Key word: Holy Spirit
Acts is Luke’s second contribution to the New Testament. Combined with his gospel, Luke is the most prolific writer of the New Testament Scriptures. The title often assigned to the book is “The Acts of the Apostles” as they spread the good news about Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Written in the early 60’s, the events recorded begin with the ascension of Christ (1:9), His commission to the disciples (1:8), the Day of Pentecost, in which the Holy Spirit came to indwell the believers and establish the church (chapter 2). The early church devoted itself to five tasks – and these are still ours today: evangelism (2:41), the apostles’ teaching (the Word), prayer, fellowship and the Lord’s Supper (2:42).
Chapter 3-12 records the ministry of the apostles, with Peter being the central figure. He preaches the Gospel, faces persecution, is delivered, works miracles, and in chapter 10 opens the door to the Gentiles for the Gospel.
But others stand out in the first half, including John, Stephen (the first martyr), Phillip who takes the Gospel to the Samaritans, and to the first Gentile convert, and we are introduced to, and read of the conversion of Saul (chapter 9). But beginning with chapter 13, all the attention is turned on Paul, who was not part of the original apostles, but was appointed one by Jesus. Humanly speaking, Paul is the main character because the author of Acts, travels with Paul throughout much of his ministry. Paul would take three major, extensive missionary journeys, making converts and establishing churches throughout Asia and Europe. He desired to take the good news to Rome but was arrested due to Jewish resistance. Roman authorities decided to send Paul to Rome for trial, thus Paul made it to Rome as a prisoner. There, in rented quarters, he proclaimed Christ for two full years. From there, Paul wrote his prison epistles. Since we see the work of the Holy Spirit everywhere, He will be our key word.
Key verse: Acts 1:8 – “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
