Acts

The Church Expands

from Luke

to Theophilus

circa 62 AD

Icon Explanation

The icon used for the book of Acts symbolizes the expansion of the Church as the gospel was spread in all directions.

Theme Explanation

Luke’s overarching theme in the book of Acts is to show how the Church expanded in number, in influence, and in geographical area.

Summary

The second book in Luke’s two-part series on the life of Jesus and the early Church, the book of Acts starts with the ascension of Jesus and goes through the early days of the Church as it organized itself and proclaimed the gospel to all. One of the main goals of the book of Acts was to showcase the validity of the Gentile mission – that is, Paul’s missionary work to the Gentiles – and to demonstrate that the same salvation offered to the Jews through Christ is offered to all.

Outline

Beginnings
1:1 – 6:7

Jesus ascends

Pentecost and the foundation of the Church in Jerusalem

The Church expands amid opposition & conflict

Judea & Samaria
6:8 – 9:31

Stephen is martyred, the Church is scattered

Philip goes out in ministry, baptizes Ethiopian eunuch

Saul is converted and called into ministry

The Remotest Part of the Earth
9:32 – 28:31

Gentile mission is authenticated via Peter and Cornelius

  • Peter receives the vision of the sheet and animals from God
  • Peter visits the Roman centurion Cornelius and preaches the gospel
  • Cornelius’s whole family is saved and baptized
  • The Church acknowledges God’s inclusion of the Gentiles

The Church advances to Antioch in Syria

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

  • Barnabas and Paul minister on Cyprus
  • John Mark deserts Paul and Barnabas, but they minister in south Galatia
  • Paul and Barnabas minister in Iconium and Lystra, then return to Antioch

Jerusalem Council gives approval to Gentile mission

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

  • Paul and Barnabas part ways, Paul takes Silas and picks up Timothy
  • Paul receives the Macedonian Call, travels to Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea
  • Paul ministers in Athens, speaks before the Areopagus, and ministers in Corinth

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

  • Paul travels through Galatia and Phrygia, and ministers in Ephesus and Macedonia
  • Paul ventures toward Jerusalem and is warned of his future death
  • Paul returns to Jerusalem and meets with the Church elders

Paul’s trials begin with his imprisonment by Felix

Paul defends himself before Festus and King Agrippa

Paul ventures to Rome

  • Paul travels to Crete
  • Paul unsuccessfully warns the ship’s crew of danger; he and the crew survive a shipwreck
  • Paul survives a viper attack on Malta and heals the sick there
  • Paul arrives in Rome

Paul ministers in Rome

  • Paul is given much freedom as a prisoner
  • Paul preaches the message of salvation in Jesus to the Jews and Gentiles

Major Passages

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

* All dates are approximate and from the New Testament Timeline of the English Standard Version (ESV)