Book of Acts Overview – The Mission of the Early Church

The Spirit-Empowered Church

The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels end—Jesus has risen, and the mission begins. Often called the “Acts of the Apostles,” this inspired historical record follows the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles, especially Peter and Paul. It shows how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the Gentile world.

✔ Chronicles the birth and growth of the Church.
✔ Reveals the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit.
✔ Demonstrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission.
✔ Bridges the ministry of Christ to the mission of His people.

📖 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me… unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

🔎 Acts is the foundation of Christian mission and community—showing what it truly means to live by the Spirit and for the Kingdom.

Authorship & Structure

📜 Author: Luke, the beloved physician and companion of Paul (same author as the Gospel of Luke).

📜 Language & Date: Written in Greek around AD 62–64.

📜 Audience: Addressed to Theophilus, likely a Gentile believer or official.

Structure of Acts:

📖 Chapters 1–7 – Witness in Jerusalem (birth of the Church, Peter’s leadership)
📖 Chapters 8–12 – Witness in Judea and Samaria (persecution, Philip, and Peter)
📖 Chapters 13–28 – Witness to the ends of the earth (Paul’s missionary journeys)

🔎 Acts is not just history—it is a Spirit-filled blueprint for mission.

Theological Significance of Acts

The book of Acts is central to understanding the New Testament Church and God’s redemptive plan for all nations.

🔹 The Power of the Holy Spirit – The Spirit is the driving force, empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

🔹 The Mission of the Church – The Great Commission comes alive through bold preaching, miracles, and conversions.

🔹 Jew and Gentile Unity – The Gospel tears down dividing walls and brings people into one body.

🔹 Persecution and Growth – Opposition does not stop the Church—it multiplies it.

🔹 Leadership and Discipleship – From Peter to Paul, leaders are shaped through surrender and sent by the Spirit.

🔎 Acts gives us our missional DNA—it is the Church’s origin story with global impact.

Key Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled in Acts

🔮 Joel 2:28 – Outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:17)

🔮 Isaiah 49:6 – Light to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47)

🔮 Amos 9:11 – Restoration of David’s tent (Acts 15:16)

🔮 Psalm 2 – The reign of Christ (Acts 4:25–28)

🔮 Psalm 16:10 – Resurrection of the Messiah (Acts 2:27–31)

Major Sermons & Discourses in Acts

📖 Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2)

📖 Stephen’s Defense Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7)

📖 Paul’s Sermon at Antioch (Acts 13)

📖 Paul’s Speech at Mars Hill (Acts 17)

📖 Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa (Acts 26)

Literary Features & Writing Style

📜 Historical narrative with dramatic tension and theological depth.

📜 Transition from Jewish-centered worship to a universal Church.

📜 Detailed travel accounts, speeches, and miracles.

📜 Emphasis on fulfillment of prophecy and Spirit-led decisions.

Key Characters in Acts

👤 Peter – Leader of the early Church and preacher at Pentecost.

👤 Stephen – First Christian martyr.

👤 Philip – Evangelist to Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch.

👤 Paul – Former persecutor turned missionary apostle.

👤 Barnabas – Encourager and partner to Paul.

👤 James – Leader in the Jerusalem Church.

🔎 Acts is about more than leaders—it’s about the Spirit moving through the willing.

The Church in Acts

💓 Shared all things in common (Acts 2:44–47)

💓 Devoted to prayer and teaching (Acts 1:14, 2:42)

💓 Sent missionaries and planted churches (Acts 13:1–3)

💓 Resolved doctrinal disputes through counsel and Spirit (Acts 15)

💓 Multiplied despite persecution (Acts 5:41–42)