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New Studies in Biblical Theology #27
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Luke's Account of God's Unfolding Plan (Volume 27)
When the book of Acts is mentioned, a cluster of issues spring to mind, including speaking in tongues and baptism with the Holy Spirit, church government and practice, and missionary methods and strategies. At the popular level, Acts is more often mined for answers to contemporary debates than heard for its natural inflections. Instead of using Acts as a prooftext, this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume brings a biblical-theological framework to the account to expose Luke's major themes as they relate to the book as a whole. With this framework in place, Alan Thompson argues that Acts is an account of the 'continuing story' of God's saving purposes. Consequently we find that Luke wants to be read in light of the Old Testament promises and the continuing reign of Christ in the inaugurated kingdom. Read in this way as a snapshot of God's dynamic, unfolding kingdom, the book of Acts begins to regain the deep relevance it had in the first century. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
232 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2011
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272 people want to read
About the author
Alan J. Thompson
8 books8 followersAlan J. Thompson (PhD Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the head of the New Testament department at Sydney Missionary and Bible College in Sydney, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 15, 2021
This really is an excellent book that I can heartily recommend.
Like many other authors, Alan J. Thompson sets up Acts as the continuation of Luke's former work (Luke's gospel), and he particularly draws attention to the ascension of Jesus and the inauguration of his kingdom as the controlling theme of the book. It is, after all, the way the book begins - and the central theme of Peter's famous sermon in Acts 2. However, I struggled to see the significance of this observation at first. Nonetheless, as I read on, it became increasingly clear how important that is for understanding the narrative of the whole account.
Having laid out his thesis, Thompson focuses particularly on the themes of the people of God, the Spirit, the temple, and the Law, and demonstrates the lessons learned in Acts as the fulfilment of Old Testament expectation. This isn't just history (although it is that); it is history that demonstrates the massive significance of Jesus' ascension - and the dawning of resurrection hope even before his return. We are living 'in the last days' (as Peter says in Acts 2), but Thompson demonstrates what that means in Acts in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. The author's observations about Samaria were especially stimulating (probably because I have foolishly never considered Samaritan inclusion as the fulfilment of the OT promise to reunify Israel!).
If I were to criticise anything, it would be that I wanted more; the book describes the beginning of Acts in detail, but says very little about later chapters. And yet, if it were longer, it would probably be too long - so it's not a criticism I can sustain.
For an academic book, it's readable; as a way of opening up the significance of Acts, it's compelling. If you're teaching Acts, I can't commend it enough.
Like many other authors, Alan J. Thompson sets up Acts as the continuation of Luke's former work (Luke's gospel), and he particularly draws attention to the ascension of Jesus and the inauguration of his kingdom as the controlling theme of the book. It is, after all, the way the book begins - and the central theme of Peter's famous sermon in Acts 2. However, I struggled to see the significance of this observation at first. Nonetheless, as I read on, it became increasingly clear how important that is for understanding the narrative of the whole account.
Having laid out his thesis, Thompson focuses particularly on the themes of the people of God, the Spirit, the temple, and the Law, and demonstrates the lessons learned in Acts as the fulfilment of Old Testament expectation. This isn't just history (although it is that); it is history that demonstrates the massive significance of Jesus' ascension - and the dawning of resurrection hope even before his return. We are living 'in the last days' (as Peter says in Acts 2), but Thompson demonstrates what that means in Acts in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. The author's observations about Samaria were especially stimulating (probably because I have foolishly never considered Samaritan inclusion as the fulfilment of the OT promise to reunify Israel!).
If I were to criticise anything, it would be that I wanted more; the book describes the beginning of Acts in detail, but says very little about later chapters. And yet, if it were longer, it would probably be too long - so it's not a criticism I can sustain.
For an academic book, it's readable; as a way of opening up the significance of Acts, it's compelling. If you're teaching Acts, I can't commend it enough.
