ASSEMBLIES OF GOD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

READING REPORT ON KAISER’S BOOK THE PROMISE PLAN OF GOD (CHAPTER

16; 317 – 332) AND LADD’S BOOK A THEOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

(CHAPTER 24-27, 38; 347-393, 576 – 594)

A RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO DR. ANDRÉA D. SNAVELY IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BIB 502 NEW TESTAMENT

GENRES AND ISSUES

BY

JEFFERY AYEMBILLA

LOME, TOGO

JUNE 2024
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Summary of Kaiser’s Book: The promise Plan (Chapter 16; Pg 317-332)

The book of Luke-Acts, written by Luke, is a two-part work that focuses on God's

plan for humanity, Kaiser introduces. The first part, the Gospel of Luke, describes Jesus’

ministry and teachings, while the second part, Acts, details the spread of Christianity after

Jesus’ ascension. Kaiser affirms that a recurring theme throughout both parts is the Holy

Spirit, who empowers believers and guides the course of events.

Luke’s writings emphasize several key themes, such as, repentance, a change in heart

and direction, and faith, complete trust in Jesus, are central to his message; and discipleship

requires a full commitment to following Jesus, and comes at a cost of daily discipline.

Importantly, Luke places special emphasis on those marginalized by society, portraying Jesus

as reaching out to the poor, sinners, and even women in leadership roles. This reflects Jesus’

message of salvation for all. Another key theme is the Kingdom of God, which Luke

describes as both present in Jesus’ ministry and yet to be fully realized. The concept of the

kingdom is linked to repentance, faith, and God’s transforming grace.

Summary on Ladd’s Book; A Theology of the New Testament (Chapter 24-27, 38; Pg

347-393, 576-594)

Ladd discusses the book of Acts and the reliability of the speeches within it as a

source for early church beliefs. According to Ladd, some argues that Luke, the author of

Acts, was a reliable historian, while others view Acts as more of a theological work. The text

concludes that the early chapters can be a reliable source. Again, Ladd focuses on the

resurrection of Jesus. The author argues that the disciples’ belief in the resurrection is a

historical fact and that Jesus’ resurrection was a real event, not just a theological concept.

Furthermore, the book of Acts addresses the development of the early Church from a

Jewish sect to a global religion accepting Gentiles. The turning point came with the

conversion of Gentiles, leading to debates about following Jewish Law. The book of Acts
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follows Paul’s missionary journeys, highlighting this shift from Jews to Gentiles. The last

passage by Ladd discusses the form and organization of the early Church. Churches were

made up of believers scattered throughout the Roman world, with leadership provided by

elders and bishops. The emphasis was on the unity of the Christian body rather than a rigid

structure.

Kaiser and Ladd on the Book of Acts and the Early Church

While both Kaiser and Ladd delve into the book of Acts and the early church, their

approaches and areas of emphasis differ.

Kaiser's Theological Lens

Kaiser examines Luke-Acts through a theological lens, highlighting recurring themes

that illuminate God's grand plan. He emphasizes how Acts portrays the outpouring of the

Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of the promise made in the Old Testament. This emphasis on

the Holy Spirit extends throughout the book, showcasing the Spirit's role in empowering

believers and guiding the course of events. Kaiser also observes a geographical progression in

Acts, where the spread of Christianity unfolds systematically, starting in Jerusalem and Judea

before moving outward to encompass the entire world. Notably, Kaiser sheds light on Luke's

compassion for the marginalized. By portraying Jesus reaching out to the poor, sinners, and

even women in leadership roles, Kaiser argues that Luke emphasizes the universality of

Jesus' message of salvation.

Ladd's Historical Focus

Ladd, on the other hand, adopts a more historical approach to Acts and the early

church. He grapples with the question of Acts' reliability as a source for early church beliefs,

acknowledging the ongoing debate about whether Luke, the author, was a meticulous

historian or a theologian shaping the narrative. Ladd also tackles the historicity of the

resurrection, arguing that the disciples' unwavering belief in Jesus' resurrection is a historical
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fact. Shifting his focus to the development of the early church, Ladd traces its transformation

from a Jewish sect centered in Jerusalem to a global religion embracing Gentiles. This

transformation, as depicted in Acts, led to debates about the necessity of following Jewish

Law for Gentile converts. Finally, Ladd examines the structure of the early church as

revealed in Acts, highlighting its loose organization with leadership provided by elders and

bishops, and emphasizing the overall unity of the Christian body over rigid structures.

Common Ground

While Kaiser analyses the theological threads woven throughout Acts, and Ladd

dissects its historical reliability, both scholars converge on the book's importance for

comprehending the early church. This shared ground extends to the Holy Spirit, a vital

presence in their perspectives. Kaiser highlights the Spirit's role in fulfilling God's plan, while

Ladd emphasizes its empowerment of believers. Ultimately, both agree that the Holy Spirit

serves as a central force guiding and propelling the early church forward.

Conclusion

Despite approaching the book of Acts from distinct angles, Kaiser, a theologian, and

Ladd, a historian, find significant common ground. While Kaiser delves into the theological

themes that illuminate God's overarching plan, Ladd meticulously examines the historical

underpinnings of the text. This complementary analysis enriches our understanding of Acts.

Furthermore, both scholars recognize the centrality of the Holy Spirit in the life and mission

of the early church. Kaiser views the Spirit as the fulfillment of God's promise and the

guiding force behind events, while Ladd emphasizes the Spirit's role in empowering

believers. Ultimately, their convergence on the importance of the Holy Spirit underscores this

force as a driving engine of the early church's growth and development.