Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 03:9 (Aug 1999)
Article: Article & Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

CTJ 3:9 (August 1999) p. 282

Article & Book Reviews

By the faculty of Tyndale Biblical Institute & Theological Seminary and others
Mal Couch, Editor

A Bible Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles by Mal Couch, general editor, Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1999, 455 pp. cloth, $25.99

This monumental handbook and guide on the book of Acts is a compilation of the literary efforts of the general editor with the assistance of seven other noted scholars (p.8).

Within the main structure of this book are three major parts:

• The first section, “The Theology of the Book of Acts,” focuses upon six major theological themes (over a hundred pages).
• The second section addresses “The Theology and Work of the Holy Spirit” as revealed in Acts (nearly fifty pages).
• The third section, “A Verse By Verse Background Guide,” covers all twenty-eight chapters of the Book of Acts with concise contextual commentary (two hundred and twenty-three pages).

The 4 appendixes present: 1) a valuable time-line of the book of Acts; 2) a good discussion of “laying on of hands” (its history, use and purpose); 3) a valuable discussion of the special “sign” gifts in Acts; and 4) a helpful comparison of selected passages from Acts that critique and refute the view of Progressive Dispensationalism concerning the reign of Christ on the Davidic throne (twenty-four pages).

The endnotes reveal the evidence of the scholarship and vast use of relative literature from many eras of time and from many views and opinions (twenty-nine pages).

However, it is perfectly clear as determined by this reviewer that this book was consistently written from a premillennial and pretribulational perspective.

CTJ 3:9 (August 1999) p. 283

Anyone would be greatly enriched to go through this Handbook page by page in their study of the book of Acts. As a result of doing this, there would be a substantial increase in the knowledge of specific persons and places, and the major events surrounding the early development of the church. As a part of the scholarly research behind this book is the enhancement of the spiritual understanding of Acts. May God bless its use.

Gordon Mumford,
President,
Southern Bible Institute

Book Notices

Confident In Christ by Robert N. Wilkin, Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1999, 287 pp., paperback, $9.95

Dr. Wilkin is concerned that the doctrine of grace may be spoiled by legalism or other false beliefs. This book is an attempt to focus our salvation on Christ and nothing else. One review...