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Saint Andrews Expositional Commentary #5
Acts: An Expositional Commentary
Acts is a book of action. But whose actions does it follow? The most obvious answer is the Apostles’. The book’s full name is the Acts of the Apostles, for it recounts their efforts to take the gospel to the nations. Yet we can also think of it as the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Poured out like a mighty rushing wind (Acts 2:2), the Spirit empowered the Apostles’ witness and opened hearts to believe. In this volume, Dr. R.C. Sproul offers an in-depth study on the Spirit’s work through these Christians and in the growth and spread of the early church.
Dr. Sproul’s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor’s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God’s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God’s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.
Dr. Sproul’s expositional commentaries help you understand key theological themes and apply them to all areas of your life. Drawn from decades of careful study and delivered from a pastor’s heart, these sermons are readable, practical, and thoroughly Bible-centered. Here is your opportunity to learn from a trusted teacher and theologian as he leads you through God’s Word and shares his perspective on living faithfully for God’s glory. This is a series to serve pastors, small groups, and growing Christians who want to know the Bible better.
399 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2010
212 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
610 books1,971 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 26, 2021
Fascinating and Edifying
My trek through the New Testament with the aid of commentaries continues.
I've now completed three (Romans, Matthew, Acts) of R.C. Sproul's expositional commentaries. The idea was to GO SLOW and GO DEEP but I find that my curiosity is getting the best of me. I'm so fascinated by what I'm learning that I just keep pushing forward. With this commentary on Acts, I really enjoyed learning the religious and political climate of each stop along Paul's missionary journeys. You just have to marvel at the boldness and single-minded focus of the apostle. Even though I've highlighted a ton of stuff in my ebook copy of the text, I'm sure I'll just read it again the next time I study this book of the Bible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My trek through the New Testament with the aid of commentaries continues.
I've now completed three (Romans, Matthew, Acts) of R.C. Sproul's expositional commentaries. The idea was to GO SLOW and GO DEEP but I find that my curiosity is getting the best of me. I'm so fascinated by what I'm learning that I just keep pushing forward. With this commentary on Acts, I really enjoyed learning the religious and political climate of each stop along Paul's missionary journeys. You just have to marvel at the boldness and single-minded focus of the apostle. Even though I've highlighted a ton of stuff in my ebook copy of the text, I'm sure I'll just read it again the next time I study this book of the Bible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 10, 2020
Another high quality entry in a very readable series. I particularly liked the last chapter where R.C. Sproul, having followed Paul's ministry through Acts, goes to 2 Timothy 4 to watch him 'finish the race' well. His words are now all the more poignant, since R.C. passed away in 2017.
December 31, 2024
A wonderful, in depth exposition of the book of Acts. I enjoyed how Sproul discussed each passage for the day with bit-sized chunks.
August 20, 2020
"... if you are prone to fall asleep on a regular basis when the Word of God is being preached, you need to ask yourself why you are so disinterested in the things of God that, when you hear them, they put you to sleep." (p. 304)
It has often been said that The Gospel According to Mark is the most fast-paced and urgent book in the Bible due to its repetitive use of the word immediately. While it's true that Mark does have a sense of urgency and movement, Luke's letter to Theophilus -- The Acts of the Apostles -- rivals its exigency, showing the swift growth and far-reaching Spirit-guided activity of the first-century Church. If you're studying this important book, R.C. Sproul's expository commentary is an absolute must-read, adding valuable insights into historical context and personal perspective on the biblical text.
A couple of my take-aways:
(1) Paul always begins his message by proclaiming the Kingdom of God, which follows the example set by Jesus and John the Baptist. Effective evangelism begins at the beginning, with the faithfulness of God and His promise to send Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. It can't be effectively presented in a three-minute salvation message.
(2) It is impossible to hear the Word of God and remain neutral. It is impossible to hear the Word of God and be unchanged. When you hear the Word of God, you are moved either toward sanctification or toward hardness of heart. (p. 385) Accept that there are those who will hear the Word and be hardened; and others -- like Nicodemus and Paul, himself -- may take a little longer to come to faith.
