Study From the Book of Acts, Introduction.

Study From the Book of Acts, introduction

Today we start studying the Book of Acts. And as usual we start by the introduction.

The Lord Jesus’ last words before His ascension- “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem and in all Juda and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”-prompted the great exploits recorded in the Book of Acts. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, godly men and women took seriously their Lord’s final words and began to spread the news of the risen Saviour to the most corners of the known world.

While the apostles are mentioned collectively at several points, this book emphasizes the acts of Peter (chapters 1-12) and of Paul (13-28). Peter took immediately leadership role in the church of Jerusalem, while Paul the lead in expanding the reach of the church to the Gentiles outside of Israel.

Scholars have noted and appreciated the Book of Acts’ careful attention to the recording not only the successes of the early church, but also its challenges.  

Themes: The Book of Acts highlights the apostles’ preaching regarding the resurrected Saviour, Jesus Christ, and emphasizes how the Holy Spirit empowered, guided, protected and encouraged the members of the church to boldly serve as witnesses of the Lord Jesus.

Author: the physician Luke

Time: about A.D. 63

Structure:

Chapters 1-7begins with the ascension of Christ and moves through the coming of the Holy Spirit and the growth of the church in Jerusalem.

Chapters 8-12: the book next focuses on the expansion of the church to the surrounding area after an outbreak of persecution.

Chapters 13-28: focus on the three missionary journeys and the imprisonment journey of Paul that took the gospel message to Greece and other parts of Europe.26/1/2025.