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1. Author Acts is the second part of the Lukan document, with the Gospel of John separating the two in the canon. According to ancient Christian tradition, the author is the physician Luke, a coworker of Paul (Col. 4:14). The author’s interest focuses on Paul, his mission, and his fate (Acts 9; 11; 13–28). Arguments against authorship by a coworker are the biographical defects and the lack of specific features of Pauline theology. Nevertheless, the author shows a good knowledge of the nonpolemical, “catholic” Paul whom we know from marginal obse…

In the OT ’ ādām is a collective term for humanity, a term for the individual, and finally a proper name (Genesis 1–11). Adam stands in a special relation to God, created by him and bearing his image. Adam is the crown of creation (§2) and has almost divine rank (e.g., 1:26–27; 5:3). He is a social being, and God gives him dominion over the rest of creation (1:26–28; 2:18–20). Yet limits are set for him as a creature. He is fully dependent on God and is mortal. The story of the fall (chap. 3) elucidates the essential limitation. Transgression of God’s command brings guilt and punishme…