May 20, 2023
2023 reads: 12
Rating: 4.5 stars
Alan J. Thompson is lecturer in New Testament at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, Australia. In this brief volume,The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Luke's Account of God's Unfolding Plan, published by IVP in 2011, Thompson sets out to provide a “framework for interpreting the book of Acts.” (17) Thompson argues that Acts is an account of the “‘continuing story’ of God’s saving purposes.” (17) If one is understand Acts correctly, “reading it in light of OT promises and the continuing reign of Christ is imperative.” (17) It is through the lens of the ‘inaugurated kingdom of God’ that Thompson then explores otherwise disparate ideas–the resurrection, Israel and Gentile relations, the Holy Spirit, the temple, the law, and apostolic authority–showing how they can in fact be integrated under this rubric of ‘inaugurated kingdom of God’. Thompson is convinced that this dovetails with Luke’s own explicit aims: “to provide assurance [“ἀσφάλειαν,” Lk 1:4] concerning the continued outworking of God’s saving purposes.” (19) Thompson’s modus operandi is chiefly exegetical–focusing on patterns, summary statements, major events, terms, inclusios, and themes (26-27)–yet is ushered along by a conscious biblical-theology and inaugurated eschatology.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus is a wonderful introduction to the book of Acts. Thompson shows how under the rubric of inaugurated eschatology, a vast array of subjects find their place. Thompson’s overall emphasis–that Luke provides assurance for a Christian audience–was compelling. The claim that Jesus was Israel’s Messiah obviously required theological reflection given his rejection and murder at the hands of Israel’s religious leaders and the might of Rome. Luke has largely provided a case for this tricky situation in his first volume, but here in Acts, now that Jesus has ascended, a defense is given for God’s continuing work of salvation despite the Messiah’s visible absence, and the apparent suffering the early movement faced. Two other proposals were also gleaned from this book: first, is Pentecost as the (inaugurated) restoration of Israel. Thompson draws attention to the presence of Jews from far and wide and the outpouring of the Spirit upon those who repented and believed. (109) That he connects this with Ezekiel 37 was also novel and eye-opening. (129) Second was Thompson’s discussion about Stephen’s speech, specifically his seeing “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56) I had never connected this reference to “glory” with the temple rhetoric (170). All in all, Thompson’s volume brings an immense amount of inaugurated eschatology to the fore, making Acts jump off the page in its eschatological emphasis.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus stimulated questions about the nature of the interim period between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet.’ (67) Of course, the kingdom advances through the kerygma of local churches and their suffering at the hands of competing kingdoms, but what exactly is the nature of this period? A second idea for further inquiry would be an investigation into the meaning of “God’s visitation” as it is disclosed in the first and second testaments. (121) Finally, another thought relates to Thompson’s discussion on the role of the law in Acts. I had not seen it argued before that the decrees of the “apostles and elders” were distinguished over and above the “laws of Moses.” (Acts 15) (186) For Thompson, it is the uniqueness of the times, the inaugurated eschatology, that accounts for this shift. I would love to push into this and probe the idea further. If there is any weakness of this volume, it is the minor lack of interaction with opposing views and current critical scholarship. Given its largely Evangelical audience, this is of course a secondary objective, and in no way lessens the fine work that is The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus.
[Read for the Gospels & Acts doctoral seminar with Dr. Pennington, Summer 2023]
Rating: 4.5 stars
Alan J. Thompson is lecturer in New Testament at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, Australia. In this brief volume,The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Luke's Account of God's Unfolding Plan, published by IVP in 2011, Thompson sets out to provide a “framework for interpreting the book of Acts.” (17) Thompson argues that Acts is an account of the “‘continuing story’ of God’s saving purposes.” (17) If one is understand Acts correctly, “reading it in light of OT promises and the continuing reign of Christ is imperative.” (17) It is through the lens of the ‘inaugurated kingdom of God’ that Thompson then explores otherwise disparate ideas–the resurrection, Israel and Gentile relations, the Holy Spirit, the temple, the law, and apostolic authority–showing how they can in fact be integrated under this rubric of ‘inaugurated kingdom of God’. Thompson is convinced that this dovetails with Luke’s own explicit aims: “to provide assurance [“ἀσφάλειαν,” Lk 1:4] concerning the continued outworking of God’s saving purposes.” (19) Thompson’s modus operandi is chiefly exegetical–focusing on patterns, summary statements, major events, terms, inclusios, and themes (26-27)–yet is ushered along by a conscious biblical-theology and inaugurated eschatology.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus is a wonderful introduction to the book of Acts. Thompson shows how under the rubric of inaugurated eschatology, a vast array of subjects find their place. Thompson’s overall emphasis–that Luke provides assurance for a Christian audience–was compelling. The claim that Jesus was Israel’s Messiah obviously required theological reflection given his rejection and murder at the hands of Israel’s religious leaders and the might of Rome. Luke has largely provided a case for this tricky situation in his first volume, but here in Acts, now that Jesus has ascended, a defense is given for God’s continuing work of salvation despite the Messiah’s visible absence, and the apparent suffering the early movement faced. Two other proposals were also gleaned from this book: first, is Pentecost as the (inaugurated) restoration of Israel. Thompson draws attention to the presence of Jews from far and wide and the outpouring of the Spirit upon those who repented and believed. (109) That he connects this with Ezekiel 37 was also novel and eye-opening. (129) Second was Thompson’s discussion about Stephen’s speech, specifically his seeing “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56) I had never connected this reference to “glory” with the temple rhetoric (170). All in all, Thompson’s volume brings an immense amount of inaugurated eschatology to the fore, making Acts jump off the page in its eschatological emphasis.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus stimulated questions about the nature of the interim period between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet.’ (67) Of course, the kingdom advances through the kerygma of local churches and their suffering at the hands of competing kingdoms, but what exactly is the nature of this period? A second idea for further inquiry would be an investigation into the meaning of “God’s visitation” as it is disclosed in the first and second testaments. (121) Finally, another thought relates to Thompson’s discussion on the role of the law in Acts. I had not seen it argued before that the decrees of the “apostles and elders” were distinguished over and above the “laws of Moses.” (Acts 15) (186) For Thompson, it is the uniqueness of the times, the inaugurated eschatology, that accounts for this shift. I would love to push into this and probe the idea further. If there is any weakness of this volume, it is the minor lack of interaction with opposing views and current critical scholarship. Given its largely Evangelical audience, this is of course a secondary objective, and in no way lessens the fine work that is The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus.
[Read for the Gospels & Acts doctoral seminar with Dr. Pennington, Summer 2023]
May 16, 2023
A short, readable, and fabulous introduction to some of the major theological themes of Acts.
