The General Introduction
The book of the Acts of the Apostles holds a key role among the New Testament books because of – its message, its contents, and its position between the Gospels and the Epistles. There is a reason why the book is placed between the Gospels and the Epistles. Before we get into that discussion, let us try to understand the Bible briefly. Although the Christian Bible looks like One large book, it is a collection of sixty-six individual books written by forty (40) anointed servants of God who were chosen from various walks of life, times, and geographical locations. These authors wrote down the Holy Scriptures upon the revelation and inspiration they received from the Holy Spirit. It took about one thousand and four hundred (1400) years to complete, from the book of Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is divided into two major divisions: The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is a collection of thirty-nine books and these books are classified into five different groups based on the nature and message of each book’s contents: The Law or Pentateuch (from Genesis to Deuteronomy); the Historical books (from Joshua to Esther); the Poetical and Wisdom Literature (from Job to the Song of Songs); the Major Prophets (from Isaiah to Daniel); and, the Minor Prophets (from Hosea to Malachi). The main focus of the Old Testament is about God’s creation of the universe and everything in it; God’s purpose and plan for humanity; the call, purpose, and the formation of the people of Israel as a nation. Also, the Old Testament is filled with many promises of God regarding God’s plan for humanity, the coming of the Messiah, and the end-time events. The New Testament is divided into four major divisions: The Gospels (from Matthew to John); the Historical book (Acts of the Apostles); the Epistles (from Romans to Jude [these epistles are divided into two groups: the Pauline Epistles and the General Epistles]); and the Prophetical book (Revelation). The main focus of the New Testament is to give an account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the call and commissioning of the apostles, the coming/descending of the Holy Spirit, the role of the Holy Spirit in the establishment of the New Testament Church and its expansion, the believers’ call to continue the mission of God and prepare humanity for the victorious return of Jesus Christ (Christ’s second coming), God’s judgement upon the earth, and end of the physical world and the continuation of the spiritual world forever. Thus, together the Old Testament and the New Testament make up the Christian Scriptures called the Holy Bible. In the Old Testament, God chose the nation of Israel as His possession and revealed His plan and purpose through their lives, and in the New Testament we see the fulfillment of what God promised in the Old Testament. Yet, God did not limit His blessings and promises only to His chosen people Israel, but He extended it to the rest of humanity as well. There are numerous verses in the Bible focusing on God’s loving kindness and compassion, which extends to all, irrespective of one’s religious, political, social, or cultural status. For instance: The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love (Psalm 33:5); … your Father in heaven … causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). God unconditionally lavished His love, grace, and mercy upon the whole world, which means, according to John 3:16-17, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. The reason why God loves us all is because we are all (the entire human race) created by God in His own likeness and image; as a result, we all belong to Him. The Bible states that the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1). Also, elsewhere it says, The heavens are yours the Lord’s), and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it (Psalm 89:11).
God promised to send His Messiah in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament we see the fulfillment of that promise with the coming of His anointed one – the Messiah, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to redeem God’s chosen people, Israel, from their unbelief and oppressors, and to save mankind from sin and death. In this context, it is important to know what Jesus said to His disciples:
He [Jesus] said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49 [also refer, Luke 24:25-27]).
In a nutshell, the New Testament has its origin from the Old Testament and the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament and will continue to impact through the New Testament. The Old Testament is incomplete without the New Testament and the New Testament is unsubstantiated without the Old Testament. For instance: If the Old Testament is the solid foundation, the New Testament is the superstructure on it; if the Old Testament is the root and base of a tree, the New Testament is the branch and fruit of that tree. Thus, both the Old and New Testaments are well connected to each other and together they make the Holy Bible complete.
Overview of the Book
The book, the Acts of the Apostles, is one of the key role players among the New Testament books. The book narrates the history of the founding of the New Testament Church at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and its expansion to the neighboring regions and beyond. The book begins with the narration of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances (Acts 1:1-3), Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples (Acts 1:4-8), and Jesus’ ascension to Heaven (Acts 1:9-11), the descending of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13), Apostle Peter’s preaching of the Good News and founding of the New Testament Church (Acts 2:14-41). The book also explains how much the early Christians endured various forms of the persecution due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Even in the midst of the persecutions, the Church expanded throughout the neighboring regions and beyond under the leadership of the apostles, especially apostles Peter and Paul (Acts 3:1ff). The book concludes with the ministry and imprisonment of Apostle Paul in Rome (Acts 27:1-28:31).
Luke, a first century Christian believer as well as one of the ministry companions of Apostle Paul, contributed two books in the Christian Bible – the gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke is also a known medical doctor as well as a historian. The gospel according to Luke covers the life and ministry of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:1); and the Acts of the Apostles covers the history of the early Church – starting with Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, commissioning of His apostles, ascension to heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the founding and expansion of the New Testament Church, the challenges and persecutions the church went through in different times, and the ministry of the Apostles during their life time. Over all, both these two books covers the Biblical history from the time of priest Zechariah (father of John the Baptist), who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah [during First Century BC] (Luke 1:5) to the imprisonment of Apostle Paul [during the third quarter of the First Century AD] (Acts 28:16, 30-31).
