Book of Acts: Theology

¶ … Book of Acts give a clear pattern for the proper structure of Church government? Why or why not?

A clear pattern for the proper church governance structure can indeed be derived from the Book of Acts. The structure depicted in the Church of Antioch alone is a sufficient example of how missionaries, teachers, and church elders should be appointed. The church, before even embarking on the mission of choosing its leaders, ought to seek God's guidance through prayer. Appointed church leaders then ought to work together towards the achievement of an organized mission, guided by the same spirit of prayer. The church has to keep its leaders in prayers, just as the church of Antioch (14:23) commended its appointed leaders to God.

The Church of Antioch is a perfect demonstration of diversity-appreciation. Its five leaders were drawn from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and racial patterns which symbolized unity, togetherness, and oneness in Christ. This appreciation for diversity led the church to grow strong as one, and better testify to God's power, presence, and love for all, regardless of race, economic status, or ethnicity. The church draws from the example posted by its leaders; leaders at Antioch showed their appreciation for diversity, and this went a long way in getting the church to embrace diversity, and unity by extension.

The Church of Antioch also demonstrates a leadership that is led by the Holy Spirit and one that seeks the Spirit's guidance in all its undertakings. A Spirit-led leader creates a welcoming environment for God's presence; God visits the church through its leadership. Saul and Barnabas are leaders chosen by the Spirit, and working for Him. This flowed from the leaders to the church, and the Spirit then began to work in individual church members in the way they related with others, and even at a personal level. These are just a few of the examples that the church today can draw from the Church of Antioch and the Book of Acts in general.

Question 2: Is it appropriate to attempt to be an "Acts Church" today? That is, is it appropriate to use the book of Acts as a guide to establishing and operating a Church today? Why or why not?

The church today ought to take the Book of Acts as its guide as it establishes itself and carries out its activities of spreading the Gospel. The book of Acts gives the perfect demonstration of what a church filled with the Spirit's presence is like; how it conducts its activities, how it chooses its leaders, and how it earns God's favor. The book of Acts is especially more relevant now, when the church is facing a series of rather tough tests, such as the same-sex marriage debate which has got the church divided and almost appearing as a failed institution. The solution does not lie in reengineering; the church needs to go back and seek the Spirit's guidance, and be restored to the original specifications of divinity and glory.