February 4, 2021
The valuable-insight-per-page ratio of this book is through the roof. It's not a verse-by-verse commentary on Acts, but it has helped me to understand and preach the message of Acts better than some verse-by-verse commentaries. Thompson paints a compelling image of the book's big picture.
A few examples:
• Understanding Jesus' answer to the disciples' question about the kingdom not as a digression or distraction but a real answer. This book is very much about the inaugurated kingdom of God.
• The work in Samaria fulfills God's promises (such as in Ezek 37:15-23) to reunite the northern and southern kingdoms.
• The apostles are taking the role of the priests, the apostles' teaching is taking the role of the law, and the church community is taking the role of the temple in the new covenant community.
And on and on. I have not read a single NSBT volume that has disappointed me, and this one goes way beyond "not a disappointment."
A few examples:
• Understanding Jesus' answer to the disciples' question about the kingdom not as a digression or distraction but a real answer. This book is very much about the inaugurated kingdom of God.
• The work in Samaria fulfills God's promises (such as in Ezek 37:15-23) to reunite the northern and southern kingdoms.
• The apostles are taking the role of the priests, the apostles' teaching is taking the role of the law, and the church community is taking the role of the temple in the new covenant community.
And on and on. I have not read a single NSBT volume that has disappointed me, and this one goes way beyond "not a disappointment."
November 4, 2025
A very helpful biblical theology of Acts!
February 24, 2025
Extraordinarily helpful as I’m preaching through Acts this year!
January 15, 2022
Main point: Acts is Luke's continuing account of the risen Jesus' reign
Helpful bits:
-Emphasis on God's continuing purposes [rather than it being a mere human account of historical events], as seen in Luke's frequent use of 'dei'- 'it is necessary'...
-Structure on p69
-How Jesus' answer in 1:8 is actually an answer to the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom, rather than Jesus changing the subject [p105-106]
-Apostolic leadership being the new authority for believers rather than the law [p178-187], though would've appreciated more on Peter and Paul and their contrasting roles in being the apostle to Jews & Gentiles respectively, in each half of the book...and also the function of Paul's defence speeches at the end..
'God's people may be reassured therefore, that God fulfils his promises through the acts of their Saviour, the risen and reigning Lord Jesus!'
Helpful bits:
-Emphasis on God's continuing purposes [rather than it being a mere human account of historical events], as seen in Luke's frequent use of 'dei'- 'it is necessary'...
-Structure on p69
-How Jesus' answer in 1:8 is actually an answer to the disciples' question about restoring the kingdom, rather than Jesus changing the subject [p105-106]
-Apostolic leadership being the new authority for believers rather than the law [p178-187], though would've appreciated more on Peter and Paul and their contrasting roles in being the apostle to Jews & Gentiles respectively, in each half of the book...and also the function of Paul's defence speeches at the end..
'God's people may be reassured therefore, that God fulfils his promises through the acts of their Saviour, the risen and reigning Lord Jesus!'
October 14, 2023
An excellent treatment of the theology of Acts bringing much clarity to matters otherwise confusing. You come away from this book with a better sense for what Luke set out to do in Acts.
March 2, 2020
Who is the main character of the book of Acts?
~
The name “The Acts of the Apostles” might infer that it is an apostle, perhaps Peter or Paul. Maybe you believe the Holy Spirit is the main character of Acts, having been poured out at Pentecost. In his book “Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus”, Alan J. Thompson lays out a case for the main character being none other than the Risen Lord Jesus Himself.
~
Thompson notes that in Acts, the eternal kingdom promised to David finds its fulfillment, and its king is Jesus. By his ascension, Jesus assumes the throne of God’s Kingdom and acts to expand that kingdom from Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth with the inclusion to the Gentiles.
~
What I really loved about this book is the way that Thompson ties the key events and themes in Acts to promises found in the Old Testament. This book is an entry in the “New Studies in Biblical Theology” series, and Without getting overly speculative, Thompson shows where the eternal kingdom of David is promised and inaugurated, where the Holy Spirit is promised and the fulfillment occurs, and how the ascension in chapter one is relevant to everything that follows it in the next 27 chapters of Acts.
~
This book, as well as the class I’m taking on Acts & Paul’s writing, came at the perfect time for me as my church is about 40% into a year-long journey through the book of Acts, and I am able to be a much better congregant when I have thought about the passage we study ahead of time.
~
I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Acts in general, the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Acts, or the discipline of Biblical Theology altogether.
~
The name “The Acts of the Apostles” might infer that it is an apostle, perhaps Peter or Paul. Maybe you believe the Holy Spirit is the main character of Acts, having been poured out at Pentecost. In his book “Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus”, Alan J. Thompson lays out a case for the main character being none other than the Risen Lord Jesus Himself.
~
Thompson notes that in Acts, the eternal kingdom promised to David finds its fulfillment, and its king is Jesus. By his ascension, Jesus assumes the throne of God’s Kingdom and acts to expand that kingdom from Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth with the inclusion to the Gentiles.
