Together For the World: The Books of Acts

Michael R. Wagenman (PhD, University of Bristol) teaches New Testament at Redeemer University College (Ancaster, Canada) and is a chaplain at Western University (London, Canada) where he founded and directs the Kuyper Centre for Emerging Scholars, a Christian study center that seeks to disciple Christian leaders. He has pastored congregations in the U.S. and Canada, and speaks and writes regularly about Christian engagement within North American culture.

Craig G. Bartholomew (PhD, Bristol University) is H. Evan Runner Chair of Philosophy and professor of philosophy and religion & theology, Redeemer University College. He is author of Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms), Where Mortals Dwell, and coauthor of The Drama of Scripture.

In the Transformative Word series, you'll read the Bible with a global cast of church leaders and scholars. Edited by renowned scholar Craig G. Bartholomew, each contributor brings a unique personal and cultural perspective to reveal biblical truth in a way you may never have seen before. In conversational tone, each author explains the importance of a biblical book, showing how it can transform your life.

"Michael Wagenman introduces the Book of Acts in a lively, informative and accessible manner. He gives us a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural background, an exploration of key characters and themes, and an engaging discussion of the dynamics of power in relation to suffering and conflict experienced in the early church. There is helpful material on the mission of the church in relation to the mission or Kingdom of God. The work will be useful to those preparing to preach or lead studies on Acts. Above all, the book does what any good introductory study should--it makes one want to delve once again into the text of Acts itself."
--The Revd Canon Dr. Timothy Connor. Rector - St George's, London, Adjunct Lecturer in Theology, Wycliffe College, Toronto
"Fresh and refreshing--a new look at Acts for everyone from amateur Bible students to biblical scholars."
--Leith Anderson, president, National Association of Evangelicals, Washington, D.C.
"Wagenman successfully displays the unique role of Acts within the Bible, rescues us from a tired reading of Scripture, and helps us to hear its message with fresh ears. Though [Acts is] a well-worn narrative in many churches, Together for the World brings [the book] to life in its ancient and modern contexts, helping the reader to behold Luke's magisterial aims--literally and literarily."
--Dru Johnson, professor of biblical and theological studies, The King's College
"Dr. Wagenman frames his treatment of Acts around the larger question of the public role of the church within society. While he provides the necessary background treatment to understand the Acts as a unique historical book that continues the Gospel story, Wagenman carefully builds bridges from the first-century context to our own. He convincingly demonstrates how God's story continues to call Christians to come together for the good of the world. Major themes like conflict and power help the reader navigate the ongoing significance of Acts as a book that speaks to where the church is today. This book is not simply a review of the distant past; it is an invitation to listen once again to a message that reveals the Triune God and reminds us of his power to transform individuals and churches to be the dynamic people of God. Wagenman's role as a university chaplain comes through clearly; he is convinced Christianity is public truth that calls for commitment and gives confident hope to the church as she participates in God's ongoing work that restores all that has come under the effects of rebellion against God. Thought-provoking questions encourage the reader to reflect more deeply and then apply Scripture in the real world."
--C. Ken Herfst, assistant professor of religion and theology, Redeemer University College
"Anyone who reads Michael Wagenman's Together for the World should expect to encounter the book of Acts in a fresh and compelling way. In this readable and relatable introduction to the sequel to Luke's Gospel, Wagenman helps us to see that the Triune God is a missionary God, set on redeeming his entire creation through applying the salvific work of his Son by the Spirit in his Church. We are not only introduced to Acts as a historical and literary book, but also pushed to hear its ongoing message today--a message that calls the church to a public faith, a global mission, and a cruciform life, all for the sake of seeing Christ's kingdom spread throughout the world. I highly recommend it for anyone hoping to hear and embody Acts' message in a 21st-century context."
--Matthew Y. Emerson, Ph.D., author of Between the Cross and the Throne
"Michael Wagenman introduces the Book of Acts in a lively, informative and accessible manner. He gives us a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural background, an exploration of key characters and themes, and an engaging discussion of the dynamics of power in relation to suffering and conflict experienced in the early church. There is helpful material on the mission of the church in relation to the mission or Kingdom of God. The work will be useful to those preparing to preach or lead studies on Acts. Above all, the book does what any good introductory study should--it makes one want to delve once again into the text of Acts itself."
--The Revd Canon Dr. Timothy Connor. Rector - St George's, London, Adjunct Lecturer in Theology, Wycliffe College, Toronto