KANSAS CITY, Mo – Midwestern Seminary announced today the release of Acts: The Christian Standard Commentary by Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and Director of the Residency Ph.D. program at Midwestern Seminary.
This new publication focuses on the theological and exegetical concerns of the book of Acts. Throughout the commentary, Schreiner gives careful attention to both the scholarly information and practical applications of this New Testament book.
Speaking on the release of Schreiner’s new commentary, Midwestern Seminary President Jason Allen said, “I am thankful for the release of Acts: The Christian Standard Commentary. Writing a commentary is no small task and writing a commentary that is enjoyable to read and theologically insightful is an even greater undertaking. I am excited for pastors everywhere to read Dr. Schreiner’s new work.”
Schreiner’s commentary on Acts is concerned with theology and the Great Tradition. As he informs his readers in the introduction, his method is five-fold: theological, narratival, canonical, historical, and creedal and ecclesial.
Schreiner commented on why the book of Acts remains important for the church today, saying, “Acts is a model, a prototype, an exemplar for the renewal of the church. It gives guidance concerning the founding of the church and its priorities at that point and thus gives guidance for the church in every age.”
“We proclaim the same message, we do church in the same way, and we still rely on the same Spirit. While Acts is not a manual for church practices, it is the bedrock from which we must begin our education into God’s mission through the church.”
In the commentary, Schreiner seeks to highlight seven of the main theological aims in the book, “(1) God the Father orchestrates; through (2) 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.”
“Luke emphasizes all of these themes in different ways, but my order is purposeful,” he continues. “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.”
Serving as a pastor himself, Schreiner hopes those in ministry will benefit from this unique commentary.
“I hope pastors and ministry leaders will see the book of Acts not only as a historical account of what happened in the past but a narrative that we are still a part of,” he said.
“The story of Acts is not finished, it continues with you and me. This is the story of the founding of what is most precious to Jesus: His church. He values this body so much that He was willing to die for her. We likewise must take up our cross and pour out our lives so that others can hear the message of the healing power of Jesus.”
Of this new commentary, Alan J. Thompson, Head of the New Testament team at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, said, “Readers will have their imaginations stirred and their hearts encouraged as they journey with Dr. Schreiner through Luke’s ever-relevant account of the triune God’s saving purposes in the spread of the word to Israel and the nations.”
To read the full interview and to see what others are saying about the new commentary, visit ftc.co.
Acts: The Christian Standard Commentary is now available for purchase.
