A group of friends and I embarked on a journey through the New Testament, Bible Study, at the beginning of the year, and we successfully completed it! This article is part of a larger series that covers the New Testament, starting with New Testament: Gospel Journey with Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

This article delves into the Book of Acts and summarizes the acts of the apostles, complete with subheadings and video overviews from the Bible Project. While I prioritize brevity, I also take moments to explore deeper insights, address profound questions, and share personal growth experiences. At the end, I’ll include key concepts and takeaways.

As you read through the summary, explore the videos, and seek diverse perspectives, I want to emphasize that we are all fallible, and mistakes may have been made. Feel free to bring any errors to light as we continue learning together. I wholeheartedly encourage you to engage with the Word on your own, seek wisdom through prayer from the Holy Spirit, attend a church that upholds sound doctrine, and consult your Pastor for further guidance.

Navigating Theological Perspectives: Journey Through Acts of the Apostles

The Book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles, is the fifth book of the New Testament. It covers the early Christian church after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, focusing particularly on the actions of the apostles, such as Peter and Paul. Significant events include the ascension of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the missionary journeys of Paul. Acts provides valuable historical insights into the spread of Christianity, the establishment of early Christian communities, and the challenges faced by the apostles as they carried out their mission.

Written by Luke, it’s best to read the Book of Acts in tandem with the Gospel of Luke, as they form a two-part volume known as Luke-Acts. Luke was written to a primarily Greek audience and presented Jesus as the Son of Man. While Luke accounts for Jesus’ earthly ministry, Acts expands into the apostles continuing Jesus’ work of the Great Commission. Acts begins by detailing what happened after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and 40 days in which Jesus commissioned his closest disciples, making them apostles. Acts is the first book to describe the Holy Spirit coming upon believers en masse on the day of Pentecost. This Spirit empowers the people to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria, and to all the earth, fulfilling prophecies in Isaiah 32, Ezekiel 36, and Joel 2. We also see a definitive clarification of the biblical gift of tongues as languages understood in people’s native tongues.

Growth of the Early Church

While I may not fully align with Orthodox Christian practices, I gleaned interesting insights from the book “The Religion of the Apostles: Orthodox Christianity in the First Century” concerning the early development of Christianity. Traditionally, it’s believed that Judaism and Christianity are distinct religions, with Christianity originating from Judaism. However, the development of modern-day Judaism is more complex. What we now recognize as Judaism emerged from sixth-century Rabbinic Judaism, which sought to differentiate itself from the early followers of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they did not recognize as the prophesied Messiah. Rabbinic Judaism, as it exists today, was fully formed by the fifth century, coinciding with the codification of the Talmud. Drawing from literature of the Second Temple period (515 BC-AD 70) and biblical scriptures, the book constructs a timeline of Historical Events,  depicting Christianity’s emergence from Second Temple Judaism. According to this perspective, the early Christian community consisted primarily of Messianic Jewish believers—Jews and Gentiles who accepted Jesus as their savior. Their practices were likely more uniform with eachother, compared to the diverse denominations seen in modern Christianity.

Timeline:

• 515 BC – AD 70: Second Temple period
• Circa 3 BC – AD 30: Earthly life of Jesus Christ
• AD 35: Calling of St. Paul
• AD 49: St. Paul writes the Epistle to the Galatians, considered one of the earliest New Testament texts
• AD 69: St. Mark writes his Gospel, recognized as the first canonical Gospel
• AD 95: St. John writes the Apocalypse (Revelation), considered the final New Testament text
• Circa AD 500: Formation of Rabbinic Judaism

For an interactive Acts Bible Timeline with links directly tied to scripture from the Book of Acts, click here.

