About This Book
Acts continues Luke's narrative, recording the Holy Spirit's empowerment of the apostles to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. After Jesus' resurrection appearances over forty days teaching about God's kingdom, He commands the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit's baptism. Before ascending, Jesus promises they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After Jesus ascends, the disciples pray together.
Matthias replaces Judas among the twelve. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes with rushing wind and tongues of fire, enabling disciples to speak in various languages. Peter preaches to the gathered crowds, explaining Joel's prophecy is fulfilled—God pours out His Spirit on all flesh. Peter proclaims Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, offering forgiveness to all who repent and are baptized.
Three thousand believe. The church devotes themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, sharing possessions and praising God. Peter heals a lame man at the temple, then preaches that Jesus is the Prophet Moses foretold. Peter and John are arrested but boldly testify before the Sanhedrin.
Released, they pray for boldness, and the place shakes as they're filled with the Spirit. The church continues growing despite opposition. Ananias and Sapphira die for lying to the Holy Spirit. Apostles perform many signs, are imprisoned, miraculously freed, arrested again, beaten, yet rejoice in suffering for Jesus' name.
Seven men including Stephen are appointed to serve tables, freeing apostles for prayer and ministry. Stephen, full of grace and power, is arrested on false charges. His defense reviews Israel's history, accusing leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit. Enraged, they stone Stephen, who dies praying for his persecutors.
Saul approves Stephen's death, then persecutes the church. Philip preaches in Samaria with great success, then explains Isaiah 53 to an Ethiopian eunuch who believes and is baptized. On the Damascus road, Jesus appears to Saul, transforming him into Paul, the apostle to Gentiles. Peter preaches to Cornelius's household, and Gentiles receive the Spirit, shocking Jewish believers.
The church spreads to Antioch, where believers are first called Christians. Herod kills James and imprisons Peter, but an angel frees Peter. Paul and Barnabas are sent on missionary journeys, establishing churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece despite opposition. The Jerusalem Council determines that Gentile believers need not keep the Mosaic law.
Paul's journeys continue, with notable events including the Philippian jailer's conversion, Paul's defense speeches in Jerusalem and before governors Felix and Festus and King Agrippa, shipwreck on the way to Rome, and finally Paul's arrival in Rome where he preaches the kingdom under house arrest. Acts demonstrates the Spirit's power to transform timid disciples into bold witnesses and to spread the gospel across cultural boundaries.