~
What I really loved about this book is the way that Thompson ties the key events and themes in Acts to promises found in the Old Testament. This book is an entry in the “New Studies in Biblical Theology” series, and Without getting overly speculative, Thompson shows where the eternal kingdom of David is promised and inaugurated, where the Holy Spirit is promised and the fulfillment occurs, and how the ascension in chapter one is relevant to everything that follows it in the next 27 chapters of Acts.
~
This book, as well as the class I’m taking on Acts & Paul’s writing, came at the perfect time for me as my church is about 40% into a year-long journey through the book of Acts, and I am able to be a much better congregant when I have thought about the passage we study ahead of time.
~
I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Acts in general, the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Acts, or the discipline of Biblical Theology altogether.
September 26, 2014
This is my 5th book to read in the NSBT series. After first reading "Dominion and Dynasty" several years ago, I have relished every opportunity to read one of the volumes. After hearing this book, The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus, recommended widely, and also wanting to read a nice single volume book on the theology of Acts, I decided to pick it up last week.
Alan Thompson explores the theology of Acts through the lens of inaugurated eschatology and then shows a variety of issues in the periphery related the issues of inaugurated eschatology and the kingdom of God. Topics range from the nature of the Law, the giving of the Holy Spirit, the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus, and the overall themes of Acts understood in light of Luke's whole corpus.
I appreciated the fact that Thompson didn't spend too much time trying to parse contemporary issues (e.g. glossolalia, the miraculous for today) and instead focused more on Luke's major themes. That alone makes this book stand out as helpful.
While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I feel confident to recommend this little book to anyone looking to get a understanding of what is happening biblically and theologically in the book of Acts.
Alan Thompson explores the theology of Acts through the lens of inaugurated eschatology and then shows a variety of issues in the periphery related the issues of inaugurated eschatology and the kingdom of God. Topics range from the nature of the Law, the giving of the Holy Spirit, the sovereignty of the Lord Jesus, and the overall themes of Acts understood in light of Luke's whole corpus.
I appreciated the fact that Thompson didn't spend too much time trying to parse contemporary issues (e.g. glossolalia, the miraculous for today) and instead focused more on Luke's major themes. That alone makes this book stand out as helpful.
While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I feel confident to recommend this little book to anyone looking to get a understanding of what is happening biblically and theologically in the book of Acts.
March 27, 2021
Read it within a day.
Recommended by Kevin DeYoung https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl... and I kinda agree with what he says there (not on the commentaries though, Bock is boring and flat as a pancake).
Very decent theological overview of the book of Acts. To go in tandem with 'The message of Acts in the history of redemption' by Dennis Johnson.
Recommended by Kevin DeYoung https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/bl... and I kinda agree with what he says there (not on the commentaries though, Bock is boring and flat as a pancake).
Very decent theological overview of the book of Acts. To go in tandem with 'The message of Acts in the history of redemption' by Dennis Johnson.
July 2, 2021
As I've read and then preached through Acts, I think this has been the most helpful book I've used. The big picture of the Acts is made so clear, and the sheer number of eye-opening insights is a gift. Highly recommended
October 15, 2024
Very good.
February 12, 2024
This was a textbook for Acts and Paul at CTS.
Thompson’s approach to the book was an extremely helpful correction to some of the ways I’ve seen Acts taught.
Thompson’s approach to the book was an extremely helpful correction to some of the ways I’ve seen Acts taught.
November 25, 2012
On the one hand, this book is almost like a mini-commentary on the book of Acts. On the other hand, it is very self-consciously theological and explores Acts through the lens of an inaugurated eschatology. The value of the books lies in the ability of that lens to make sense of the overall narrative flow in Acts and help interpret areas that may not fit as well within other paradigms. Rather than being a "system" of theology imposed on the text, Thompson does the upfront work in the introduction and opening chapter to develop his lens from Luke's writing before using it as an interpretive key.
Like the other books in this series, I think this one deserves your time and attention if you're serious about biblical studies. Those interested in eschatology in particular may find Thompson's perspective engaging, as will those interested in seeing OT themes and prophecies more fully developed in Luke's account in Acts. All in all, this is a great book and continues the line of helpful contributions in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series.
For a full review, see my blog
Like the other books in this series, I think this one deserves your time and attention if you're serious about biblical studies. Those interested in eschatology in particular may find Thompson's perspective engaging, as will those interested in seeing OT themes and prophecies more fully developed in Luke's account in Acts. All in all, this is a great book and continues the line of helpful contributions in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series.
For a full review, see my blog
June 23, 2020
Excellent commentary on Acts through the study of different themes (the law, the kingdom of God, Jesus as the risen reigning Lord, the Gentiles, the temple) in Acts (and Luke also). Like all volumes of NSBT, it takes all the best from other books and offer numerous useful insights. Such as : the conversion of Samaritans as the fullfilment of the promise of the reunification of northern and southern Israel, the arguments that Acts presents itself as the fullfilment of the restauration of Israel, Jesus as the Servant of Isaiah in which all believers are incorporated when they believe in him like Paul, the central theme of Jesus replacing the temple and its laws and making them now obsolete which explains why Luke is so obssessed with the Temple and the Law etc etc).
More useful I think than 3 casual commentaries.
More useful I think than 3 casual commentaries.
