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New Testament For Everyone #7
Acts for Everyone, Part One: Chapters 1-12
N. T. Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.
About the Author:
N. T. Wright is the Bishop of Durham in the Church of England
Librarian's note: see alternate cover edition of ISBN 0664227953 here.
212 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
211 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
120 books231 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 11, 2021
N. T. Wright’s comments on the Acts of the Apostles help me see the deeper structure of Luke’s narrative. It’s not just a series of interesting stories (though it is that, too), but it’s a very skillfully crafted literary work. Wright’s choice to split the commentary into two volumes highlights this structure nicely. This first volume takes the story through the realization of Jesus’s charge to his followers to be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth” (1:8). That’s exactly the story, in that order, that Luke tells in chapters 1–12, and now all the pieces are set for the series of journeys and conflicts that will lead to Rome itself by the end of the book.
I also appreciate Wright’s comforting and honest responses to some of the difficult questions that arise as we read Acts—in particular, the question of why James was executed and Peter was set free. Wright allows for the mystery of unsettling details in the story. To me, this gives Luke’s book more weight and truthfulness than if everything was obvious and easy.
I also appreciate Wright’s comforting and honest responses to some of the difficult questions that arise as we read Acts—in particular, the question of why James was executed and Peter was set free. Wright allows for the mystery of unsettling details in the story. To me, this gives Luke’s book more weight and truthfulness than if everything was obvious and easy.
February 25, 2015
Like the rest of the series, Acts for Everyone, Part 1 breaks down the Scripture being studied section by section. Starts off with Wright's translation of the passage into easily understood modern English. Then he tells a story that helps bring out one of the points of the passage, throws in any necessary historical, political or geographic background (there are nice maps of the ancient world throughout). And concludes with the main point of the passage for the original readers and application for today. Each of these sections is about 4-5 pages. So they're nice, readable, bite-size bits to chew on, especially for people on the go who don't have the time or energy to slog through more scholarly Bible commentaries on a regular basis. But just because it isn't per se "scholarly" writing, Wright can't help but let his deep wells of background research seep through. That is to say, though it is an easy read, it is not lacking in depth.
I don't know how many times I've read and re-read the book of Acts or heard sermons from this book...let's just say lots, or maybe lots and lots. You would think that there'd be little room for new insights after so many years of revisits, but N.T. Wright (obviously with the help of the Holy Spirit) still managed to bring to light various things I had never thought of before or that had never jumped out of the texts. For example, the section on the passage where Peter is rescued from prison by an angel and then shows up at the house where the other believers are praying and gets left standing outside the door by the overexcited servant girl. Everyone finds the servant girl's excitement funny, but this was the first time I'd had anyone point out the irony going on with the rest of the believers. Here's a group of people who've seen tons of miracles and modern Christians seem to hold them up as shining examples; in the process, we sometimes forget their human faults. Like in this passage, they're praying for Peter's miraculous release, they get told by the servant girl he's standing at the door and what is there response? Not, "Of course, it's the answers to our prayers!" Nope, they say, "You're imagining things. It's impossible Peter's not in prison (even though that's the whole reason we're here praying)." The way these "super" believers themselves struggled to with faith and doubt was encouraging to me, but this was the first time I'd ever had that aspect of the story pointed out. And that's just one example of things I got out of this commentary. So even if you think you know Acts inside and out, you might be surprised by the ways God uses this to teach you new things.
I don't know how many times I've read and re-read the book of Acts or heard sermons from this book...let's just say lots, or maybe lots and lots. You would think that there'd be little room for new insights after so many years of revisits, but N.T. Wright (obviously with the help of the Holy Spirit) still managed to bring to light various things I had never thought of before or that had never jumped out of the texts. For example, the section on the passage where Peter is rescued from prison by an angel and then shows up at the house where the other believers are praying and gets left standing outside the door by the overexcited servant girl. Everyone finds the servant girl's excitement funny, but this was the first time I'd had anyone point out the irony going on with the rest of the believers. Here's a group of people who've seen tons of miracles and modern Christians seem to hold them up as shining examples; in the process, we sometimes forget their human faults. Like in this passage, they're praying for Peter's miraculous release, they get told by the servant girl he's standing at the door and what is there response? Not, "Of course, it's the answers to our prayers!" Nope, they say, "You're imagining things. It's impossible Peter's not in prison (even though that's the whole reason we're here praying)." The way these "super" believers themselves struggled to with faith and doubt was encouraging to me, but this was the first time I'd ever had that aspect of the story pointed out. And that's just one example of things I got out of this commentary. So even if you think you know Acts inside and out, you might be surprised by the ways God uses this to teach you new things.
