Summary of Acts

Here is a ridiculously long post which I hope someone out there won't mind taking the time to read, like maybe someone who writes long posts their self. ;) I actually wrote this in October of last year for a New Testament class, but I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by it.

The author of Acts is Luke, who also wrote the book baring his name. Acts is believed to have been written in the mid A.D 60s.

What is the author telling me in Acts 1:1-6:7? Luke begins with a short review of Jesus ascension into heaven. Jesus disciples then chose another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and then gone and hanged himself. On the day of Pentecost the people were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. When some became confused and perplexed, Peter stood up and explained and taught them the scriptures, beseeching them to believe and be saved. God’s Word continued to go forth as the disciples went out healing and preaching the gospel. Even when they are arrested they continued to preach boldly. The church is born and experiences much growth and unity, the Gospel is preached, and many are add to the family of God.

How should I respond? I should have a desire to share the good news to all I am around, just as the disciples did. The disciples give us an example of how we should respond through persecution in that they rejoiced continually. The church is an example in that they are unified and building each other up, just as we should be.

What is the author telling me in Acts 6:8-9:31? Luke goes on to tell of the first martyr for Christ who was Stephen. He was falsely accused of blaspheming. That does not stop him though from sharing God’s whole plan of salvation for His people. Even as they stoned him to death, he asks God to, “Not charge them with this death.” Christ is continued to be preached throughout the nations, even as far as Samaria. Philip witnesses to a man of Ethiopia, who believes and gets baptized. God reveals himself to Saul, a persecutor of the church, and he believes and immediately begins to spread the word. 

How should I respond? God’s grace is big enough to save the worst of us. Saul was an evil man who desired to kill Christians yet God in His mercy poured out His grace on Saul and saved him. Also through Saul’s example I am not only reminded that God can save those who we may think are hopelessly lost, but God can then use them to bring many others to himself. God uses sinners like me to save more sinners.

What is the author telling me in Acts 9:32-12:24? God uses Peter to heal Aneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, and Dorcas, who had died. Cornelius sends for Peter, who receives the vision of the sheet coming down with four-footed animals that he is commanded to eat, yet refuses because it is common and he won’t eat that which is common or unclean. Yet God tells him that what he has cleansed is not common. Then Peter goes to Cornelius and he preaches to him and all his household. Thus, many Gentiles believed and were baptized. Peter is thrown into prison yet an angel comes and releases him and leads him away. Immediately Peter begins to share the good news again.

How should I respond? God didn’t stop doing miracles when he ascended into heaven. He continues to use his people to heal others. God’s word is to be told to all people groups not just some. Nothing is too hard for God as seen in the part where Peter is freed from jail.

What is the author telling me in Acts 12:25-16:5? The church at Antioch sends out Barnabas and Saul to be missionaries. There arose a conflict over circumcision. Some were saying that you had to be circumcised to be saved, but Peter told them that it was through the grace of Jesus Christ that they are saved. The word of the Lord continued to go forth and many were added to the number.

How should I respond? We can be strengthening each other by encouraging each other in the Lord, just as Paul was continuing to do. People can not believe the gospel unless some one comes to them and tells them about Christ and the good news. We are saved by God’s grace.

What is the author telling me in Acts 16:6-19:20? Lydia hears the word, believes, and is baptized, then opens up her home for Paul to stay. Paul and Silas were imprisoned for healing the Spirit possessed girl who had brought her master great profit because of it. They rejoiced even when in prison and God sent an earthquake to shake the prisons and loose them so they could get out. Nevertheless, they stayed where they were and witnessed to the jailor, so that he and his entire household were saved. Paul then preached to the Athenians and told them about there unknown God and explained to them the scriptures so that some believed. Paul went to Corinth and there stayed and worked with Aquila and Priscilla, who were tent makers just like Paul.

How should I respond? Lydia, Priscilla, and Aquila set the example of hospitality. They opened up there homes for Paul to stay. Just so, we also should be willing to open up our homes for others to stay and be refreshed. Also Paul does not just preach where ever he goes, but he also serves. He served Aquila and Priscilla by helping them with their tent making business. We also should be willing to serve wherever we are.

What is the author telling me in Acts 19:21-28:31? Paul goes back to Jerusalem even after being warned that he would be arrested and bound there. Paul does indeed get arrested, but even then he is not stopped from proclaiming the goodness of the Lord. Paul is taken before many high officials, such as Ananias the high priest, Felix the governor, Festus the governor, King Agrippa, and more, nonetheless, he boldly proclaims to them the truth and in King Agrippa’s own words, “you almost persuaded me to become a Christian.” Then Paul, having appealed to Caesar, begins his voyage to Rome. On the way they have a severe storm and end up on the Island Malta, where Paul preaches the good news to the natives. After three months they departed and went to Rome were Paul continued to strengthen the brethren.

How should I respond? God is in control of all things and he will take care of his people, just as he took care of Paul. We should not be afraid to speak the truth even to kings and priests and governors.

I think the theme of Acts throughout the book is that the gospel is going forth. All throughout the book we are told of people believing and being baptized. People not just in Jerusalem are hearing the word but it is going forth to Samaria, Ethiopia, the Gentiles and every where. (See Acts 6:7; 8:31; 12:24 for references.)

A good theme verse to sum up the whole book would be Acts 13:49, which says, “And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.”

THANK YOU FOR READING!

                                                            ~Hannah Grace~