Clamp Divinity School at Anderson University

The Book of Acts as Story: A Narrative-Critical Study

David R. Bauer

Baker Academic 2021

A Textbook Review for Clamp Divinity School at Anderson University in partial fulfillment
of the Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching

Course CHR 702-G01 Preaching & Biblical Genres

Prepared and submitted by

Eric J. Freeman
e.freeman1@andersonuniversity.edu
July 31, 2023
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DAVID R. BAUER, The Book of Acts as Story: A Narrative-Critical Study. (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2021).

Introduction

The Book of Acts is a defining text in the New Testament. It is a historical account of the early

Christian church and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. In recent years,

there has been a growing interest in narrative criticism, which seeks to analyze biblical texts as

stories. In his book, The Book of Acts as Story: A Narrative-Critical Study, David R. Bauer

provides a thorough analysis of the narrative structure of Acts and offers insights into the

message of the text. This review will provide an overview of Bauer's book, examine its strengths

and weaknesses, and assess how it might inform the intersection of New Testament biblical

genre and homiletics.

Overview

The first three chapters of the work articulate a nuanced and convincing construct for

studying the Book of Acts as a narrative or historical monograph. Bauer outlines the basic

principles of narrative criticism and explains why this approach is particularly relevant to the

study of Acts. He also highlights the importance of paying attention to the literary devices used

in the text, such as characterization, plot, and setting (32). Moreover, Bauer suggests that Acts

can be divided into smaller units or subunits within the larger narrative (49). These smaller units

may include passages that focus on specific characters or events, such as the ministry of Peter in

chapters 1-12 and the ministry of Paul in chapters 13-28. Ultimately, Bauer emphasizes the linear

development of material and the dynamic relationship of major themes or motifs within Acts.
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In chapter four, Bauer analyzes the prologue of Acts (1:1-11) and the opening scene in

Jerusalem (1:12-26). He asserts that these sections establish the key themes of the narrative,

including the role of the Holy Spirit, the continuity between Jesus and the early Christian

community, and the mission to spread the gospel (69).

In the fifth chapter, Bauer examines the second major section of Acts (2:1-8:1a), which

focuses on the ministry of Peter and the formation of the early Christian community in

Jerusalem. He identifies several key themes in this section, including the power of the Holy

Spirit, the continuity between Jesus and the early Christian community, and the importance of

community and sharing (94).

In the sixth chapter, Bauer turns his attention to the third major section of Acts (8:1b-

12:25), which focuses on the spread of Christianity to Samaria, Saul's conversion, and the

church's expansion to Antioch. He argues that this section highlights the gospel message's

universality and the Holy Spirit's role in spreading the message (157). Bauer’s attention to

Peter’s sermon to Cornelius is constructive in demonstrating the ubiquitous nature of the gospel.

He posits that several critical elements of Peter's sermon to Cornelius in Acts 10:34-43 provide a

Christological framework for preaching by emphasizing the essential aspects of Christ's identity,

work, and the response required from believers. Bauer delineates the elements of Peter’s sermon

as follows:

1. Peter emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel message, stating that God shows

no partiality and that the message of salvation is for all people, regardless of their

background or ethnicity (Acts 10:34-35). This highlights the universal nature of

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Christ's redemptive work and sets the foundation for preaching that extends to all

people.

2. Peter proclaims the person and work of Jesus Christ, highlighting His anointing

with the Holy Spirit and power, His ministry of doing good and healing, His

crucifixion, and His resurrection from the dead (Acts 10:36-41). These elements

emphasize the unique role of Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior, and the source of

salvation for all.

3. Peter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, stating that

everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name

(Acts 10:43). This underscores the central role of faith in Christ as the means of

receiving salvation and serves as a call to respond to the Gospel message with

faith and repentance.

