Acts of the Apostles
Acts of the Apostles
Embedded Files
The Acts of the Apostles is the fifth book of the New Testament and serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. Also written by Luke, it provides a historical account of the early Christian movement, beginning with Jesus’ ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The book emphasizes how the message of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the known world, fulfilling Jesus’ final commission to His followers.
Acts begins in Jerusalem, where Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Spirit descends with power, enabling the apostles to speak in different languages and preach boldly. Peter delivers a powerful sermon, and thousands are baptized. The early Christian community is marked by unity, generosity, and devotion to the apostles’ teaching, though persecution quickly arises, scattering believers and propelling the message outward.
The narrative then follows key leaders like Peter and Stephen. Peter performs miracles and opens the door of the gospel to Gentiles through his encounter with Cornelius. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, boldly proclaims Jesus before the Jewish council and is stoned, sparking wider persecution. This leads to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, who becomes a central figure in the church’s mission to the Gentiles.
The second half of Acts focuses primarily on Paul's missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. He travels through cities such as Antioch, Corinth, Philippi, and Ephesus, planting churches, debating in synagogues and marketplaces, and enduring opposition. Paul’s speeches, especially to both Jewish and Gentile audiences, reveal how the message of Jesus fulfills the Hebrew Scriptures and is offered to all people, regardless of background.
The book concludes with Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, trials before Roman officials, and eventual journey to Rome, where he continues to preach under house arrest. Acts ends on an open note, emphasizing the unstoppable advance of the gospel despite opposition. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, ordinary men and women become bold witnesses, and the risen Jesus continues His work through them, expanding His kingdom to every nation.
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Greek Scriptures
Greek Scriptures
(New Testament Books)
Outline of the Acts of the Apostles
Outline of the Acts of the Apostles
I. The Preparation for the Church, 1:1–26
A. The Prologue and Promise of the Spirit, 1:1–5
B. The Commission and Ascension of Jesus, 1:6–11
C. The Upper Room Gathering and the Appointment of Matthias, 1:12–26
II. The Power of the Church: Pentecost and its Results, 2:1–47
A. The Coming of the Holy Spirit, 2:1–13
B. Peter’s Pentecost Sermon, 2:14–36
C. The Conversion of 3,000 and Community Life, 2:37–47
III. The Expansion of the Church in Jerusalem, 3:1–6:7
A. The Healing of the Lame Man and Peter’s Sermon, 3:1–26
B. Opposition from the Sanhedrin, 4:1–22
C. The Prayer and Unity of the Church, 4:23–37
D. Discipline in the Church: Ananias and Sapphira, 5:1–11
E. Apostolic Signs and Growing Persecution, 5:12–42
F. Appointment of the Seven, 6:1–7
IV. The Witness Beyond Jerusalem Begins, 6:8–9:31
A. Stephen’s Arrest and Defense, 6:8–7:53
B. Stephen’s Martyrdom and Its Impact, 7:54–8:3
C. The Gospel in Samaria: Philip’s Ministry, 8:4–25
D. The Ethiopian Eunuch’s Conversion, 8:26–40
E. The Conversion of Saul (Paul), 9:1–31
V. The Expansion to the Gentiles, 9:32–12:25
A. Peter’s Healing and Evangelism in Lydda, Joppa, and Caesarea, 9:32–10:48
B. Peter’s Defense in Jerusalem, 11:1–18
C. The Church in Antioch: A New Center, 11:19–30
D. Persecution and Deliverance: James’ Death and Peter’s Rescue, 12:1–25
VI. Paul’s First Missionary Journey and the Jerusalem Council, 13:1–15:35
A. Sent from Antioch: Cyprus and Galatia, 13:1–14:28
1. Ministry in Cyprus, 13:4–12
2. Ministry in Pisidian Antioch, 13:13–52
3. Ministry in Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, 14:1–28
B. The Jerusalem Council: Debate over Gentile Inclusion, 15:1–35
VII. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, 15:36–18:22
A. Strengthening the Churches, 15:36–16:5
B. The Macedonian Call and European Ministry, 16:6–18:22
1. Philippi: Conversion of Lydia and the jailer, 16:11–40
2. Thessalonica and Berea, 17:1–15
3. Athens: Paul’s Sermon at Mars Hill, 17:16–34
4. Corinth: Ministry and Opposition, 18:1–22
VIII. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey, 18:23–21:16
A. Ministry in Ephesus, 19:1–41
B. Travels through Macedonia and Greece, 20:1–6
C. Farewell to the Ephesian Elders, 20:7–38
D. Journey to Jerusalem, 21:1–16
IX. Paul’s Arrest and Trials, 21:17–26:32
A. Arrest in Jerusalem and Defense before the Crowd, 21:17–22:29
B. Trial before the Sanhedrin and Plot to Kill Paul, 22:30–23:35
C. Trial before Felix, 24:1–27
D. Trial before Festus and Appeal to Caesar, 25:1–27
E. Defense before King Agrippa, 26:1–32
X. Paul’s Journey to Rome and Ministry There, 27:1–28:31
A. The Voyage and Shipwreck, 27:1–44
B. Ministry in Malta, 28:1–10
C. Arrival in Rome and Gospel Proclamation, 28:11–31
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
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