(3) Sin is often -- but not always -- conscience-driven. The edict to come out of the Jerusalem Council addresses things of conscience, traditions that, when broken, could cause unnecessary guilt or stumbling. It may seem capricious for God to "un-do" the Levitical dietary restrictions imposed on ancient Hebrews, but Sproul points out that when God legislated to His people in the Old Testament, He did so int two different ways. One the one hand, He gave laws that came out of His character, which, if ever repealed, would do violence to His sanctity and holiness. Therefore, God would never repeal the moral law, the Ten Commandments, because to do so, He would be denying His character.... Those laws that are based on God's character are without repeal. They remain forever. Yet there are other rules that God set down for historical purposes... So to maintain their Jewish purity and identity, the dietary laws were added to the covenant until the coming of Christ, who tore down the wall of separation and began to build His church, not just with Jews but with Samaritans, Gentiles and God fearers..... We all start this life unclean, and in some respects we are still unclean, but if we have confessed Christ and put our hope and trust in Him alone for salvation, then He is in us and we are in Him. If that relationship exists in your life right now, do not let anybody call you unclean, because God has declared you clean. That is what justification is all about. (pp. 152-3)
If you are a fervent Christian, you cannot read this book and remain unchanged: It will convict you. It will uplift you. And it will light an evangelical fire within you, compelling you to share your faith in a bolder, more confident manner.
Highly recommended! (Used in conjunction with John MacArthur's Acts study guide.
It has often been said that The Gospel According to Mark is the most fast-paced and urgent book in the Bible due to its repetitive use of the word immediately. While it's true that Mark does have a sense of urgency and movement, Luke's letter to Theophilus -- The Acts of the Apostles -- rivals its exigency, showing the swift growth and far-reaching Spirit-guided activity of the first-century Church. If you're studying this important book, R.C. Sproul's expository commentary is an absolute must-read, adding valuable insights into historical context and personal perspective on the biblical text.
A couple of my take-aways:
(1) Paul always begins his message by proclaiming the Kingdom of God, which follows the example set by Jesus and John the Baptist. Effective evangelism begins at the beginning, with the faithfulness of God and His promise to send Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. It can't be effectively presented in a three-minute salvation message.
(2) It is impossible to hear the Word of God and remain neutral. It is impossible to hear the Word of God and be unchanged. When you hear the Word of God, you are moved either toward sanctification or toward hardness of heart. (p. 385) Accept that there are those who will hear the Word and be hardened; and others -- like Nicodemus and Paul, himself -- may take a little longer to come to faith.
(3) Sin is often -- but not always -- conscience-driven. The edict to come out of the Jerusalem Council addresses things of conscience, traditions that, when broken, could cause unnecessary guilt or stumbling. It may seem capricious for God to "un-do" the Levitical dietary restrictions imposed on ancient Hebrews, but Sproul points out that when God legislated to His people in the Old Testament, He did so int two different ways. One the one hand, He gave laws that came out of His character, which, if ever repealed, would do violence to His sanctity and holiness. Therefore, God would never repeal the moral law, the Ten Commandments, because to do so, He would be denying His character.... Those laws that are based on God's character are without repeal. They remain forever. Yet there are other rules that God set down for historical purposes... So to maintain their Jewish purity and identity, the dietary laws were added to the covenant until the coming of Christ, who tore down the wall of separation and began to build His church, not just with Jews but with Samaritans, Gentiles and God fearers..... We all start this life unclean, and in some respects we are still unclean, but if we have confessed Christ and put our hope and trust in Him alone for salvation, then He is in us and we are in Him. If that relationship exists in your life right now, do not let anybody call you unclean, because God has declared you clean. That is what justification is all about. (pp. 152-3)
If you are a fervent Christian, you cannot read this book and remain unchanged: It will convict you. It will uplift you. And it will light an evangelical fire within you, compelling you to share your faith in a bolder, more confident manner.
Highly recommended! (Used in conjunction with John MacArthur's Acts study guide.
July 9, 2015
Sometimes I find RC Sproul a tad hard to get through, depending on the subject matter. This book was excellent though (and not just because we are going through the book of Acts next year).
