What do you think?
Rate this book
New Testament Theology
The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts
Understanding Luke’s Narrative in the Book of Acts The book of Acts is unlike any other in Scripture; it has no rival in terms of a book spanning so many different lands. Written by a Gentile, it recounts the birth of the church age and the lives of early Christians that serve as lasting examples for the church today. When believers see how these events worked together to fulfill God’s promises, they gain a better understanding of the Trinitarian heart of Acts. In The Mission of the Triune God , author Patrick Schreiner argues that Luke’s theology stems from the order of his narrative. He shows how the major themes in Acts, including the formation of the church, salvation offered to all flesh, and the prolific spread of the gospel, connect. Through Schreiner’s clear presentation and helpful graphics, readers follow the early church as it grows “all under the plan of God, centered on King Jesus, and empowered by the Spirit.”
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2022
22 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 5, 2022
Drake, Erasmus, Kanye, Chrysostym, and even Voldemort. They all make their way into Schreiner’s work!
Joking aside, I read this book as part of seminary class for Acts as well as preparation for preaching.
This work is a great digestible theology on Acts highlighting the cohesiveness and centrality of the trinity in the spread of the Gospel and continuation of God’s kingdom. It is not a commentary on Acts, though Schreiner allows the formation of the narrative to sculpt and shape the theology that runs through the book. His synthesizing of the theology of Acts with the Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah, was careful and copious.
I enjoyed this work! Larger and more detailed theologies for Acts have been compiled , but this is a great preparation for the exegete preparing to preach through such a magnificent work like the book of Acts.
Joking aside, I read this book as part of seminary class for Acts as well as preparation for preaching.
This work is a great digestible theology on Acts highlighting the cohesiveness and centrality of the trinity in the spread of the Gospel and continuation of God’s kingdom. It is not a commentary on Acts, though Schreiner allows the formation of the narrative to sculpt and shape the theology that runs through the book. His synthesizing of the theology of Acts with the Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah, was careful and copious.
I enjoyed this work! Larger and more detailed theologies for Acts have been compiled , but this is a great preparation for the exegete preparing to preach through such a magnificent work like the book of Acts.
May 16, 2022
If you're preaching through Acts or just interested in learning more about its theology, I'm sure this book will be a good resource in helping you see the general overview. Loved the Trinitarian focus, multiplication of the word/Word, and the final chapter on witnessing.
Pick up and read!
Pick up and read!
July 15, 2024
I could not speak more highly of this excellent book. So well written and very helpful.
April 30, 2025
Honestly, fire. Quick read but really good.
And it’s not often you see a theology book that makes semi-regular references to Drake, Kanye, Jay-Z, and Johnny Cash. lol.
———
In laziness of not writing a whole review, here’s a list of good quotes instead:
Every human being is tempted to think the story of the universe centers on them, but Acts reminds us this is primarily God’s story and we are simply included in it. We can either play a part in furthering his purpose or oppose it.
If the Father’s plan is to plant his word, then this word centers on the living and exalted King. The only way humans can have peace with one another, and the good news go to the nations, is through a new righteous King of Israel. Therefore, at the center of the kingdom message is a royal throne. As Jay-Z and Kayne West said, watch the throne.
On Malta, a venomous snake bites Paul, but he shakes it off (28:3–6).Paul is saved through the water and then he is bitten by a snake. This narrative pattern mirrors not only Eden but also the exodus generation, and Jesus as well. Each figure travels through water and then encounters snakes. Brandon Crowe even notes the message could be that the sting of the serpent’s bite is rendered impotent by Christ’s work (1 Cor. 15:55–56).
Acts exists because Jesus is Lord. The church exists because Jesus is Lord.
Proclaiming the presence of eternal life and an enthroned King might sound triumphalistic. But this must be paired with the fact that life and honor come only through death and shame. Christians carry the aroma of death in their very bodies so that others might live. We must be willing to be shamed so that others might live. We must be willing to follow our suffering servant.
Additionally, at Pentecost three thousand people are saved. If Pentecost alludes to the Sinai tradition, then the three thousand that die in Exodus 32:28 are remade here as the people respond to Peter’s message. The Spirit brings life where the law brought death. Judas’s fate was in the desolate place, but the Spirit will make desolate places into gardens (Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 36:35).
Every generation is tempted not only to abandon truth but also to make noncentral matters central. In Acts, the message is central. The gospel message is what is found on the apostles’ lips. Luke does not conceive of a Christian who does not speak about the good news of Jesus. It is always their main subject and must be ours too.
Luke subverts the common notion that our enemies are only outside of us. The enmity begins within. Our own fallenness is our fundamental problem.
