Bearing Witness in Acts and Today - Paperback

by Troy M. Troftgruben (Author)

Many people have mixed reactions to conventional ideas of "evangelism." And yet, in Scripture Jesus invites his followers to engage in faithful witness in the world. In a society as complicated as ours, where people have had many positive and negative experiences with Christianity, what does constructive and faithful witness look like? This book reengages the call of Jesus in Acts to bear witness faithfully. The book explores how witness takes shape in Acts, why that matters, and what that might mean for today. Each chapter focuses on Scripture passages from Acts, examples of the early church engaged in witness, and reflections on faithful witness today. Nearly all Scripture passages appear in the Revised Common Lectionary for worship, making them more familiar. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, resources, and suggestions. These resources allow readers to engage in Scripture and reflection, as individuals and as communities, about faithful witness today. Bearing Witness in Acts and Today invites readers into deeper engagement with the story of Acts, the faithful witness of early church communities, and the call of Jesus for today.

Author Biography

Troy M. Troftgruben is associate professor of New Testament and the William A. & John E. Wagner Professor in Biblical Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He is an ordained pastor (ELCA) who served several years at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is the author of Rooted and Renewing and A Conclusion Unhindered: A Study of the Ending of Acts.