Journey Through the Book of Acts: Part 1 (Acts 1-12)

The first part of Acts delves deeper into the early Christian life under the guidance of the apostles, sparking questions. Acts 2:17 raises intriguing points of consideration: “And in the last days, it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.” This passage was written after Jesus’ death, the disciples became apostles, the Great Commission was given, and the term “last days” was in use. So, it seems to apply to our current timeframe. If the gift of prophecy is no longer in operation, as all prophecies were already given, why are we told there will be prophecy, visions, and dreams? How do we reconcile this scripture?

Model for Corporate Prayer from Acts 4

Acts 3:15 describes Jesus as the author of life. Considering that early believers were a mostly Jewish Messianic, Jerusalem-based community who simply believed and had faith in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, they began to spread first to Judea and Samaria.

Just as the Lord’s Prayer sets the example for personal prayer, the prayer in Acts sets the example for corporate prayer:

• Pray in unison (lift their voices together to God)
• Acknowledge the Sovereignty of the Lord (creator, omnipotent, powerful)
• Acknowledge the amazing redemptive work done through the name of Jesus
• Pray for boldness to speak the Word of God (Acts 4:24-31)

What’s even more amazing is how they were of one accord. This is a beautiful picture of what the church should be: “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common” (Acts 4:32).

When the work became too great (the apostles needed to preach, not serve tables), they appointed seven men, prayed and laid hands on them, and those men were empowered to perform signs and wonders. “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8).

Key Role of Early Disciples and Apostles

In these New Testament passages in Acts, Stephen summarizes the Old Testament, showing that the Bible is still one cohesive unit. I never realized how much of a role Stephen had. I’ve only ever thought of him in the context of “Stephen Ministries,” a counseling ministry to the church. It’s interesting to see some early church leaders who weren’t Jesus’s original apostles taking a more active role. We also learn that Saul never had a point where he became Paul. He was always both, interchangeably. I thought he became Paul when he encountered Jesus and was changed by the Holy Spirit. Additionally, we learn that Simon was a magician, possibly powered by demons, more interested in the power of God than the relationship with God.

In Acts chapters 9 and 22, Saul/Paul recounts how, as an unbeliever of Jesus as the Messiah, he persecuted believers of The Way until he had a personal experience with the Messiah on the road to Damascus. Although there was a true conversion of Saul, as that as a believer in Jesus as the Messiah, it was interesting to learn that his name wasn’t actually changed from Saul to Paul during this experience. His name was always interchangeable. Saul is the Hebrew form, while Paul is the Greek form of his name. After the Damascus experience, he is then baptized and begins to preach Christ. Despite his Pharisaic background, Paul continues to make positive statements regarding Torah and the law in his writings.

Peters Vision: Meat or People?

Peter’s vision about non-Jewish people and ritual cleanliness is highlighted in Acts 10:15, where a voice tells him, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” From my understanding, Peter’s vision about the sheet of meats and Jesus’s statement in Mark 7:19 about “clean” foods are debatable, depending on their context. After Peter has his vision, he declares that he has never consumed anything common or unclean. Immediately following this, he meets men who would traditionally be considered common or unclean. While no food is consumed in this passage, Peter reveals his vision to them. Acts 10:28 emphasizes that the vision is about people: “And he said to them, ‘You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.’” This context clearly focuses on people rather than food.

Peter then states in Acts 10:34-35, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” He proceeds to preach the gospel, and the Holy Spirit of God falls on the Gentiles. I’m open to the possibility that the vision was dually prophetic, addressing both dietary laws and inclusivity. However, reconciling the idea that all foods are clean with other scriptures describing specific foods as unclean can be challenging. Interestingly, some of these foods are considered unclean by scientific standards.

My approach is not legalistic or focused on salvation but aims to reconcile these passages contextually. The vision is about more than food; it’s a metaphor for people, similar to how bread and living water reveal deeper spiritual concepts. In response to Peter’s vision and preaching, the Holy Spirit comes and leads to the conversion of Cornelius and his household to the Christian faith. The church then expands beyond Judea and Samaria into Antioch, where the term “Christians” is first used, as noted in Acts 11:26.