December 31, 2024
Always love NT Wright. Was a helpful tool in preparing for Bible Study at the assisted living.
October 18, 2017
Tom Wright neemt me mee in de eerste helft van het boek Handelingen. Met humor en een persoonlijke noot plaatst hij het boek handelingen inde context van het Oude Testament, de 1e eeuw na Christus en het heden van de kerk. Wright laat zien dat het in de Bijbel en dus ook het boek Handelingen gaat over God die door zijn zoon Jezus zijn redddingsplan voor de mensheid uitvoert.
May 27, 2023
Always a big fan of Tom Wright!
January 31, 2018
It always impresses me when acclaimed scholars can write in ways that non-academics can utilize and appreciate. N.T. Wright seems to be one of those scholars who can do just that. I don't exactly know how you'd classify this book. It's kind of like a commentary, but not really. It's a walk through the book of Acts that everyone can appreciate.
The book is set-up one section of Acts at a time. Wright presents the text that he'll be working with and then presents almost a mini-sermon on it. He starts with a story or illustration on each section and then will work through the story of the passage. I found it very enjoyable and insightful. Wright also includes a glossary at the end of the book with definitions for terms that people may or may not know.
While I enjoyed it quite a bit, there are some aspects of the book that could be viewed as potential negatives. First, this isn't an academic commentary. I'm not judging it as one and that's not its purpose. Even so I think it can hold its ground against a good number of official commentaries even though it's not really trying to be one. So go in understanding this.
The second thing is connected to this first point. Wright doesn't really present any kind of references for any of his work. This is most likely because it is not trying to be an official commentary or an academic source, but for some that may be problematic. If you're familiar with the more academic work of Wright, then you probably aren't too worried about this, but I'll put it out there anyhow.
Third, Wright's illustrations and stories are hit or miss. Personally, this didn't bug me because I was usually more interested in how he handled a certain passage rather than how he introduced it. Plus I think that is the nature of trying to take that approaching, coming up with that many illustrations for various sections of Acts would be hard to do in a consistent manner.
Last, I find it rather weird that this is divided into two parts. Maybe there is a good reason for it, but I just found it kind of strange. Again this is not a big deal, but just something that I didn't really expect when I was looking for the book.
Overall, I found this to be a useful little book. Personally I've found it very helpful as a resource when preparing a Bible study that I help lead at my church. I understand that there are some things people may take negatively about the volume and I find it's a little weird to be split into two parts. Despite that I still recommend this book highly. I think that everyone could find something of use in this look at Acts, even those who may want something a little more academic.
The book is set-up one section of Acts at a time. Wright presents the text that he'll be working with and then presents almost a mini-sermon on it. He starts with a story or illustration on each section and then will work through the story of the passage. I found it very enjoyable and insightful. Wright also includes a glossary at the end of the book with definitions for terms that people may or may not know.
While I enjoyed it quite a bit, there are some aspects of the book that could be viewed as potential negatives. First, this isn't an academic commentary. I'm not judging it as one and that's not its purpose. Even so I think it can hold its ground against a good number of official commentaries even though it's not really trying to be one. So go in understanding this.
The second thing is connected to this first point. Wright doesn't really present any kind of references for any of his work. This is most likely because it is not trying to be an official commentary or an academic source, but for some that may be problematic. If you're familiar with the more academic work of Wright, then you probably aren't too worried about this, but I'll put it out there anyhow.
Third, Wright's illustrations and stories are hit or miss. Personally, this didn't bug me because I was usually more interested in how he handled a certain passage rather than how he introduced it. Plus I think that is the nature of trying to take that approaching, coming up with that many illustrations for various sections of Acts would be hard to do in a consistent manner.
Last, I find it rather weird that this is divided into two parts. Maybe there is a good reason for it, but I just found it kind of strange. Again this is not a big deal, but just something that I didn't really expect when I was looking for the book.
Overall, I found this to be a useful little book. Personally I've found it very helpful as a resource when preparing a Bible study that I help lead at my church. I understand that there are some things people may take negatively about the volume and I find it's a little weird to be split into two parts. Despite that I still recommend this book highly. I think that everyone could find something of use in this look at Acts, even those who may want something a little more academic.
December 1, 2015
Only read parts of the commentary as I used it as a study help for a Bible study on Acts 1-12. I don't think I will purchase the 2nd book Wright wrote for the last half of Acts as the first one was not as helpful as I had hoped. It is best suited for someone who wants a casual overview of the book, not in-depth commentary verse by verse.
January 7, 2014
Easy to read and not too verbose. I enjoyed the personal narratives and application.
