The Acts of the Apostles (Udemy.com)

As usual Wright's lectures are exceptionally insightful. As usual, the quizzes miss the boat. For example, in one question in quiz 25 requiring a true or false response, both of the choices on the template are labeled false. If you pick the first one, the grading algorithm gives you credit. If you pick the second one (still false), the grading algorithm tells you you are wrong. In another question, Wright gave two examples of zealous behavior, Phineas and Elijah. In the related quiz, one question asks who Professor Wright used an examples. Phineas and Elijah was not one of the choices. The choice of Phineas and Ezekial was the one the grading algorithm thought was right. Ezekial was not know for zeal at the level of killing people, as Phineas and Elijah were both known to have killed on behalf of YHWH. Frankly, these are great bible studies, with mediocre evaluation materials. Several times I've found myself having to guess how the quiz preparers have misinterpreted Wright's lecture in order to guess the response that the grading algorithm will consider correct.

Dr. Wright has been a guiding light to me as a theology teacher for the past 4 years or so. I have YouTubed and podcasted him to death and now I have completed my first course on Acts and he did not disappoint. I love his approach, his vision of Scripture, his willingness to allow a dynamic vision of Christianity to come through and not a static and dogmatic view. He is my favorite theologian of today. Thank you and God Bless.

The lectures are everything I hope for and more. I always learn so much from Dr. Wright. He has shaped my imagination and reenchanted my love for the Bible's content. I gave four stars instead of five because the quizzes are a little frustrating. Sometimes they seem to have been written in haste, because they are either confusing or contain careless errors.

Tom Wright has a passion & compassion that brings his readings to life. They are actual people & actual events, not merely facts out of some history book. His knowledge as a historian is more than helpful in describing the culture & traditions of the Biblical stories. Tom Wright has been called by many individuals & organisations as a leading scholar & it is easy to see why. His love of God & his fellow man shines from him & is no less shown as in this course on Acts. It is an inspiring book but even more so as taught by Tom Wright. Thank you yet again Mr Wright, my love for God has increased with the knowledge I have acquired through your words.

This is my fifth course in this series of religious enlightenment. I have gained deep insight into both Old and New Testaments due to the excellence of the instruction/explanation from Prof. N T Wright. I fully intend to participate in all such courses. Having just finished it I am excited to say I loved this course! Tom Wright presents the text in such a personal and enthusiastic way; one cannot help feeling that the book of Acts was written just for you. It is truly a moving and gripping story of love, faith and truth! I have now watched the additional material which answers questions which others have asked. It is great to have these additional nuggets of faith to ponder on. Great course, great Instructor. Well done say I!

New insights as to what was going on in Southern Turkey at the time. Never knew the origin of the cities of Antioch. Awesome insight into the suffering that would follow the believing community and the uniqueness of those communities. Wonderful teaching. The journey from Jerusalem to Rome was awesome. There were vivid examples of Paul's mission similarities and his firm belief that he would be delivered safely to Rome, as recorded by Luke, was inspiring. So much detail to ponder. What a great journey to share. Wonderful Teaching.

I am having difficulty explaining my rating. Possibly because [I perceive] Acts does not pertain to me as do Romans, Galatians [my faith, my justification, my salvation, my gift of the Holy Spirit]. It is more pastoral--my witness, fulfilling my role as a royal priest. I have difficulty speaking with boldness to the people I love the most, my four grandsons. For Christmas I gave each a Bible and 7 DVDs on Intelligent Design and vacillate between embarrassment and boldness for having done it. Why am I not certain it was the right thing to do?

I've heard so much over the years about Luke being a very skilled writer, storyteller, etc. It wasn't until taking this course that I've come to understand why. I learned not just a great deal about Acts that I hadn't known, but also came away with a deeper, more profound theological understanding & genuine appreciation for what Luke has gifted on the Church. The only thing I could recommend: tell students at the beginning that they should pre-read the complete chapter of Acts before beginning that chapter's lecture. Prof. Wright talks about (at least) a full chapter in each lecture even though he concentrates on a subset of verses. I found it helpful to have read the entire chapter first, & to have it at hand while he was lecturing.

I have never read Acts straight through and wanted a more comprehensive grasp of this book. Of course I know the broad outline and the characters, and I've heard much of the book at Mass over the years - but this is a whole new way of learning the material. It's a privilege to be able to hear such a masterful presentation from a man who has spent decades working through this material. I have learned so much, and it leaves me wanting to learn even more.

This is my 8th course with Professor Wright. His interpretations are full of background, including Greek and Jewish history. This places the story in context and provides many takeaways for further meditation and application. This particular course is important because the narrative is one read over and over to the point of over familiarity. Professor Wright breathes life into the story and makes it very real and interesting. I wish Professor Wright would do a course on Isaiah, which he has quoted many times throughout his courses. I have been reading his books exclusively for about 3 years and just bought the 52 collection available on Logos. I highly recommend the volume set. Thank you Professor Wright all the way from Texas!