Second, in Acts very little evidence subsists that Rome, Caesar, or the nations are the enemies. In fact, they are all invited into this salvation Jesus has accomplished. The enemies are sin, death, and the spiritual forces, which embody themselves in prideful and jealous leaders and corrupt all people from within.
Luke thus seems to affirm three things at once about the law. First, Paul and the other Jewish apostles are faithful Jews, Torah-observant. Second, and most importantly, the Jewish law is reconfigured around the Messiah. He takes priority and everything must be interpreted through him. The law is primarily prophetic in Acts. Third, because Jesus has arrived and the Spirit has been poured out, Gentiles are welcome in their Gentileness. God has made them clean. As Craig Blomberg concludes, “the Law was not abolished but it was no longer directly relevant for the church apart from its fulfillment in and interpretation by the Lord Jesus.”
The triune God is doing a work in the world that the powers of darkness marvel at, and the world will both oppose and be astonished at it. Though there will be setbacks, though all might seem dark, though it might seem as if God’s people are always in the valley, a light shines through the gloom. God’s purposes will not be stopped. They will not be stopped because God has pledged himself to this work. He has put his name behind it.
In Acts, the word becomes a divine character who runs out ahead of the apostles. In a real sense, the word does the work. The word grows, multiplies, and has power. Acts informs the modern-day church that a truly “word-focused” ministry will not be dead or inert, but ever active. The word compels growth. The word drives multiplication. The word is inherently powerful. A word-centered church that is not a growing church is an oxymoron.
God gathers a people into a community. He sent Christ into the world not only to save individuals but to save a community of people and to save people into a community. The Spirit comes to a gathered group of people at Pentecost. Any renewal today will have a strong emphasis on the church. Though God certainly meets with his people at any place and time, there is a unique sacramental presence of God when his people gather. Individualism dies in the book of Acts.
As Christopher Wright has argued, mission is not one of a hundred different biblical themes that we might explore. Nor does it merely refer to overseas ministry. The whole Bible can be put under the banner of mission, and is even the product of that mission. It is the mission of God to confront us with the reality of himself (his glory). He does so by revealing himself in the story we find in the Scriptures. In one sense, this whole text is a mission text. He enacts his mission and furthers his mission specifically through his people. We have a God of mission, we are a people of mission, and we have an arena of mission.
And it’s not often you see a theology book that makes semi-regular references to Drake, Kanye, Jay-Z, and Johnny Cash. lol.
———
In laziness of not writing a whole review, here’s a list of good quotes instead:
Every human being is tempted to think the story of the universe centers on them, but Acts reminds us this is primarily God’s story and we are simply included in it. We can either play a part in furthering his purpose or oppose it.
If the Father’s plan is to plant his word, then this word centers on the living and exalted King. The only way humans can have peace with one another, and the good news go to the nations, is through a new righteous King of Israel. Therefore, at the center of the kingdom message is a royal throne. As Jay-Z and Kayne West said, watch the throne.
On Malta, a venomous snake bites Paul, but he shakes it off (28:3–6).Paul is saved through the water and then he is bitten by a snake. This narrative pattern mirrors not only Eden but also the exodus generation, and Jesus as well. Each figure travels through water and then encounters snakes. Brandon Crowe even notes the message could be that the sting of the serpent’s bite is rendered impotent by Christ’s work (1 Cor. 15:55–56).
Acts exists because Jesus is Lord. The church exists because Jesus is Lord.
Proclaiming the presence of eternal life and an enthroned King might sound triumphalistic. But this must be paired with the fact that life and honor come only through death and shame. Christians carry the aroma of death in their very bodies so that others might live. We must be willing to be shamed so that others might live. We must be willing to follow our suffering servant.
Additionally, at Pentecost three thousand people are saved. If Pentecost alludes to the Sinai tradition, then the three thousand that die in Exodus 32:28 are remade here as the people respond to Peter’s message. The Spirit brings life where the law brought death. Judas’s fate was in the desolate place, but the Spirit will make desolate places into gardens (Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 36:35).
Every generation is tempted not only to abandon truth but also to make noncentral matters central. In Acts, the message is central. The gospel message is what is found on the apostles’ lips. Luke does not conceive of a Christian who does not speak about the good news of Jesus. It is always their main subject and must be ours too.
Luke subverts the common notion that our enemies are only outside of us. The enmity begins within. Our own fallenness is our fundamental problem.
Second, in Acts very little evidence subsists that Rome, Caesar, or the nations are the enemies. In fact, they are all invited into this salvation Jesus has accomplished. The enemies are sin, death, and the spiritual forces, which embody themselves in prideful and jealous leaders and corrupt all people from within.
