They radiate the boldness of Christ. Praise and worship release Paul and Silas from jail (v26). Elymas goes blind for a time (11). The Acts of Apostles gives us a unique insight into how the Church began. Lame Man Healed. “What God has cleansed no longer consider unholy” (Acts 10:15)—God’s command to Peter was the beginning of Jews and Gentiles struggling to overcome years of separation. 2) Acts begins by directly addressing a man called Theophilus (Acts 1:1), as does the gospel of Luke (Luke 1:3-4). He becomes the first martyr. On the 40th Day after the Resurrection The Disciples wait in Jerusalem 10 more days … Acts 1:1 also references a previous book written “about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen”—a description that matches Luke’s gospel. And Luke’s style is profoundly recognizable, described by Robert H. Gundry as “some of the most cultured Greek writing in the New Testament.”. A note in the Zondervan Amplified Study Bible speculates that, as a Gentile participating in a faith with Jewish origins, Theophilus may have wondered if he was meant to be part of it at all (AMP Luke 1:4 Study Note)—doubt that Luke’s account of Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-23) might have settled. The Apostles preach with great power. The Holy Spirit directs the apostles not to accept this (28). Paul heals lame man in Lystra crippled from birth. Clicking on a chapter will show you the text of that chapter of Acts in the Bible (New International Version). Paul stoned and left as dead, the disciple gather round him, pray and he revives (19). Signs and wonders follow. Its subject and intention is nicely summarised by the words of the Lord in chapter 1:8: "But ye will receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you, and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." The book of Acts is the first history of the Christian church. The tension and confusion depicted in Acts surrounding this issue has led some Bible scholars to favor an earlier date (AD 60s) for its writing. God's word grows and multiplies (24). These are all of the chapters of the book of Acts. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. And the purpose of Acts logically follows: because all these things are true, “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" (Acts 1:8). Lydia is saved (14). Acts 24Felix touched by Paul's anointed speech (25). Acts 14Signs and wonders done by Paul and Barnabas (3). It traces Christianity from its beginnings in Jerusalem, following Jesus’ resurrection, to the arrest of the Apostle Paul in Rome, the heart of the Empire. The Holy Spirit carries Philip away to Azotus. Peter preaches Jesus, listeners repent Chapter#3. Peter’s Sermon In Solomon’s Portico. Paul and Barnabas set out for their second missionary journey (36). Caroline Madison is a freelance editor and writer with a passion for the written word and a special interest in telling and reading stories that present biblical truths in fresh ways. Acts 15Certain men preach circumcision as a requirement for salvation. Acts 2The outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Many believe (v12) and several are saved (v34). The author of the Gospel of Luke also wrote Acts. John leaves Barnabas and Paul, returning to Jerusalem.Many people added to the church through Paul and Barnabas' preaching. Seven sons of Sceva try to cast out demons. Peter and John are arrested. To make the picture abundantly clear, God has given us a hand picked record of the activities of the Early Church. Acts is a sure witness to the reality of Christ’s power in believers. Acts 20Eutychus raised from the dead (9) Paul exhorts brethren. He sees Jesus standing on the right hand of the father. Many saved. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’” (Acts 17:24-28), “Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.” (Acts 27:25). And what should the result of this assurance and acceptance be? Luke’s gospel uses the title “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3) indicating that he may have been a Roman with rank. The Thessalonicans show a commendable desire to search the scriptures personally (v11). We see His promise to send the Holy Spirit fulfilled (Acts 2), enemies transformed into allies (Acts 9), prison doors opened (Acts 16:22-26), and miracles performed (Acts 9:36-43). Acts 13The Holy Spirit asks for Barnabas and Saul to be set aside for God's ministry. CHAPTER WISE SUMMARY: Chapter#1. Peter gives an anointed and prophetic sermon. Acts 7Stephen's anointed sermon. Acts is a sure witness to the reality of Christ’s power in believers. While the author never offers his name, he does identify himself as a companion of Paul in Philippi (Acts 16), Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:1-5), and Rome after Paul’s arrest (Acts 27-28). The sick and those oppressed by evil spirits are healed (verse16).The Apostles are arrested and released from prison by an angel (verse 18). Paul has a vision (9) Apollos is equipped (25). From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. The book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus. Acts 26Agrippa perceives that Paul is innocent(30). It should leave you in no doubt of God's intention for His body. The Holy Spirit leads Philip to the Eunuch from Ethiopia. There is no single chapter that does not exhibit God's power and wisdom in operation. Barnabas is sent out. Their open acceptance into the faith makes it clear that there is nothing (outside of our own unbelief) that can separate us from Christ. It presents Christianity’s victory in continuing to flourish despite fierce opposition. Acts 6Stephen, full of faith and power does great wonders and signs among the people (verse 8). Commission and Ascension. Matthias is chosen as an Apostle to replace Judas. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:32-33), “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus…”(Acts 3:19-21), “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12), “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.