May 22, 2024
This book is an excellent presentation of the theology of Acts. Thompson deals with each of the major themes of Acts through the lens of the inaugurated kingdom of God. He includes chapters on the sovereignty of God, the resurrection of Christ, the gift of the Spirit, the temple, and the Law. He recognizes the importance of the OT for understanding Acts as well. I would consider this an essential reading for anyone preaching Acts. Thompson also has a great discussion on the outline of Acts and includes a possible preaching outline of the book. While the book does not discuss every passage in the book of Acts, it provides the conceptual categories through which every part of Acts should be read.
May 26, 2022
Thompson's treatment offers a fantastic overview of the flow, message, and themes of the book of Acts, and many of his insights challenged my preconceptions of Acts. He does a great job of summarizing and synthesizing his arguments from one chapter to the next, which makes for a cohesive read that's easy-to-follow. This would serve as a helpful introductory text that lays the groundwork for students interested in diving into an thorough study of the book of Acts.
November 21, 2023
I've only read a handful of these NSBT volumes, but they are really helpful. Our campus fellowship was studying Acts this semester and this work was a great crash course on the scholarly conversation, the major biblical theological themes, and some key insights into Acts.
The emphasis on Jesus currently reigning over his church being a central motif through which we should read Acts was convincing, but also massively encouraging for this season of ministry.
The emphasis on Jesus currently reigning over his church being a central motif through which we should read Acts was convincing, but also massively encouraging for this season of ministry.
May 15, 2019
Really enjoyed this biblical-theological summary of Acts. Thompson does a great job introducing significant themes that run through the book (and the Bible). I especially appreciated his Christ-centered approach, since I often have thought of the book as the Acts of the 1) apostles, 2) Holy Spirit, 3) God to accomplish his mission.
December 21, 2023
This book is a great overview of the key themes in Acts, with each chapter bringing clarity to the discussion around each theme. I thought the discussion around the law was particularly well organised, and thought that the key theme drawn out for the whole book was spot on. A helpful book to move alongside you when studying through the book of Acts.
November 11, 2021
An excellent overview of the theology of the book of Acts. I read this for a seminary class on Acts and found it beneficial in grasping the overall message of the book and how it fits within the storyline of the Bible.
October 14, 2024
Really awesome walkthrough and explanation of the theology of Acts. Very academic by nature, so it’s not approachable or pleasant to read (those transition sentences may have been the clunkiest writing I’ve seen since re-reading my own essays from 7th grade), but its themes and encouragements are so interesting and rich that the content makes up for much of what’s lacking in the form.
October 3, 2015
My full review can be found here at: http://wp.me/p3JhRp-sI
Thompson moves through the book of Acts and shows how it continues both Luke's Gospel narrative and the OT narrative. Luke shows that Jesus fulfills God's promises to Israel, and that those who put their trust in Christ are grafted into true Israel. Rather than being a book about travel tales and a bunch of preaching, Acts is packed with the continuing promises of God, and how God's work, seen in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension, changes our lives. The end-time Holy Spirit that was promised to Israel has come!
This book is highly recommended, though do know it is not exactly 'light' reading.
Highly Recommended
[Special thanks to IVP Academic for allowing me to review this book! I was not obligated to provide a positive review in exchange for this book].
Thompson moves through the book of Acts and shows how it continues both Luke's Gospel narrative and the OT narrative. Luke shows that Jesus fulfills God's promises to Israel, and that those who put their trust in Christ are grafted into true Israel. Rather than being a book about travel tales and a bunch of preaching, Acts is packed with the continuing promises of God, and how God's work, seen in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension, changes our lives. The end-time Holy Spirit that was promised to Israel has come!
This book is highly recommended, though do know it is not exactly 'light' reading.
Highly Recommended
[Special thanks to IVP Academic for allowing me to review this book! I was not obligated to provide a positive review in exchange for this book].
July 31, 2025
A helpful introduction to the themes of Acts that has aided me in my teaching of the book.
April 12, 2013
Helpful study of the major themes running through Acts aimed at pastors.
February 26, 2020
In the course of reading this book, it suddenly occurred to me that there needs to be a Steve Jobs for theology books. This book is meant to be a theology of Acts, which means that we should come away from the book understanding the main theological themes around which Luke shaped the narrative, why he shaped them that way, and why he emphasized what he emphasizes. This book does do that, which is the good thing, the bad thing is that the book lacks elegant simplicity.
Here is what I mean. On one page of this book—one page, mind you—there are 26 references to scripture verses or scripture passages. 26! Now this book is almost 200 pages long, do the math and you can imagine how cluttered all those scripture references make the book. What are they there for? Does the author expect us to look up every one? To show off his knowledge of scripture? To back up his argument? He could make the exact same points, but without cluttering up the book with references, and leave it to the reader to go dig up all the references if he so desires. This would make the book more simple and elegant. If you want to see what I mean, go read any of the church fathers, they quote scripture, they refer to scripture, they allude to scripture, but they don't feel the need to cite every jot and tittle verse reference. This makes their writing look like, and read like a normal book.
This is my major complaint about most current theological writing. The authors seem to be so delighted at their ability to exhaustively annotate every verse, thought, and allusion, that it makes the book ponderous and unhelpful, but I imagine does satisfy the other theologians who also write the same way. It's like they are all in a gigantic echo chamber patting each other on the back.