July 25, 2025
I'm working my way through this commentary series, reading daily alongside the M'cheyne bible reading plan. Mr Wright is notoriously verbose in his theology books, and tends to use a lot of words to lead you to a point. That point sometimes remains illusive until you arrive there. Not so in this series. It's very easy to follow, and short and sharp. Truelly he has done a great job at creating a study that 'everyone' can pick up. I'm reading to get a better understanding of Mr Wrights 'unique' theology, direct from scripture and his interpretation of it.
Below are the quotes that I have saved (sorry I use Goodreads as a reading journal) which directly explain his thinking, as well as quotes where he taught me something.
The four pillars of the church:
"Luke is careful to point out the landmarks. In fact, Acts 2.42 is often regarded as laying down ‘the four marks of the church’. The apostles’ teaching; the common life of those who believed; the breaking of bread; and the prayers. These four go together. You can’t separate them, or leave one out, without damage to the whole thing. Where no attention is given to teaching, and to constant, lifelong Christian learning, people quickly revert to the worldview or mindset of the surrounding culture, and end up with their minds shaped by whichever social pressures are most persuasive, with Jesus somewhere around as a pale influence or memory. Where people ignore the common life of the Christian family (the technical term often used is ‘fellowship’, which is more than friendship but not less), they become isolated, and often find it difficult to sustain a living faith. Where people no longer share regularly in ‘the breaking of bread’ (the early Christian term for the simple meal that took them back to the Upper Room ‘in remembrance of Jesus’), they are failing to raise the flag which says ‘Jesus’ death and resurrection are the centre of everything’ (see 1 Corinthians 11.26). And whenever people do all these things but neglect prayer, they are quite simply forgetting that Christians are supposed to be heaven-and-earth people. Prayer makes no sense whatever – unless heaven and earth are designed to be joined together, and we can share in that already."
Early church sharing possessions.
"They seem not to have sold the houses in which they lived, since they went on meeting in individual houses (verse 46). Rather, they sold extra property they possessed – a highly significant thing for a people for whom land was not just an economic asset but part of their ancestral heritage, part of God’s promised land.
On Deuteronomy as a community foreshadow.
"And now at last we see what Luke is up to.
He is making the striking, controversial claim that the early Christian movement was, in effect, the true covenant community that God had always intended to set up. It had been achieved by the massive and total forgiveness of sins and debts accomplished by Jesus in his death; Jesus had, after all, announced as his agenda (in Luke 4) the programme of ‘jubilee’ set out in Isaiah 61, and had gone around talking about forgiveness both of sins and of debts. Now his followers were, in the most practical way possible, making real the implied promise of covenant renewal. Not only would they forgive debts every seven years; they would not keep their own private property to themselves, but would share it in common. As we noticed before, this didn’t mean that they sold the roofs over their own heads, because then they would have had nowhere to meet or indeed to live..."
On Stephen preaching
"Now these things are unimportant in themselves, except as a sad but predictable index of the way in which, as in several previous generations, people today find real debate about actual topics difficult, and much prefer the parody of debate which consists of giving a dog a bad name and then beating him for it, and lashing out, too, at anyone who associates with the dog you happen to be beating at the time. There is far too much of that in the church, and the only answer is more listening, more actual thinking, and more careful and humble speaking. But with Stephen things became very hot very quickly; because, as any first-century Jew could have told you, there were certain key things, certain symbols of what it meant to be God's people in the midst of a wicked pagan world, and it was absolutely vital that all Jews stuck by them come what may."
On God calling us to 'die'..
"Just go,’ said the Lord, and he did. In addition, significantly, the Lord informs Ananias that he himself will show Saul what he will have to face. He, too, will have to suffer, indeed will face constant suffering, for the sake of the Name. Nobody will be able to say that he, or the other apostles, was in this business for the sake of a comfortable life, or for human glory, power or wealth. When God calls someone, said Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he bids them come and die. So it was with Saul; so it was with Ananias; so it is with us."
Below are the quotes that I have saved (sorry I use Goodreads as a reading journal) which directly explain his thinking, as well as quotes where he taught me something.
