In the first volume of this four-volume commentary, Craig Keener introduces the book of Acts and provides detailed exegesis of its opening chapters, including more than 10,000 references from extrabiblical ancient sources.  
  
"Somewhat surprisingly, a socio-historical approach to Acts still needs to be defended and its value demonstrated. No one does this better--is more informed about ancient literature, parallels, and precedents, and more interactively and fruitfully engaged with contemporary literature and issues--than Craig Keener. In the introduction (a monograph in itself), his treatment of the genre of Acts, especially his judicious discussion of the genre 'novel,' of the character of ancient historiography, and of the historical integrity and value of Acts, is unbeatable in today's market. For anyone wanting to appreciate how Acts 'worked' in its original context and to get into the text at some depth, Keener will be indispensable and 'first off the shelf.'"  
\--__James D. G. Dunn__, University of Durham  
   
"Keener takes very seriously the claim of the book of Acts to be historiography. His encyclopedic knowledge of ancient literature and his intelligent skill as an exegete make this a magisterial commentary."  
\--__Richard Bauckham__, University of St. Andrews; Ridley Hall, Cambridge  
  
"This first volume promises to be the inaugural component of the most comprehensive commentary on Acts to date. Keener presents a socio-historical reading of the text with meticulous precision, and his knowledge of scholarly research is impressive. The documentation from ancient Jewish literature is exceptionally rich. From now on, any exegesis of Acts will need to take into account this major work."  
\--__Daniel Marguerat__, University of Lausanne, Switzerland  
  
"Early Christianity developed in a complex and multifaceted context, one that Craig Keener masterfully presents in this socially and historically oriented commentary on Acts. As one has come to expect from Keener, there is thorough knowledge and use of the best and most important secondary literature and abundant utilization of a wide range of ancient sources. This is a commentary that will continue to serve as a detailed resource for both scholars and students."  
\--__Stanley E. Porter__, McMaster Divinity College  
  
"A monumental exegetical commentary. . . . Scholars and readers of the Acts of the Apostles will find it a precious source for consultation. In addition, Keener's attention to the work of Luke-Acts and the comparison he draws with Paul's letters will greatly profit those who are interested in the Third Gospel and the person of Paul."  
\--__Fr. G. Claudio Bottini__, Faculty of Biblical Sciences and Archaeology (Studium Biblicum Franciscanum), Jerusalem  
  
"With a monograph-level introduction and solid, detailed use of background sources, Craig Keener has provided us with a rich gem of a commentary on Acts."  
\--__Darrell L. Bock__, Dallas Theological Seminary  
  
"Keener shows convincingly how broadly and deeply Acts participates in ancient Hellenistic and Jewish thinking. This meticulous reconstruction fits well with his deep insights on Lukan theology in Acts. I expect this to be a marvelous, impressive, and inspiring commentary!"  
\--__Manfred Lang__, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg

__Craig S. Keener__ (PhD, Duke University) the F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts, the bestseller The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, The Historical Jesus of the Gospels, Gift and Giver, and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Revelation.

Highly respected New Testament scholar Craig Keener is known for his meticulous and comprehensive research. This commentary on Acts, his magnum opus, may be the largest and most thoroughly documented Acts commentary available. Useful not only for the study of Acts but also early Christianity, this work sets Acts in its first-century context.   
  
In this volume, the first of four, Keener introduces the book of Acts, particularly historical questions related to it, and provides detailed exegesis of its opening chapters. He utilizes an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offers a wealth of fresh insights. This magisterial commentary will be a valuable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, Acts scholars, and libraries.

This insightful commentary, the concluding volume on Acts, utilizes an unparalleled range of ancient sources and features Keener's meticulous research.

Keener, Craig S.

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Introduction

Prolegomenon: Initial Considerations for Reading This Commentary

1. Writing and Publishing Acts

2. Proposed Genres for Acts

3. Acts as a Work of Ancient Historiography

4. The Character of Ancient Historiography

5. Historical Perspectives, Tendenz, and Purpose

6. Approaching Acts as a Historical Source

7. Acts and Paul

8. Speeches in Acts

9. Signs and Historiography

10. Date

11. The Author of Luke-Acts

12. Luke's Audience

13. The Purpose of Acts

14. Israel's Story

15. Some Lukan Emphases

16. The Unity and Structure of Luke-Acts

17. Geographic Background

18. Luke's Perspective on Women and Gender

Commentary

Part 1: The First Outpouring of the Spirit (1:1–2:47)

Narrative Introduction and Recapitulation (1:1–11)

Preparation for Pentecost: Awaiting the Promise (1:12–26)

The Event of Pentecost (2:1–13)

Peter's Call to Repentance (2:14–40)

The Life of the Empowered Community (2:41–47)

Works Cited

Index of Select Subjects

Index of Authors and Select Names

Index of Scripture

Index of Other Ancient Sources

Back Cover

Highly respected New Testament scholar Craig Keener is known for his meticulous and comprehensive research. This commentary on Acts, his magnum opus, may be the largest and most thoroughly documented Acts commentary available. Useful not only for the study of Acts but also early Christianity, this work sets Acts in its first-century context.  
  
In this volume, the first of four, Keener introduces the book of Acts, particularly historical questions related to it, and provides detailed exegesis of its opening chapters. He utilizes an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offers a wealth of fresh insights. This magisterial commentary will be a valuable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, Acts scholars, and libraries.

Keener's extraordinarily in-depth research and work is what helped make it Christianity Today's Biblical Studies book of 2016.

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary : Volume 1 [eBook]

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