569, 571–72
leaders involvement in 74–76, 79, 84, 226–28, 231–32, 415–18, 422, 427–29
obedience, priority of 169–72, 177, 283, 287–88, 299, 324, 328–329, 433, 436, 439–40, 596, 604–5
through attitude of repentance 322–23, 327–28
through cutting-edge identification 324, 328–29
through grappling with uncomfortable things 320–30
through Holy Spirit’s intervention 321, 374, 376, 420, 433, 436, 439–40
through prayer 80, 84–85, 168, 170, 173–74, 324, 329–30, 374, 376–77, 380, 404, 410–11, 569
through theology and Scripture 79, 171, 174–76, 227, 229, 231–32, 322–29, 415–18, 422, 427
through visions and dreams, 299, 319–21, 324, 433, 493, 496, 565, 568–69, 571–72, 612
Historical reliability of Acts
answers to allegations of errors 27–29, 89, 107, 138–39, 152, 182–84, 197, 230, 243–44, 320, 351, 609–15, 624–25
evidences from narrative 24–25, 397, 609–15
importance of historicity to evangelists in the early church 336
Luke’s caution with numbers 75, 319
Paul in Acts and in his letters 27–28, 387, 432, 446, 461, 529–30, 532, 553–54
theological history 24–26
“we” passages 22, 433, 610, 615
Holy Spirit
anointing for ministry 57, 64–66, 90, 94–95, 110, 118, 152, 155, 160, 170, 260, 376–77
anointing for suffering 260, 263–66
freedom in worship through 55, 88, 90, 92–94
guidance through 321, 375–76, 420, 433, 436, 439–40
importance of experience of 53–58, 64–66, 90–95, 106, 110, 118, 275–76, 278, 508
missionaries sent out by 57, 321, 374, 377, 380
Philip taken away by 284
power for witness/mission 51–52, 57, 63–66, 88, 90, 110, 118, 152, 155, 160, 170, 508
power for teaching through 50, 506–7
powerful though poor evangelists 143–44, 148–49
prominence in Acts 30, 49, 57, 64–66
significance of Pentecost 87–88, 90–97
Holy Spirit, baptism with
implies fullness 51, 54–56, 63–64, 87–88, 90, 94–95, 110, 118
Jerusalem Pentecost 86–118
meaning of 51, 54–56, 63–66, 87, 88, 90–98, 110, 118, 272–73, 275–76, 278–79, 505–6, 508
Samaritan Pentecost 272–79
tongues and prophecy as signs of 88–91, 95–97, 102, 273, 337, 506, 508
Holy Spirit, fullness of
causes boldness and eloquence 152, 155, 160–61, 170, 244–45, 251, 260, 376, 381–82
enables facing opposition and death 152, 155, 160, 170, 260, 263–66, 376, 381–82
essential characteristic of Christians 55–56, 64–65, 229, 236, 352, 388
harsh words through 252–53, 376, 381–82
Holy Spirit, gifts of
prophecy 102, 197, 350, 353, 358, 373–74, 376, 414, 506, 508, 551–52, 555
prophecy and teaching distinguished 373
prophecy to guide into new ventures 374
prophecy to predict the future 350, 353, 358, 551–52, 555
prophecy to rebuke and judge 197, 376–77
tongues 88–91, 95–98, 102, 273, 337–38, 506, 508
tongues and prophecy as signs of baptism with the Holy Spirit 88–91, 95–98, 102, 197, 273, 337, 506, 508
hospitality
evangelistic 123, 127–28, 134–35, 321, 324–25, 330–31, 492
fellowship through 123, 127–28, 134–35, 314–15, 492
house churches 123, 127–28, 134, 448, 492
importance of hosts in the mission 444, 448, 452–53
meeting needs 504, 508, 510–11
and traveling preachers 312, 314–15, 438, 444, 448, 452–53, 491, 552
Jesus Christ, see evangelistic message, uniqueness of Christ
Jews
anti-Semitism, no place for 499
boldness required for evangelizing 514
difference from Christianity 245–50, 295–98, 304–5
evangelism of 100–118, 138–49, 151–66, 209–24, 385–90, 398, 458–60, 492, 496, 499–500, 514, 624–25, 626–29
evangelism of rejected by some Christians 626–27
first to Jews, then to Gentiles 388–98, 492, 496, 499–500, 514, 624–25