Alan Thompson has some great things to say about how Luke shaped the book of Acts to emphasize certain themes. Like most other theological writing, his format, exhaustive arguments, and lack of simplicity and elegance get in the way of his writing, so I imagine his fellow theologians are patting him on the back. The rest of us? We usually give up halfway through.
It doesn't have to be this way.
Here is what I mean. On one page of this book—one page, mind you—there are 26 references to scripture verses or scripture passages. 26! Now this book is almost 200 pages long, do the math and you can imagine how cluttered all those scripture references make the book. What are they there for? Does the author expect us to look up every one? To show off his knowledge of scripture? To back up his argument? He could make the exact same points, but without cluttering up the book with references, and leave it to the reader to go dig up all the references if he so desires. This would make the book more simple and elegant. If you want to see what I mean, go read any of the church fathers, they quote scripture, they refer to scripture, they allude to scripture, but they don't feel the need to cite every jot and tittle verse reference. This makes their writing look like, and read like a normal book.
This is my major complaint about most current theological writing. The authors seem to be so delighted at their ability to exhaustively annotate every verse, thought, and allusion, that it makes the book ponderous and unhelpful, but I imagine does satisfy the other theologians who also write the same way. It's like they are all in a gigantic echo chamber patting each other on the back.
Alan Thompson has some great things to say about how Luke shaped the book of Acts to emphasize certain themes. Like most other theological writing, his format, exhaustive arguments, and lack of simplicity and elegance get in the way of his writing, so I imagine his fellow theologians are patting him on the back. The rest of us? We usually give up halfway through.
It doesn't have to be this way.
September 29, 2017
Another first-rate contribution to the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. Rather than bog the reader down in debates of secondary importance (tongues, church government, etc.), Thompson focuses on the themes Luke develops, namely, the fulfillment of God's salvific plan that is rooted in the OT and inaugurated eschatology. He argues that Acts is about the risen Lord Jesus, reigning at the Father's right hand, between the inauguration and consummation of the kingdom of God.
Chapter 1 deals with God's sovereignty and his leading role in the book of Acts. It explains how the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ as well the persecution and growth of the church are all a part of God's perfect unfolding plan. Chapter 2 considers the the Resurrection of Jesus, the arrival of the Last Days, and the critical theme of gospel preaching in Acts. In Chapter 3, Thompson takes up the theme of the restoration of Israel in fulfillment of OT prophecy (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel). He connects the spread of the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles to the restoration of God's people. Chapter 4 discusses the Holy Spirit as the gift of the Father and fulfillment of OT prophecy as well. Chapters 5 and 6 conclude the book by considering the "end of an era," namely the end of the temple, its leaders, and the law.
This book is a wonderful, accessible, and much-needed example of biblical theology applied to the book of Acts. As a member of a former Pentecostal church, this is a book I wish would be read by all who simply jump to Acts for proof texts to seek a "second blessing" evidenced by speaking gibberish. He helps draw the reader's attention to the main themes of Acts, how it relates to the OT, and provides assurance to the reader of God's sovereignty over history. Thompson's chapters on the restoration of Israel and the gift of the Spirit (3 and 4) put the events of acts in their proper biblical-theological context and are worth the price of the book.
Chapter 1 deals with God's sovereignty and his leading role in the book of Acts. It explains how the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ as well the persecution and growth of the church are all a part of God's perfect unfolding plan. Chapter 2 considers the the Resurrection of Jesus, the arrival of the Last Days, and the critical theme of gospel preaching in Acts. In Chapter 3, Thompson takes up the theme of the restoration of Israel in fulfillment of OT prophecy (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel). He connects the spread of the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles to the restoration of God's people. Chapter 4 discusses the Holy Spirit as the gift of the Father and fulfillment of OT prophecy as well. Chapters 5 and 6 conclude the book by considering the "end of an era," namely the end of the temple, its leaders, and the law.
This book is a wonderful, accessible, and much-needed example of biblical theology applied to the book of Acts. As a member of a former Pentecostal church, this is a book I wish would be read by all who simply jump to Acts for proof texts to seek a "second blessing" evidenced by speaking gibberish. He helps draw the reader's attention to the main themes of Acts, how it relates to the OT, and provides assurance to the reader of God's sovereignty over history. Thompson's chapters on the restoration of Israel and the gift of the Spirit (3 and 4) put the events of acts in their proper biblical-theological context and are worth the price of the book.
June 4, 2012
Studies and discussions on the book of Acts are often the breeding grounds for debates between Dispensational vs. Covenant theology, cessationist vs. non-cessationist theology, Baptist vs. Reformed polity and a myriad of other controversial theological debates. Of course everyone thinks the book of Acts is on their side. When these kinds of discussions become the focal point of the book they reduce its redemptive-historical message of the book. Thus, Acts is turned into a theological billy club that is used to beat over the head of one’s opponent.
But the book of Acts is much more than this. It is bigger than any one theological debate (though these debates are necessary). In an effort to refocus Christians on the central redemptive message of Acts Alan J. Thompson has written The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Luke’s Account of God’s Unfolding Plan. This book is the newest edition to the respected New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by D.A. Carson.
