The following is a theme that we have explored heavily at Journey. The idea that for the early church the death of Christ was significantly less important than the actual resurrection both theologically and historically. The more modern idea of penal substitutionary atonement seems to depart significantly from the early church core values.

What we see exposed in Paul’s trial speeches is the core of the gospel: the resurrection of Jesus. According to the book of Acts, the world turns on this event. It is the central issue in each of the trial speeches. And at no point during these proceedings is the death of Jesus even discussed. Nothing much seems to have taken place during the crucifixion. Theologically, the crucifixion is a non-significant event in the book of Acts (other than being foretold). All parties remain focused, with laser-like intensity, upon the resurrection.

Having reviewed the nine sermons, what can we take away from all this? Can we, theologically speaking, downplay the crucifixion in the proclamation of the gospel?

The book of Acts seems to think so. It seems clear that in the book of Acts salvation and forgiveness of sin was proclaimed in the light of the resurrection. At no point is the death of Jesus proclaimed to have any salvific significance or effect. Again, the death of Jesus simply functions as the prerequisite event for the resurrection. Forgiveness of sins, in the book of Acts, is a matter of power and authority, not a substitutionary blood sacrifice. The issue isn’t “How does God forgive sins?” but “Who in heaven or earth has the authority to forgive sins?” The resurrection declares that Jesus has this authority. That’s the good news. That is the gospel: Jesus has the authority to forgive sins. This is how atonement works in Acts. Jesus makes atonement because, as Judge, Jesus forgives those who believe in him. At no point in Acts is a substitutionary mechanism—Jesus’ life traded for mine—required for the forgiveness of sin.

Summarizing, we might say this. You are forgiven because Jesus is Lord. Not because Jesus died. You are forgiven because Jesus is judge, and he will forgive those who appeal to him for mercy.