Replaces the book, The Spirit, the Church & the World, which received a Christianity Today 1991 Readers' Choice Award! The Spirit moves the church into the world. That is how it has always been since the day of Pentecost when the Spirit brought thousands from many countries into the body of Christ. With the breadth and scholarly care that have marked John Stott's years of ministry, this book opens to us the early days of the church as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts. The experiences of the early church have much to say about issues that concern Christians today. What can Acts tell us about tongues and other extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit? How should churches structure themselves--with elders, deacons, pastors or all three? What should a normal Christian conversion look like? And, of course, how should the church reach out into the world with the message of salvation? These and many other topics are handled with a pastoral heart and an unwavering commitment to the authority of God's Word in our lives. As Stott concludes, "The Acts of the Apostles have long ago finished; the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world."
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About the Author
Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His books have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. His life is the subject of a two-volume biography by Timothy Dudley-Smith, John Stott: The Making of a Leader and John Stott: A Global Ministry. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John R. W. Stott, The Message of Acts: The Spirit, the Church & the World. Leicester, England, and Downers Grove, Illinois, 1994 (originally published in 1990, my edition is the 13th printing 2005), 428 pages (including Study Guide), ISBN 0-8308-1236-9.
I have been a great admirer of John Stott, and in particular of his books, for many years; I have even translated some of them into German. Stott's explanations and commentaries on Scripture are lucid, full of enlightening remarks and overflowing with quotes not only from other Bible books or from the latest theological expositions, but also from the great thinkers and churchmen of the patristic, reformation and, occasionally, Puritan and evangelical periods. On the whole, Stott's book on Acts lives up to this statement pretty well, and his treatment of Paul's missionary journeys and his enforced trip to Rome are masterly, with Stott cleverly combining a re-telling of Luke's text with other historical information normally not so easily available. All during the second half of the book I found myself more or less glued to its pages, always happy to read more than I had originally planned. However, I still want to reduce my evaluation to four stars instead of five because of one point which rather disturbed me. For all his attempts at fairness and balance, Stott here seems to me to miss the mark when it comes to Luke's treatment of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among the first Christians. Stott is so determined to see everywhere his theory of a "single Christian initiation" that he gets himself caught up in obvious logical problems, as well as missing the exegetical point in a number of passages and glossing over facts which don't seem to suit him in others. It would take too long here to argue this through, so one example will have to suffice. Stott's insistence on a single Christian initiation (something that, in fact, probably no born-again Christian will deny) seems to include water-baptism. And yet (and Stott is an Anglican paedo-baptist!) it would be very unlikely and, today at any rate, unusual for someone to be converted and baptized all at the same time. So what is the problem with a baptism in the Holy Spirit which takes place at a slightly different time from conversion? I found myself disagreeing with Stott's conclusions at all the places where such a work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Acts. Stott tries to argue against Pentecostals and Charismatics, but he tends to erect a "man of straw", denying statements that surely only the most unguarded of (neo-)Pentecostals would make. Personally having studied these texts in detail, I must say that I find the broad Pentecostal-charismatic way of expounding these passages to be much more natural and intellectually satisfying than Stott's way of arguing around them (each new case of Spirit-infilling being explained away as the beginning of a new phase of church evangelism among new people-groups, something that doesn't really ring true in Acts 8, is theoretically possible in Acts 10, but which goes against the whole thrust of Luke's text in Acts 19). So, generally, I would say any Bible-loving Christian will gain a lot from this book but should examine the whole Holy Spirit issue with a more open mind than Stott was able to bring to this matter.
I have been a great admirer of John Stott, and in particular of his books, for many years; I have even translated some of them into German. Stott's explanations and commentaries on Scripture are lucid, full of enlightening remarks and overflowing with quotes not only from other Bible books or from the latest theological expositions, but also from the great thinkers and churchmen of the patristic, reformation and, occasionally, Puritan and evangelical periods. On the whole, Stott's book on Acts lives up to this statement pretty well, and his treatment of Paul's missionary journeys and his enforced trip to Rome are masterly, with Stott cleverly combining a re-telling of Luke's text with other historical information normally not so easily available. All during the second half of the book I found myself more or less glued to its pages, always happy to read more than I had originally planned. However, I still want to reduce my evaluation to four stars instead of five because of one point which rather disturbed me. For all his attempts at fairness and balance, Stott here seems to me to miss the mark when it comes to Luke's treatment of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit among the first Christians. Stott is so determined to see everywhere his theory of a "single Christian initiation" that he gets himself caught up in obvious logical problems, as well as missing the exegetical point in a number of passages and glossing over facts which don't seem to suit him in others. It would take too long here to argue this through, so one example will have to suffice. Stott's insistence on a single Christian initiation (something that, in fact, probably no born-again Christian will deny) seems to include water-baptism. And yet (and Stott is an Anglican paedo-baptist!) it would be very unlikely and, today at any rate, unusual for someone to be converted and baptized all at the same time. So what is the problem with a baptism in the Holy Spirit which takes place at a slightly different time from conversion? I found myself disagreeing with Stott's conclusions at all the places where such a work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Acts. Stott tries to argue against Pentecostals and Charismatics, but he tends to erect a "man of straw", denying statements that surely only the most unguarded of (neo-)Pentecostals would make. Personally having studied these texts in detail, I must say that I find the broad Pentecostal-charismatic way of expounding these passages to be much more natural and intellectually satisfying than Stott's way of arguing around them (each new case of Spirit-infilling being explained away as the beginning of a new phase of church evangelism among new people-groups, something that doesn't really ring true in Acts 8, is theoretically possible in Acts 10, but which goes against the whole thrust of Luke's text in Acts 19). So, generally, I would say any Bible-loving Christian will gain a lot from this book but should examine the whole Holy Spirit issue with a more open mind than Stott was able to bring to this matter.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John Stott is a thought-provoking writer with dozens of helpful titles in print, from books about his travels [People My Teachers: around the world in 80 years], books about his life-long habit of bird-watching [The Birds Our Teachers] to the many helpful books about Christian teaching, guides to the Bible and commentaries on specific books of the Bible.
