While typically called the Acts of the Apostles, the fifth book of the New Testament is really about the acts of the Holy Spirit in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2
As the Israelites gathered for the Feast of Weeks, the Holy Spirit ushered in the beginning of the New Testament church. This chapter should still be a base line for how churches operate on a weekly basis.
Acts 3
In healing the lame man at the gate called Beautiful, Peter and John give us a beautiful picture of the marriage of ministry and evangelism.
Acts 4
When you are filled with the Spirit and boldly share what Jesus has done in your life, no one is going to be able to argue with your testimony.
Acts 5
Ananias and Sapphira show us the danger of not really being “all in” for Jesus. Even though God doesn’t smite people this way today, it’s never good to present yourself as something you’re not.
Acts 6
The church selects the first seven deacons, and in doing so frees up the apostles to preach and to pray. When the church operates in its giftedness, and everyone serves as they are called, the kingdom of God more easily spreads.
Acts 7
Stephen, one of the deacons of the church, is martyred for his faith. But not before preaching an amazing sermon about Jesus Christ.
Acts 8
Philip, in beginning the spread of Christianity outside of Judea, confronts the dark side and the blessings of reaching others for Jesus Christ.
Acts 9
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus is a picture of the spiritual journey everyone must take in coming to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Acts 10
Peter is shown by God that salvation is available to everyone, not just the Jewish people. so begins the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles in earnest.
Acts 11
Peter defends His evangelism to the Gentiles, and the church in Antioch begins to take off.
Acts 12
An exciting chapter, in which God delivers Peter from the clutches of King Herod. The cautionary aspect of this account is to believe God will answer your prayers.
Acts 13
The beginning of Paul’s first mission trip includes stops in Cyprus and what is now southern Turkey. Paul’s pattern of reaching out to the Jewish people first and then the Gentiles is established, and they experience the first round of persecution.
Acts 14
The second half of Paul and Barnabas’ first mission trip includes challenges in Iconium and Lystra. The Lord leads them to overcome violence and unrest in planting several new churches in Asia.
Acts 15
The Jerusalem Council tackled the problem of legalism and provided a solution that allowed all believers, Jewish and Gentile, to fellowship together and spread the gospel.
Acts 16
Acts 16 is a busy chapter. We meet Timothy and see how Paul prepares him for whatever ministry came his way. Paul’s call to cross over to Europe is an illustration of how we need to trust the Holy Spirit to lead us, even when it looks like we’re at the end of the road. Also, a Philippian jailer comes to faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 17
In what may be the most relevant chapter of Acts to today’s culture, Paul preaches Jesus to the philosophers of Athens.
Acts 18
We meet Priscilla and Aquila in this chapter, as well as Apollos, who all become pivotal members of Paul’s evangelistic team.
Acts 19
Paul’s time in Ephesus provides a good picture of the ups and downs we will experience in reaching the world for Christ.
Acts 20
As he winds down his third missionary journey, Paul addresses the Ephesian elders and highlights what he deems most important in ministry.
Acts 21
Paul makes his way to Jerusalem, knowing that while the Lord is leading him there, he will very likely face persecution and possibly death.
Acts 22
Paul presents his testimony to the Jewish mob in Jerusalem and gives us some important points in sharing our own salvation experience.
Acts 23
Paul appears before the Sanhedrin, discovers their plot to kill him, and is transported to Caesarea and the Roman governor Felix. All of these events are part of God’s plan to get him to Rome.
Acts 24
Paul’s hearing before the Roman governor Felix contrasts the truth and boldness of the cause of Christ with the lies and weakness of religion and self-sufficiency.
Acts 25
Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa marks Christianity’s highest level of exposure to the halls of power in the book of Acts.
Acts 26
Paul presents his testimony to King Agrippa, demonstrating some key aspects of how we should share our own salvation experience with others.
Acts 27
Paul’s experience in surviving a shipwreck on the Mediterranean gives us five lessons we can utilize whether we’re at sea or on dry ground.
Acts 28
As we close the book of Acts, Paul arrives in Rome and the mission given by Jesus as He ascended to heaven is in full swing.