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neilrcoulter's review against another edition
4.0
N. T. Wright’s comments on the Acts of the Apostles help me see the deeper structure of Luke’s narrative. It’s not just a series of interesting stories (though it is that, too), but it’s a very skillfully crafted literary work. Wright’s choice to split the commentary into two volumes highlights this structure nicely. This first volume takes the story through the realization of Jesus’s charge to his followers to be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth” (1:8). That’s exactly the story, in that order, that Luke tells in chapters 1–12, and now all the pieces are set for the series of journeys and conflicts that will lead to Rome itself by the end of the book.
I also appreciate Wright’s comforting and honest responses to some of the difficult questions that arise as we read Acts—in particular, the question of why James was executed and Peter was set free. Wright allows for the mystery of unsettling details in the story. To me, this gives Luke’s book more weight and truthfulness than if everything was obvious and easy.
I also appreciate Wright’s comforting and honest responses to some of the difficult questions that arise as we read Acts—in particular, the question of why James was executed and Peter was set free. Wright allows for the mystery of unsettling details in the story. To me, this gives Luke’s book more weight and truthfulness than if everything was obvious and easy.
emilyusuallyreading's review against another edition
4.0
What I Liked
I tremendously appreciate that a scholar like N.T. Wright can simplify Biblical doctrine for the non-seminary-trained Bible scholar who wants to learn more. I also appreciate the questions contained here. As someone who co-leads a Bible study, it's helpful to have some pre-written discussion questions to start off my own questions.
What I Didn't Like
The personal stories by Wright are dated. Sometimes they apply well to the text - other times I would really, really like to get down to the meat of what the passage is saying.
I tremendously appreciate that a scholar like N.T. Wright can simplify Biblical doctrine for the non-seminary-trained Bible scholar who wants to learn more. I also appreciate the questions contained here. As someone who co-leads a Bible study, it's helpful to have some pre-written discussion questions to start off my own questions.
What I Didn't Like
The personal stories by Wright are dated. Sometimes they apply well to the text - other times I would really, really like to get down to the meat of what the passage is saying.
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