The Book of Acts
The church begins — the Spirit poured out and the gospel spreading to the ends of the earth.
Overview
Acts tells the thrilling story of the early church: the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the gospel spreading from Jerusalem outward, through the boldness of the apostles and the conversion and missionary journeys of Paul.
It is a book of unstoppable momentum — ordinary people, filled with the Spirit, turning the world upside down with the good news of Jesus.
Key themes
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit empowers ordinary believers to witness with boldness and power.
The gospel spreading
Acts traces the good news from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world.
The church in community
The early believers share life, prayer, and generosity together.
Key verses from Acts
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The blueprint for the whole book.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
How to read Acts
Read it as the sequel to Luke's Gospel — same author, one story continued.
Trace the gospel's geographic spread from Jerusalem outward.
Watch how the Spirit turns frightened followers into fearless witnesses.