Acts

The Book of Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, written by the same author. It serves as the bridge between the life of Jesus and the letters of the Apostles, answering the question: What happened after Jesus ascended to heaven?

The central theme is the spread of the Gospel, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus's final command: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

I. The Birth of the Church in Jerusalem (Chapters 1–7)

The book begins with the disciples waiting in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of Jesus's promise.

• Pentecost: The Church is dramatically launched on the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples with the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire. Peter preaches the first Christian sermon, which results in about 3,000 people being converted in a single day (Acts 2:41).

• A Life of Fellowship: The early church is characterized by intense fellowship, prayer, teaching, and sharing of all possessions. They meet daily in the Temple courts and in homes, experiencing a dynamic unity.

• Persecution: The rapid growth and bold preaching of the Apostles lead to the first waves of persecution from the Jewish religious leaders. The martyrdom of Stephen (the first Christian martyr) marks a major turning point, as his death scatters the believers out of Jerusalem.

II. The Gospel Spreads Beyond Jerusalem (Chapters 8–12)

The persecution ironically fulfills the Great Commission, pushing the Gospel outward.

• Samaria and Beyond: The evangelist Philip preaches to the Samaritans (a mixed race considered outcasts by many Jews) and to an Ethiopian official, demonstrating that the Gospel is for all peoples.

• Conversion of Saul (Paul): The greatest enemy of the Church, Saul of Tarsus, is dramatically converted on the road to Damascus by an encounter with the risen Jesus. Saul, later known as Paul, will become the primary Apostle to the Gentiles.

• The Gentile Breakthrough: Peter receives a key vision from God, followed by an encounter with the Roman Centurion Cornelius. The Holy Spirit is poured out on Cornelius and his household (who were Gentiles) before they were even baptized, confirming that Gentiles are saved by faith alone and are fully accepted into the Church without first becoming Jews (Acts 10).

III. Paul’s Missionary Journeys to the World (Chapters 13–28)

The focus shifts to the three epic missionary journeys led by the Apostle Paul, taking the Gospel across the Mediterranean world.

• The Jerusalem Council: As the Church grows, questions arise about whether Gentile believers need to follow the Law of Moses. The Apostles meet and decide that Gentiles are saved by grace through faith and are not bound by Jewish ceremonial law (Acts 15). This decision guarantees the universality of the Christian faith.

• To Rome: Paul endures beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, and constant opposition as he boldly preaches the Gospel. The book concludes with Paul, under house arrest in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, where he continues to preach the Kingdom of God “with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:31) The Great Commission has been fulfilled: the Gospel has reached the heart of the "ends of the earth."

Applying the Truth Today

Acts is the story of the Church powered by the Holy Spirit and driven by a global mission. It assures us that the same Holy Spirit that launched the Church is alive and active in us today. The book challenges us to live out the Great Commission by being bold witnesses in our own "Jerusalem" and beyond. It teaches us that the Church grows not through human schemes or comfort, but through unity, prayer, persecution, and reliance on the Spirit’s power.

Reflection Questions for Your Journey:

1. Spirit-Led Power. The disciples waited for power to witness. What is one area of your life or service where you are trying to function in your own strength, and how can you rely more on the power of the Holy Spirit?

2. The Witness. Jesus commissioned His followers to be His witnesses. How is your life, conversation, and action serving as a compelling witness to the resurrected Christ in your everyday environment?

3. Unity and Fellowship. The early church grew rapidly because of their intense unity and fellowship. What is one practical step you can take to deepen your commitment to your Christian community today?

Your Reading Guide

To grasp the central theme, read Jesus’s promise and command in Acts 1:4–8. Next, read the power and fellowship of the early church in Acts 2:42–47. Finally, read the confirmation of the Gospel's universality in the salvation of Cornelius and his household in Acts 10:44–48.