William Kurz, an accomplished biblical scholar, has a written a commentary on Acts that is up to date on current critical scholarship yet accessible to a wide audience of readers. Throughout the commentary one can see Kurz's clear understanding of the relationship of Acts to the first volume by the same author, the Gospel of Luke. Kurz is always positive in dealing with problem areas of the text. This work will be especially valuable for study groups, college students, and preachers of the Word."--Terence J. Keegan, OP, professor of theology, Providence College"In this volume, Kurz provides students and pastors a rare combination of careful scholarship and pastoral insight. Kurz writes as a seasoned Lukan scholar--a pioneer in narrative criticism--and implores the Church to extend Luke's vision concerning 'all that Jesus began to do and teach . . . to the ends of the earth.'"--Martin Mittelstadt, professor of biblical studies, Evangel University"Kurz sees the Acts narrative not just as a coherent story about the past--our Church's earliest moments of evangelistic mission--but also as a mirror the contemporary Church may peer into to see its deepest identity manifested within the stories of the major figures led by God to advance the Church's mission to the 'ends of the earth.' It is a great service to provide a commentary that is technically pristine, theologically alert, and pastorally sensitive."--Stephen Miletic, professor of Scripture, Theology Department, Franciscan University of Steubenville"In this book, Kurz provides necessary historical and cultural background while reading the text within the Church's tradition. He writes with the mind of a scholar and the heart of a pastor, all in an accessible style."--Martin C. Albl, professor of religious studies, Presentation College, Aberdeen, South Dakota"William Kurz combines the best of contemporary scholarship with the riches of tradition. His commentary is the fruit of a lifetime of work on Luke-Acts."--Jeremy Holmes, academic dean and assistant professor of theology, Wyoming Catholic CollegeFor more information on the series, visit www.CatholicScriptureCommentary.com