opposition from in Gentile cities 375, 376, 388, 398–99, 458–60, 492–93, 519
Paul’s effort to build bridges with 432, 435–36, 553–54, 557, 560, 624–25
tragedy of unbelief 31, 246–48, 534–36, 541, 568–71, 626–29
Joy
amidst suffering 213, 223–24, 388, 445, 449–50, 455–56, 463, 468
in Christian community 123, 128, 129, 135, 136, 272, 388
in entertainment-oriented society 456
given by God to all humanity 396
over salvation 284, 388, 272, 415, 446, 450, 456
judgment
incidents of 75–76, 196–97, 363–64, 376, 516–17
message of in evangelism 36, 106, 110, 141, 143, 337, 341, 343–44, 376–77, 381–82, 387, 476, 482, 580, 586–87
of opponents of God’s work 75, 363–64, 376–77, 382
reasons for delay of 200–201
Leadership, see also nurture, encouragement, and leadership of believers
accountability of lifestyle 85, 141–42, 144–45, 435, 437–39
calling to be generalists 147–48, 234–35
caring for the needy 138–39, 225–28, 310–12, 314, 351, 353, 358–59
choosing people for 76, 78–80, 84–85, 226–27, 229, 236, 400, 403–4
creativity criticized 249, 251–52, 257–58, 338, 342, 344–46
criteria for selecting administrative workers 227, 229, 236
dealing with false teaching 415, 420–25, 533, 540, 547–48
from diverse backgrounds 373–74, 376, 378–80
elders in 347, 400, 412–13, 430, 527, 532, 549, 553
encouragement from other Christians 144, 496, 504, 506–7, 510, 532–34, 538–40, 543–44, 614, 616, 621–22
importance of example 532–33, 537–39, 542
laying on of hands 227, 273, 299, 374, 506, 614
ministry of Word as priority 53, 63, 120, 126, 171, 176, 229, 234–35, 539–40, 546
as models of commitment and suffering 436, 439, 532–33, 536–39, 542–43
overseers or bishops 533, 540, 547–48
pain for effectiveness in ministry 432, 435–36, 439, 533, 536–38, 541–43
poor people as resource for 189–90, 371–80
prayer in appointing and commissioning 76, 80, 84–85, 227, 374, 376–77
prayer as a priority responsibility of 229, 232–33, 329–30, 378–80
priority of godly character in 232–33, 349, 352, 355–57, 540, 546–47
Scriptures as guide 169, 171, 176, 534, 540
over secular situations 615, 616, 618–22; see also leadership in secular society
servanthood in 311, 312, 314, 532–34, 537–46, 613, 620–621
as shepherds 233–35, 534, 536–38, 540
as suffering for those being led 532–34, 537–46
suffering of as encouragement to others 541–43
through open-hearted identification 315, 537–40, 544–46, 631–32
visionary 432, 433, 436, 439–40, 565, 569, 571, 572, 604–5
as watching over the flock 533, 540
as watching over personal lives 232–33, 349, 352, 355–57, 540, 546–47
weaknesses of not ignored 431, 434, 436, 437
leadership in secular society
encouragement from fellow-Christians 621–22
hope for being agents of 618–19
testimony of 620
wisdom of 619–20
Magic, see demonic forces and magic
miracles
and apologetics 30, 142–43, 244–45, 248–49, 271–72, 377–78, 382, 514–16, 520, 522–24
casting out demons 444, 448–49, 453–55, 515–17, 520, 521–24
dangers of emphasizing without holiness 210, 214, 276, 277, 279–81
dangers of seeking power through 276, 277, 279–81
eliciting fear among the people 197–98, 201, 210, 517, 521
encouragement to faith 377–78, 382
for today? 127, 133–34, 172, 377–78, 382, 522–24
opening of people’s minds to message 101, 108, 127, 133, 139, 172, 271–72, 377–78, 382, 398–99, 520, 523
performed through demonic power 276, 279–80
power often linked with greed 276–77, 280–81
praying for 312–13, 401–2, 406
raising the dead 310–11, 313, 531
requesting God to perform 127, 133–34, 169, 172
taking the sick to specially gifted people 210, 310–11
