ACTS BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY: THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
Elaborating upon his gospel message, Luke continued his writing by recounting what occurred after the resurrection of Jesus. The book of Acts begins with Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which empowered the disciples to spread the gospel message of Jesus. Acts focuses on the establishment of the early church in Jerusalem and the leadership of the disciples. Acts 9 tells of the conversion of Saul (also called Paul), a known persecutor of Christians who encountered Christ and became a devout follower of Jesus.
The book of Acts records Paul’s multiple missionary journeys, during which he preached the news of Jesus to both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. Paul remained faithful to his mission despite facing great opposition and persecution. Acts emphasizes the spread of Christianity by the power of the Holy Spirit and the disciples’ faithfulness. During this time, Paul wrote letters to multiple cities, which are recorded in the Bible as the New Testament epistles.
Acts also highlights the community of early Christians and the challenges they faced from religious authorities and the Roman Empire. Despite facing persecution, the disciples displayed an unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Jesus.
MAIN IDEAS: PAUL’S MISSIONS + THE EARLY CHURCH
Jesus commissioned the disciples to share the good news of the gospel with everyone. (Acts 1:8)
Just as Jesus promised, the disciples were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:2)
Paul became a believer in Jesus and served as a missionary despite great persecution. (Acts 9-28)
James encouraged the removal of barriers preventing the Gentiles from turning to God. (Acts 15:19)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: MIRACLE WORKER
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit, the very presence of God, serves as a guide, helper, and source of power to believers. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit arrived and descended upon the disciples.
Throughout the book of Acts, God used the disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to perform many miraculous acts. Similar to the acts of Jesus in the Gospels, the disciples were equipped to heal and perform miracles. Peter healed a man who had been disabled since birth and raised a woman named Tabitha from the dead. In Acts 5, people believed that even Peter’s shadow was powerful enough to heal them!
God also provided miracles in forms other than healing. Miraculously, an earthquake opened the prison doors, freeing Paul and Silas, an event which led the prison guard to faith. Paul experienced God’s incredible power through his survival of great obstacles and persecution, including being stoned, shipwrecked, and bitten by a venomous snake! God’s miraculous abilities are displayed on every page of the book of Acts!
JESUS IN ACTS: SHARING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS
In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus gave His final instructions to the disciples before the ascension. Jesus told His followers, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The book focuses on the “acts,” or actions, of the disciples, who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel. Jesus’ followers shared the news of His death and resurrection with both the Jewish and Gentile people, inviting them into a new way of life. Throughout Acts, the disciples preached the news of Jesus, echoing His message and teaching.
