Acts is the historical record of the early church’s birth, growth, and mission through the power of the Holy Spirit. It shows how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Acts highlights the work of the Spirit, the boldness of the apostles, and the unstoppable advance of God’s kingdom despite persecution, opposition, and hardship.
Background
Author: Luke
Audience: Theophilus and broader early Christian communities
Date: AD 62–65
Location Written: Likely Rome
Context: Acts continues the story begun in Luke’s Gospel. It documents the first decades of Christianity, focusing on the apostles’ ministry, the formation of churches, and the global mission to proclaim Christ. The book emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would empower His followers to be witnesses to all nations. Acts also shows how the church navigated persecution, cultural barriers, and theological challenges while remaining faithful to the gospel.
Characters
- Peter — leading apostle proclaiming the gospel to the Jews
- Paul — missionary and church planter taking the gospel to the Gentiles
- Luke — author and companion during Paul’s missionary journeys
- Holy Spirit — empowering presence guiding the church and directing mission
- Stephen — first Christian martyr whose death sparks wider gospel expansion
- Philip — evangelist who brings the gospel to Samaria and the Ethiopian official
- Barnabas — encourager and partner in early missionary work
- James — leader of the Jerusalem church
- John Mark — companion on early missions and later reconciled coworker
- Roman and Jewish Authorities — opponents attempting to stop the movement
Major Events
- Ascension of Jesus and promise of the Holy Spirit (Chapter 1)
- Day of Pentecost and the birth of the church (Chapter 2)
- Miracles, preaching, and rapid church growth (Chapters 2–5)
- Appointment of seven servants and the martyrdom of Stephen (Chapters 6–7)
- Scattering of believers and the spread of the gospel to Samaria (Chapter 8)
- Conversion of Saul who becomes Paul (Chapter 9)
- Peter’s vision and the gospel opening to Gentiles (Chapters 10–11)
- First missionary journey and church expansion (Chapters 13–14)
- Jerusalem Council resolving the law and Gentile inclusion (Chapter 15)
- Paul’s missionary journeys across the Roman world (Chapters 16–20)
- Paul’s arrest, trials, and voyage to Rome (Chapters 21–28)
- Gospel preached boldly in Rome despite imprisonment (Chapter 28)
Application & Life Lessons
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers for mission and boldness
- The gospel is for all people regardless of background
- God uses ordinary believers to accomplish extraordinary things
- Prayer fuels spiritual power, unity, and direction
- Persecution cannot stop the advance of God’s kingdom
- Churches must work through conflict with wisdom and grace
- Obedience to God sometimes requires courage against opposition
- Faithfulness in hardship reveals God’s strength and sovereignty
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Acts 1-12
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Acts 12-28
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Acts 1-28
Podcasts
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Articles
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Bible Reading Plans
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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