Acts chronicles the history of the early Christian Church from its inception on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2) through the Apostle Paul's imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28). The book's author describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem westward over a thirty-year period around the northern Mediterranean area through present-day Syria, Turkey, Greece, and on to Rome. The "acts" or evangelistic activities referenced in the writings are related mainly to those of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Most scholars believe that Paul's friend Luke, "the physician", wrote Acts as a sequel to his earlier work, namely the Gospel of Luke. Luke, the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament, uses a style of writing punctuated with facts, eye witness accounts, and reliable historical references. Because Luke was present at many of the events he describes in Acts he provides an impassioned view into the life of the world's first missionaries who carried the good news of Christ into the known world. Luke was with Paul at Philippi; he accompanied him on the fateful journey to Jerusalem, stuck by him during the two years of incarceration at Caesarea, and shared the voyage and shipwreck on the way to Rome. Luke was able to obtain additional information first-hand from Paul and Barnabas, others in the church at Antioch and Jerusalem, and from James, Jesus' brother.
The Book of Acts was written in order to give the Roman, Theophilus, as well as other Gentiles, an accurate record of the true facts about Christianity (Luke 1:1-4). During the time period in which Acts was written (AD 60-63), numerous strange and distorted rumors were spreading among Gentiles concerning Christianity. Luke's writings work to clear up misconceptions and to lead people to faith in Christ.
The pages of Acts depict how the work of the Holy Spirit in the early church helped guide and direct the expansion of the Christian movement in its early years. The spread of the good news continues to this day. Many of the challenges faced by first century Christians are the same as those faced in the twenty-first century. In 16 lessons, Pastor Art unfolds key truths contained in the 28 chapters of Acts and applies them to the Church of today.
Jesus ascends into heaven. Judas is replaced by the disciples with Matthias.
The promised Holy Spirit falls on the disciples. 3,000 are converted to Christianity after Peter preaches to a large crowd.
Peter heals a man lame from birth and then preaches to thousands. An arrest warrant for Peter and John leads to an appearance before the Sanhedrin. The Christian community prays and shares together.
Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead. Great fear comes upon all. Many are healed.
Early Church apostles are arrested and jailed. The angel of the Lord releases them. The apostles appear before the Sanhedrin and give witness to Jesus Christ.
Seven believers are chosen to feed the hungry. One of them, Stephen, also works signs and wonders. After his arrest and mock trial, Steven is martyred by stoning to death.
The Jerusalem Church is persecuted and as a result is scattered abroad. The believers give their witness to the risen Lord wherever they go and people are converted to Christianity. Philip ministers to an Ethiopian eunuch who is saved.
Saul (later the Apostle Paul) leads the persecution of the Christian faith throughout the Middle East and into Syria. Stopped dead in his tracks, Saul is stunned and converts to Christianty. An amazing turn-about has a historical impact for centuries to come.
While on the coast in Joppa, Peter has a vision that leads him to Caesarea. There the first pure Gentile is converted to Christ. This leads to a big change in the church. Salvation is now open to Jews and Gentiles alike.
Peter returns to Jerusalem and is called to explain to the Jewish Christians why he broke the code by entering the house of Gentile in Caesarea. The Jerusalem church does not object! A Gentile church is founded in Antioch of Syria.
King Herod arrests Peter and plans his execution. The church prays and an angel of the Lord leads a prison break for Peter. Herod dies. The church prospers.
The first missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul takes them to Cyprus and Central Turkey.
Jewish law v. Christian grace. The council at Jerusalem debates the matter and is called upon to resolve the conflict. Learn the outcome of this landmark case.
The second missionary journey of Paul and Silas takes them to Turkey and Greece. Converts are made and new churches are started through out the region.
Paul's third missionary journey launches throughout Ephesus. Great evangelistic results lead to a public uprising and near riot. The public opposes Paul and his message. Paul moves on to Greece. Paul meets again with the Ephesian elders at a location south of Ephesus, later sailing on to Jerusalem.
Arrest warrant for Paul is issued in Jerusalem. After his arrest, Paul is sent by Roman officials to Caesarea for his own protection. Here he is incarcerated for two years. During this period Paul witnesses to the Roman governors. After being sent to Rome, he lives under house arrest until arraignment before the Roman Caesar.