An exegetical study of Acts 1:1-11 as the fulfillment of Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit in Luke's gospel epilogue

Abstract

This study analyzed the passage under study by looking at the writings of the authors with respect to its literary, historical and theological contexts. The main issue tackled is the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Luke’s sequel as a fulfillment of the promise by Christ of the Holy Spirit in Luke’s Gospel epilogue.

The method employed in this paper involved both linguistic and historical study and such an approach is basically known as “grammatico-historical” method. This method involves the study of the text or actual words used in the text, the relationship between words in sentences, paragraphs and chapters, and the historical and sociological setting of the text.

This study is limited to the analysis of Acts 1:1-11 in relation to the presence of the Holy Spirit who was responsible for the anointing of the disciples. The topic on the role of the Holy Spirit in the building of the Kingdom and in the early church as the visible results of their work after they were given power to become witnesses is subsumed herein. The nature and personality of the Holy Spirit is not within the ambit of this paper for it cannot be quantified except for her activity recorded in the scripture.

Results of this study will be of value to different groups of people: Pastors, Church Leaders, lay workers, members, Seminary and Bible school teachers.