Our current cultural moment is marked by fear, anxiety, and pessimism. COVID-19, political turmoil, racial tensions, and economic instability have left many with a deep sense that something has gone terribly wrong in America. And things don’t look much better in the church. The downfalls of many prominent Christian leaders, the rapid decline in church attendance, and the seemingly endless schisms are sowing the seeds of disillusionment and despair.
Yet when we open the book of Acts, we are met with a different story. It’s a story of a promise-keeping God who loves to save, who is at work to accomplish his salvation purposes, and whose word and purposes will prevail, despite every tactic of the enemy. It’s a story that will not let us despair. The final chapter of the book of Acts sums up this story in a single word—unhindered. This, the last word of the book of Acts, shows us who really has the final word. For even as Paul sits bound in chains in Rome, he is able to preach the word without hindrance. Paul is bound, but the gospel cannot be bound. God will accomplish his saving purposes.
In her latest book, “Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts” (Crossway, 2024), author and teacher Nancy Guthrie guides readers through the story of the book of Acts from start to finish in a manner that is highly approachable yet theologically rich (which is no small task). After explaining in the introduction what the book of Acts is primarily about—God’s plan of salvation being carried out—Guthrie spends the next 17 chapters working through the book of Acts chronologically in a style that can best be described as expository.
Each chapter of “Saved” covers a chapter of the book of Acts and uses a mix of commentary, illustration, and application to work through the content while also focusing on one key point or theme. “Saved” is structured in this way so that it can be easily used for weekly Bible studies. Crossway has also released a video study, personal Bible study, and leader’s guide so that the material can be used in a variety of settings, whether individually or in groups.
One of the many strengths of “Saved” is Guthrie’s unique ability to communicate complex theology in a way that is easy for lay people to understand. Take, for example, the following quote:
The Spirit’s work in and through us likely won’t look exactly like what we see in Acts. What is recorded for us in the book of Acts concerns a unique period of redemptive history. Just as we do not anticipate that the crucifixion or resurrection will be repeated, we do not anticipate the events of Pentecost will be repeated. In Acts, we’re given a record of a unique time in redemptive history when the Spirit was at work to establish Christ’s church throughout the world through the witness of the apostles (8).
Without using any technical theological language or getting bogged down in debates (which have their value in the right time and place), Guthrie gives an easy-to-understand explanation for why the Holy Spirit’s work in Acts seems to differ from how he normally operates today.
Throughout the book, Guthrie also provides simple and concise explanations of the Old Testament context and theology that underpins the text of Acts, helping us as readers to grow in our understanding of how all the pieces of Scripture fit together. While no book can serve every audience, “Saved” is able to marry theological depth with simplicity and clarity in a way that will make it broadly appealing. This makes it well-suited to small group settings, where participants might have different biblical literacy levels.
Another strength of “Saved” is the way Guthrie weaves application throughout the book. This application is two-fold, focusing both on the continued relevance of the book of Acts for us and on what the book of Acts is calling us to do in response. While we are separated from the events of Acts by 2,000 years, Guthrie continuously bridges the gap, showing us that “the same Spirit that worked in and through them is still at work in us” by means of the Word (8). You will not walk away from reading “Saved” wondering, “so what?” but will instead be spurred on to preach the gospel boldly (chapters 2-3), to give generously (chapter 4), to eschew pride and exclusivity (chapter 8), to submit to King Jesus’ rule in your life (chapter 12), to let go of the instinct towards self-preservation (chapter 15), and more.
“Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts” is an excellent guide to understanding and applying the book of Acts. As you read it, you will be reminded once again of God’s story—the story of a God who saves, and who will fulfill all his salvation promises. This is the story we need to return to when tempted by anxiety and pessimism. Because despite the current struggles in the country and the church, we have a sure salvation:
One day, the hope of Israel—a renewed creation, the eradication of evil, a place in the presence of God with perfect security and rest—will no longer be a promise of something out in the future that we put our faith in. Faith will have become sight. We will find ourselves part of a great multitude that no one will be able to number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne. We’re all going to cry out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:10). On that day our glad testimony will be: All of God’s salvation promises have been fulfilled! All of his salvation purposes have been accomplished in my life and in his world. And everything is exactly as I was told (260).
Jessica Fikkert (MDiv, Covenant Theological Seminary) is coordinator for the diaconate and mercy ministries at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.