Book introduction
The book of Acts
Acts tells what happened after Jesus rose. The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, the church grows in Jerusalem, persecution scatters it, and Paul carries the good news across the Roman world. It ends with Paul in Rome, still preaching.
Who wrote Acts?
Written by the author of Luke’s Gospel, traditionally Luke. Some passages switch to “we,” which many read as the writer traveling with Paul.
When was it written?
Covers about AD 30–62. Written about AD 62–85.
Main themes
- The Spirit’s power
- Ordinary people speak boldly once the Spirit comes.
- To the ends of the earth
- From Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Rome.
- Gentiles welcomed
- Peter and Paul learn God accepts non-Jews without the law.
Outline of Acts
Key verses
Instead, you will receive power as the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and as far as the end of the earth.
Peter replied to them, Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Salvation is in no one else, since under heaven there is no other name given among people by which we must be saved.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Read Pentecost in chapter 2, then Saul’s conversion in chapter 9.
How well do you know Acts?
Ten questions on the book of Acts, from “On which feast day did the Holy Spirit come on the believers?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
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Questions about Acts?
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