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The main message of the book of Acts is that God’s salvation is for everyone who believes in Jesus the Messiah, and that God’s people are called to share this good news with the world. The book tells the story of how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles and the church to witness to Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. The book also shows how God overcame the obstacles and opposition that the church faced, and how he brought Jews and Gentiles together in one family of faith.

Key Ideas

  • The book of Acts is the second part of Luke’s gospel, which narrates the history of the early church from the ascension of Jesus to the imprisonment of Paul in Rome.
  • The book covers about 30 years of history and shows how the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Jesus’ commission to his disciples.
  • The book also highlights the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and protects the church in the face of persecution, opposition, and internal conflicts.
  • The book is divided into six sections, each focusing on a key figure or location in the expansion of Christianity: Jerusalem (1:1-8:3), Samaria and Judea (8:4-9:31), Peter (9:32-12:24), Antioch (12:25-16:5), Paul’s missionary journeys (16:6-21:16), and Rome (21:17-28:31).
  • The book of Acts is a valuable source of historical, theological, and missional insights for Christians today, as it shows how God’s plan of salvation is for all people and how he works through his church to accomplish his purposes.

Outline of Acts

The book of Acts is an exciting narrative in the New Testament that details the early days of the Christian church. Here’s an outline with key events and corresponding verse references:

  1. Introduction (Acts 1:1-5)
  • Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit
  1. The Ascension (Acts 1:6-11)
  • Jesus ascends to heaven
  • The disciples receive instructions to wait for the Holy Spirit

III. Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13)

  • Descent of the Holy Spirit
  • Peter’s sermon and the conversion of thousands
  1. Early Christian Community (Acts 2:14-47)
  • Life among the believers
  • Miracles and signs
  1. Healing at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-26)
  • Peter heals a lame beggar
  • Peter’s sermon in Solomon’s Colonnade
  1. Opposition and Imprisonment (Acts 4:1-31)
  • Peter and John arrested
  • Prayer for boldness

VII. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

  • Consequences of deceit within the community

VIII. Apostles’ Miracles and Arrests (Acts 5:12-42)

  • More healings and miracles
  • The apostles arrested and released by an angel
  1. Appointment of the Seven (Acts 6:1-7)
  • The need for assistance in serving the community
  • Selection and appointment of deacons
  1. Stephen’s Speech and Martyrdom (Acts 6:8-7:60)
  • Stephen’s defense and accusation of the Jewish leaders
  • Stephen’s stoning
  1. Persecution and Scattering (Acts 8:1-4)
  • Persecution leads to the spread of the Gospel
  • Philip in Samaria

XII. Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19)

  • Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus
  • Ananias restores Saul’s sight

XIII. Peter’s Vision and Cornelius’ Conversion (Acts 10:1-48)

  • Peter’s vision of the unclean animals
  • Cornelius, the Gentile centurion, receives the Holy Spirit

XIV. Peter’s Escape from Prison (Acts 12:1-19)

  • James’ martyrdom
  • Peter’s miraculous release from prison
  1. Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:1-14:28)
  • Commissioning of Paul and Barnabas
  • Ministry in Cyprus and Asia Minor

XVI. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-35)

  • Discussion on circumcision and Gentile believers
  • Decision for Gentiles to be free from certain Jewish customs

XVII. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)

  • Ministry in Macedonia and Achaia
  • Paul’s time in Corinth

XVIII. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16)

  • Return to Ephesus
  • Farewell to the Ephesian elders

XIX. Paul’s Arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-23:35)

  • Paul’s arrest in the Temple
  • Defense before the Sanhedrin and Felix
  1. Paul’s Journey to Rome (Acts 27:1-28:31)
  • Paul’s voyage to Rome
  • Ministry in Malta and arrival in Rome
  • Paul’s house arrest and preaching in Rome

The book of Acts provides a rich account of the early days of the Christian church, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of the Gospel.