Living Lord, Empowering Spirit, Testifying People

This book is a commentary on the Acts of the Apostles for the nonspecialist, based on lecture notes accumulated over many years of Professor Mel Storm's introductory course on Acts. Originally written to supplement students' reading of the story of the church in Acts, Living Lord, Empowering Spirit, Testifying People provides readers with important historical information and theological insights. The book opens with an introduction to Acts that gives special attention to the question of the authorship and date of the book, as well as to the theological themes that shape the narrative. Storm offers large sections of in-depth commentary instead of verse-by-verse analysis and concludes each chapter with important vocabulary and insightful questions that can be used as a springboard for class discussion, small writing assignments, or personal reflection in both academic circles and church settings. Living Lord, Empowering Spirit, Testifying People guides students to understand Acts as a theologically shaped narrative that conveys important themes for disciples of Jesus. ""Mel Storm, a beloved professor and exemplary churchman, provides welcome and essential commentary on the Acts of the Apostles for the thousands who have benefited from his teaching in academy and church and countless others who desire to hear of this first church through the lens of a trusted guide. Storm is an expert in New Testament studies and is faithful in the Christian life, a combination that makes his analysis, commentary, personal reflections, and discussion questions both stimulating and helpful."" --David Fleer, Professor of Homiletics, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN ""Mel Storm, writing with clarity and precision, has produced a helpful introduction to the book of Acts. His many years of experience as both a biblical scholar and dedicated churchman have allowed him to craft a study of Acts that offers great benefit and insight to any student of the Bible."" --Gregory Stevenson, Professor of New Testament, Rochester College, Rochester Hills, MI ""Between the concise, humble, and accessible lines of this book, readers will be blessed by years of painstaking study, pedagogical experience, and pastoral care. Mel Storm brings it all together and has provided a valuable resource for students and parishioners alike."" --Keith B. Huey, Associate Professor of Religion, Rochester College, Rochester Hills, MI Mel Storm is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Rochester College in Rochester Hills, MI. He is the author of The Man from Nazareth: The Story of Jesus According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke (2006).