Luke thus seems to affirm three things at once about the law. First, Paul and the other Jewish apostles are faithful Jews, Torah-observant. Second, and most importantly, the Jewish law is reconfigured around the Messiah. He takes priority and everything must be interpreted through him. The law is primarily prophetic in Acts. Third, because Jesus has arrived and the Spirit has been poured out, Gentiles are welcome in their Gentileness. God has made them clean. As Craig Blomberg concludes, “the Law was not abolished but it was no longer directly relevant for the church apart from its fulfillment in and interpretation by the Lord Jesus.”
The triune God is doing a work in the world that the powers of darkness marvel at, and the world will both oppose and be astonished at it. Though there will be setbacks, though all might seem dark, though it might seem as if God’s people are always in the valley, a light shines through the gloom. God’s purposes will not be stopped. They will not be stopped because God has pledged himself to this work. He has put his name behind it.
In Acts, the word becomes a divine character who runs out ahead of the apostles. In a real sense, the word does the work. The word grows, multiplies, and has power. Acts informs the modern-day church that a truly “word-focused” ministry will not be dead or inert, but ever active. The word compels growth. The word drives multiplication. The word is inherently powerful. A word-centered church that is not a growing church is an oxymoron.
God gathers a people into a community. He sent Christ into the world not only to save individuals but to save a community of people and to save people into a community. The Spirit comes to a gathered group of people at Pentecost. Any renewal today will have a strong emphasis on the church. Though God certainly meets with his people at any place and time, there is a unique sacramental presence of God when his people gather. Individualism dies in the book of Acts.
As Christopher Wright has argued, mission is not one of a hundred different biblical themes that we might explore. Nor does it merely refer to overseas ministry. The whole Bible can be put under the banner of mission, and is even the product of that mission. It is the mission of God to confront us with the reality of himself (his glory). He does so by revealing himself in the story we find in the Scriptures. In one sense, this whole text is a mission text. He enacts his mission and furthers his mission specifically through his people. We have a God of mission, we are a people of mission, and we have an arena of mission.
January 9, 2024
This book was a challenge! This is not a practical Christian living book or even a chapter-by-chapter exposition of Acts. Instead, it's more scholarly.
It's a "Theology of Acts" that takes a big-picture view of the entire book and seeks to show that the book of Acts is about the mission of the triune God: The Father, who plans and orchestrates, the risen Son who continues to live and rule, and the Spirit who empowers the people of God. God does this through His Word which multiplies and spreads Salvation to all people and through His Church.
The author sums this up by saying, "The Father's plan was to bless Israel and the nations through His Son. The Son came, died, was raised, and ascended. Then they both poured out the Spirit thus forming a new community. Now the new community goes out and witnesses to the triune God's offer of life."
I'm not a seminary student or pastor so I'm not the intended audience for this book but I still found it interesting and beneficial to read.
Minor quibble: The author begins many chapters with a pop-culture reference, but most of them are so obscure or out of my experience, (rappers, Portland hip-hop groups) that instead of drawing me in as a reader, they were off-putting.
It's a "Theology of Acts" that takes a big-picture view of the entire book and seeks to show that the book of Acts is about the mission of the triune God: The Father, who plans and orchestrates, the risen Son who continues to live and rule, and the Spirit who empowers the people of God. God does this through His Word which multiplies and spreads Salvation to all people and through His Church.
The author sums this up by saying, "The Father's plan was to bless Israel and the nations through His Son. The Son came, died, was raised, and ascended. Then they both poured out the Spirit thus forming a new community. Now the new community goes out and witnesses to the triune God's offer of life."
I'm not a seminary student or pastor so I'm not the intended audience for this book but I still found it interesting and beneficial to read.
Minor quibble: The author begins many chapters with a pop-culture reference, but most of them are so obscure or out of my experience, (rappers, Portland hip-hop groups) that instead of drawing me in as a reader, they were off-putting.
June 20, 2025
I started reading this as my Church was going through a 10-week sermon series on Acts. I preached during that series and this book formed a lot of the big-picture preparation for myself during that time. It was invaluable.
Patrick Schreiner honors his father's legacy and is one of the best younger scholar-writers coming out of the newer conservative biblical theology realm. This book is part of a series that is accessible enough for lay readers, leaders, and even those that have not read a lot like this before. Yet, it packs a huge punch in depth. Best of all, Schreiner writes with praise on His heart. He is a writer that draws you towards worship and the word.
Here are just a few things I liked about this work:
#1 Organization and writing reinforce learning and worship routinely. One of Schreiner's great strengths here is how he ties themes together, weaves ideas together, and without simple recitation repeats himself in a way that helps you truly understand the book of Acts better.
