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 this lively and lucid little book, Michael Wagenman teaches the
book of Acts under the conviction that God is a missionary God who
intends for his people to be a missionary people. Under the
leadership of Christ and the empowerment of the Spirit, we, His
people, are called to bring our neighbors and indeed entire
societies into a missionary encounter with the gospel. Highly
recommended.
--Bruce Ashford, author of Every Square Inch and One Nation Under
God
"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
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