using handkerchiefs and aprons 516, 520–23
missions
churches as sending missionaries 374, 376–77, 380–81, 401
and Great Commission 29, 30, 52, 56–57, 66–70
and Holy Spirit 29–30, 52, 54, 57, 64–66, 374
importance for churches 67, 68, 351, 353, 358–59, 374, 376–77, 380–81
and parochialism 51–52, 56, 67–68
as partnership 351, 353, 358–59
prayer and missionary sending 374, 376–77, 380, 431–32
releasing the brightest for missionary service 374, 377, 380–81
tentmaking style of 491–92, 495, 498–99, 515, 534, 625–26
and visionary leadership 56–57, 68–69
Non-Christian religions
affirming what is good in 476–77, 479
agreeing with features in 476–77, 479
aspirations fulfilled in Christ 480–81, 486–87; see also evangelism
attitude of respect and humility toward 166, 305–6, 467–68, 479
attitude of distress 398–99, 444, 473, 478–79, 483–84
conceptions of God in 398, 481, 487–88
dialogue with 460–61, 465–67, 473–74
lack of understand in 460, 465–66, 480
seriousness of unbelief and idolatry 398–99, 444, 473, 478–79, 483–84
similarities to Christianity peripheral 476–77, 479–80
studying and quoting from 479, 484–86
worship is unacceptable 480–81
nurture, encouragement, and leadership of believers
Barnabas as encourager 196, 301, 303, 307, 348–50, 352–58, 385, 389–92, 417, 431, 434–35, 437
character traits of an encourager 529–48
enlisting help of capable people 350, 353, 357–58
example of in leaders 532–34, 536–40, 542–48
hope as a characteristic of 433, 434–35, 437
as pastoral care 119–36, 226–36, 309–15, 400, 402–4, 406, 410, 529–48
and perseverance 349, 352, 354–55, 402, 403, 406–7, 532–34
sadness of those involved in 389, 392
and suffering 400, 403, 407–10
through angels, see angels
through appointing elders 400, 403–4, 410
through believing in possibilities of grace 352, 354, 434–35, 437
through commitment of the leader 303, 307, 434–35, 532–33, 536–48
through deeds of kindness 299–301, 303, 307, 532–33, 538–40
through exhortation 349, 352, 354–55, 388, 402–3, 406–7, 532–34
through fellowship 120–36, 167, 170–71, 173–74, 532–33, 538–39, 614, 621–22
through foundational truths of Christianity 142–43, 145–47, 389–90, 392–95
through God’s comforting messages 170, 172–73, 493, 496, 500, 568–69, 612, 615
through handing over leadership to junior leaders 274–75, 277–78, 385, 389
through Holy Spirit 51, 54, 56, 63–66, 87–88, 90–95, 106, 117–18, 170, 272, 273, 275–76, 278–79, 505–6, 508
through identification 315, 532–33, 537–40, 542, 544–46
through kindness to the needy 310–12, 314, 504–5, 507–8, 510–11, 532–33, 538–40, 614, 621–22
through Lord’s Supper 120–21, 123, 126–27, 132–33
through open-hearted leadership 533, 538–40, 544–46
through praying for people 229, 233, 362, 365–66, 368–70
through praying and praising together 74, 77–78, 80–82, 121–23, 127, 129, 136, 168, 170–78, 528, 551–52
through risky believing in people 301–3, 307
through servanthood 310–11, 314, 532–33, 537–40, 542–46, 613, 620–21
through teaching 30, 50–53, 57–63, 120, 126, 132, 176, 229, 234–35, 349–50, 352, 354–55, 402–3, 406–7, 414, 469–70, 527, 533–34, 538–40, 546–48, 631–32
through visits of itinerant preachers 309, 400, 529–48
of younger leaders 274–75, 277–78, 301, 303, 307, 350, 353, 357–58, 385, 389–92, 434–35, 437
Paul in Acts and the letters, see historical reliability of Acts
persecution, see suffering, persecution, and opposition to the gospel
pluralism, see also truth
and absolute/objective truth 59–63, 308, 394–95
and apologetics, persuasion, and dialogue 394–95, 464–68