#2 His content is fresh, refreshing, and rooted deeply in an orthodox commitment to God's Word, classical categories of trinitarian theology, and a voice of admonition.
#3 His focus on the Trinity and the Ascension of Jesus throughout Acts. These are underdiscussed and he skillfully communicates these rich themes through his work.
#4 The connection to alluded texts and background texts/ideas is skillfully without being overwhelming. Schreiner did a great job bringing in theological and textual ideas from the Old Testament. I felt I learned more about Jewish feasts, Moses, and Isaiah just from reading this work.
There is more that could be said but this work is a great read for anyone looking to engage the book of Acts in personal study or teach/preach it.
Patrick Schreiner honors his father's legacy and is one of the best younger scholar-writers coming out of the newer conservative biblical theology realm. This book is part of a series that is accessible enough for lay readers, leaders, and even those that have not read a lot like this before. Yet, it packs a huge punch in depth. Best of all, Schreiner writes with praise on His heart. He is a writer that draws you towards worship and the word.
Here are just a few things I liked about this work:
#1 Organization and writing reinforce learning and worship routinely. One of Schreiner's great strengths here is how he ties themes together, weaves ideas together, and without simple recitation repeats himself in a way that helps you truly understand the book of Acts better.
#2 His content is fresh, refreshing, and rooted deeply in an orthodox commitment to God's Word, classical categories of trinitarian theology, and a voice of admonition.
#3 His focus on the Trinity and the Ascension of Jesus throughout Acts. These are underdiscussed and he skillfully communicates these rich themes through his work.
#4 The connection to alluded texts and background texts/ideas is skillfully without being overwhelming. Schreiner did a great job bringing in theological and textual ideas from the Old Testament. I felt I learned more about Jewish feasts, Moses, and Isaiah just from reading this work.
There is more that could be said but this work is a great read for anyone looking to engage the book of Acts in personal study or teach/preach it.
December 2, 2023
I really loved this overview of the book of Acts from a trinitarian mission perspective. Patrick Schreiner really helpfully employs tables and diagrams to help visualise his points in the book, and his keen references to biblical theology through this whole discussion is both impressive and convincing.
Was Schreiner spot on with his take on the “main melodic line” of Acts? I’m not too sure yet, but that is not a criticism at all. He has done an excellent job here of straightening out some common misconceptions surrounding the absence of the Father, and the over-emphasis of the Spirit and the church in the book. This book would be a great and accessible start for anyone who is wanting to get into Luke-Acts.
I would definitely like to read more of the “New Testament Theology” series after reading this excellent book!
Was Schreiner spot on with his take on the “main melodic line” of Acts? I’m not too sure yet, but that is not a criticism at all. He has done an excellent job here of straightening out some common misconceptions surrounding the absence of the Father, and the over-emphasis of the Spirit and the church in the book. This book would be a great and accessible start for anyone who is wanting to get into Luke-Acts.
I would definitely like to read more of the “New Testament Theology” series after reading this excellent book!
April 24, 2022
The Mission of the Triune God by Patrick Schreiner traces the work of the gospel through the book of Acts. “It functions,” writes Schreiner, “as the hinge canonically, bridges the Gospel and Epistles. It recounts the birth of the church age. And its content has no parallel in the New Testament.
The author carefully demonstrates how God the Father works sovereignly in the book of Acts. He shows how Christ lives and rules through the Holy Spirit, which causes the word of God to explode in the hearts and minds of people. Salvation comes as a result of the mighty ministry and forms the church, all of whom are called to serve as witnesses to every ethne to the four corners of the earth.
The author highlights the proactive nature of God in the book of acts, a mindset that followers of Christ must emulate. Dr. Scheiner writes with emphasis, “Witnessing and mission are tasks not complete until Jesus returns. We too are called to be God’s servants, his ambassadors, his delegates, who tell everyone we meet about the hope we have found. Mission is not one of the many ‘programs’ of God’s people but the very telos of God.”
The various themes that Scheiner focuses on in the book help share the theology in the book of Acts. “All doctrine flows from, through, and to this reality,” writes the author. In the end, the Triune God takes center stage and invites the people of God to join him on mission.
The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts is a riveting and thought-provoking book. The writing is clear and the challenges are pointed. The most recent contribution in Crossway’s New Testament Theology series is being greatly used to encourage and equip Christian leaders. Soli Deo gloria!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
The author carefully demonstrates how God the Father works sovereignly in the book of Acts. He shows how Christ lives and rules through the Holy Spirit, which causes the word of God to explode in the hearts and minds of people. Salvation comes as a result of the mighty ministry and forms the church, all of whom are called to serve as witnesses to every ethne to the four corners of the earth.