In the seventh chapter, Bauer analyzes the final major section of Acts (13:1-28:31),

which describes the missionary journeys of Paul and the establishment of new Christian

communities throughout the Mediterranean world. He contends that this section emphasizes the

importance of preaching and teaching the gospel and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the

mission by depicting the following:

a. There are two movements in the final major division of the book of Acts: the

advancement of the witness through Paul's evangelistic travels (13:1-19:20) and the

advancement of the witness through Paul's arrest and imprisonment, including his

travel, in custody, to Rome (19:21-28:20) (234).

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b. The advancement of the witness through Paul's evangelistic travels is characterized

by his missionary journeys. The second missionary journey, in particular, is described

in Acts 15:36-19:21. It involves conflict between the evangelists and those who reject

the message, including Jewish and Gentile opposition. Notably, the specific

geographical contours of the advancement of the witness in the second missionary

journey are directed by a revelation that leads the evangelists away from Asia and

Bithynia and toward Europe (16:6-10) (258).

c. The advancement of the witness through Paul's arrest and imprisonment, including

his travel to Rome, is described in Acts 19:21-28:20. This section highlights the

challenges and opposition Paul faces and how he leverages them to continue

proclaiming the gospel even while in custody (234).

Strengths and Weaknesses

A major strength of The Book of Acts as Story is Bauer's thorough analysis of the

narrative structure of Acts. He thoroughly examines the literary devices used in the text and

identifies key themes throughout the narrative. This analysis helps illuminate the text's message

and provides insights into the early Christian community and the spread of Christianity.

Another strength of Bauer's book is his attention to detail. He carefully examines each

section of Acts and provides a delicate analysis of the text. He also draws on a wide range of

scholarly sources to support his arguments.

One weakness of the book is that it may be too technical for some readers. Bauer's

analysis can sometimes be dense, and he often uses technical terms and concepts that may be
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unfamiliar to non-specialists. However, this is a common challenge in academic writing, and

Bauer does his best to explain these concepts in a clear and accessible way.

Another potential weakness of the book is that it may be limited in its scope. Bauer

focuses exclusively on the narrative structure of Acts and does not engage with other approaches

to biblical interpretation, such as historical-critical or theological readings. While this is not

necessarily a weakness, it may limit the broader applicability of Bauer's analysis.

Overall, the strengths of The Book of Acts as Story outweigh its weaknesses. Bauer's

analysis provides a valuable contribution to biblical studies and offers new insights into the

message of Acts.

Implications for Homiletics

Bauer has presented a valuable resource for anyone interested in the New Testament,

narrative criticism, or homiletics. His analysis of the narrative structure of Acts provides new

insights into the text's message and offers a helpful framework for preachers and teachers who

want to engage with the text meaningfully. By paying attention to the literary devices used in the

text, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit, preaching and teaching the gospel message, and

promoting community and sharing, preachers and teachers can use Bauer's analysis to encourage

their congregations to live out the message of Acts in their own lives.

A critical aspect of Bauer's analysis that may be particularly useful for preachers and

teachers is his focus on the narrative structure of Acts. By paying attention to the literary devices

used in the text, such as plot, characterization, and point of view, preachers and teachers can gain

a deeper understanding of the text's message and use that understanding to shape their sermons
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and lessons. For example, they may choose to highlight the themes of community, evangelism,

or the role of the Holy Spirit in their preaching and teaching, using examples from Acts to

illustrate their points.

Another critical aspect of Bauer's analysis is his emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in

the narrative of Acts. By emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life,

preachers and teachers can encourage their congregations to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit

in their own lives. They may choose to preach on topics such as the baptism of the Holy Spirit,

the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or the fruit of the Spirit, using examples from Acts to illustrate their

points.

Bauer's analysis also highlights the importance of preaching and teaching the gospel

message. By emphasizing the importance of evangelism in the Christian life, preachers and

teachers can encourage their congregations to share the gospel message with others. They may

preach on topics such as the Great Commission, the importance of sharing one's testimony, or the

need for all people to hear the gospel message, using examples from Acts to illustrate their

points.