The four pillars of the church:
"Luke is careful to point out the landmarks. In fact, Acts 2.42 is often regarded as laying down ‘the four marks of the church’. The apostles’ teaching; the common life of those who believed; the breaking of bread; and the prayers. These four go together. You can’t separate them, or leave one out, without damage to the whole thing. Where no attention is given to teaching, and to constant, lifelong Christian learning, people quickly revert to the worldview or mindset of the surrounding culture, and end up with their minds shaped by whichever social pressures are most persuasive, with Jesus somewhere around as a pale influence or memory. Where people ignore the common life of the Christian family (the technical term often used is ‘fellowship’, which is more than friendship but not less), they become isolated, and often find it difficult to sustain a living faith. Where people no longer share regularly in ‘the breaking of bread’ (the early Christian term for the simple meal that took them back to the Upper Room ‘in remembrance of Jesus’), they are failing to raise the flag which says ‘Jesus’ death and resurrection are the centre of everything’ (see 1 Corinthians 11.26). And whenever people do all these things but neglect prayer, they are quite simply forgetting that Christians are supposed to be heaven-and-earth people. Prayer makes no sense whatever – unless heaven and earth are designed to be joined together, and we can share in that already."
Early church sharing possessions.
"They seem not to have sold the houses in which they lived, since they went on meeting in individual houses (verse 46). Rather, they sold extra property they possessed – a highly significant thing for a people for whom land was not just an economic asset but part of their ancestral heritage, part of God’s promised land.
On Deuteronomy as a community foreshadow.
"And now at last we see what Luke is up to.
He is making the striking, controversial claim that the early Christian movement was, in effect, the true covenant community that God had always intended to set up. It had been achieved by the massive and total forgiveness of sins and debts accomplished by Jesus in his death; Jesus had, after all, announced as his agenda (in Luke 4) the programme of ‘jubilee’ set out in Isaiah 61, and had gone around talking about forgiveness both of sins and of debts. Now his followers were, in the most practical way possible, making real the implied promise of covenant renewal. Not only would they forgive debts every seven years; they would not keep their own private property to themselves, but would share it in common. As we noticed before, this didn’t mean that they sold the roofs over their own heads, because then they would have had nowhere to meet or indeed to live..."
On Stephen preaching
"Now these things are unimportant in themselves, except as a sad but predictable index of the way in which, as in several previous generations, people today find real debate about actual topics difficult, and much prefer the parody of debate which consists of giving a dog a bad name and then beating him for it, and lashing out, too, at anyone who associates with the dog you happen to be beating at the time. There is far too much of that in the church, and the only answer is more listening, more actual thinking, and more careful and humble speaking. But with Stephen things became very hot very quickly; because, as any first-century Jew could have told you, there were certain key things, certain symbols of what it meant to be God's people in the midst of a wicked pagan world, and it was absolutely vital that all Jews stuck by them come what may."
On God calling us to 'die'..
"Just go,’ said the Lord, and he did. In addition, significantly, the Lord informs Ananias that he himself will show Saul what he will have to face. He, too, will have to suffer, indeed will face constant suffering, for the sake of the Name. Nobody will be able to say that he, or the other apostles, was in this business for the sake of a comfortable life, or for human glory, power or wealth. When God calls someone, said Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he bids them come and die. So it was with Saul; so it was with Ananias; so it is with us."
September 15, 2024
Covers the first twelve chapters of the book of Acts, breaking it down into sections and discussing the topics and principles of each section.
Acts is one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I feel fairly familiar with it, but Mr. Wright's discussions helped me consider new aspects to the sections and dig deeper into the historical backgrounds as well as the principles of Acts weaving the whole book into an overarching "plot" and showing how it connects, reflects and builds on the story of the Bible as a whole. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in figuring out the story of God.
Content notes: No language or sensuality issues. Acts does tell of some of the first Christian martyrs, with their deaths somewhat described; as well as various attacks and attempts to kill more Christians and other peoples' deaths; Mr. Wright doesn't focus on these, but doesn't ignore them either, generally giving more historical background for methods and meanings (what purpose governments of the time used certain deaths to punish), but not the gruesome details of the actual deaths.
September 22, 2021
This short exposition and commentary on the first half of the book of Acts is characteristic of why Tom Wright's scholarship is so engaging. Ultimately, he continues to make the kinds of contributions that help us to read our Bible's better and to immerse ourselves in the metanarrative of Scripture.
Just some of those characteristic features:
- Attention to literary devices employed by Luke
- Identifying the surprising plot twists within the narrative
- Showing how Luke reveals God's plan for the world through the Messiah
- Occasionally baffling insights that don't quite make as much sense as Wright suggests they do
Just some of those characteristic features:
- Attention to literary devices employed by Luke
- Identifying the surprising plot twists within the narrative
- Showing how Luke reveals God's plan for the world through the Messiah
- Occasionally baffling insights that don't quite make as much sense as Wright suggests they do
January 26, 2023
Whether this is the first you have read the Book of Acts or a later re-read, N.T. Wright's version provides guidance and comments following each short segment of Acts that help grow and solidify understanding of Acts. The provide a dimension and depth often missed in biblical reading.
