Gospel Growth and the Structure of Acts

    The sermons to Jewish audiences explain the gospel in the light of Scripture and show how this 'word' is the climax of a whole pattern of revelation stretching back to Abraham's time. Structurally, all the discourses in Acts show how the gospel was adapted for different situations, as the mission of Christ proceeded 'to the ends of the earth'. Even Paul's address to the pagans in Athens (17:22–31) concludes with a proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus and an explanation of what this means in terms of biblical eschatology.

    Fundamentally, however, the placing of such discourses at key points in the narrative is a reflection of Luke's special interest in the way 'the word' is preached, received and 'grows' in Jerusalem (2:41; 4:4, 31; 6:7) and in all Judea (8:4) and Samaria (8:14, 25; 9:31), and 'to the ends of the earth' (10:44; 11:1, 19; 12:24; 13:5, 7, 44, 48–49; 14:3, 24–28; 15:35–36; 16:6, 32; 17:11, 13; 18:5, 11; 19:10, 20; 28:31). Luke's concern is to emphasize the triumph of 'the word of the Lord' in face of many difficulties and much opposition. In particular, he focuses on the way the message of salvation sent to Israel reaches the Gentiles (see Nations), thus fulfilling the plan of God revealed in the OT. Three important editorial summaries (6:7; 12:24; 19:20) climax sections of the narrative, recording the resolution of some conflict or the cessation of opposition and persecution. The gospel is shown to prosper in spite of, and even because of, suffering. Allied to these summaries are important statements about the church's or churches' growing (9:31; 16:5). The following broad outline of Acts is thus suggested:

    (1:1–6:7) Development of the church in Jerusalem under the leadership of the Twelve. The transitional summary in 6:7 indicates that 'growth' of the word followed the satisfactory resolution of conflict in the church with the appointment of the Seven (cf. 6:1–6).
    (6:8–9:31) Unplanned expansion in Judea, Samaria and Gentile areas, with a widening of the church's ministry to include the Seven and others scattered because of the persecution in Jerusalem. The church throughout this region enjoys peace, encouragement and strengthening when Saul is converted and the persecution for which he is responsible ceases (9:31).
    (9:32–12:24) Further movement of the gospel into Gentile territory is accompanied by a hardening of the opposition in Jerusalem. The transitional summary in 12:24 indicates that growth of the word followed the release of Peter from prison and the death of Herod, the persecutor of the church (cf. 12:1–23).
    (12:25–16:5) Planned and organized geographical expansion into Asia Minor, under the leadership of Paul and Barnabas, initiated from Antioch in Syria. This section concludes with the observation that the south Galatian churches were strengthened in the faith and 'grew daily in numbers' because Paul revisted them with Silas and Timothy, delivering the decisions reached by the council in Jerusalem.
    (16:6–19:20) Gospel expansion into Europe, with churches planted in significant locations, before Paul returns to Antioch. The climax of the section is the account of Paul's influential ministry in Ephesus. The transitional summary in 19:20 indicates that growth of the word was specifically related to the overcoming of demonic opposition in Ephesus (cf. 19:11–19).
    (19:21–28:31) The word of the Lord continues to grow and prevail, even though Paul is persecuted and arrested. The focus is on Paul's testimony to the gospel when he is on trial, climaxing with the statement about the free course of the word when he is under arrest in Rome (28:30–31). At the same time, various travel companions are mentioned, suggesting that the progress of the word will continue through such as these.