The Book of Acts brings together leading Catholic, Orthodox, and Evangelical theologians to read and interpret the book of Acts from within their ecclesial tradition, while simultaneously engaging one another in critical dialogue. Combining both theological exegesis and ecumenical dialogue, each chapter is uniquely structured to facilitate a rich reading of Scripture and an engaging though critical dialogue across the traditions. Each chapter begins with a main essay by either a Catholic, Orthodox, or Evangelical theologian on a section of the book of Acts; the main essay is followed by responses from theologians of the other two traditions. The chapter concludes with a final response from the main author. Readers are thus provided with not only a deep and engaging reading of the book of Acts but also the unfolding of a rich theological-ecumenical dialogue centered on Scripture. Anyone interested in understanding how our ecclesial traditions inform our reading of Scripture would do well to read this book, as would anyone interested in the book of Acts, ecumenical dialogue, and the theological interpretation of Scripture.
Since the essays engage the Book of Acts from both a theological and ecumenical framework, anyone interested in understanding how our ecclesial traditions inform our reading of Scripture would do well to read this book, as would anyone interested in the book of Acts, ecumenical dialogue, and the theological interpretation of Scripture. The contributed essays are scholarly enough to be of value to graduate students and professional scholars, yet are written in a style that will be accessible to the general public.
"Offers an assortment of readings of the book of Acts, not from a traditional exegetical position, but from a variety of theological perspectives. Provides an opportunity to genuinely learn from one anothera significant contribution for studies on the interpretation of the book of Acts, as well as the fields of theological hermeneutics and ecumenical interpretation of Scripture."―D. Jeffrey Bingham, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"This book, an important advance in the quest for Christian unity, presents an ecumenical trialogue. Believing scholars of wisdom from the Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical traditions engage in conversation focused on one of the primary texts of the New Testament."―Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture
"Absorbing, challenging, multi-faceted, and encouraging, the discussions illumine significant differences and commonalities among three streams of Christians, as represented by veteran scholars and by those who are less well known but equally deserving of attention. The selection of passages―Acts 1, 2, 7, 15, and 17―as well as the disposition of speakers and respondents, offers an astonishingly rich feast and call to worship for serious students of Acts, who are sure to read and reread this volume."―Edith M. Humphrey, Pittsurbh Theological Seminary
"Some of the most important ecumenical work is today being done beyond official dialogues and in the vigorous engagement of theologians across confessional borders on topics of common interest. The Bible, of course, is central to every tradition. Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants bring their own perspectives on the holy Scriptures; each is called to challenge the other and to learn from the other. This latest in a series of ecumenical discussions of particular books of the Bible is an excellent example of the fruitfulness of such encounter. Acts is the primal history of the Church, and here Charles Raith has gathered together leading scholars in a lively and informative exchange."―Michael Root, The Catholic University of America
