Book of Acts Summary: The Gospel in Motion

Book of Acts Summary: The Gospel in Motion

The Book of Acts is the sequel to Luke’s Gospel, written by the same author and addressed again to Theophilus. If the Gospels record what Jesus began to do and teach, Acts shows what He continues to do through His Spirit-empowered church. It is the story of the gospel moving from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, carried by apostles, martyrs, and missionaries.

Acts is not just history but theology in motion: the risen Christ pouring out His Spirit, breaking down barriers, and establishing the church among Jews and Gentiles alike.

Etymology of the Title

• Greek: Πράξεις (Praxeis) — “Acts” or “Deeds.”

• Short for Praxeis Apostolōn — “Acts of the Apostles.”

• More fittingly, it could be called the “Acts of the Holy Spirit,” since the Spirit drives the mission.

Author and Date

Traditionally attributed to Luke the physician, companion of Paul and author of the Gospel of Luke. Both volumes are addressed to Theophilus and share similar style and themes.

Early witnesses confirm Luke’s authorship: Irenaeus (c. 180) declared, “Luke, the follower of Paul, set down in a book the gospel preached by him.” The Muratorian Canon and Eusebius also attribute Acts to Luke as Paul’s companion.

Date: likely A.D. 62–70. Acts ends with Paul alive under house arrest in Rome, suggesting it was written before his death (c. 64–67).

Distinguishing Features Compared to the Gospels

• The only sequel in the New Testament, forming Luke–Acts as a two-volume history.

• Shows the transition from Jerusalem-centered Judaism to a global, Spirit-filled church.

• Contains detailed speeches (Peter, Stephen, Paul).

• Highlights missionary journeys, especially Paul’s.

• Stresses the work of the Holy Spirit as central.

Movements of the Book

1. Ascension and Pentecost (Ch. 1–2)

Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus and the promise of the Spirit. At Pentecost, the Spirit fills the disciples, and Peter preaches boldly. Three thousand are baptized, forming the first church community marked by teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

Key Verse: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NLT)

2. The Church in Jerusalem (Ch. 3–7)

Miracles and preaching bring thousands to faith, but opposition grows. Peter and John are arrested but testify boldly. Ananias and Sapphira are judged for lying to the Spirit. Stephen becomes the first martyr after a powerful sermon summarizing Israel’s history and condemning rejection of the Messiah.

Key Verse: “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20, NLT)

3. The Church Expands to Samaria and Beyond (Ch. 8–12)

Persecution scatters believers, spreading the gospel to Samaria. Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch. Saul, the persecutor, meets Christ on the Damascus road and becomes Paul. Peter has a vision of clean and unclean animals, leading to Cornelius’s conversion — the first Gentile household to receive the Spirit.

Key Verse: “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34–35, NLT)

4. Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Ch. 13–21)

The Spirit sends Paul and Barnabas from Antioch. Paul’s three missionary journeys carry the gospel to Asia Minor and Greece. He preaches in synagogues, marketplaces, and before philosophers in Athens. Churches are planted, and elders are appointed. Despite persecution, the gospel spreads.

Key Verse: “We tell you the Good News: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.” (Acts 13:32–33, NLT)

5. Paul’s Trials and Journey to Rome (Ch. 22–28)

Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and testifies before the Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa. He appeals to Caesar and sails for Rome. Despite shipwreck, he arrives under guard but continues preaching the kingdom of God “with all boldness and without hindrance.”

Key Verse: “For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:30–31, NLT)

Connections to the Old Testament

• Pentecost fulfills Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–32).

• Stephen’s sermon (Acts 7) retells Israel’s history, showing continuity.

• The inclusion of Gentiles echoes Isaiah’s vision of nations streaming to God (Isa. 49:6).

• Paul cites the Law and Prophets in nearly every sermon.

Difficult and Shocking Passages

• Ananias and Sapphira (5:1–11): Sudden judgment shocks readers, underscoring the holiness of God.

• Simon the Magician (8:18–24): Raises questions about false motives in seeking spiritual power.

• Speaking in tongues (2, 10, 19): Debated regarding its meaning and modern practice.

• Paul’s vow and temple visit (21:17–26): Raises questions about law and grace.

Common Misreadings

• Treating Acts as a rigid blueprint for church government, instead of Spirit-led history.

• Prosperity teachers twisting Acts 4’s communal life into forced socialism.

• Misusing Pentecost as if tongues were the only evidence of the Spirit.

• Over-sensationalizing miracles instead of focusing on the mission.

Key Themes / Theology

• The church is Spirit-empowered and mission-driven.

• The gospel is for Jew and Gentile alike.

• Suffering and opposition accompany faithful witness.

• God’s plan is unstoppable — the word goes forth to the ends of the earth.

Application

Acts challenges the church today to live as a Spirit-empowered witness community. It calls us to boldness in sharing Christ, generosity in fellowship, and endurance under persecution. It reminds us that the mission is not finished — we too are part of this story until Christ returns.

Conclusion

Acts is the story of the risen Christ continuing His work through the Spirit and His church. It begins in Jerusalem, extends to Samaria, and ends in Rome — symbolizing the gospel’s advance to the world. Alongside the Gospels, Acts shows that Jesus’ ministry didn’t end at His ascension; it multiplied through His people.

“You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NLT)