Bruce, F. F. The Book of Acts. NICNT. Rev. ed. Eerdmans, 1988 (541 pp.). This volume gathers up the linguistic, philological, and critical insights explored in the author’s earlier work on the Greek text of Acts and packages that research in a format more accessible to those without knowledge of Greek. This commentary is no less careful, however, as Bruce clarifies difficult interpretive problems in the English by appeal to the Greek text, with frequent technical discussions in the footnotes. Regarding the interpretive significance of Acts’ location in the NT, Bruce acknowledges the connection between Luke and Acts, but clarifies that Acts now performs a unique function by holding together the Gospel collection (including Luke) and the Pauline epistles so that the whole stretch exhibits a certain cohesiveness.

Fitzmyer, J. A. The Acts of the Apostles. AB. Doubleday, 1998 (830 pp.). Builds on the author’s Luke commentary in the same series, presenting Acts as the sequel to the Jesus-story, the account of how Jesus’ followers carried out his commission under the guidance of the Spirit. Includes a full translation of Acts, an exceptionally helpful introduction to the book (authorship, purpose, use of the OT, language and style, structure and outline, historical character, story of Paul, and more), and a splendidly insightful elucidation of the book. While Greek is helpful, Fitzmyer has managed to make his highly informed discussion accessible to those without language proficiency. Evangelical Protestant readers will be richly (if not surprisingly) blessed by both Fitzmyer and the other Catholic commentator featured in this column (Johnson, below).

Gaventa, B. R. Acts. ANTC. Abingdon, 2003 (392 pp.). Gaventa has received high praise for her unusual ability to present deep insights in a manner that is accessible to students and pastors. In many respects this is a model of careful theological exegesis. For Gaventa, Acts is God’s story. Whatever it tells us about the history of the early church or blueprints for us what the church should be, Acts is first and foremost a narrative about divine activity and its opposition. Accordingly, Gaventa’s absorbing interest lies more in the book’s theological perspective (what it means to say) than in the quest for historical reconstruction (reenacting what happened). A profoundly rich read!

Johnson, L. T. The Acts of the Apostles. Liturgical, 1992 (568 pp.). Another solid contribution by an esteemed Catholic scholar (see Fitzmyer above), whose discussions on the literary artistry, historical interests, and theological purpose of Acts are among the finest in the commentary literature on this biblical book. This volume includes an exceptionally helpful Introduction on the text, history, apologetic role, literary dimensions, prophetic structure, and religious themes of Acts; but Johnson is at his best when he traces the literary shaping and thematic progression of the book, which he does in four major divisions and fifty-five smaller pericopes, each of which consists in verse-by-verse explanatory notes followed by an interpretive summary of the unit. Preachers, teachers, and students will find this an extremely valuable resource, full of profound insight and written in lively prose.

Marshall, I. H. Acts: An Introduction and Commentary. TNTC. InterVarsity, 1980 (427 pp.). A slightly dated but significant contribution from an eminent evangelical NT scholar. Pitching his treatment between Blaiklock’s intention to explore Acts against “its historical background in the Graeco-Roman period” and Haenchan’s thesis that Luke meant to write a piece of historical fiction rather than “serious history” (9), Marshall seeks to draw out the theological significance of Luke’s historical account. His view that the division of Luke and Acts unfortunately inclines us to think of Acts as a separate work (19) is now less widely held. Marshall understands Acts as a theological statement about the continuation of God’s program for history, and entertains the intriguing issue of the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God and the effect this had within the early church. Marshall intends his exegesis to serve the outcome of exposition.

Polhill, J. B. Acts. NAC. Broadman, 1992 (574 pp.). A solid work by an evangelical scholar who combines his own careful exegesis and penetrating theological reflection with serious engagement with other interpreters. A readable and engaging Introduction is followed by an equally readable verse-by-verse commentary that is clearly within reach of pastors and other serious students. True to the NAC series motto, Polhill has produced a commentary that serves as “a minister’s friend and a student’s guide.”

Wall, R. W. “Acts.” NIB, 10. Abingdon, 2002 (368 pp.). Although interested in reading Acts as history, literature, and theology, clearly Wall saves his best contribution for reading Acts as canon, for which emphasis he has become known. In his own words, “the central critical question raised [in the commentary] is, What do Luke’s reasons for writing Acts have to do with the church’s reasons for reading Acts as Scripture?” ( 26). This setting of the interpretive angle on how Acts functions as Scripture and within Scripture is reflected throughout the discussion, which consists in the typical format for this series in section-by-section Commentary (textual notes) and Reflection (theological and pastoral comments). A readable, nontechnical work filled with good insight.