John Lennox on the Book of Acts


One of our members has done me a favour by pointing out two YouTube videos by John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University. He is also a well-respected Christian apologist in the areas of science and philosophy.

In the two videos linked below he uses Luke’s own intentional literary structure for the book to point out the man emphases of two of the six literary divisions of the book.

In the first video, A Supernatural Invasion he discusses how Luke brings together the events of Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost to note that the main theme is “restoration in Jesus.” Restoration becomes a complex subject throughout the rest of Acts, as manifested in the work of the Apostles and other disciples. I thoroughly enjoyed his analysis of Peter’s two sermons.

In the second video, Christianity’s Worship and Witness he notices how the church begins to become distinctive from the Judaism of the day, while remaining rooted in promises to Abraham and the Patriarchs. He also notes that persecution begins as the religious authorities reject Jesus as their Messiah. His study of Stephen’s defence of the gospel is very illuminating in this regard.

Even his asides are often intriguing, but I won’t spoil them for you.

The original audience for these presentations was a group of pastors and church leaders, but I think most Christians would benefit from watching these videos.

About John Valade

I facilitate and teach in Wascana Fellowship. I have been married to Wanda since 1984. M.Div. from Briercrest Seminary, SK in 2011 and B.R.E. Canadian Bible College (now Ambrose University College) in 2000.
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1 Response to John Lennox on the Book of Acts

  1. I listened to the first video and it is the best commentary on the book of the Acts I have ever read

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