History · New Testament
The Book of Acts
Acts records the founding and spread of the early church from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth through the power of the Holy Spirit, continuing the account that began in the Gospel of Luke.
- Chapters
- 28
- Testament
- New
- Category
- History
- Traditional Author
- Traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul
Overview
Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The early chapters record the bold preaching of Peter, the growth of the church in Jerusalem, and the martyrdom of Stephen. The book then follows the conversion and missionary journeys of the apostle Paul, tracing the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem through Judea, Samaria, and into the Gentile world — through Asia Minor, Greece, and ultimately to Rome. Acts records the establishment of churches, the Jerusalem Council, and Paul's imprisonment.
Key Themes
- The power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church
- The spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth
- Bold witness and persecution
- The inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation
- The sovereignty of God in advancing His kingdom
Key Verses
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Acts 2:42 (NKJV)
How It Applies Today
Acts demonstrates that the church is empowered by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort or organization. The boldness of the early believers in the face of persecution is an example for every generation of Christians. The book shows that the gospel breaks down every barrier — ethnic, social, and cultural — and that God's purpose cannot be stopped.