The author highlights the proactive nature of God in the book of acts, a mindset that followers of Christ must emulate. Dr. Scheiner writes with emphasis, “Witnessing and mission are tasks not complete until Jesus returns. We too are called to be God’s servants, his ambassadors, his delegates, who tell everyone we meet about the hope we have found. Mission is not one of the many ‘programs’ of God’s people but the very telos of God.”
The various themes that Scheiner focuses on in the book help share the theology in the book of Acts. “All doctrine flows from, through, and to this reality,” writes the author. In the end, the Triune God takes center stage and invites the people of God to join him on mission.
The Mission of the Triune God: A Theology of Acts is a riveting and thought-provoking book. The writing is clear and the challenges are pointed. The most recent contribution in Crossway’s New Testament Theology series is being greatly used to encourage and equip Christian leaders. Soli Deo gloria!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
April 13, 2022
"The Mission of the Triune God" shows that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all behind the events that occur in Acts. The writing is academic (in a good way) without being dry or difficult to understand. It's very readable. The author showed Old Testament connections and how other New Testament verses tied in to events in Acts. These verses provided insights into the events in Acts and brought out some points that Luke was making to his original audience. It helped me to better understand why Luke focused on certain events and how our Triune God was at work. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting study of Acts.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
January 20, 2022
I read this book in preparation for preaching through Acts and I think it's a 'must read' for preachers or people preparing to lead a bible study on Acts.
Schriener explores various theological themes in Acts. He persuasively argues for a trinitarian shape of the major themes in Acts, in which he places other well-recognised themes (mission, witness, etc.).
This is not an 'academic' work, though the numerous footnotes and references could make it a useful starting point for the student of theology. For the preacher, it hits the right balance between easy readability and academic rigour.
And it doesn't fail to have a devotion touch either. Particularly in the first few chapters my heart was moved to think about how God has and is working in the World through the Word and Spirit.
Schriener explores various theological themes in Acts. He persuasively argues for a trinitarian shape of the major themes in Acts, in which he places other well-recognised themes (mission, witness, etc.).
This is not an 'academic' work, though the numerous footnotes and references could make it a useful starting point for the student of theology. For the preacher, it hits the right balance between easy readability and academic rigour.
And it doesn't fail to have a devotion touch either. Particularly in the first few chapters my heart was moved to think about how God has and is working in the World through the Word and Spirit.
July 9, 2025
I’ve enjoyed every volume I’ve read in this series. It’s a great introduction to a book of the Bible without having buy a huge commentary. I was particularly helped by Schreiner’s attention to the narrative flow of Acts and how the theological themes develop. His framework helped me make sense of weird passages like the delayed reception of the Spirit and Paul’s shipwreck at the end of the book.
May 29, 2022
Some really excellent insights into Acts. Especially strong in bringing in OT themes that Luke expands upon and recasts in light of the new covenant.
Schreiner needs to ditch the music framing. It was forced and awkward.
Schreiner needs to ditch the music framing. It was forced and awkward.
March 23, 2022
In The Mission of the Triune God by Patrick Schreiner, he follows the theological themes in Acts to show us God's mission and how the Father, Son and Spirit interact to bring his plan to completion.
So often, we think about Acts as a book about the Holy Spirit, or as the acts of the apostles, but this text dives deeper into who God is and how He acts through the apostles in the early church.
The first three chapters discuss the roles of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit throughout Acts. The remaining 4 chapters show us the progress and spread of the Word, how salvation is offered to all people, how the church was formed into community, and the role of the church as witnesses to the ends of the earth.
He summarizes it this way,
"the triune God stands at the head because the remaining themes flow from God the Father's plan, centered on the risen and enthroned Jesus, and the empowerment of the Spirit. The Spirit then empowers the word concerning salvation in Jesus's name. Through the word, salvation in Jesus's name is announced to all flesh. Salvation creates the church (the body of Christ), which witnesses to the actions of the triune God."
We may find it difficult to understand the concept of the Trinity, one God who exists in three persons as Father, Son and Spirit. But this book beautifully shows how God orchestrates through Christ who lives and rules, through the empowering Spirit-one God acting for His mission and purposes in the world.
This helps me understand how He continues to act in the world today, that the Father is sovereign over all things, that Christ is reigning in heaven, interceding for us, and how the Spirit brings God's presence to earth. Our God is majestic and wonderful and he is moving through out the world today to establish his kingdom and his purposes.
When we lack hope or fear amidst uncertainty, we need only to reflect on who God is to recognize his presence and activity around us.