November 29, 2022
Paired this with a 12 week Study of Acts by Justin S. Holcomb. Great study tools for the book of Acts.
December 23, 2024
I really enjoy reading these commentaries from Sproul. They are essentially transcriptions of old sermons that he delivered, and listening to them makes it even better sometimes. I often get bored of a book if I try to read it consistently but I really tried to avoid that throughout my time in this book. I had only read Acts once so this was very refreshing and nourishing. My only complaints is that sometimes Sproul will not say enough or will give sermons that seem tangential to the text at hand. For example, the chapter on Pentecost was possibly the shortest chapter in the whole book. Talk about disappointing. But Sproul in all that he says is 100% committed to teaching the Word of God faithfully and it comes through very vividly. It also has a beautiful epilogue from 2 Timothy 4.
I am very thankful to God for Sproul’s work as it has influenced me more than everybody else outside of my church. Now onto the next one.
Finally, I close my Goodreads 2024 Reading Challenge. 💪🏻
I am very thankful to God for Sproul’s work as it has influenced me more than everybody else outside of my church. Now onto the next one.
Finally, I close my Goodreads 2024 Reading Challenge. 💪🏻
May 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thankful that this book was compiled, I think it could be helpful to someone new to the faith.
I’m only giving it 3.5 stars because (1.) I’m comparing it to JC Ryle’s expository commentaries that are easily 5 stars. This book fell short of how helpful and edifying those books are. (2.) I have to ding it for Sproul’s defense of using images, which he expresses in this commentary. It was a poor defense of a bad view.
All of that being said, I’m now going to give his Romans commentary a shot.
Thankful that this book was compiled, I think it could be helpful to someone new to the faith.
I’m only giving it 3.5 stars because (1.) I’m comparing it to JC Ryle’s expository commentaries that are easily 5 stars. This book fell short of how helpful and edifying those books are. (2.) I have to ding it for Sproul’s defense of using images, which he expresses in this commentary. It was a poor defense of a bad view.
All of that being said, I’m now going to give his Romans commentary a shot.
July 11, 2025
4.5 ☆
Another great commentary! Sproul is so good at explaining complex concepts and historical references in layman's terms. Of course, not being Presbyterian, I have a few squabbles (different interpretations of baptism, government/authority, etc.) But I think this commentary hits those topics less than the previous one I read (Matthew). Highly recommend both, though!
Another great commentary! Sproul is so good at explaining complex concepts and historical references in layman's terms. Of course, not being Presbyterian, I have a few squabbles (different interpretations of baptism, government/authority, etc.) But I think this commentary hits those topics less than the previous one I read (Matthew). Highly recommend both, though!
September 1, 2011
This book had some great stuff in it, and RC is clearly a brilliant teacher of God's word. I ordered this book and a couple others a few weeks before I was going to preach through Acts and used it throughout that series. In hindsight I probably could have done without this book, or been better off ordering a different one.
This book is a compilation of sermons which Sproul delivered on the entire book of acts, printed and placed in a book. The book presents itself as an 'expositional commentary' which I believe is a little bit misleading. There is fantastic stuff in this book no doubt about it, but it is not overly useful as a commentary. For instance in Chapter 28 Sproul addresses Acts 10:44-11:18, and from that text he delivers a sound polemic against the Charismatic movement. The chapter was brilliant, but it was, for the most part, unhelpful in preparing to preach that text, unless you planned on addressing the Charismatic movement that week. There were many examples like that in the book.
This book would be a great read for anyone, including myself, who was reading through the book of acts and wanted to read some excellent sermons developed from the texts you are reading. On the flip side this book is not overly useful as a commentary to draw information from in sermon preparation.
Great set of sermons, not so great as a commentary.
This book is a compilation of sermons which Sproul delivered on the entire book of acts, printed and placed in a book. The book presents itself as an 'expositional commentary' which I believe is a little bit misleading. There is fantastic stuff in this book no doubt about it, but it is not overly useful as a commentary. For instance in Chapter 28 Sproul addresses Acts 10:44-11:18, and from that text he delivers a sound polemic against the Charismatic movement. The chapter was brilliant, but it was, for the most part, unhelpful in preparing to preach that text, unless you planned on addressing the Charismatic movement that week. There were many examples like that in the book.