Aligning the Focus of Acts
Instead of coming to Acts with a debate to win, Thompson wants to let the book itself determine its main focus. For Thompson this is “an account of the ‘continuing story’ of God’s saving purposes” (p. 17). Though Thompson works with the already/not yet hermeneutic in regards to the kingdom of God Thompson believes that Acts shows us “what the kingdom of God looks like now that Christ has come, dies, risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father” (p. 17) One of the textual ways in which this is brought out is the location of two of the eight phrases “the kingdom” and “the kingdom of God” at the beginning and end of Acts (p. 44). This is fitting given the smooth transition from the Gospel of Luke to Acts since both were written by the same author. At various points through the book Thompson shows the intertextual relationship between Luke and Acts which further help to strengthen the argument that Luke’s goal is Acts is to show the continuation of Christ’s work in the church, through the Holy Spirit, despite the fact that He has ascended to heaven to be with the Father.
Major Hermeneutical Events in Acts
The power that spreads the gospel and the growth of the kingdom of God from the first century onward to today is the resurrection of Christ.
In Acts the resurrection is the climax of God’s saving purposes, and it is on the basis of the resurrection that the blessings of salvation may be offered. The reason for this appears to be that in the resurrection of Jesus, the hoped-for resurrection age to come has arrived already, and it is because of the arrival of the age to come that the blessing of that age may now be received” (p. 79).
What Thomson brings to light is the woven nature between the promise and inauguration of the kingdom of God, the resurrection and eschatology. Thus, the hope of Israel is wrapped up in the resurrection and it is the resurrection that inaugurates, or gives power to, the beginning of the end times. This inauguration of the end times, along with the reconstitution of Israel, is birthed at Pentecost in Acts 2 with the eschatological pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all the nations.
For Thompson, Pentecost is the answer to the disciples question in Acts 1:6 about the restoration of Israel. Thompson argues that while Jesus challenged them on their wanting to know the timing of the restoration of Israel He “neither postpones that fulfillment to the distant future nor rejects such prospect for the present” (p. 105-106). That Israel has been reconstituted at Pentecost is marked out by the three references to Israel in 2:14-36 and the, at minimum inaugurated, fulfillment of Joel 2 (see p. 109-12). But Pentecost is just the beginning. From there, Thompson points out at least four more events in Acts that support this conclusion: Samaria and the restoration of Israel (8:1-25), outcasts and the restoration of Israel (8:26-40), the servant who restores Israel and brings salvation to the Gentiles (13:47) and the rebuilding and restoring and rebuilding of David’s fallen tent (15:13-18). These passages, and others, show that there is a double purpose to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2; Israel is restored and the Gentiles are being brought in in droves.
Since the promised Spirit is poured out on Jews and Gentiles alike, this points to the reality that there is one people of God under one Lord. This can clearly be seen in Acts 10-11 to which Thompson comments:
The overwhelming emphasis of the passage is that these Gentile believers are part of the same people of God as the Jewish believers who received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. (p. 137)
For Thompson it is clear that Acts demonstrably shows that as there is one Lord and Spirit sent from God the Father, there is one people of God to which they are sent to bring salvation to and one kingdom of God into which they are part of together.
Some of the later parts of the book deal with the transition or change from Old Testament functions or realities to New Testament functions and realities in light of the resurrection and inauguration of the kingdom of God. These include the more stationary nature of the temple and its leaders in the OT to their encompassing broad nature and function in the NT and beyond (chap. 5). In chapter six Thompson discusses the role and view of the law in the life of the believer and the church. The law is no longer the rule of God’s people as it has been fulfilled in Christ. However, it is not deemed useless.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the main biblical theological message of Acts is that in Christ, God is fulfilling His promises to Israel in the church, which is made possible by the resurrection of Christ and made evident with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all nations as the reconstituted Israel with whom God has inaugurated His kingdom.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus is a great in depth study into the salvation-historical message of Acts over and above all other debates that it may be dominated by in various circles. Though rich with the history and happenings of the early church, Acts is a theological goldmine for those willing to take the book as Luke intended it to be read. This is a book for serious students of Acts, the New Testament, the kingdom of God and eschatological studies. Thompson lets the book of Acts speak to us its message rather than use it to speak to others our message.
But the book of Acts is much more than this. It is bigger than any one theological debate (though these debates are necessary). In an effort to refocus Christians on the central redemptive message of Acts Alan J. Thompson has written The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus: Luke’s Account of God’s Unfolding Plan. This book is the newest edition to the respected New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by D.A. Carson.
Aligning the Focus of Acts
Instead of coming to Acts with a debate to win, Thompson wants to let the book itself determine its main focus. For Thompson this is “an account of the ‘continuing story’ of God’s saving purposes” (p. 17). Though Thompson works with the already/not yet hermeneutic in regards to the kingdom of God Thompson believes that Acts shows us “what the kingdom of God looks like now that Christ has come, dies, risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father” (p. 17) One of the textual ways in which this is brought out is the location of two of the eight phrases “the kingdom” and “the kingdom of God” at the beginning and end of Acts (p. 44). This is fitting given the smooth transition from the Gospel of Luke to Acts since both were written by the same author. At various points through the book Thompson shows the intertextual relationship between Luke and Acts which further help to strengthen the argument that Luke’s goal is Acts is to show the continuation of Christ’s work in the church, through the Holy Spirit, despite the fact that He has ascended to heaven to be with the Father.
