Acts: An Exegetical Commentary (4 vols.)

by Craig S. Keener

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2014–2015

Overview

Highly respected New Testament scholar Craig Keener is known for his meticulous and comprehensive research. This commentary on Acts, his magnum opus, is one of the largest and most thoroughly documented Acts commentaries available. This work sets Acts in its first-century context making it useful for the study of early Christianity as well as biblical text. This magisterial work is a valuable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, Acts scholars, and libraries.

Key Features

• Offers a socio-historical, exegetical, and theological reading of Acts
• Includes verse-by-verse commentary
• Considers modern scholarship as well as primary and secondary source materials for a comprehensive examination of Acts

Endorsements

Keener takes very seriously the claim of the book of Acts to be historiography. His encyclopedic knowledge of ancient literature and his intelligent skill as an exegete make this a magisterial commentary.

—Richard Bauckham, professor emeritus of New Testament studies, University of St. Andrews

Somewhat surprisingly, a socio-historical approach to Acts still needs to be defended and its value demonstrated. No one does this better—is more informed about ancient literature, parallels, and precedents, and more interactively and fruitfully engaged with contemporary literature and issues—than Craig Keener. For anyone wanting to appreciate how Acts ‘worked’ in its original context and to get into the text at some depth, Keener will be indispensable and ‘first off the shelf.’

—James D. G. Dunn, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, University of Durham

With a monograph-level introduction and solid, detailed use of background sources, Craig Keener has provided us with a rich gem of a commentary on Acts. One can use it and get a real sense of what this key work is all about.

—Darrell L. Bock, senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

This is the most expansive treatment of Acts in modern scholarship. Keener offers the reader a sweeping tour of the relevant ancient material and modern scholarship on Acts. He takes Acts seriously as a work of ancient history; at the same time, he is aware of the literary and rhetorical dimensions of the text.

—Gregory E. Sterling, Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament, Yale Divinity School

Keener’s incredibly detailed megacommentary on Acts is a scholarly achievement that is unlikely to be surpassed in the foreseeable future. The author has an enviable mastery over an amazing number of primary and secondary sources, evident on nearly every page in footnotes providing both documentation and stimulating discussions. He provides in-depth discussions of various critical approaches to the major interpretive issues in Acts, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of each position while carefully arguing his own position. The commentary also includes a rich variety of informative excursuses that provide detailed analysis of a wide variety of important side issues and topics. Every serious student of Acts owes it to herself or himself to carefully work through this significant contribution to scholarship.

—David E. Aune, Walter Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, emeritus, University of Notre Dame

Keener’s scholarship and personal experience give a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to his commentary. His excursuses are treasure troves of cultural information on topics such as ancient anti-Judaism; dreams; patrons, clients, and reciprocity; and suicide. This detailed commentary will deservedly be a major resource on Acts in many libraries—personal and public—for years to come.

—John J. Pilch, Odyssey Program, Johns Hopkins University

Product Details

• Title: Acts: An Exegetical Commentary
• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Volumes: 4
• Resource: 3
• Pages: 4640
• Resource Type: Commentary
• Topics: Acts
• Resource ID: {0D18E158-0BF7-4468-8C30-4797971067D9}

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, vol. 1: Introduction and 1:1–2:47

• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 1,088

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this volume, Keener introduces the book of Acts, particularly historical questions related to it, and provides detailed exegesis of its opening chapters. He offers a wealth of fresh insights based on an unparalleled range of ancient sources.

This first volume promises to be the inaugural component of the most comprehensive commentary on Acts to date. Keener presents a socio-historical reading of the text with meticulous precision, and his knowledge of scholarly research is impressive. The book of Acts is read as a historiographical work in which its author rewrites traditions; the documentation from ancient Jewish literature is exceptionally rich. Keener treats hermeneutical issues and the historical reliability of the text astutely and clearly. From now on, any exegesis of Acts will need to take into account this major work.

—Daniel Marguerat, professor of New Testament, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, vol. 2: 3:1–14:28

• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 1,200

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this volume, Keener continues his detailed exegesis of Acts, utilizing contextual information and offering wisdom about the text itself.

A magnificent achievement. This volume continues in the same vein as the first, with superbly detailed exegesis of the text as well as many helpful excursuses on more general topics of interest—with a wealth of material to back up all the claims made. Without any shadow of doubt, an indispensable reference work for all students of Acts and early Christianity.

—Christopher M. Tuckett, professor of New Testament studies, Pembroke College, University of Oxford

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, vol. 3: 15:1–23:35

• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 1,200

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this volume—covering Acts 15–23—Keener continues his detailed exegesis of Acts, utilizing an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offering a wealth of fresh insights.

As in the previous volumes, the author proffers a very detailed and nuanced analysis of the text’s exegetical problems while also paying close attention to the Greco-Roman environment that shaped Luke’s narrative. Scholars of the New Testament, theologians, and classicists, but also laypersons, will want to consult and will benefit from Keener’s erudite, impressive work.

—Andreas Bendlin, department of classics, University of Toronto

Keener’s massive commentary on the book of Acts is a gold mine of valuable information. His socio-historical reading of the text demonstrates the crucial importance of interpreting Acts in the context of Greek and Roman historiography. In addition, the vast amount of references to ancient sources and literature will be helpful for anyone interested in doing serious research on Acts.

—Samuel Byrskog, Center for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University

Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, vol. 4: 24:1–28:31

• Author: Craig S. Keener
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 1,152

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

In this volume, the last of four, Keener finishes his detailed exegesis of Acts, utilizing an unparalleled range of ancient sources and offering a wealth of fresh insights. This magisterial commentary will be an invaluable resource for New Testament professors and students, pastors, Acts scholars, and libraries.

About Craig S. Keener

Widely known for his studies in the New Testament, Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University), is a theologian, biblical scholar, and prolific author, and is the F.M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Some of his other major works include The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary, The Gospel of John: A Commentary (2 vols.), IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, and Gift & Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today. Keener is a professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and program chair for the Institute for Biblical Research.