So, if you're studying the book of Acts, taking the time to explore the different theological themes, I'd highly recommend this one! It's not long, but it takes some time to go through. It may challenge you, but there's some really great insights and principles to glean!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 193
Level of Difficulty: Moderate - for theological concepts
My Rating: 5 stars!
*A big thanks to Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
So often, we think about Acts as a book about the Holy Spirit, or as the acts of the apostles, but this text dives deeper into who God is and how He acts through the apostles in the early church.
The first three chapters discuss the roles of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit throughout Acts. The remaining 4 chapters show us the progress and spread of the Word, how salvation is offered to all people, how the church was formed into community, and the role of the church as witnesses to the ends of the earth.
He summarizes it this way,
"the triune God stands at the head because the remaining themes flow from God the Father's plan, centered on the risen and enthroned Jesus, and the empowerment of the Spirit. The Spirit then empowers the word concerning salvation in Jesus's name. Through the word, salvation in Jesus's name is announced to all flesh. Salvation creates the church (the body of Christ), which witnesses to the actions of the triune God."
We may find it difficult to understand the concept of the Trinity, one God who exists in three persons as Father, Son and Spirit. But this book beautifully shows how God orchestrates through Christ who lives and rules, through the empowering Spirit-one God acting for His mission and purposes in the world.
This helps me understand how He continues to act in the world today, that the Father is sovereign over all things, that Christ is reigning in heaven, interceding for us, and how the Spirit brings God's presence to earth. Our God is majestic and wonderful and he is moving through out the world today to establish his kingdom and his purposes.
When we lack hope or fear amidst uncertainty, we need only to reflect on who God is to recognize his presence and activity around us.
So, if you're studying the book of Acts, taking the time to explore the different theological themes, I'd highly recommend this one! It's not long, but it takes some time to go through. It may challenge you, but there's some really great insights and principles to glean!
Quick Stats
# of pages: 193
Level of Difficulty: Moderate - for theological concepts
My Rating: 5 stars!
*A big thanks to Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 26, 2022
How does the theology of the Book of Acts tie together? Is it all about the advance of the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Samaria and Judea, and then to the world? In The Mission of the Triune God, Patrick Schreiner is going to make the case that the purpose of Acts is to reassure “Christians of the nature and plan of God” (Location 283). It is a book of encouragement meant to help in the renewal process of a church that was growing, but in fits and starts.
Schreiner makes his case by highlighting seven themes in Acts that “summarize Luke’s main theological aims…” (location 325). These themes are, “(1) God the Father orchestrates; (2) through Christ, who lives and rules; and (3) through the empowering Spirit; (4) causing the word to multiply; (5) bringing salvation to all; (6) forming the church; which (7) witnesses to the ends of the earth” (328).
The rest of the book unpacks each of these themes, tracing them through the Book of Acts and explaining how they contribute to the overall purpose and intent of the author. Schreiner argues that God the Father is often let out of discussions about the theme and purpose of Acts. But the entire mission of the church starts with the Father and His orchestration. “This is his symphony. This is his masterpiece” (525). Christ gives the resurrection life that is needed, and the Spirit empowers the church to take the message of that life to the world. The result of this is that the Word multiplies and increases and salvation begins to spread to all flesh. The result of this is that the church is established and the witness of the church is taken to the ends of the earth.
Schreiner’s work has a lot of strengths. He has clearly thought through the structure of Acts, and his documentation of texts to support his structure is strong. The trinitarian emphasis is one that readers, pastors, and churches need to seriously consider. Too many sermon series on Acts focus on “the acts of the apostles,” or “the further acts of Jesus Christ.” These are not wrong, but they are incomplete. We can do better. There is a glorious conductor orchestrating the events of this book, and nothing happens by mistake. I especially appreciated Schreiner’s emphasis on the seven major themes in Acts. While the author acknowledges that other themes could be used, the seven that he chooses clearly and easily tie the content of Acts together, and help the reader see the flow of the book in a way that is clear and consistent with the intent of the author.
The book does have some weaknesses. There are multiple statements in the book about the “purpose” or “intent” of Acts. I found myself making several notes about the purpose of Acts, then having to go back and try to figure out which purpose statement was the overarching one. There are also a few places where I feel Schreiner overstates his case in order to make each part of Acts fit his thematic structure. Around location 1044, the author argues that “Jesus is painted in eunuch hues.” Maybe this is accurate, but I found the textual support to be lacking. This is often a weakness of works that are developing a theology of a certain biblical book. The author puts together a tremendous structure, but maybe tries too hard to make each element of the biblical book fit that structure.
