Acts: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Justin S. Holcomb, J.I. Packer (Editor), Lane T. Dennis (Editor)

The book of Acts chronicles some of the most important events in Christian history: the scattering of Jesus’s disciples across the known world, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the early church, and more.
Plumbing the theological depths, this guide explains the biblical text with clarity and passion—helping us understand the history-shaping events that took place in the years following Christ’s ascension.
Over the course of 12 weeks, each study in this series explores a book of the Bible and:

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2014

About the author

Justin Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and a professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. Justin holds an M.A. in Theological Studies and an M.A. in Christian Thought from Reformed Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Emory University. He serves on the boards for REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments).

Reviews

[Rachael Stoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good short study of Acts. I wish it was longer cause it felt rushed the last few weeks cramming in 6 chapters in one week of study but it was pretty in depth for it only being 12 weeks.

[Emma Tourtelotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

we did this study book for D Group this semester. Acts definitely has a lot of content and so this was a helpful tool in being able to grasp the huge important parts of what Paul’s missionary journey meant!!!
To the ends of the earth baby!!!!
Acts 1:8

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had this book in our church lobby, so we could check out the series. Since I was reading Acts, and had some questions, I looked through this book to see if the author dealt with the troublesome section. In particular, I was baffled, why Stephen, in Acts 6 and 7, gave a long historical narrative of Israel. I just didn't see why Stephen gave that lecture.

So, turning to "Week 5: Stephen," I discovered that Dr. Holcomb knew the answer! In the section, "Christ and the Whole Old Testament," the author explains that Stephen was refuting the false notion that Christianity was some thing totally apart from Moses and the Old Testament. Stephen was showing how Jesus was the fulfillment of all Jewish history.

I am impressed by this book. And I learne something really important!

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spring our women’s Bible study used these 12 lessons as our guide to help us navigate the rich depths of the book of Acts. Justin Holcomb is credited as author but he was actually part of a team of Bible scholars who carefully wrote this course of study. J. I. Packer was the theological editor and his contribution surely influenced the thoughtful questions that helped unveil the gospel and rich theology in every passage.

So often Acts is used as a sort of handbook for discipleship. This study is not that kind of study. Instead, the student is drawn into a greater understanding of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the early church and the scattering of Jesus’s disciples to the ends of the earth. Each lesson makes whole-Bible connections and reinforces solid theological truths causing the reader to be amazed by the acts of Jesus, even though He had ascended.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used a number of books from this series in different group settings, and I think this is one of the better studies. The major problem is that the books attempts to cover too much material in 12 weeks. This is apparent especially near the end, when one chapter seeks to cover both the second and third missionary journeys, and the next chapter covers nearly 1/3 of the book of Acts to "wrap things up." The end seems very rushed. But the questions were reasonable and the end notes of each chapter were helpful.

[Jennifer Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Focus Tool

Acts is an intriguing story and it's easy to get caught up in the narrative and miss some of the finer points of theology. This study gets you to slow down and think about it, as well as offering some connections and perspectives that are fresh and insightful. I did this by myself on Kindle and took the time to type note responses for the questions - that helps and is an interesting reference as I read in the Scripture itself, so I recommend that.

[Yari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent when used with the ESV study bible- as recommended. I read this as part of the Journey Church small group bible study but I can see it being used for personal study. The explanations were clear and it provided a good understanding of the Apostles' work and the struggles of the early church following Jesus ascension.

[Bailee Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third summer I’ve read the book of acts, and I’m so glad that I did it again, because there were more things that I got out of it this third time, then in the previous times. I was super thankful for this study for its notes and contemplative questions—I really enjoy this author, and how he breaks down the word, and I would continue to recommend his studies for groups.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not my favorite Bible study book. I personally prefer books that will help me dig into the word and look at smaller chunks of scripture each day. This is a great study tool, just not what I prefer to use for our small group Bible studies. :)

[Emma Starcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acts was great! I feel like using this book helped me actually retain the themes and storyline past just a few days (that’s so sad). But I wish there were more explanations of passages rather than prompting questions. Truly a 4.5!

[Kris Lodwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel like this particular study really encouraged digging deep. Not as successful as other studies of this series.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the Ecclesiastes study but still worthwhile.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are great Bible studies; they dig you deep into the scriptures, get you thinking, and help to strengthen your faith.

[Violet Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have liked a more in depth study. This felt very surface level. Perhaps better for new Christians or old Christians that are breaking free of religious ideals.