His exposition of Acts has been a great help to us in our bible study group, as we are ploughing through Acts. He gives you several interpretations of controversial issues, but also lets you know his own thoughts. If you want a conservative, evangelical treatment of Luke's book about the Early Church, you will appreciate this book.
The study guide is helpful, but bear in mind that it is intended to be a guide to Stott's book, not to Acts itself. As we were not studying Stott's book, but Acts, we adapted the questions to suit ourselves, and did not find this too difficult to do.
Highly recommended. I am also finding Howard Marshall's Tyndale Commentary useful, as I prepare the studies for our group.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John Stott provides masterful exposition and commentary on the Acts. The Acts is an important book to master for any serious Bible reader; Stott's book may be the best one available for the lay student. Easy to read, non-technical, full of practical and insightful commentary. See my review of Stott's Romans commentary also. Complete the Study Guide at the back of the book and you will come away with a deep practical knowledge of Acts.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent
The time between my order and receiving the book was quite short; I was surprised to get it so quickly. The book was brand-new and exactly as advertised. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Marybelle
Study Companion
Purchased this book to help in studying ACTS for bible study. I have just started it and I think it will be a big help.
Published 11 months ago by C. Mann
Unifying
This book has the potential to broaden the searching heart of the believer, as well as,the unbeliever. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Christ follower
Excellent Read!
An excellent and insightful read for those individuals who want to gain insight and understanding into the birth of the "Church". Read more
Published 18 months ago by Steve
Great for group Bible study!
With my busy pastor's schedule, I don't have time to do a lot of reading to prepare for our weekly Bible study on the Book of Acts. Read more
Published on October 30, 2009 by AngliGreek
Stott walking in the book of Acts
Stott is the Professional Commentator who uses all his gifts and talents to exhort the scriptures through this commentary of Acts. Read more
Published on September 6, 2009 by Thomas D. Todd Jr.
Very accessible and insightful
I purchased this commentary because it was highly recommended by two of my seminary professors. I have used it numerous times for devotion and lesson preparation. Read more
Published on August 19, 2009 by JMK
Solid Commentary
John Stott's commentary on Acts is one of the better straightforward works available. It is great for the pastor, Bible teacher, or serious laymen. Read more
Published on August 20, 2008 by Edward J. Vasicek
Informative, Enjoyable and Helpful
This is a great commentary. I appreciated the way that Stott related the book of Acts with the Gospel of Luke. Read more
Published on August 11, 2008 by Books and Woodworking
Solid
Stott does a good job of recognizing the larger themes in Acts. Many commentators focus too tightly on one or two verses and miss the larger context. Read more
Published on April 19, 2008 by Mike Chartowich
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
The major event of the early chapters of the Acts took place on the Day of Pentecost, when the now-exalted Lord Jesus performed the last work of his saving career (until his coming again) and 'poured out' the Holy Spirit on his waiting people. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
congenital cripple, saving career, first missionary journey, pastoral oversight, apostolic gospel, strangled animals, circumcision party, missionary expedition Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Holy Spirit, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, New Testament, Lord Jesus, Pisidian Antioch, Jesus of Nazareth, King Agrippa, Roman Empire, Asia Minor, Herod the Great, John the Baptist, Saul of Tarsus, Syrian Antioch, Claudius Lysias, Herod Agrippa, Jewish Christians, Lord's Supper, Mount Sinai, Roland Allen, Christ Jesus, Jerusalem Council, Righteous One, Campbell Morgan, John Mark New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
The major event of the early chapters of the Acts took place on the Day of Pentecost, when the now-exalted Lord Jesus performed the last work of his saving career (until his coming again) and 'poured out' the Holy Spirit on his waiting people. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
congenital cripple, saving career, first missionary journey, pastoral oversight, apostolic gospel, strangled animals, circumcision party, missionary expedition Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Holy Spirit, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, New Testament, Lord Jesus, Pisidian Antioch, Jesus of Nazareth, King Agrippa, Roman Empire, Asia Minor, Herod the Great, John the Baptist, Saul of Tarsus, Syrian Antioch, Claudius Lysias, Herod Agrippa, Jewish Christians, Lord's Supper, Mount Sinai, Roland Allen, Christ Jesus, Jerusalem Council, Righteous One, Campbell Morgan, John Mark New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 100
books:
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1
book
cites this book:
- Acts of the Apostles (Harper's New Testament Commentaries) by C. S. Williams in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and Front Matter (3)
- The Old Testament: God's People-Our Story by Devere Ramsay on page 222, page 289, and page 302
- Acts of the Holy Spirit by A. T. Pierson in Front Matter (1), Front Matter (2), and page 261
- The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter on page 329, and page 330
- Acts of the Apostles (Geneva Series of Commentaries) by J. Alexander in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
See all 100 books this book cites
- New Testament Greek and Exegesis: Essays in Honor of Gerald F. Hawthorne by Amy M. Donaldson on page 134
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