Many years ago, when desiring to begin a serious study of the Word of God, the question came, “Where should I begin?” God graciously directed to the book of Acts and much blessing was received. Along with reading the Word of God, two reference sources proved particularly helpful in this study: the Synopsis by J. N. Darby and this exposition by W. Kelly.
Through this time of personal study, the foundation principles and truths concerning God’s assembly became more clear. Feeling that the book of Acts is a New Testament “Genesis”—presenting the divine account of the formation of the church and the acts of the Spirit of God in its development—it was a joy to find contained in it an inexhaustible treasure chest of principles regarding the assembly.
Mr. Kelly’s helpful exposition is based on his personal translation of Scripture, which is contained in the body of this work.
We feel that a clear understanding of the book of Acts is vital for believers who desire to walk according to the truth of God concerning His church. The doctrines and principles connected with God’s assembly are essential to understand and maintain in the present day, when so much of this truth has been given up by mainstream Christianity.
In Mr. Kelly’s preface to this work we read, “The book [Acts] is rich—everywhere it is the Lord Jesus exalted on high, yet actively working by the Holy Spirit below, whether in the service of individuals or in the assembly as well as the kingdom of God.”
Though Mr. Kelly’s exposition of Acts is large—400 pages in paperback—it is a very readable work. May God richly bless the study of His precious Word to each who have the desire to become, in the things of God, a workman “approved unto God” (2 Tim. 2:1515Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)).
Ed.