How should we interpret the book of Acts?

Hermeneutics is the art and science of biblical interpretation. Many times in conversations with people concerning the Bible you may hear the phrase thrown around “Well that is just your interpretation”. But when we use that phrase we are doing a disservice to the Bible, because by doing so we are implying that everyone is going to read the Bible differently and therefore the truth of the message of Scripture is unknowable. As Christians we understand that the Bible does communicate truth that can be known and is consistent with a God who seeks to reveal Himself to humanity.

"it is true that the Bible can be made to say anything we would like if we do not apply the rules of interpretation."

However it is true that the Bible can be made to say anything we would like if we do not apply the rules of interpretation. By lifting Scripture out of context, many have abused and manipulated others and in some cases even led people to their death through a misinterpretation and misapplication of the Bible. As Christians and faithful disciples of the Word we seek to avoid this.

One should always be careful to avoid reading "descriptive" passages of Scripture, as "prescriptive" passages. For example, throughout the Old Testament there are many passages that describe polygamy as a common practice, does this mean that it is acceptable to have multiple wives? Of course not. These passages should be read as historical narrative that describe what happened and not necessarily what should have happened. 

"One should always be careful to avoid reading "descriptive" passages of Scripture, as "prescriptive" passages."

This happens frequently in the New Testament as well, especially as it applies to the Acts of the Apostles. Entire movements have formed in an attempt to replicate the experiences of Acts. This is not to say that the intention and desire for biblical imitation isn't good, but that it often sets up false benchmarks of success to mark spiritual growth and achievement that were never intended by the Holy Spirit. 

It is important to understand that the book of Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel, and as such is a historical narrative describing what happened in the first century church. Luke opens Acts with these words, "In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach" (Acts 1:1). Compare this passage to the opening words of Luke's gospel, "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those from the beginning were eyewitnesses and minister of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught." (Luke 1:1-4) 

"we should look to read the descriptive portions of Scripture in light of the prescriptive passages." 

It is clear that Luke's intention in writing his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles was to "compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us", so why does this matter? It matters when we take a historical narrative and hold it up as normative for behavior today outside of the historical context in which it was penned. Rather we should look to read the descriptive portions of Scripture in light of the prescriptive passages. The prescriptive passages of the New Testament are the epistles or letters that were written to specific churches but are applicable to the entire church throughout all of history. 

History will always provide wonderful lessons and applications, however we should guard against building doctrines on past experiences without reading them through the lens of the complete redemptive meta-narrative that God has provided for us through His Word.