Journey Through the Book of Acts: Part 2 (Acts 13-28)

We see the good news of the gospel spreads first locally, then regionally, now internationally in the later chapters of Acts. Paul and Barnabas are set apart for missionary work, becoming the first international missionaries, traveling beyond Jerusalem church, Judea & Samaria, and Antioch through Asia Minor and Greece. Interestingly, we also see sharp disagreements between the disciples that end up separating them in service. In Acts 16, the Holy Spirit directs where the men should go and, in some cases, directs them not to go to places like Asia. Through Paul’s vision, the Holy Spirit calls them to Macedonia, modern day Europe. In this chapter, we see fasting, praying, and laying hands as normative behaviors for Christians.

Paul’s Mission to the Jews and Gentiles

Though Paul has become an evangelist and missionary, he has not abandoned his discipleship of the people of Israel, often returning to the Jewish Synagogue to teach. These words of Paul stood out: “And through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). The law served as a guardian and mirror to show the depravity of humans in our sin-bent nature. I also recall that our freedom (from being under the law) is not a license to sin (Galatians 5). After Paul spoke to the Jews in the synagogue, they enjoyed what he had to say and invited him to come back next Sabbath.

Tensions Over Circumcision and Jewish Customs

Upon the next Sabbath, the entire city, including Gentiles, gathered, and certain Jews reacted with jealousy and blasphemy as Paul proclaimed the gospel message of Jesus as the Messiah and welcomed gentile converts.

The Pharisees insisted on circumcision and adherence to Mosaic law for salvation, in contrast to Paul’s teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). Some believed that converted Gentiles must undergo circumcision and observe Jewish customs to be fully accepted. This disagreement escalated tensions between Paul and other Jewish Christians.

Paul’s response is noteworthy: he admonishes them, stating, “You judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,” and redirects his efforts toward the Gentiles, reminiscent of God and Jesus turning their focus to the Gentiles. Though Paul has turned his attention to the Gentile converts, he has not forgotten Israel. Paul goes back to strengthen and encourage the Messianic Christian believers there. While he’s there, they appoint elders, pray, and fast. Often, we think of ministry as going and making disciples (new converts) but then don’t focus on equipping and strengthening existing Christians.

The Jerusalem Council

There was great dissension and debate on this matter. Peter asked why the Pharisees were putting God to the test by placing a yoke upon the necks of the Gentiles. Here we see Peter continuing to build on the work of reconciling the Jews and Gentiles, as he did with Cornelius, after his vision about meats. That’s when they came up with these rules for the Gentiles coming into the faith.

This issue leads to the Jerusalem Council around 48-50 AD, where Jewish leaders agree that as long as the Gentile converts abide by four rules, they may fellowship together. The Council, as described in Acts 15, develops governing rules similar to modern church governance, addressing issues that could cause division. The four rules for Gentile Christians are:

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” (Acts 15:28-29)

Paul’s Miracles and True Conversions

In Acts 19, starting at verse 11, we see that God is working through Paul to perform miracles, just as He had done with Jesus. Paul used the name of Jesus, and the Jewish exorcists tried to emulate him. Even though they used the names of Jesus and Paul to perform the exorcism, the demons did not recognize their “power” or lack thereof because, although they were using Jesus’s name, they were not true believers. I love the true conversions that were happening, though (by God through Paul). People who had been practicing magic believed in Christ for their salvation and immediately started burning their magic books. This is the appropriate response: go and sin no more. When someone is transformed, they should no longer want to practice sin.

Questions About Charismatic Spiritual Gifts

Questions about charismatic gifts and modern-day denominational practices come to mind. The following are examples of how and why charismatic churches believe in the continuation of gifts:

(1) The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues: This is seen as a separate act from receiving salvation and being baptized. “He said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said to him, ‘No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ And they said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.” (Acts 19:2-6)

(2) Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues: I’m also curious about how it is they were prophesying if the gift of prophecy ceased with the Old Testament prophets. In charismatic circles, all of the gifts (including tongues and prophecy) are believed to still be in operation (“continuationist”), whereas in reformed and Baptist circles, the gift of prophecy (and maybe tongues) is thought to have ceased (“cessationist”).

