Introduction to the Acts of the Apostels
The 44th book of the Bible, the 5th in the New Testament
Like the Gospel of Luke, the Acts of the Apostles is addressed to Theophilus and was written by Luke the physician, a companion and co-worker of the Apostle Paul.
This second account by Luke was likely written during Paul’s two-year imprisonment in Rome around the year 63 AD, as it concludes with this event without mentioning the outcome of the trial.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke describes in detail the events following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The formation of the first Christian community in Jerusalem with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the subsequent spread of the Christian faith from Judea through Samaria to the Gentile regions and as far as the “ends of the earth” known at that time.
In chapter 15, we learn details about the Council of Jerusalem, which took place in Jerusalem around the year 48 A.D.
An event of central importance for the “mission to the Gentiles” and thus for all believers from the non-Jewish nations.
One aim of this book is to provide the entire “Christian world” with a historical overview of the beginnings and spread of our faith.
Outline of the Acts of the Apostles:
Chapters 1–7 – The spread of the Christian faith in Jerusalem and throughout Judea—the “Jewish” homeland of that time
Chapter 8 – Samaria is reached by disciples who have left Jerusalem because of persecution – the Samaritans were familiar with the Jewish commandments
Chapters 9–12 – The first Gentiles from the “nations” are converted to Jesus
Chapters 13–28 – The spread of the Christian message to the ends of the known world
Content of the Acts of the Apostels:
Acts chapter 1
I. The Founding of the Church in Judea and Syria by Peter (Chapters 1–12)
A. The Formation and Growth of the Early Church in Judea (especially in Jerusalem) (Chapters 1–7)
Acts chapter 2
Explanation of the Pentecost miracle as the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy of Joel
Jesus, the Crucified One, the Risen One, and the One exalted by God, fulfilled the two words of David in Psalm 16:8–11 and 110:1
Acts chapter 3
Healing of a man born lame by Peter and John
Temple sermon (Peter’s sermon of repentance following the healing of the lame man)
Acts chapter 4
The sharing of goods
Acts chapter 5
An example of strict church discipline: Ananias and Sapphira
Miracles (especially healings) performed by the apostles; further growth of the church
The arrest; deliverance by an angel
The apostles’ bold testimony of Christ’s resurrection
Gamaliel’s intercession and counsel
Outcome and consequences of the incident
Acts chapter 6
Acts chapter 7
The time of the patriarchs
The Mosaic period
The time of the Tabernacle and the building of the Temple
Conclusion of the speech; the people’s accusation
Acts chapter 8
B. The spread of the gospel in Samaria and Syria; the beginning of the conversion of the Gentiles (Chapters 8–12)
Acts chapter 9
Acts chapter 10
The Vision of Cornelius in Caesarea
The Vision of Peter in Joppa; The Arrival of Cornelius’s Messengers at Peter’s
Peter at Cornelius’s House
Acts chapter 11
Acts chapter 12
Acts chapter 13
II. History of the Conversion of the Gentiles (Chapters 13–28)A. The Missionary Work of Paul and His Companions (13:1–21:14)
A. The Missionary Work of Paul and His Companions (13:1–21:14)
Acts chapter 14
The Apostles’ Ministry in Iconium
The Healing of a Man Born Lame and the Stoning of Paul in Lystra; the Two Apostles Flee to Derbe
Acts chapter 15
Acts chapter 16
The Conversion of Lydia, the Seller of Purple Cloth
The Spirit-Possessed Maid; Paul and Silas on trial and in prison
The conversion of the jailer
The release of Paul and Silas from prison
Acts chapter 17
Paul in Thessalonica
Paul’s experiences in Berea and his journey to Athens
The beginning of his work
Paul’s speech on Areopagus
Conclusion and (limited) success of the speech
Acts chapter 18
Paul’s work as a craftsman and teacher
The Jews’ accusation rejected by Governor Gallio
Acts chapter 19
Conversion and baptism of the disciples of John
Paul’s two-year ministry of teaching and miracles in Ephesus
Overcoming Superstition (the Sorcerers and Magic Books)
Paul’s Travel Plans
The Riots of Demetrius’s Silversmiths
Acts chapter 20
Journey to Greece and Return to Troas
Paul’s Farewell Celebration in Troas; Resurrection of the Deceased Eutychus
Paul’s Journey from Troas to Miletus
Acts chapter 21
B. Paul’s Journey from Caesarea to Jerusalem; His Imprisonment (21:15–28:31)
Paul arrested by the Jews in the temple; the riot in Jerusalem
Paul’s arrest by the Roman commander Lysias
Acts chapter 22
Paul’s speech to the people (account of his conversion and the mission he received from Jesus)
The effect of the speech; Paul held in custody by the Roman commander
Acts chapter 23
Acts chapter 24
Trial before Governor Felix
Paul before Felix and Drusilla; Felix’s delay of the trial
Acts chapter 25
Resumption of the trial; Festus in Jerusalem and Caesarea; Paul appeals to the emperor
Herod Agrippa II and Bernice as guests visiting Festus in Caesarea; Festus informs Agrippa of Paul’s case
Paul’s presentation and defense before Agrippa and Festus
Acts chapter 26
Acts chapter 27
Acts chapter 28