and biblical approach to the truth 59–63, 308
and denouncing those who lead others astray 381–82
not conducive to combating false teaching 424
not conducive to exhortation 406–7
and responding to good actions from evil sources 453–54, 543–545
truth as subjective 59–62, 112–14, 394
possessions
accountability about 179, 181, 189–90, 201–4
biblical attitude toward 184, 192, 198, 201–4
biblical emphasis on dangers of 202–3
importance in Luke 198
openness about, within Christian community 181, 189–90
and private ownership 180
and prosperity teaching 202
seriousness of wrong use of 196–98
sharing of 122, 179–94, 196, 351, 359
warnings about 201–4
practical Christian living, see also other related topics
the balanced life 248–51
biblical radicalism 247–57
place of vows in 494, 496–97, 500–501
prayer
appointing leaders during 76, 80, 84–85, 227, 374, 400, 404, 410–11
fasting with 298–99, 374, 376–77, 400
and follow-through care 121–22, 127
guidance through 80, 84–85, 168, 170, 173–74, 324, 329–30, 374, 376–77, 380, 404, 410–11, 569
and intimacy with God 90, 92–94, 122
and leaders 227, 229, 232–33, 320, 324, 329–30, 410–11
and missionary sending 374, 376–77, 380, 431–32
persistence in 74, 77–78, 80–82, 362
praise in 93–94, 123, 128–29, 135–37, 139, 153, 337, 342, 553
as spiritual warfare 77
in times of crisis, 167–77, 362, 365–66, 368–69
united prayer 74, 78, 80–82, 168, 170–71, 173–74, 362, 365
prophecy, see Holy Spirit, gifts of
Renewal and revival
of older structures 553–54, 557, 560
salvation, see also conversion; uniqueness of Christ
adding extrabiblical requirements for 414–15, 420–21, 423–24
arrogance precluded 166, 305–6, 468
available to all 302, 306, 320–23
and baptism 106
through belief in Christ 37, 106, 108, 110, 116, 118, 156, 163–66, 212–13, 291, 303, 306–7, 337, 339–40, 342–43, 387, 416, 420, 423, 445–46, 448, 467–68, 476
divine initiative in 124, 302, 305–6, 342–43, 388, 448, 451, 598–99, 601–2
joy over 123, 272, 284, 388, 446, 450, 456
open to the childlike 459, 463, 469–70
result of in missions 304, 307–8
and seekers after truth 339–40, 342–43
superficial belief not resulting in 272
Scriptures, the
apostles as revelatory spokespersons 304–5, 308
“Bible Christians” 169, 171, 176
content presented without quotation among non-Christians 476, 480
knowledge of needed for boldness 153, 156, 161–62
knowledge of needed for interacting with non-Christians 255, 476, 480, 484–85, 522
and nurture of believers 169, 171, 176, 534, 540
source of Christian radicalism 249, 253–55
stored in the mind and used in times of crisis 169, 171, 176
teaching of 227, 229, 234–35, 504–10
use of in formulating doctrine 249, 253–55, 418, 422, 427
use of Old Testament 101–5, 169, 171, 246–47, 249–50, 284, 387, 418, 476
sovereignty of God
and betrayal by colleagues 75, 78, 83
and deliverance/no deliverance 364–68
and not granting of miraculous deliverance 364–68, 615–18
prominence in Acts 31
and quarreling of Christians 431–32, 434, 436–37
revelation of held back until death 364–68
and strength from God for crises 172–73, 177–78, 493, 496, 500, 568–69, 612
and success 629–30
and suffering and persecution 168–69, 171, 174–76, 260–61, 263, 266, 615–18, 629–30
through natural disasters and human error 615–18
speeches of Acts, 28–29
state and nation
blamelessness of Christians before the world 579, 581, 583–85
cultivating friendships with leaders of 518, 522, 525–26
eloquence and wisdom in defending Christianity before 152–53, 160–62, 463, 468, 564–68, 579–83, 593, 597, 599–600
