The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

by Ben Witherington III

Like Ben Witherington's previous commentary Conflict and Community in Corinth, this commentary breaks fresh ground in providing a detailed social and rhetorical analysis of the book of Acts.

Written in a readable style, with more detailed interaction with scholarly discussion found in the various excursuses, this commentary draws on the best new insights from a number of disciplines (narratological studies of Luke-Acts, archaeological and social scientific study of the New Testament, rhetorical analysis of Acts, comparative studies in ancient historiography) to provide the reader with the benefits of recent innovative ways of analyzing the text of Acts.

In addition there is detailed attention to major theological and historical issues, including the question of the relationship of Acts to the Pauline letters, the question of early Christian history and how the church grew and developed, the relationship between early Judaism and early Christianity, and the relationship between Christianity and the officials of the Roman Empire.

Acts is seen as a historical monograph with affinities with the approaches of serious Greek historians such as Thucydides and Polybius in terms of methodology, and affinities with some forms of Jewish historiography (including Old Testament history) in terms of content or subject matter.

The book is illustrated with various pictures and charts, which help to bring to light the character and setting of these narratives.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Reference, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, New Testament

1359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham) is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and is on the doctoral faculty at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including The Jesus Quest, The Paul Quest, and The New York Times bestseller The Brother of Jesus. He has appeared on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN.

Reviews

[Shelby Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I read all 800 pages. This is a great commentary on the book of Acts! I learned so much.

[Brian Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the longest book I read in 2016. It's a fine commentary on the book of Acts, one useful to scholars and preachers or Bible teachers. Witherington focuses on historical matters, the rhetorical form of the many speeches in Acts, and issues of possible sources that Luke used. He believes that Luke wrote the book in a style similar to that of Greek historians such as Thucydides.

I found Witherington particularly strong on the historical trustworthiness of Acts. Though he believes Acts was written in the late 70s or early 80s, several comments along the way toward the end of the commentary (when Luke includes himself in the "we" passages and when he would have been able to gather historical information while Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea) suggest that it was written earlier. (These comments undermine his own suggested date, but support those who think the book could have been written as early as AD 62.) I also think his explanation of Acts 15 is the beset I've seen. Theologically, he handles some issues well, such as the variety of events that happen at conversions in the book (laying on of hands, receiving the Spirit, talking in tongues, baptism). But he often hardly comments on the more Calvinistic passages in the book. For example, on Acts 13:48, he writes, "Throughout Acts we have seen Luke’s emphasis on God’s plan and sovereign hand guiding the circumstances in the life of Jesus and then in the life of the church, and here we are told that the Gentiles who came to faith were already within God’s predetermined plan. This is certainly as strong a statement about predestination as one finds in Luke-Acts" (p. 416). But he comments no further, as this verse doesn't support his theology.

This is one of many fine choices for commentaries on the book of Acts, along with recent commentaries by Bock and Peterson. I happened to read Bruce's commentary along with this one; if I were to preach Acts again, I would read Peterson's along with this one.

[Bill Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all excellent commentaries of lengthy Books in the Bible, this study is well-written and understandable by the lay person while demonstrating in depth research and scholarship. Ben’s commentaries solidly reflect his faith in the inspiration and fundamental truth of the Bible. He brilliantly explores the multi-faceted aspects of ACTS to convey both its message as well as Luke’s intent behind his “second” volume addressed to Theophilius. This long book should take a lot of time to read and study closely, but the result is worth the effort.

[Matt Allhands · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mammoth of a commentary. Great insight into the text and thorough connection to the Greco-Roman world. I couldn’t help but wonder if some of the cultural/rhetorical segments might be better included in an appendix rather than the body of the commentary.

[Roger McCort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Commentaries don't get better than Dr. Witherington's examination of the book of Acts. This helps place the scripture into its context and fills the reader in on the details of time, place, and culture at the same time.

[Wesley Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary.

[Scott Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on The Acts of the Apostles, aptly subtitled "A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary." The author, Dr. Ben Witherington (M.Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Ph.D. University of Durham in England, currently Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary), notes in his research that "Ancient historical writing in Luke's age was influenced by rhetorical conventions . . ." (p.12f) and compares Luke's style with ancient Greek orators (Polybius) and historiographers (Thucydides, Herodotus). This is carried into the actual commentary by means of fascinating "A Closer Look" breakouts that provide glimpses into the Greek, Roman and Jewish times and culture in which Luke writes. However the true gem of this commentary is Witherington's comprehension that the book of Acts is ultimately a "message that asserted that God in the end was sovereign and that God was faithful to both his word and his people" and that it is the "same message and mission that galvanizes the church today, giving it its marching orders . . ." (p.816)!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for what it brings to bear on social issues related to the early church. Good material on historical, social, rheorical, and theological (generally) aspects in Luke's second book. I especially appreciate his take on 2:39.

[Eric Molicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an astoundingly helpful work that brought me to a whole new level in studying Acts. Fantastic work for pastors and my go to read after my personal study. Will miss my weekly time with Witherington!

[Theodros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great commentary, it is not like the usual exegetical commentary instead It focuses on the literary and rhetorical side with a lot of background and cultural information which is perfect for the book of Acts

[jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and necessary read! If Luke-Acts matters to you, Witherington's work should too! Among the very best, and the centerpiece of my latest study!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witherington III is alright by me. This commentary proved it's value every week as I preached through Acts. I hope to write a substantive review in short order.