The FaithLife Study Bible commentary says this about the tongues used in this passage: “Acts 19:6 (FSB): speak in tongues. This is likely a reference to an act related to worship (see note on 10:46), not miraculously speaking in another person’s native language (compare 2:4–6). In Acts, speaking in tongues is related to the Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering believers (2:4–6; 10:45–46).”

In Acts 21, Paul stays with a man who has four daughters who are prophetesses. It’s interesting to me that there were prophets, women even, after the time of Jesus. I remember hearing a message in church stating that the gifts of prophecy ended with Jesus. But this is taking place in the New Testament and it isn’t an OT prophecy about Jesus; it’s a common person, women even, prophesying about what will happen to Paul. They warn that he will be bound up, but that does not deter Paul from his mission to Jerusalem.

Biblical Feasts Observed

I find it ironic that the majority of Christians uphold some Old Testament directives, such as tithing and circumcision, yet take issue with others upholding “Old Testament” practices, such as observing the Sabbath or participating in biblical feasts, as if those are reserved for Jewish people only. Or, they take issue with someone deciding to wear a head covering, which is actually from the New Testament. It really seems that people make decisions based on our modern-day cultural norms rather than true convictions or biblical revelation. In Acts 18:21, Paul mentions keeping the feasts, and in Acts 20, they were traveling after the days of unleavened bread (Passover) and in a hurry to Jerusalem for Pentecost, showing they were still keeping the feasts.

Paul’s Imprisonment

Paul is on a watchlist because the word has spread that he is supposedly telling people to forsake Moses and not follow Jewish customs. So Paul takes extra measures to show them that he himself does follow the law. But there’s an uproar, and the people are very serious about killing Paul. He is imprisoned and eventually put on house arrest. The similarities of him going into Jerusalem, and the uproar and plot to kill him, remind me of what happened with Jesus. It shows me when we walk as Jesus did, it’s going to make some people mad. Yet, even from prison God’s sovereign Will was accomplished though Paul. Paul’s letters encouraged the churches, he became a witness to the guards, and upon release to house arrest he continued to preach the good news of the gospel. 

I noticed that followers of Jesus are called followers of “The Way.” Paul said, “I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect” (Acts 24:14). I know that “Christians” was first used in Acts 11:26. According to the FaithLife Study Bible, Christians, the Greek term used here, “christianos,” which may be literally rendered “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ,” refers to “Christ followers.” The community began to be known as a distinct movement from Judaism that was loyal to Jesus as Messiah (or Christ) and Lord. The word “Christian” appears three times in the New Testament of the Bible: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. We still use the term Christians, but I wonder why the term “The Way” dropped off for followers of Christ. It’s probably a small thing, just something I pondered on and researched. Also, there is still a group called “The Way” but their methods have been deemed cultish.

10 Key Takeaways from the Book of Acts

Reading the New Testament without considering the context of the Old Testament might lead to different interpretations and key takeaways. However, it is crucial to recognize the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as the Bible tells one cohesive story. The takeaways from the Book of Acts provide valuable insights into the early Christian church’s dynamics, challenges, and growth, reflecting the continuity and development of themes found in both the Old Testament and the Gospels. Considering this fuller context, here is a list of 10 key takeaways:

