The Challenge of Acts
By N.T. Wright

WEDNESDAYS 6:00-7:00PM
WITH WILL DYER
STOREY CHAPEL

“A new and inviting introduction to the Acts of the Apostles from New Testament scholar and theologian N. T. Wright.

Acts is a substantial book. It sits right in the middle of the New Testament, looking back to the four Gospels and ahead to the mission of the early church. It provides a framework for our understanding of the letters; but it does more than that. Acts offers a sophisticated and nuanced view of what it means to think of the gospel of Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, going out into the world over which Israel’s Messiah claims the status of Lord.

This Christian movement and thinking, detailed in Acts, entailed confronting the wider culture of the Greek and Roman world, as well as the culture of the Jewish world, which provides us today with an important message as we ourselves face new questions about gospel and contemporary culture.

From the renowned author of Into the Heart of Romans, N. T. Wright brings to the book of Acts his expert’s eye on theological nuance and cultural context, distilling it down into an introductory commentary, perfect for anyone looking to take their own reading a little deeper and discover the profound (and often forgotten) potential of the church and the Way of Jesus Christ.”

Book Study Archives

3-26-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The study discusses Acts chapter seventeen verses sixteen through thirty-four, focusing on Paul’s speech in Athens before the Areopagus. ​ Will Dyer explains that Paul’s speech was not merely a philosophical conversation but a legal defense against the accusation of introducing foreign divinities, which could lead to his execution. ​ Paul uses the altar to the unknown God to argue that he is not introducing new gods but explaining the true nature of the God they already acknowledge in ignorance. ​ The discussion highlights the pervasive idolatry in ancient Athens and draws parallels to modern-day idolatry, such as the worship of money, sexuality, and power. Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the idols in our own lives and understanding the nearness of God and His promise to restore the world through Jesus’ resurrection.

3-12-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The meeting focused on discussing Acts 17 through 20, highlighting the theological and political issues raised by Paul’s central message. ​ The discussion emphasized the tension between Paul’s proclamation of Jesus as the true king, which challenged the authority of Caesar, and the resulting opposition and riots. ​ The group examined Paul’s experiences in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus, noting how his teachings stirred controversy among Jews and Romans. ​ In Thessalonica, Paul faced charges of declaring another king, Jesus, which threatened the Roman order. ​ In Corinth, Paul was accused of teaching illegal worship practices, but the Roman governor Gallio dismissed the charges, granting Christians a religious exemption. This led to complacency among the Corinthian church. ​ The discussion concluded with reflections on the implications of these historical contexts for contemporary Christian practice, particularly the need to balance political engagement with ultimate allegiance to Jesus.

2-26-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The discussion focuses on Acts chapters 13 through 16, particularly the persecution of Paul and the early church, rooted in historical and sociopolitical contexts. ​ Will Dyer highlights a significant shift in religious trends in America, noting a recent Pew Research study showing a halt in the decline of religious faith, with a slight uptick among late millennials. ​ Will Dyer explains Paul’s mission, emphasizing that his teachings about Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel led to conflicts with both Jewish and Roman authorities. ​ The cultural framework of the first century, where Jews had a religious exemption from sacrificing to Roman gods, is crucial to understanding the hostility Paul faced. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 is highlighted as a pivotal moment, officially welcoming Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to follow Jewish law, thus expanding the church’s inclusivity.

2-19-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge Of Acts By N.T. Wright

The meeting transcript discusses a study session on Acts chapters 9 through 12, highlighting key events and themes. ​ ​ The discussion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, emphasizing that Paul’s experience was not a conversion from Judaism to Christianity but a redefinition of God’s people around Jesus. ​ Will Dyer also touches on the importance of suffering in the Christian faith, the role of Ananias in Paul’s story, and the growth of the early church despite persecution. ​ Additionally, Peter’s vision and encounter with Cornelius are discussed, illustrating the breaking of traditional Jewish boundaries and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community. ​ The session concludes with reflections on the church’s mission to embody renewed humanity and the importance of obeying God over societal pressures.

2-12-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts By N.T. Wright

The discussion covers Acts chapters five through eight, focusing on the themes of mission and martyrdom. ​ The speaker, Will Dyer, begins with a personal anecdote about a communication mishap with the Richmond County School System, which transitions into a deeper exploration of the early church’s experiences as described in Acts. Key points include the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who were punished for lying about their donation, highlighting the seriousness of treating holy things with reverence. The narrative continues with Peter’s miraculous healings, the apostles’ imprisonment and subsequent release, and their defiance of temple authorities by continuing to preach about Jesus. ​ The internal conflict between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews over the distribution of resources is addressed by appointing deacons, emphasizing the church’s dual role of internal care and external evangelism. Stephen’s martyrdom is discussed, noting his radical act of forgiveness and the broader implications for the church’s mission. ​ The spread of the gospel to Samaria and the story of Simon the magician underscore the challenges and corrupting influence of money on the church’s witness. The session concludes with reflections on the church’s purpose, the importance of financial stewardship, and a call to live out the gospel with integrity and generosity.

2-5-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts By N.T. Wright

The discussion focuses on the early chapters of the Book of Acts, particularly the significance of Pentecost and the choosing of Matthias as the twelfth apostle. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the number twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and the role of the apostles in fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham. ​ The event of Pentecost is highlighted as the moment when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, marking the birth of the church and symbolizing God’s return to dwell among His people. ​ The speaker also draws parallels between the events in Acts and the Gospel of Luke, noting that the same power that enabled Jesus to perform miracles now resides in the church. ​ The discussion concludes with a reflection on the church’s mission to be a blessing to the world and a practical example of this mission through the establishment of endowments to support local ministries.

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1-29-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts By N.T. Wright

The study session focused on the book of Acts, emphasizing its significance in understanding the kingdom of God and the active role of Jesus in the present. ​ Will Dyer highlighted that Acts covers thirty years in 28 chapters, detailing the movement of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah and the proclamation of his lordship over all creation. ​ The discussion underscored that Jesus is not just a historical figure or a distant heavenly presence but is actively involved in the world today. ​ The study also explored the themes of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, asserting that these events signify the inauguration of God’s kingdom on earth. ​ Will Dyer encouraged a rethinking of traditional views on faith, emphasizing the physical resurrection and the ultimate restoration of all things, aligning with biblical teachings. ​ The session concluded with a call to the church to announce Jesus’ lordship and embody his kingdom through acts of love and service. ​

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