The Book of Acts as Story

"Do we have a more accomplished reader of biblical stories than David Bauer? Here he provides an engaging (and manageable) commentary on the Acts of the Apostles--complete with a sensible orientation to narrative criticism and its significance for reading Luke's second volume. Both students and pastors will benefit from this literary-theological exploration of Luke's story of the still-active, exalted Lord Jesus."

"In this work, noted narrative critic David Bauer brings to bear his sophisticated skills to provide an indispensable literary-theological reading of the book of Acts. In addition to an essential foundation for further narrative scholarship on Acts, the book provides a helpful primer for anyone seeking to learn the nomenclature and methods of narrative criticism and provides a model for how to apply them in an ancient narrative work."

"Here is a volume packed with riches. Bauer's study showcases brilliantly the wide-ranging gifts of narrative criticism for interpreting the book of Acts. Without question Bauer's signal interpretive move is to identify Jesus himself (a.k.a. 'the exalted Christ') as the 'dominant character' within the narrative. This move not only unifies the plotline instantaneously but also obviates the need to resolve the otherwise widely debated questions concerning Paul's death at the end of the story. Bauer's narrative commentary throughout the volume is rich in substance, solidly grounded on exegesis, and deeply insightful in its depiction of Luke's overarching story. Bauer's work provides an outstanding tool for students and scholars alike as they seek to mine the narrative--and accompanying theological--riches of the book of Acts."

"David R. Bauer uses the tools of narrative criticism to lead readers on a guided tour of the world of Acts with competence and grace. His treatment of Acts offers insight into the literary architecture and theological shape of its narrative world, while his generous footnotes engage other interpreters in constructive conversations that illumine and often persuade. The result is a fine reading of an indispensable story that will benefit both the teacher's classroom and the pastor's congregation for years to come."

"Church leaders and scholars do not always know what to do with the book of Acts. It's not a Gospel, not an epistle--what is it? David Bauer tells us it is a story, a story of the early church--or better, a story of the exalted Christ still active in the world through the early church. Bauer is one of the pioneers of narrative criticism, an approach to biblical literature that appreciates the nuances of classical storytelling. He has been doing narrative criticism for more than thirty years, and there may be no one who does it better. Anyone who loves the Bible (or the exalted Christ) will benefit from this wonderful analysis of the longest and most exciting story found in the New Testament."