Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit

by Matthew L Skinner

The Acts of the Apostles is a unique and crucial book that chronicles the story of God's grace flooding out to the world through the lives of the apostles in the decades immediately following Christ's ascension into heaven.

In Catching up with the Spirit, author and biblical scholar Matthew Skinner provides a broad yet theologically attuned introduction to this important book and its story of the early church learning to bear witness about God's salvation through Jesus Christ..

Skinner explores six key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian message, the work of God's people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world.

Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Matthew Skinner and a comprehensive Leader Guide.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

Reviews

[Joe Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good resource

Mr. Skinner does a good job of presenting a little different take on Acts. His coverage of Paul was especially good.

[Alex Niswonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really, REALLY liked this book. I had done it as a Bible/Book Study a couple of years ago and loved it then. But rereading it as I prepared for a 6 week sermon course on Acts using this book as a guide, I loved it even more. There is so much to pull out of this and throughout the book (of both Skinner's book and the Bible Book itself) it really gives an inspiring, yet cautious tale of Acts. Skinner challenges us to look beyond what is said exactly, and see what it really means. The women of my church really loved the chapter/sermon called "Saints Around the Edges". I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about Acts... for it is far more than just a "history" book of the 1st Century Christian Church. God Bless!

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a fresh view of Acts and the early church that is different from the usual tracking Paul's travels and what happened where. Author and Pastor Matthew L. Skinner instead helps us look at the bigger picture in the context of the times, including the many "minor" characters who kept the faith and grew the faith after Paul or Peter departed. In six chapters, he refers to scripture, describes what is happening in historical context, and challenges today's church. Those early beginnings help us see that while the church is made up of fallible humans, God leads, guides, and sustains. This is a great book from which to learn more about the early church and our place in God's story.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to read and study Acts more! It is readable, thought-provoking and very amenable to group or individual study. Skinner believes the church now can learn a lot from the early church. It was a time of not only rapid growth, but rapid change as the disciples adapted to new realities, not based on studies or marketing, but based on what they believed the Spirit was teaching them.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this for our Bible Study this fall. It was a great vehicle for learning more about the book of ACTS. Skinner didn't just go from chapter one to the last chapter of Acts, rather he had specific themes he looked at while jumping around in the book. It helped me and others better understand what the author/Luke was attempting to te his reader. Skinner also related it to things happenning today which is so important in our Christian walk.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a little trouble getting into the book at first. However, most of the chapters were very interesting. We did it as part of a Bible Study, but I could see someone reading the book by themselves. It's a pretty easy read. Honestly, I could read each chapter in about half an hour. It only took as long as it did because I read a chapter each week.

[Larae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most Excellent

This book was most excellent: it got me thinking and served to get me excited about Bible study again. Matthew Skinner's wotk is thoughtful and thought provoking. Thank you

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

a way of growing your faith & understanding God’s plan

The writing, along with video commentary, on each chapter gives one a greater understanding of the Book of Acts in the Bible and how you can relate this understanding to your own faith journey.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource on this biblical book.

[Kate Brumby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of a study group. Videos and reflection questions provided by Leader.
Excellent.
Approach to looking at Acts very helpful.
Highly recommended.

[Angela Hedworth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't finish this book.

[Scott Torrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

6-chapter study geared for small groups on the Book of Acts. Skinner's focus is that the book is misnamed about Acts of the Apostles when it should really be about the Holy Spirit. Would recommend for Sunday School classes who have been together for a while as this is an intermediate level study.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick and easily accessible read to anyone interested in diving more deeply into the biblical book of Acts. Rather than a verse-by-verse commentary, Skinner groups the stories of Acts into 6 categories for reflection, describes the stories and how they could be significant, and then reflects on the guidance that group of stories could provide for the 21st century church. I found the book to be very engaging and highlighted quite a few passages for my own personal reflection.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the way he structures this book and the way he applied it to present day issues. I learned so much about Acts and have new appreciation for verses that I somewhat passed over in the past

[Matthew Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully put together study. Made me think about Acts in a new light. The Leader Guide that accompanies this title has insightful and thought-provoking questions.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable and very interesting.