What is the book of Acts?
The book of Acts is a collection of stories about Jesus’ first followers. These stories took place after Jesus was raised from the dead. Acts includes teachings about Jesus. The stories and teachings were passed down by Jesus’ followers. Many of them had lived and worked with Jesus.
Luke wrote these stories and teachings down. He did this after writing down the stories and teachings recorded in the Gospel of Luke. They are two parts of the same book. It’s thought that Luke wrote them down between the years AD 60 and 70.
Who was Acts written for?
For Gentile believers who lived throughout the lands controlled by the Roman government.
For someone named Theophilus.
Followers of Jesus recognise that Acts shares the truth about Jesus. It’s for all people everywhere.
Why was Acts written?
To record and share some stories about the first believers and the first churches.
To show how the stories and teachings about Jesus spread beyond Israel.
To show that Gentile Christians are welcomed into God’s kingdom.
Main ideas
The Holy Spirit coming to Jesus’ followers.
The community of Jesus’ followers living according to the Way of Jesus.
Jesus’ followers sharing the good news about him everywhere and with everyone.
The power of prayer.
Paul’s four journeys to share the good news about Jesus:
first journey (Acts 13 – 14),
second journey (Acts 15:36 – 18:22),
third journey (Acts 18:23 – 20:38),
fourth journey (Acts 27 – 28).
Outline
The Spirit gives the church strength to spread the good news about Jesus (1 – 2).
The apostles share the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (3 – 7).
The good news spreads beyond Jerusalem (8:1 – 12:24).
The good news spreads throughout Roman lands (12:25 – 28:31).