and legal status of Christianity 31, 215, 446–48, 451–52, 463, 468, 493, 519, 521–22, 525–26, 580–85
limits of what can be expected from 593, 597, 599–600
seeking protection from 518–19, 521–22, 525–26
suffering, persecution, and opposition to the gospel
anticipation of 400, 403, 407–10, 462–63, 468
averting through disobedience 385–86, 407–9, 431
averting when possible 460, 463, 468, 529–30, 536, 565–66, 569–70, 572–73
basic to Christian discipleship 154–55, 157–59, 264–66, 300, 304, 400, 403, 407–10
beating or stoning 213, 261–62, 399
and breeding of healthy churches 460, 463
change in attitudes of crowd 398–99, 401, 405
communities divided by the gospel 398, 401, 404–5
death of leaders 534, 537–38, 542–43
and deepening of relationship with Christ 260–67
dishonor for Christ as honor 213, 216–17, 223–24
encouragement from God in midst of 170, 172–73, 177–78, 259–61, 264, 266, 493, 496, 500, 568–69, 612, 615, 618
energizing of evangelism 263–65, 267–69
essential for effective mission 263–65, 267–69
fleeing from places of danger 385–86
fullness of the Spirit during 170, 259, 260, 263–66
as help in advancing the gospel 263–65, 267–69
leaders’ example of suffering as encouragement 537, 542
monetary reasons for 444, 449, 455, 518
obedience primary during 172, 177–78
overcoming desire for self-preservation 536
and pleasure 267
praying during 167–78, 262, 264, 445, 449–50, 455–56
prominence in Acts 31
as rejection by one’s own people 301, 307, 534–36, 541, 557, 560
rejoicing amidst 213, 217, 223–224, 500
remaining winsome amidst rejection 249, 251–53
responses of Christians to 366–67
result of natural causes and human folly 611–16
Scripture ministering to us during 171, 176
selfish reasons for opposition 210, 375–76, 388, 444, 449, 455, 458, 518
singing during 445, 449–50, 455–56
and sovereignty of God 168–69, 171, 174–76, 260–61, 263, 266, 615–18, 629–30
strength of fellowship during 170, 171, 173, 174, 399, 614, 621, 622
strength through vision of God’s glory 259–61, 264, 266
by traditionalists over progressives 568–71
voluntarily taking on pain 536–38, 541–42
working during 625, 626, 629–30
Teaching ministry
correcting teachers 504–5, 507, 510
desire for as an evidence of conversion 132
emphasis on greatness of the cause of Christ 541–42
encouragement through 349–50, 352, 354–55, 539, 546
evangelist’s call to 539–40, 631–32
fervency of 504, 506–7, 509–10
as follow-through care of converts 120, 126, 132
keys to effective Bible teaching 504–10
as part of evangelism 30, 211, 539, 540, 631–32
prominence in Acts 30
study time required for 234–235, 506–10
truth
apostles as revelatory spokespersons 304–5, 308
based on objective events in history 50, 52–53, 57–62, 111–14, 296–98, 304–5, 308, 390, 392–95
enabling of perseverance 390, 394–95, 542
and experience orientation of Christiansy 58, 61–62, 394–95, 470
importance of objective facts and subjective experience, 52–53, 57–58, 108–9, 112–14, 143, 146–49
intolerance of and alertness regarding false teaching 422, 424–25, 533–34, 540, 547–48
and postmodern mood 58–63, 113–14, 394–95, 470
subjectivity of in pluralism 58–62, 113–14, 394, 470
truth-centered and needs-sensitive evangelism 520–22
Uniqueness of Christ
and arrogance 166, 305, 308, 468
pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism/particularism 163–66, 339–40, 342–43
rejection of by denying historical Christ 156, 161–62
and those who have not heard 163–66, 339–40, 342–43
Women
prominence in Luke-Acts 73, 74, 552, 554–55, 557–58
worship