Thematic Analysis Essay 2, Acts 8:1–12:25 In an essay of 750-1000 words, analyze the thematic development of this second movement of the book of Acts. While this is not an exclusive list, be sure to address the following elements: 1. How does this segment develop the theme of the geographical/ethnic advance of the proclamation of the gospel presented in the key verse of the book, Acts 1:8? What is the new “geographic target” in this movement of the book? Trace the development of this theme through this section of Acts. You’ll note a definite transition in the audience of the gospel in these chapters. Trace that transition. (Remember that it is geographical, religious, and ethnic.) 2. What other major themes are developed in Acts 8–12 (of the nine themes identified by Fowler in his video presentation “The Key Themes of Acts”)? Identify what you believe are the four most important themes in this segment, then trace the development of each of those themes through these chapters. 3. Luke records the evangelistic encounter of Peter with Cornelius and his household in chapter 10 and Peter’s defense of his fellowship with these Gentiles in chapter 11. Read the account of what Peter said to the household of Cornelius to identify and present the core elements of Peter’s preaching of the gospel to Gentiles. How do these compare to the core elements you identified in Peter’s preaching to the Jews in the first movement of the book of Acts? What changes does Peter make in his approach to the Gentiles, and what is the significance of those changes? Acts Thematic Analysis Essay #1 Grading Rubric Criteria Levels of Achievement Content 70% (100 pts.) Advanced Proficient Developing Not present Geographical/Ethnic advance of gospel (20 pts.) 18 to 20 points Thoroughly traces development of this theme in this section of Acts. 14 to 17 points Adequately traces development of this theme in this section of Acts. 1 to 13 points Superficially traces development of this theme in this section of Acts. 0 points Fails to trace development of this theme in this section of Acts. Thematic development (40 pts.) 36 to 40 points Identifies and thoroughly traces development of major themes in this section of Acts. 28 to 35 points Identifies and adequately traces development of major themes in this section of Acts. 1 to 27 points Identifies and thoroughly traces development of some of the major themes in this section of Acts; or superficially traces development of all major themes in this section of Acts. 0 points Fails to trace development of major themes in this section of Acts. Core elements of Peter’s evangelistic preaching (20 pts.) 18 to 20 points Sermons are thoroughly analyzed and core elements identified. 14-17 points Sermons are adequately analyzed and most core elements identified. 1 to 13 points Sermons are superficially analyzed and some core elements identified. 0 points Fails to analyze sermons and identify core elements. Development of recurring themes in Stephen’s speech (20 pts.) 18 to 20 points Speech is thoroughly analyzed; recurring elements are properly identified; contribution to the thematic development of Acts correctly identified. 14-17 points Speech is adequately analyzed; recurring elements are identified; contribution to the thematic development of Acts identified. 1 to 13 points Speech is superficially analyzed; some recurring elements are identified; identification of contribution to the thematic development of Acts is attempted. 0 points Fails to analyze Stephen’s speech, point out recurring elements, or identify contribution to the thematic development of Acts. Structure 30% (40 pts.) Advanced Proficient Developing Not present Spelling, punctuation, capitalization (15 points) 11 to 15 points Fewer than 7 errors. 8 to 10 points Contains 8-14 errors. 1 to 7 points Contains 15-21 errors. 0 points Contains more than 21 errors. Word count (25 points) 23 to 25 points. Contains 750-1000 well-chosen words. 18 to 22 points. Contains 600-749 well-chosen words. 1 to 17 points. Contains 300-599 words. 0 points. Fewer than 300 words, or very poorly written/substandard word choice. Thats the Rubric. The book is Acts: Witnesses to the World by Ger, Steven

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