Acts: The Spirit, the Church, and the World
This course explores the Book of Acts as a work of theological narrative rather than a simple history of the early church. Read as the second volume of Luke’s Gospel, Acts tells the story of what happens when the Spirit of the risen Jesus is released into the world.
Across four lectures, we will trace how the Spirit forms communities, pushes the church across cultural and religious boundaries, and brings the gospel into encounter with economic, political, and imperial power. Attention will be given to conflict, discernment, and disagreement as intrinsic to faithful life, rather than signs of failure.
Acts will be approached as a book without an ending, inviting contemporary readers to recognise themselves as participants in an ongoing story of witness, risk, and hope in the midst of a contested world.
Simon Woodman is a dynamic and innovative Baptist minister and academic with strong strategic leadership experience. Committed to excellence in education, empowering others, and widening inclusion. Known for collaborative engagement, boundary-pushing thinking, and championing radical values to bring about lasting transformation in church, academy, and public life. Simon is the Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, Baptist Chaplain at King’s College London, and a trained Community Organiser.
