Acts
The early church's expansion from Jerusalem to Rome.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The Acts of the Apostles, addressed to Theophilus (Acts 1:1), continues the narrative of Jesus's work and the early church. It begins with the apostles gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem (Acts 1:13) and the selection of a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:25). The book then follows the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria to the wider Roman world, focusing on the ministries of Peter and Paul.
- Key figures listed
- Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes, Judas son of James (Acts 1:13)
- Conversion of Saul
- Acts 9:1-9
Lore & Background
Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16:23-24), then travel to Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1, 13). Paul preaches in Athens (Acts 17:22) and Corinth (Acts 18:4-5), and later in Ephesus where a riot erupts over the goddess Diana (Acts 19:23, 35). Paul is arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:28), defends himself before the council (Acts 23:6), and is sent to Caesarea (Acts 25:4). He appeals to Caesar and voyages to Rome, surviving a shipwreck (Acts 27:17, 41), and heals people on Malta (Acts 28:9).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray the early church as a Spirit-empowered movement that grows despite persecution. The apostles, especially Peter and Paul, are central figures who preach, heal, and face opposition. The church expands from a Jewish base in Jerusalem to include Gentiles, as seen in Cornelius's conversion (Acts 10:1) and the council's decision not to burden Gentile believers (Acts 15:10). Miracles and divine interventions are frequent: the Spirit's descent at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), Peter's prison escape (Acts 12:7), and Paul's shipwreck survival (Acts 27:41). The book also highlights the cost of discipleship, with Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:60) and Paul's repeated imprisonments and trials (Acts 22:24, 25:16).
Did You Know?
- The book is addressed to Theophilus, the same recipient as the Gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1).
- The apostles cast lots to choose Matthias as Judas's replacement (Acts 1:25).
- Paul was a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3).
- The shipwreck on Malta involved casting four anchors from the stern (Acts 27:29).
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