Acts for Everyone, Part One: Chapters 1-12 (The New Testament for Everyone)

For those unfamiliar with Wright's "______ for Everyone" series, they are a series of commentaries on the New Testament books by Bishop Wright based on his extensive historical scholarship. He provides his own translation (based on his study of the source languages) which is a very engaging paraphrase. The text is divided up into chronological topic-based segments, followed by a 2-3 page sermonette/commentary based on that section.

This volume covers chapters 1-12 of the Book of Acts. Wright says that this book is Luke's "Acts of Jesus II" - to correspond to the "Acts of Jesus I" (the Gospel of Luke). Acts is "a play in which we are invited to become actors ourselves." (p. 3)

Of Wright's commentaries, this edition is unique in that many sections are illustrated with maps to show the areas mentioned and the direction of travel. This helps to give the reader an overview of the formation of the church, starting in Jerusalem at Pentecost, as the believers sell their possessions and practice communal living, and expand to Caesarea and Ethiopia. There is a magnificent exposition of Paul's Damascus Road experience in Acts 9, as well as "Dorcas Christians" who humbly serve others in the name of Christ.

Wright's translation of Acts gives a fresh rendering which reads like a novel. You will want to have Volume 2 on hand when you finish this one.