Bible Book of Acts | Growth of the Early Church

The history of the early church and the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome by the power of the Spirit. Acts chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Apostolic History. Theme: Growth of the Early Church

  • Author: Luke
  • Date: AD 60-62
  • Read Time: 145 mins
  • Purpose: Record Gospel spread and early church growth.
  • Key Verse: Acts 1:8 - ...ye shall be witnesses unto me... unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Christ: The Ascended Lord and Holy Spirit Gift.
  • Audience: The early church expanding into a hostile Roman world
  • Significance: Only NT historical book.
  • Missionary Expansion: Tracks the Gospel moving from a Jewish sect in Jerusalem to a global faith in Rome.
  • Spirit Baptism: Records the birth of the church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Acts is the only inspired history of the early church, serving as the link between Jesus’ life and Paul's letters.

The book transitions from the ministry of Peter (1-12) to the missionary journeys of Paul (13-28).

Jesus is the Ascended Lord (1:9) who continues His work from heaven through His Spirit-empowered Body.

Acts 1 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus said, "You will receive the Spirit and be my witnesses." He was taken up in a cloud. The believers cast lots to replace Judas.

Acts 2 - The day of pentecost

At Pentecost they were filled with the Spirit. Peter told the crowd, "You crucified Jesus but God has made him Lord." 3,000 believed.

Acts 3 - Peter and John heals the lame Beggar

Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple. Peter told the people, "Faith in Jesus has healed this man. Repent of your sins."

Acts 4 - Peter and John Before the Council

They were taken before the rulers. Peter and John said, "We cannot stop speaking about Jesus." The believers prayed for boldness.

Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira

Ananias and Sapphira told a lie and fell dead. An angel released the apostles from prison. Gamaliel advised, "Leave these men alone."

Acts 6 - Seven Chosen to Serve

The disciples chose seven men to distribute food. Some from the synagogue disputed with Stephen. They took him before the council.

Acts 7 - Stephen's Speech

Stephen said, "Brothers, God called Abraham and appeared to Moses. You killed the Righteous One." They were enraged and stoned him.

Acts 8 - Saul Ravages the Church

Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria. A magician offered money for the gift of the Spirit. Philip baptised an Ethiopian official.

Acts 9 - Saul becomes Paul on the Road to Damascus

Saul went to arrest the believers. Jesus said, "Why do you persecute me?" Saul was baptised and began preaching. Peter raised Dorcas.

Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius

Cornelius sent for Peter. The Lord said to Peter, "Do not call them unclean." Peter preached to the Gentiles and the Spirit fell.

Acts 11 - Peter Reports to the Church

Some in Jerusalem criticised Peter. He said, "The Spirit told me to go." Many in Antioch believed. Barnabas and Saul taught there.

Acts 12 - James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

Herod killed James and arrested Peter. The church prayed earnestly. An angel led Peter out of prison. An angel struck Herod down.

Acts 13 - Paul and Barnabas

Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the word. Paul said, "God has sent a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised." The Jews stirred up persecution.

Acts 14 - Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

Many believed at Iconium. The crowd at Lystra wanted to worship Paul, then they stoned him. Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch.

Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council

Some men taught circumcision for the Gentiles. Peter said, "God gave the Spirit with no distinction." Paul and Barnabas separated.

Acts 16 - Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul took Timothy with him. We baptised Lydia in Philippi. Paul was imprisoned and there was an earthquake. The jailer was baptised.

Acts 17 - Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

They taught in Thessalonica and Berea. In Athens Paul said, "I proclaim the God who gives life to all. He will judge the world."

Acts 18 - Paul in Corinth

Paul taught in Corinth for a year and a half. He went to Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila. Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos.

Acts 19 - Paul in Ephesus

Paul laid his hands on the disciples at Ephesus to receive the Holy Spirit. Demetrius, a silversmith, started a riot in the city.

Acts 20 - Paul in Macedonia and Greece

We sailed to Troas. Paul raised Eutychus after he fell from the window. Paul encouraged the Ephesian elders to care for the flock.

Acts 21 - Paul Goes to Jerusalem

Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. He said, "I am ready to die." We went there and saw James. Paul was arrested in the temple.

Acts 22 - Paul and the Roman Tribune

Paul said, "Jesus appeared to me and sent me to the Gentiles." The crowd threw dust. Paul told the tribune, "I am a Roman citizen."

Acts 23 - A Plot to Kill Paul

Paul caused a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Jews plotted to kill him. The tribune sent him to governor Felix.

Acts 24 - Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

Tertullus accused Paul before Felix. Paul said, "I simply went to worship in the temple." Felix kept Paul in prison for two years.

Acts 25 - Paul Appeals to Caesar

Festus arrived and summoned Paul. Paul said, "I appeal to Caesar." Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa to decide the charges.

Acts 26 - Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

Paul said, "I opposed the name of Jesus. He appeared to me and made me a witness." Agrippa said, "This man could have been freed."

Acts 27 - Paul Sails for Rome

We set sail for Rome. A storm struck and all hope was lost. Paul said, "Take heart, we must run aground." Everyone reached land.

Acts 28 - Paul on Malta

On Malta Paul healed all who had diseases. We came to Rome. Paul lived under house arrest. He proclaimed the kingdom of God to all.