Book Study: Acts

Book Overview

The Book of Acts records the birth, growth, and expansion of the early church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, Acts begins with Jesus’ ascension and the promise of the Spirit. The Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost empowers the apostles to preach boldly, leading to thousands coming to faith. The book follows the ministries of Peter and Paul as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the Gentile world. Acts highlights themes of unity, prayer, persecution, mission, and God’s unstoppable purpose. Miracles, conversions, and church planting mark the narrative, showing that the risen Christ continues His work through His people. The book ends with Paul proclaiming the kingdom of God in Rome, demonstrating that the gospel cannot be hindered.

Brief Chapter Summaries

Acts 1

Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit, and ascends into heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem, pray together, and choose Matthias to replace Judas.

Acts 2

The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, enabling the apostles to speak in other languages. Peter preaches, and about three thousand people believe. The early church forms a community marked by teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity.

Acts 3

Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, drawing a crowd. He preaches that Jesus is the promised Messiah and calls the people to repentance and faith.

Acts 4

Peter and John are arrested for preaching but boldly testify before the Sanhedrin. The believers pray for courage, and the Spirit empowers them. The church shares possessions generously.

Acts 5

Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit and die. The apostles perform many miracles, face arrest, and are freed by an angel. They continue preaching despite threats.

Acts 6

Seven men are chosen to serve the church’s practical needs. Stephen, full of grace and power, performs signs and is falsely accused by opponents.

Acts 7

Stephen gives a sweeping history of Israel, exposing the people’s resistance to God. He is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr, while Saul approves.

Acts 8

Persecution scatters believers, spreading the gospel. Philip preaches in Samaria and explains Scripture to an Ethiopian official, who believes and is baptized.

Acts 9

Saul encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and is transformed. He begins preaching boldly. Peter heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha from the dead.

Acts 10

God leads Peter to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile. The Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles, proving that salvation is for all people.

Acts 11

Peter defends the Gentile conversion to Jewish believers. The church in Antioch grows, and believers are first called Christians. Barnabas and Saul teach there.

Acts 12

Herod persecutes the church, killing James and imprisoning Peter. An angel frees Peter. Herod dies under God’s judgment, and the word continues to spread.

Acts 13

Paul and Barnabas begin their first missionary journey. They preach in synagogues, face opposition, and see many Gentiles believe.

Acts 14

Paul and Barnabas continue preaching, performing miracles, and enduring persecution. They strengthen new believers and appoint elders in each church.

Acts 15

The Jerusalem Council decides that Gentile believers are saved by grace, not by the Law. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, and Paul chooses Silas for further ministry.

Acts 16

Paul receives a vision calling him to Macedonia. He meets Lydia, casts out a spirit, and is imprisoned. God frees him through an earthquake, leading to the jailer’s conversion.

Acts 17

Paul preaches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. He proclaims the “unknown God” to the philosophers, calling them to repent.

Acts 18

Paul ministers in Corinth, working with Aquila and Priscilla. God encourages him to stay despite opposition. Apollos begins preaching with great skill.

Acts 19

Paul ministers in Ephesus, where many turn from magic and idols. A riot erupts as craftsmen fear losing business. The gospel continues to advance.

Acts 20

Paul encourages believers in Macedonia and Greece. He raises Eutychus from the dead and gives a heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders.

Acts 21

Paul travels to Jerusalem despite warnings. He is falsely accused in the temple and arrested, beginning his long journey through trials.

Acts 22

Paul defends himself before the crowd, recounting his conversion. When he mentions his mission to Gentiles, the crowd erupts, and he is taken into custody.

Acts 23

Paul appears before the Sanhedrin, causing division between Pharisees and Sadducees. A plot to kill him is uncovered, and he is sent safely to Caesarea.

Acts 24

Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, who delays judgment. Paul remains imprisoned but continues to speak about faith in Christ.

Acts 25

Paul appeals to Caesar after Festus suggests sending him to Jerusalem. King Agrippa hears the case.

Acts 26

Paul testifies before Agrippa, recounting his conversion and mission. Agrippa is almost persuaded but does not believe. Paul is sent to Rome.

Acts 27

Paul sails for Rome but faces a violent storm. Despite danger, Paul encourages everyone. The ship is wrecked, but all survive.

Acts 28

Paul survives a snakebite on Malta and heals many. He finally reaches Rome, where he preaches the kingdom of God boldly and without hindrance.

Key Verses

Acts 1:8

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Acts 2:38

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 4:12

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Acts 10:34–35

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Acts 16:31

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Acts 20:24

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Acts 28:31

“Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”

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