His coverage is insightful. It expands an understanding of Acts and is an avenue to additional understanding. His ideas and opinions are not always in exact agreement with other readers and theologians, but he is open about that. It encourages additional reading and study for those willing to consider further is contained in those pages.
His coverage is insightful. It expands an understanding of Acts and is an avenue to additional understanding. His ideas and opinions are not always in exact agreement with other readers and theologians, but he is open about that. It encourages additional reading and study for those willing to consider further is contained in those pages.
March 30, 2022
Yet another excellent addition to the '.... for Everyone' series. Using these books to aid your reading of a New Testament book gives real insight and help in understanding the context and culture that these books were written in.
I always feel I have a better understanding of the book, in this case, Acts than just by reading the book even in a Study Bible.
My only regret that Dr Wright does not cover Old Testament books.
I always feel I have a better understanding of the book, in this case, Acts than just by reading the book even in a Study Bible.
My only regret that Dr Wright does not cover Old Testament books.
July 15, 2018
Encountering the Story of Jesus Through the Early Disciples
What a good and fresh way to learn or review the story of Jesus and His early followers. I have been a Bible student for over 50 years and a professor of the biblical text in a Bible College and graduate school and have found great personal benefit from reading the books of N.T. Wright. I commend them to you as well.
What a good and fresh way to learn or review the story of Jesus and His early followers. I have been a Bible student for over 50 years and a professor of the biblical text in a Bible College and graduate school and have found great personal benefit from reading the books of N.T. Wright. I commend them to you as well.
April 22, 2019
Incredible guide to the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts! Although filled with stories and sharp illustrations (rather than footnotes), this book had me thinking with freshness about the 1st century Church as much as any academic book might have. Very helpful as I prepare a teaching on this Biblical book. Looking forward to the 2nd part!
December 1, 2020
So easy to read and understand. I love the format of the book. The verses are in the book. You simply read the verses, and then read Mr. Wright's explanation and thoughts on those verses. I have already purchased Acts Part 2 because I enjoyed and learned so much from Part 1. I was part of a women's Bible study group for this, and it was awesome. We did a chapter per week.
January 27, 2021
I put this book down for awhile to finish other reading. As I returned to it, I remembered why I love reading this “...for Everyone” series of commentaries by Wright. They are devotional. They are wonderfully accessible for laymen. And they make the people and times of Scripture come alive. I am so thankful for N. T. Wright.
November 13, 2017
This was read off and on over a series of small group gatherings so the continuity of it kind of got away from me. As such it feels more like a 4 but if I think on it enough it’s perhaps a 5.
I really like this series from Wright.
I really like this series from Wright.
Read
February 24, 2021A really accessible and worthwhile read.
The underlying scholarship is immense but unobtrusive, this book, and others in this series, gave me great new insights into both contemporaneous and present Christian live, and my own obedience to Jesus.
The underlying scholarship is immense but unobtrusive, this book, and others in this series, gave me great new insights into both contemporaneous and present Christian live, and my own obedience to Jesus.
February 23, 2023
Easy to read study with historical context
Gives quality historical context while assisting in bringing scripture to light. Also enjoyed other books in this series, particularly the gospels
Gives quality historical context while assisting in bringing scripture to light. Also enjoyed other books in this series, particularly the gospels
June 7, 2024
This is fine.
Wright often had a creative reading and explanation.
I somewhat frequently didn’t come to the same conclusions as him. Nonetheless, in preaching, it could be helpful for illustrating the text.
Wright often had a creative reading and explanation.
I somewhat frequently didn’t come to the same conclusions as him. Nonetheless, in preaching, it could be helpful for illustrating the text.
November 10, 2017
Great book on Acts
Excellent book that explains and gives great insight into understanding the book of Acts. N T Wright is a blessing to all of us who love the Lord.
Excellent book that explains and gives great insight into understanding the book of Acts. N T Wright is a blessing to all of us who love the Lord.
October 19, 2018
Really quite good!
November 19, 2019
The commentary is for everyone! Wonderful insights although written in a style difficult to read.
December 17, 2019
A nice introduction to the book of Acts. N.T. Wright's writting style is accessible and entertaing as well as informative.
August 18, 2020
This is the first book in there series I have read and I'm pleased with how the author has made it so easy to understand and relate to the first part of Acts. I've started into Part 2.
November 17, 2021
Great supplemental commentary on Acts!
November 21, 2021
Classic Wright. Really good as a daily read.
February 10, 2022
A great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews