Acts and Christian Beginnings: A Review Essay

This article reviews recent claims that the Acts of the Apostles should be dated in the second century, not in the first century as most scholars currently argue. It notes a range of works that make such claims in passing, but focuses on the multi-authored work Acts and Christian Beginnings, and on some of the publications on which its authors depend. Particular attention is given to the work of Richard Pervo and his case that Acts used both Josephus and a collection of Paul’s letters, and his claim that this requires a second-century date for Acts. The article notes the strength of the case for Luke’s use of both Josephus’ Antiquities and some of Paul’s letters, but questions whether this requires a second-century date, and reflects on the wider issues that are at stake.