This book would be a great read for anyone, including myself, who was reading through the book of acts and wanted to read some excellent sermons developed from the texts you are reading. On the flip side this book is not overly useful as a commentary to draw information from in sermon preparation.
Great set of sermons, not so great as a commentary.
June 10, 2017
This is a really light and easy read. It isn't a deep commentary but rather a collection of expositional sermons. Each chapter covers a passage and all the chapters are short; most are just a few pages. The format is great as a morning devotional.
So far a few of the chapters have had interesting insights into the passage and of course you get some of Sproul's great anecdotes which are always fun.
It's good but don't expect anything deep. I've highlighted several interesting facts that I didn't know regarding church history and some latin vocabulary. Some of the chapters are honestly pretty boring and just walk you through the scripture with almost nothing new communicated.
PS: I wrote this when I was about 40% of the way through.
So far a few of the chapters have had interesting insights into the passage and of course you get some of Sproul's great anecdotes which are always fun.
It's good but don't expect anything deep. I've highlighted several interesting facts that I didn't know regarding church history and some latin vocabulary. Some of the chapters are honestly pretty boring and just walk you through the scripture with almost nothing new communicated.
PS: I wrote this when I was about 40% of the way through.
May 25, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this along with the Bible Study Fellowship study of Acts and Letters of the Apostles.
April 1, 2022
Excellent
A great read indeed. R. C. Does a masterful job of unpacking the scriptures. We thoroughly enjoy walking through Gods word with him.
A great read indeed. R. C. Does a masterful job of unpacking the scriptures. We thoroughly enjoy walking through Gods word with him.
January 1, 2025
All of these R.C. Sproul commentaries are an excellent way to spend extra time in a book of the Bible. This year has been a deep dive into the book of Acts. Today I am reading the last chapter in this volume. The passage is from 2 Timothy as that letter was the last written by Paul while he was still imprisoned in Rome during the reign of Nero.
Epilogue ~ 2 Timothy 4:6-22
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand (2 Timothy 4:6)
Every Christian is supposed to defend the truths of God, but let me take that one step further. It is not enough to hold the faith or even to defend the faith; we are called to contend for the faith. Was that not the example of the Apostle Paul? Everywhere he went, he didn't just preach Christianity; he defended it.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.(2 Timothy 4:22)
So as the year ends, so also do the words of the Apostle Paul. He was a huge part of the acts of the Spirit in the book of Acts. If you are seeking to know more about the early church and the acts of the apostles, I commend this commentary to you!
Epilogue ~ 2 Timothy 4:6-22
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand (2 Timothy 4:6)
Every Christian is supposed to defend the truths of God, but let me take that one step further. It is not enough to hold the faith or even to defend the faith; we are called to contend for the faith. Was that not the example of the Apostle Paul? Everywhere he went, he didn't just preach Christianity; he defended it.
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.(2 Timothy 4:22)
So as the year ends, so also do the words of the Apostle Paul. He was a huge part of the acts of the Spirit in the book of Acts. If you are seeking to know more about the early church and the acts of the apostles, I commend this commentary to you!
May 19, 2025
My first time truly spending in-depth time in acts. This study took me about 4 months and I was in it almost everyday. I’ve always struggled with seeing acts as being applicable to my life as a Christian- this study totally changed that for me. I also appreciated the historical teachings, as well as the knowledge it provided of the culture of each city as Paul entered on his missionary journeys, and how that affected how the Gospel would be received.
Had minor theological disagreements with Sproul, but it did not ruin the whole.
LOVED and encouraged and looking forward to reading the others.
Had minor theological disagreements with Sproul, but it did not ruin the whole.
LOVED and encouraged and looking forward to reading the others.
November 28, 2024
recommended
Good study on Acts, this book is helpful in providing headings in the chapters to make it simple for the reader to navigate. Some principles in the book are well explained and most can agree on the vital principles in the book.
