Summary of "The Great Books" Podcast Episode 369: 'Acts of the Apostles'
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: John J. Miller, National Review
Guest: Jeff Cavins, Creator of the Great Adventure Bible
Introduction
In Episode 369 of "The Great Books" podcast, host John J. Miller engages in a profound discussion with Jeff Cavins, renowned for creating the Great Adventure Bible and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline Study series. The episode delves into the Acts of the Apostles, exploring its significance within the Western literary and theological canon.
Why 'Acts of the Apostles' is a Great Book
The conversation begins with Jeff Cavins addressing the question of why the Acts of the Apostles stands out as a monumental work. Cavins asserts that while the Bible is a library of diverse books, Acts is a standout narrative that chronicles the early Christian church's response to Jesus's teachings.
"The Acts of the Apostles is the record of the body of Christ responding to all that Jesus taught... it becomes the institutional form of peace, mercy, grace, love and justice in the world."
— Jeff Cavins [00:54]
Cavins emphasizes that Acts showcases the church's transformation and its clash with prevailing worldly ideologies, highlighting the resilience and impact of early Christians.
Historical and Political Context
John J. Miller prompts Cavins to elaborate on the Acts of the Apostles' historical backdrop, particularly the socio-political climate of Jews and Romans during the period.
Cavins provides a comprehensive overview of the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, focusing on pivotal figures like Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus. He outlines Augustus's role in establishing the Pax Romana and his influence in shaping the environment into which Acts was written.
"In the context of that, in Corinth, they have archaeological findings where it says... the Prince of Peace, who is the son of God, who ushered in the Euangelion for the world."
— Jeff Cavins [05:50]
He further connects this historical shift to the challenges Peter and Paul faced, illustrating the ideological battles between the emerging Christian doctrines and Roman paganism.
Authorship and Addressing Theophilus
The discussion transitions to the authorship of Acts, with Cavins attributing it to Luke, a companion of Paul, who also authored the Gospel of Luke. He explores the identity of Theophilus, to whom Acts is addressed, suggesting that Theophilus may have been a catechumen—a formal student preparing for baptism.
"Luke wanted Theophilus to understand not only all that Jesus did and taught, but also all that he continued to do in and through the church."
— Jeff Cavins [06:48]
Cavins posits that the name Theophilus, meaning "lover of God," serves as an invitation for all readers to partake in the narrative and lessons of Acts.
The Ascension and Pentecost: Key Turning Points
In Acts 1, the Ascension of Jesus marks a significant transition, where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower His followers. Cavins describes this event as the moment Jesus takes His place at the right hand of the Father, initiating the spread of the Gospel.
"Jesus takes his seat at the right hand of the Father. In the modern vernacular, I could say game on."
— Jeff Cavins [10:45]
Moving to Acts 2, the arrival of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost represents the birth of the Christian church as an organized entity. Cavins connects Pentecost to its Jewish festival origins, highlighting its significance in the universality and empowerment of the early Christians.
"Pentecost is one of the three pilgrim feasts... The Holy Spirit is the soul really that animates the body of the Christian community."
— Jeff Cavins [13:40]
This event signifies the transition from a localized movement to a global mission, setting the stage for the church's expansion beyond Jerusalem.
The Transformation of Peter
Peter emerges as a central figure in Acts, evolving from an impetuous disciple in the Gospels to a bold leader in the early church. Cavins discusses Peter's transformation post-Pentecost, emphasizing his redemption after denying Christ three times.
"The transformation of the day of Pentecost... made him a new man. He's a bold man, which is a witness to all of us in what Jesus can do."
— Jeff Cavins [18:14]
This metamorphosis underscores the theme of redemption and empowerment through the Holy Spirit, illustrating the profound personal changes that underpinned the church's growth.
Introduction and Conversion of Paul
Paul, initially known as Saul, is introduced as a pivotal figure whose conversion marks a significant expansion of the Christian mission. Cavins narrates Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity's foremost apostles.
"On the road to Damascus... he became Paul the saint. What happened on the road to Damascus was like an instant transformation."
— Jeff Cavins [22:21]
Cavins highlights Paul's unique position as both a Jew and a Roman citizen, enabling him to bridge cultural and political divides in spreading the Gospel.
Paul's Mission and the Sermon at Athens
A highlight of the episode is Paul's Sermon at the Areopagus in Athens, a moment where he confronts Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine. Cavins delves into the significance of this event, illustrating Paul's ability to engage with and reinterpret contemporary beliefs.
"Paul is telling them who the Lamb of God is, is the one who died to take away the greatest plague of all time, sin and death."
— Jeff Cavins [24:50]
This sermon exemplifies the intellectual and cultural dialogues that Acts portrays, showcasing the early church's interaction with broader philosophical and religious ideas.
Conclusion of Acts and Transition to the Epistles
As Acts concludes with Paul in Rome, Cavins reflects on the abrupt ending of the book and its implications for the continuation of the Christian narrative. He ties the culmination of Acts to prophetic visions from the Book of Daniel, suggesting that the establishment of the church in Rome signifies the inception of a divine kingdom.
"Rome as the continuation of the kingdom of God, a movement from an empire to the Church."
— Jeff Cavins [29:18]
Cavins sees the apostles as foundational figures akin to Rome's legendary founders, Peter and Paul shaping the new spiritual empire.
The Great Adventure Bible and Engaging with the Scriptures
Towards the episode's end, Cavins introduces his creation, the Great Adventure Bible, designed to assist readers in understanding the Bible as a cohesive narrative rather than a disjointed library of texts. He explains the Bible's division into 12 color-coded periods and 14 narrative books, making the scriptures more accessible and comprehensible.
"The Great Adventure Bible... helps people discover it. If we're going to talk about Peter and Paul and Jesus and all the things that took place in the Bible, it would behoove us to see the movie."
— Jeff Cavins [33:12]
Cavins advocates for a dual approach to Bible reading: devotional engagement and narrative study, encouraging both personal reflection and scholarly exploration.
Recommendations for New Readers
In response to a listener's query about where to start reading the Bible, Cavins endorses beginning with Acts of the Apostles, alongside a Gospel, to grasp the early church's dynamics early on.
"Saint Ephrem once said... reading the Bible is like drinking from a drinking fountain. Don't be discouraged by what falls to the ground, but be encouraged by what you receive."
— Jeff Cavins [37:00]
He emphasizes that the Great Adventure Bible provides a structured pathway for modern readers to navigate the complexities of biblical texts, making the journey less daunting.
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with gratitude expressed to Jeff Cavins for his insights and contributions to understanding the Acts of the Apostles. John J. Miller encourages listeners to engage deeply with the text, utilizing tools like the Great Adventure Bible to enhance their comprehension and appreciation of the scriptures.
"It's been wonderful. It's great to talk to you and blessings on all who are listening."
— Jeff Cavins [38:31]
Listeners are invited to subscribe, leave reviews, and suggest future episode ideas, ensuring continued exploration of great literary and theological works.
End of Summary