Schreiner also brings up some thoughts that I had never worked through and that I’m just not sure fall under strengths or weaknesses. He makes the case that the 3000 who died in Exodus 32:28 are remade at Pentecost in response to Peter’s message. He also makes the statement that Christ’s sacrifice is actually applied to those gathered in the upper room at Pentecost, seeming to indicate that those gathered were actually saved at Pentecost? It’s hard to understand the line of reasoning here, as the author does not explain in any detail what he is thinking. I’ll mention one other question that was raised. Schreiner argues that Ananias and Sapphira’s lie and death in Acts 5 is actually an “improper temple offering in contrast to the Levite’s gift.” While I guess this argument could be made, at a certain point you have to ask again if the text is being molded into the desired theological structure.
I don’t want to close on down notes. There are some truly excellent moments in this book. Schreiner’s explanation for the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit after being saved (but not immediately after) is very insightful. Overall, the author has made a strong contribution to the field of theology, especially understanding the theological flow of a particularly challenging book of the Bible. The strength of the work is it’s overall structure and flow, which are excellent. The reader will have to decide if the details that seem to be falling short are truly that or if the author is correct in his decisions. Either way, you will come away with a deeper appreciation for our triune God, and how He is at work in the early church. I received a digital copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for a honest review.
Schreiner makes his case by highlighting seven themes in Acts that “summarize Luke’s main theological aims…” (location 325). These themes are, “(1) God the Father orchestrates; (2) through Christ, who lives and rules; and (3) through the empowering Spirit; (4) causing the word to multiply; (5) bringing salvation to all; (6) forming the church; which (7) witnesses to the ends of the earth” (328).
The rest of the book unpacks each of these themes, tracing them through the Book of Acts and explaining how they contribute to the overall purpose and intent of the author. Schreiner argues that God the Father is often let out of discussions about the theme and purpose of Acts. But the entire mission of the church starts with the Father and His orchestration. “This is his symphony. This is his masterpiece” (525). Christ gives the resurrection life that is needed, and the Spirit empowers the church to take the message of that life to the world. The result of this is that the Word multiplies and increases and salvation begins to spread to all flesh. The result of this is that the church is established and the witness of the church is taken to the ends of the earth.
Schreiner’s work has a lot of strengths. He has clearly thought through the structure of Acts, and his documentation of texts to support his structure is strong. The trinitarian emphasis is one that readers, pastors, and churches need to seriously consider. Too many sermon series on Acts focus on “the acts of the apostles,” or “the further acts of Jesus Christ.” These are not wrong, but they are incomplete. We can do better. There is a glorious conductor orchestrating the events of this book, and nothing happens by mistake. I especially appreciated Schreiner’s emphasis on the seven major themes in Acts. While the author acknowledges that other themes could be used, the seven that he chooses clearly and easily tie the content of Acts together, and help the reader see the flow of the book in a way that is clear and consistent with the intent of the author.
The book does have some weaknesses. There are multiple statements in the book about the “purpose” or “intent” of Acts. I found myself making several notes about the purpose of Acts, then having to go back and try to figure out which purpose statement was the overarching one. There are also a few places where I feel Schreiner overstates his case in order to make each part of Acts fit his thematic structure. Around location 1044, the author argues that “Jesus is painted in eunuch hues.” Maybe this is accurate, but I found the textual support to be lacking. This is often a weakness of works that are developing a theology of a certain biblical book. The author puts together a tremendous structure, but maybe tries too hard to make each element of the biblical book fit that structure.
Schreiner also brings up some thoughts that I had never worked through and that I’m just not sure fall under strengths or weaknesses. He makes the case that the 3000 who died in Exodus 32:28 are remade at Pentecost in response to Peter’s message. He also makes the statement that Christ’s sacrifice is actually applied to those gathered in the upper room at Pentecost, seeming to indicate that those gathered were actually saved at Pentecost? It’s hard to understand the line of reasoning here, as the author does not explain in any detail what he is thinking. I’ll mention one other question that was raised. Schreiner argues that Ananias and Sapphira’s lie and death in Acts 5 is actually an “improper temple offering in contrast to the Levite’s gift.” While I guess this argument could be made, at a certain point you have to ask again if the text is being molded into the desired theological structure.
I don’t want to close on down notes. There are some truly excellent moments in this book. Schreiner’s explanation for the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit after being saved (but not immediately after) is very insightful. Overall, the author has made a strong contribution to the field of theology, especially understanding the theological flow of a particularly challenging book of the Bible. The strength of the work is it’s overall structure and flow, which are excellent. The reader will have to decide if the details that seem to be falling short are truly that or if the author is correct in his decisions. Either way, you will come away with a deeper appreciation for our triune God, and how He is at work in the early church. I received a digital copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for a honest review.