The author is recommended and his other materials are quite helpful and well written.
Good study on Acts, this book is helpful in providing headings in the chapters to make it simple for the reader to navigate. Some principles in the book are well explained and most can agree on the vital principles in the book.
The author is recommended and his other materials are quite helpful and well written.
March 5, 2024
I’m biased because I love Sproul, but these commentaries are some of the best reading aids when going through the books the coincide with. These being collections of his sermons while at St. Andrew’s makes them very approachable and easy to read!
March 13, 2023
R. C. Sproul's commentary's are right on target. Highly recommended!
July 17, 2023
Excellent verse by verse commentary from some of RC’s sermons at St. Andrews. Great for devotions!
July 16, 2023
I listened to his sermons which were then made into this book - it was excellent. I appreciate his perspectives and study
May 13, 2024
Decent book for those who already accept the views of RC Sproul. Though, I would prefer a book that dives into the more substantive historical details surrounding Acts.
September 29, 2024
Next to Romans, this is my favorite expository commentary from RC Sproul so far.
October 14, 2025
Entry level commentary... you cannot go wrong with this commentary. I have read most of them and it is a good bet to acquire them.
November 16, 2025
Fantastic! Used it to augment my study of acts.
March 14, 2024
Helpful and pastoral. This book is especially good as a part of a morning devotional, as the chapters are short and contain great applications. Reading this reminded me of an interaction between R. C. Sproul and John MacArthur on one of those legendary Ligonier Conference Q&A's. Someone commented on how many thousands of sermons MacArthur had given. Sproul quipped that MacArthur "hadn't figured out the secret to preaching yet. See, he preaches 10,000 different sermons one time each, while I preach 10 different sermons a thousand times each." What I love about that joke is that it gets to the heart of R. C. Sproul's ministry. Sproul really did not care about being an innovator or about coming up with something new. Rather, he was content to say the same things, albeit in different ways, over and over again. In this commentary, although there are some topics I have not heard Sproul address before, many parts are familiar teachings of his. This sounds like a criticism, but it is most certainly not. I never tire of hearing Sproul's stories; somehow, they seem to get better with each telling. Christians need to be continually reminded of God's sovereignty, of His holiness, of man's sinfulness, of the value of the church, and of the authority of Scripture. The truth is worth repeating.
January 11, 2025
This was a decently good read. Could have been more information-dense. Not much felt particularly new or insightful, in contrast to notable older commentators.
January 21, 2025
I just love RC Sproul and his brutally honest works. He doesn’t try to water down Gods word but tells it exactly like it is. I learned so much and have such a better understanding on the book of Acts and an appreciation for the Apostle Paul.
June 7, 2016
These commentaries aren't very helpful to me. I understand they aren't intended for a overeducated audience, or for those wanting a scholarly verse-by-verse exposition of the text (In fact, these commentaries are dictations of Sproul's sermons) but EVEN SO, Sproul rambles, gets off topic, makes points unrelated to the text, skips some passages of scripture completely (Hey, I understand commenting on a group of verses instead of having a comment for each one separately, but skipping 15 or so verses in a group and not commenting on them AT ALL?) and the Paul-worship gets a bit much at times. Sproul mentioned that the Apostle Paul was the greatest human of all time besides Jesus about 10 times throughout the commentary. I think Dr. Sproul and the team that put these commentaries together to be a bit lazy. It seems like they just whipped something together to maximize profits. I wouldn't have even liked these if I had listened to them as they were in their original format.
December 21, 2016
Like the other commentaries in the set, this book offers a verse by verse explanation. It also maintains Sproul's voice as he maintains that Act is really the story of Paul. Though attention is given to the early church Sproul's thesis is that Luke is really documenting Paul's missionary contributions rather than the narrative of the Early Church.
September 27, 2012
This is a series of sermons preached through the book of Acts. It is useful to a mild degree for commentary, and it is interesting to see his style of preaching. I found it somewhat helpful, but I am thankful I had other commentaries to rely on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews