Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Acts

Malina, Bruce J., and John J. Pilch. Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Acts. Minneapolis: Fortress 2008.

Publisher’s Description:

Like earlier volumes in the Social Science Commentary series, this volume situates Acts squarely in the cultural matrix of the first century Mediterranean world, elaborating its codes of patron and client, mediatorship, honor and shame, healing and sickening, wizardry and witchcraft accusations, and the understanding of the Spirit of God as well as deities and demons as personal causes of significant events.

Simplified Outline:

Introduction

Part 1: Jesus First Command to the Twelve – Their Activities Among Israelite Majority Populations (Acts 1:4–12:25)

Part 2: Jesus Second Command to Saul/Paul – His Activities Among Israelite Minority Populations (Acts 12:25–25:31)

Appendix: Recurring Scenes in Luke and Acts

Reading Scenarios for the Acts of the Apostles

Bibliography

List of Scenarios

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Thanks to Fortress Press for the review copy.