1. The Great Commission: Jesus gives the disciples their marching orders in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” In Acts, this command begins to be fulfilled as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
2. Jesus Christ: Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies: From His birth in Bethlehem to His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the Messianic expectations foretold in ancient scriptures. Acts 3:18 states, “But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.” The early Christian community consisted primarily of Messianic Jewish believers—Jews and Gentiles who accepted Jesus as their savior (Acts 3:21-26).
3. The Holy Spirit: Acts emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, beginning with Pentecost when the Spirit descended on the believers, enabling them to speak in tongues (known languages) and boldly proclaim the gospel (Acts 2:1-4). The Spirit’s role in guiding and empowering the apostles continues throughout the book, demonstrating that the Holy Spirit is essential for the church’s mission. The Holy Spirit directs Paul and his companions’ missionary work, sometimes preventing them from entering certain regions (Acts 16:6-10). The Spirit’s gifts, such as prophecy and performing miracles, are also prominent (Acts 21, Acts 6:8, Acts 19:11-12). The work of the Holy Spirit becomes more evident in the book of Acts.
4. Sin Problem and Repentance: Jesus initially addressed primarily the Jewish Israelites, later extending His ministry to the Gentiles, emphasizing the need for repentance. The apostles continued this work, calling sinners to acknowledge their sinfulness, repent, and turn to Jesus in faith. Luke-Acts emphasizes repentance more than any other NT author. True conversions involved dramatic changes, such as believers burning their magic books after accepting Christ (Acts 19:19).
5. Normative Christian Behaviors: Acts highlights practices such as prayer, fasting, evangelizing, discipling, and mentoring as normative behaviors for Christians. Corporate prayer (Acts 4), fasting, praying, and laying hands (Acts 16) are emphasized. The development of church leadership and organizational structure is evident, such as the appointment of deacons (Acts 6:1-6). Believers consistently met together for worship and teaching (Acts 2:42-47).
6. Perspective on Law and Covenant: Paul, despite his Pharisaic background, continues to make positive statements regarding the Torah throughout the Book of Acts, and later in his other letters. He teaches that the law serves as a guardian and mirror to show human depravity but emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). The apostles address issues like circumcision and adherence to Mosaic law, affirming that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet that liberty is not permission to willfully sin (Galatians 5).
7. God’s Holiness through the Apostle’s Ministry: The apostles continue Jesus’s work of revealing God’s holiness. They face significant persecution for their faith and preaching but remain steadfast, showing that suffering for the gospel is an expected part of Christian discipleship. Their extensive travels and missionary efforts highlight their dedication to spreading the gospel (Acts 13-28).
8. Relevance of Sabbath and Biblical Feasts: Jesus and His disciples participated in Sabbaths and biblical feasts, revealing their deeper significance within His ministry. Acts mentions the apostles continuing these practices, such as Paul hurrying to Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 20:16). This underscores the continuity of these practices in the New Testament context.
9. God’s Sovereignty: Acts demonstrates God’s sovereignty and guidance, directing the apostles through visions and the Holy Spirit’s interventions (Acts 16:6-10, Acts 18:9-10). God’s plans and purposes prevail throughout the narrative, highlighting His control over the spread of the gospel.
10. Christian Unity: The early church exemplified unity, with believers being of one accord, sharing everything in common (Acts 4:32). Acts 10:28 emphasizes the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. The Jerusalem Council further highlights the reconciliation between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The Book of Acts serves as the pivotal “passing of the torch” from Jesus to the apostles. It illustrates how the Apostles spread the word of Christ, the prophesied Messiah, and the fulfillment of scriptures. While there is a focus on Israel, the great commission spans from local synagogues to international missions. For the first time, we see the Holy Spirit laid upon the people en masse, and the formation of the early church, an inclusive community comprising Jews and Gentiles who receive salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Book of Acts mainly focuses on Paul’s missions, where the roles are reversed – the persecutor is now persecuted for being a follower of The Way. Serving as a crucial link between the Gospels and the Epistles, this historical account enriches our understanding of early Christianity and inspires modern believers to continue the great commission. Reflecting on the experiences of the apostles reminds us of the enduring call to witness and the unifying power of the Holy Spirit in guiding the church’s mission.

We’ve now covered the New Testament’s Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, there are still 22 books left to cover. The next three installments will cover Letters from the Apostles, General Letters, and Revelation. Hyperlinks to each article will be included once they are available.