Major Hermeneutical Events in Acts
The power that spreads the gospel and the growth of the kingdom of God from the first century onward to today is the resurrection of Christ.
In Acts the resurrection is the climax of God’s saving purposes, and it is on the basis of the resurrection that the blessings of salvation may be offered. The reason for this appears to be that in the resurrection of Jesus, the hoped-for resurrection age to come has arrived already, and it is because of the arrival of the age to come that the blessing of that age may now be received” (p. 79).
What Thomson brings to light is the woven nature between the promise and inauguration of the kingdom of God, the resurrection and eschatology. Thus, the hope of Israel is wrapped up in the resurrection and it is the resurrection that inaugurates, or gives power to, the beginning of the end times. This inauguration of the end times, along with the reconstitution of Israel, is birthed at Pentecost in Acts 2 with the eschatological pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all the nations.
For Thompson, Pentecost is the answer to the disciples question in Acts 1:6 about the restoration of Israel. Thompson argues that while Jesus challenged them on their wanting to know the timing of the restoration of Israel He “neither postpones that fulfillment to the distant future nor rejects such prospect for the present” (p. 105-106). That Israel has been reconstituted at Pentecost is marked out by the three references to Israel in 2:14-36 and the, at minimum inaugurated, fulfillment of Joel 2 (see p. 109-12). But Pentecost is just the beginning. From there, Thompson points out at least four more events in Acts that support this conclusion: Samaria and the restoration of Israel (8:1-25), outcasts and the restoration of Israel (8:26-40), the servant who restores Israel and brings salvation to the Gentiles (13:47) and the rebuilding and restoring and rebuilding of David’s fallen tent (15:13-18). These passages, and others, show that there is a double purpose to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2; Israel is restored and the Gentiles are being brought in in droves.
Since the promised Spirit is poured out on Jews and Gentiles alike, this points to the reality that there is one people of God under one Lord. This can clearly be seen in Acts 10-11 to which Thompson comments:
The overwhelming emphasis of the passage is that these Gentile believers are part of the same people of God as the Jewish believers who received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. (p. 137)
For Thompson it is clear that Acts demonstrably shows that as there is one Lord and Spirit sent from God the Father, there is one people of God to which they are sent to bring salvation to and one kingdom of God into which they are part of together.
Some of the later parts of the book deal with the transition or change from Old Testament functions or realities to New Testament functions and realities in light of the resurrection and inauguration of the kingdom of God. These include the more stationary nature of the temple and its leaders in the OT to their encompassing broad nature and function in the NT and beyond (chap. 5). In chapter six Thompson discusses the role and view of the law in the life of the believer and the church. The law is no longer the rule of God’s people as it has been fulfilled in Christ. However, it is not deemed useless.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the main biblical theological message of Acts is that in Christ, God is fulfilling His promises to Israel in the church, which is made possible by the resurrection of Christ and made evident with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all nations as the reconstituted Israel with whom God has inaugurated His kingdom.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus is a great in depth study into the salvation-historical message of Acts over and above all other debates that it may be dominated by in various circles. Though rich with the history and happenings of the early church, Acts is a theological goldmine for those willing to take the book as Luke intended it to be read. This is a book for serious students of Acts, the New Testament, the kingdom of God and eschatological studies. Thompson lets the book of Acts speak to us its message rather than use it to speak to others our message.
July 12, 2025
Everything I've read in the NSBT series has been outstanding, and this book is no exception. Alan Thompson has written an important resource for anyone getting ready to teach or preach through the book of Acts.
"The Acts of the Risen Lord" is not a commentary, so it doesn't treat every passage or event, but it highlights the major themes that persist throughout Luke's letter: the sovereign plan of God unfolding in the first century; the unstoppable spread of God's word as it was preached by the apostles; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in the New Testament church; the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as a sign of the arrival of the last days; the nature of God's kingdom as one that is "already but not yet"; and Jesus' fulfillment of all that the Jewish temple anticipated, as well as the apostles' superseding temple leaders as the guiding authority for God's people.
Thompson does a great job reminding us of a constant truth throughout Scripture, but one that we for some reason lose sight of: "Although many often approach the book of Acts by focusing primarily on the human participants in the narrative, the focus in the book of Acts is actually on God." (p.29). More specifically, the book is about the acts of the risen Lord Jesus, whose actions continue even to the present day.
"The Acts of the Risen Lord" is not a commentary, so it doesn't treat every passage or event, but it highlights the major themes that persist throughout Luke's letter: the sovereign plan of God unfolding in the first century; the unstoppable spread of God's word as it was preached by the apostles; the fulfillment of Old Testament promises in the New Testament church; the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as a sign of the arrival of the last days; the nature of God's kingdom as one that is "already but not yet"; and Jesus' fulfillment of all that the Jewish temple anticipated, as well as the apostles' superseding temple leaders as the guiding authority for God's people.
Thompson does a great job reminding us of a constant truth throughout Scripture, but one that we for some reason lose sight of: "Although many often approach the book of Acts by focusing primarily on the human participants in the narrative, the focus in the book of Acts is actually on God." (p.29). More specifically, the book is about the acts of the risen Lord Jesus, whose actions continue even to the present day.
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