Finally, Bauer's analysis emphasizes the importance of community and sharing in the

Acts narrative. By emphasizing the importance of fellowship and community in the Christian

life, preachers and teachers can encourage their congregations to build strong, supportive

communities of faith. They may choose to preach on topics such as the importance of small

groups, the value of accountability, or the need for mutual support, using examples from Acts to

illustrate their points.

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In addition to these specific areas of focus, preachers, and teachers can also benefit from

the broader perspective that Bauer's analysis provides. By amplifying the narrative structure of

Acts, Bauer encourages readers to see the text as a coherent story of the early Christian

community and the spread of the gospel message. This perspective can help preachers and

teachers see the big picture of the text and communicate it to their congregations. It can also help

them to avoid getting bogged down in details or losing sight of the overarching message of the

text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Book of Acts as Story: A Narrative-Critical Study by David R. Bauer

offers important insights for preachers and teachers who want to engage with the intersection of

New Testament biblical genre and homiletics. By paying attention to the narrative structure of

Acts and using the literary devices employed in the text to shape their sermons and lessons,

preachers and teachers can communicate the message of the text more effectively. By

contextualizing the message of the text in the lives of the listeners, engaging their emotions and

imaginations, and connecting the message of the text to the broader themes and concerns of the

Christian faith, preachers, and teachers can help their congregations to understand and apply the

message of the text in a meaningful way. Overall, Bauer's analysis of the narrative structure of

Acts is a valuable resource for preachers and teachers who want to engage with the text in a way

that is both faithful to the text and relevant to the lives of their listeners.

In addition to its relevance for homiletics, Bauer's analysis of Acts as a narrative also has

broader implications for New Testament scholarship. His study challenges the traditional

approach to Acts as a historical document, arguing instead that the book should be read primarily
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as an enlivened work of literature (27). While Bauer acknowledges the historical value of Acts,

he argues that its primary purpose is not to provide a historically accurate account of the early

Christian movement but to tell a compelling story about the spread of the gospel message.

Bauer's narrative-critical approach to Acts is not entirely new, as scholars have used

literary analysis to understand the text for decades. However, Bauer's study is particularly

noteworthy for its emphasis on the text's narrative structure and its use of narratology, a literary

theory that focuses on the structure and function of narrative. By applying narratological

concepts to the text of Acts, Bauer can identify the key elements of its narrative structure and

analyze the function of those elements in shaping the text's message (4).

One of the most significant elements of the narrative structure of Acts that Bauer

identifies is repetition and parallelism. Throughout the book, there are numerous instances where

events or phrases are repeated, often with slight variations. For example, the word "great"

appears repeatedly in Acts 4-5, and each instance has a slightly different emphasis or context

(105). According to Bauer, these repetitions and variations create patterns and themes throughout

the book, helping to unify the narrative and emphasize its key messages.

Another vital element of the narrative structure of Acts that Bauer identifies is the use of

point of view. The book is written from the perspective of a third-person omniscient narrator, but

at various points in the narrative, the perspective shifts to focus on specific characters or groups

of characters (37). Bauer argues that these shifts in perspective create a sense of intimacy with

the characters and emphasize the story's human drama.

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Overall, Bauer's study of Acts as a narrative offers a compelling alternative to traditional

approaches to the book. By focusing on its literary structure and function, Bauer uncovers

nuances and complexities of the text that might otherwise be missed. While his approach is not

without its limitations, particularly in terms of its ability to account for the historical value of the

text, his study represents an important contribution to the ongoing discussion of how to

understand the New Testament as a work of literature.

In conclusion, The Book of Acts as Story is a significant work of scholarship that offers a

new approach to understanding the Book of Acts. By analyzing the narrative structure of the text

and applying narratological concepts to its analysis, Bauer is able to uncover the critical elements

of its literary structure and identify the function of those elements in shaping the message of the

text. Moreover, Bauer provides valuable insights for preachers and teachers desiring to engage

with the intersection of New Testament biblical genre and homiletics by offering tools for

communicating the text's message more effectively and making it relevant to the lives of their

listeners.