March 16, 2024
I thought this was very helpful. There's perhaps a slight tendency to under-make the points (and so it's worth paying attention to the details and not just the main thrust), and his conclusion felt slightly odd in one or two places. But this is packed full of good insights and by tracing from Father to Son to Spirit to Word to Salvation to Church to Witness there's a clear order to his presentation. Schreiner could perhaps afford to have a bit more on 19-28 and their climactic place in the book. But relatively speaking, he had more on these chapters than many others. And there's a lot here for a short book.
June 4, 2024
What a marvelous book; Patrick Schriner has re-stoked my love for Biblical theology.
The Gospel mission in Acts is planned by God the Father, centred on Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Luke describes how the Good News about Jesus spreads geographically, culturally, politically and among all socio-economic groups. At critical points, Holy Spirit takes the initiative to move God's plan forward. But this expansion is not without opposition; those who obey God's call to spread the Good News have to endure hardship, suffering and persecution.
The Gospel mission in Acts is planned by God the Father, centred on Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Luke describes how the Good News about Jesus spreads geographically, culturally, politically and among all socio-economic groups. At critical points, Holy Spirit takes the initiative to move God's plan forward. But this expansion is not without opposition; those who obey God's call to spread the Good News have to endure hardship, suffering and persecution.
October 31, 2022
Really helpful introduction to the book of Acts. Takes a zoomed out view to trace the progress of the gospel from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria to the ends of the earth (Rome). Full of the gospel centred on Jesus. As an introduction it doesn't get into some of the finer, perhaps debated and juicy, details. But part of the purpose of the book seems to encourage readers to NOT get lost in the details and lose the big picture of the gospel spread.
August 16, 2024
A wonderful survey of the book of Acts looking at 7 key themes that lay out the shape and scope of Acts. Schreiner does a great job at unpacking how the Godhead is at the very center and heartbeat of the book of Acts, calling out a people for Himself, from sin, to Christ, into the church, and onto mission. This is a great companion to study alongside the Scriptures as you want to grow in your understanding of the book of Acts.
January 31, 2022
The charts alone are worth the price of the book. While commentaries are helpful, they often struggle to emphasize themes tying books together as one cohesive narrative. Schreiner brilliantly holds the themes of Acts in tandem with one another, emphasizing Luke's focus on the mission of the triune God. An important book for the modern church.
March 11, 2023
A worthwhile introduction to the Book of Acts. Contains a nice balance of biblical theology and theology proper. Accessible and immensely helpful for anyone undertaking an in-depth study of this Book. Readers of Schreiner's full-length commentary will notice that this is more or less an expansion of the non-technical material of his introductory chapter there.
June 23, 2024
This is an excellent popular level distillation of major theological themes in Acts. This is not an academic book at the level you would expect at SBL or ETS, but its great strength is its accessible representation of many major themes in Acts from narratival, canonical, and theological perspectives (as opposed to a primarily historical critical reading). Highly recommended!
August 26, 2024
Great short and approachable work to Acts. I am a fan of Patrick Schreiner’s work. He proposes a lot of connections in the text. I don’t always agree with them; sometimes he is more symbolic or provides more connections than I would be willing, but he also has a lot of great insights and helps me to think through these issues.
April 25, 2022
I read this because our church is going through this book over the course of this year. Schreiner pointed out helpful themes for me to keep in mind as I hear the preached Word. The conclusion to this book was especially sharp!
December 25, 2022
Pretty good little book that traces through the big themes of Acts. Really helpful observations and some good attempts at application. This would be a great companion to a commentary or quick reference when designing a sermon series in Acts.
May 14, 2023
A short, concise, and helpful treatment on the book of Acts. Schreiner does something I have not heard any other theologian or pastor do with the book: he highlights the trinitarian nature of the Acts of the Apostles. A recommended read.
July 25, 2025
Wonderfully accessible book that draws out a good theology of the Church and missions for today through a Trinitarian lens. It has a number of odd typos that were preserved through the editing process, but they're easy to look past and the content of the book makes up for it!
November 22, 2025
Personally, I found the writing to contain too much spiritual mush language at times, and the pop culture references didn't land well with me. Otherwise, this is a good run through the book of Acts. It's certainly not going to solve any controversial sections or difficult interpretations.
December 29, 2022
An accessible, big-picture overview of the theological themes in Acts - from a distinctly Christian (Triune) perspective - without sacrificing the narrative. Very helpful.
December 20, 2023
Schreiner gives great clarity to the major themes of Acts and presents "the forest" rather than "the trees" in a very helpful way for those who are studying this great book of Scripture.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews