This concise, carefully organized commentary for pastors presents biblical scholarship to inform authoritative expository preaching and teaching. Each chapter includes the big idea, key themes, and sermon illustrations.

Focused Biblical Scholarship to Teach the Text Effectively

The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents the information needed to move seamlessly from the meaning of the text to its effective communication. By providing focused commentary, this volume allows pastors to quickly grasp the most important information. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.

The book of Acts is theological history, showing how Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection informed the life, teaching, and ministry of the early church. God's power is displayed through the Spirit in the outward spread and influence of the gospel. We see how God's Old Testament promises are fulfilled in the church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. It is an open-ended story, so its history and theology are needed for the life and mission of the church today.

"A trustworthy interpreter, David Garland guides the reader through Acts concisely, capturing the main points and theological message of each passage and offering vivid illustrations. This book will be a huge help to busy pastors preaching from this exciting biblical book."--Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

"David Garland has enhanced his well-earned reputation as a superb commentary writer with this outstanding work on Acts. It is a genuine privilege to recommend this thoughtful, instructive, and carefully designed exposition as an important resource for students, teachers, and pastors alike."--David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University

"David Garland has written a wonderful commentary that is consistently faithful to the text, thoroughly informative on historical matters, deeply committed to theological explanation, focused on contemporary application, and always eminently readable."--Eckhard J. Schnabel, professor of New Testament studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"The exegesis is careful, the theological insights are distilled, and the illustrations are genuinely illuminating. Acts is a wonderful deposit of biblical interpretation, theological explanation, and homiletical application. A must have for preachers!"--Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College


David E. Garland (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the author of numerous books, including award-winning commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Mark.