The book of Acts gives its readers a thorough introductory knowledge about the beginning of the Christian church and its expansion through preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The book also gives its readers a glimpse of the opposition and persecution Christ’s followers faced in the initial stage and thereafter as the gospel began to spread across the regions. The early part of the book focuses on narrating the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13), the preaching of the good news of Jesus Christ by the apostles, especially Apostle Peter, the founding of the Church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41), and the continuous ministry of the apostles and other disciples of Jesus (2:42-3:26). The subsequent part of the book mostly unveils the ministry of Apostle Paul, a persecutor of the Christians who turned out to be a promotor, protector, and defender of Christian faith. As a Pharisee, Saul (who was also called Paul [Acts 13:9]) persecuted the Christians (church); as a believer in the Lord, he became the proponent of the Christian faith. The book very clearly narrates how hard the Jews (especially the Jewish religious leaders) persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Saul (Acts 7:54-58; 8:1a, 3; 9:1-2). Saul’s encounter with Jesus, his conversion experience and his ministry thereafter is recounted in details in Acts 9:1ff. After his encounter with Jesus, which changed his perception regarding God and his faith in God, he began to love and serve God passionately, began to love and serve Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faithfully, and experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in a real way. Ever since he surrendered his life to the will of God, he served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faithfully and passionately, and he remained faithful to his Master to the last moments of his life.
In all of four gospels and in the book of Acts, we can see that Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God to everyone everywhere in all of the earth. Some of these “commissioning” Bible passages are given below for our reference:
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come
Mark 16:15-18 He [Jesus] said to them,“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Luke 24:46-49 He [Jesus] told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
John 20:21 Again Jesus said, Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Jesus knew, as the Omniscient God (in other words – all-knowing, all-seeing, all-hearing, and all-wise God), and from His own experience in the world, that His disciples might not be able to withstand the opposition and persecution that they would encounter in their lives as the ministers of the gospel. Jesus prayed for His disciples and believers (John 17:1-26), taught and trained them not to depend on their own ability/strength but to trust in God’s power (Matthew 10:19-20; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 16:13), and warned them that danger awaits them in the world as they begin to preach the gospel (Matthew 10:16-20; 24:9; Acts 9:16; 20:23; 2 Timothy 3:12). When the time came for Jesus to return to heaven and commission His disciples into the mission field, He assured His disciples that I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Thus, He did not sent His disciples into the world as they were but He promised them that He will ask His Father to send the Holy Spirit to empower them and to be with them while He is taken away from them, because the Holy Spirit will guide them, lead them and empower them for the kind of ministry they are called to. The same promise is given to all believers in the Lord and to all ministers of the gospel across the globe until the end of the age. Below mentioned are a few verses recorded in the gospel according to John regarding Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit after His ascension to heaven.
John 14:15-17 If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
John 15:26-27 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning
John 16:13-14 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you
In the book of Acts, we can see the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit after His ascension to heaven (Acts 2:1-13). At the coming of the Holy Spirit, the apostles, along with other disciples of Jesus and the believers, were empowered to carry out the mission of God. The apostles, disciples, and believers were strengthened inwardly and outwardly and they were ready to preach the gospel and face any challenge that arises against it. As a result, the gospel is first preached in Jerusalem, then to its neighboring regions, and ultimately the gospel began to spread to the ends of the earth as mentioned in Acts 1:8.
- Acts 1:1-8:3 The Holy Spirit strengthens Jesus’ disciples to be His witness in Jerusalem
- Acts 8:4-12:25 The Gospel work is expanded to the rest of Judea and Samaria
- Acts 13:1-28:31 The Good News of the Kingdom of God is taken to the ends of the earth
- Acts 13:1-21:16 Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys
- Acts 21:17-26:32 Apostle Paul’s arrest and trials in Jerusalem and Caesarea
- Acts 27:1-28:31 Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner
As we have already mentioned earlier (see the above note), Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach the gospel starting from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20 [2414]; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8), but the Bible does not give us ample details regarding the destinations or nations where the apostles preached the gospel, other than what we learned from the book of Acts. However, in addition to what is written in the Acts of the Apostles, some early Christian traditions give us a succinct account of the ministry locations of the apostles. After the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the very first Christian Church was founded in Jerusalem by the apostles of Jesus under the leadership of Apostle Peter. As the apostles were commissioned by Christ to carryout the mission of God to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), each one of them set out for their ministry field as the Holy Spirit guided them. Below mentioned are the apostles and the regions they ministered (the apostles’ ministry locations mentioned below are based on our findings)-
Apostle Peter: Originally named as Simon son of Jonah but Jesus called him Peter (Matthew 16:17-19), he is also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, or Cephas. He is the brother of Apostle Andrew. It is believed that Apostle Peter ministered in Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome. He was one of the key leaders in the early church. His preaching after the coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of the New Testament church – about three thousand people believed and were baptized and added to their number of about one hundred and twenty people (Acts 1:15; 2:41). He was martyred in Rome at the time of the Roman persecution of Christians during the reign of Roman emperor Nero. Early Christian tradition says that he was crucified upside down.
Apostle Andrew: He is the brother of Apostle Peter. It is believed that Apostle Andrew preached the gospel in the regions of Asia Minor, Scythia, and Greece. He was martyred (crucified on a X-shaped cross) and buried in the town of Patras, but in the second half of the Fourth century AD his bones were carried to Constantinople. Again, in the early years of the fourteenth century the Italian crusaders carried his remains to the Duomo Cathedral in Amalfi in Italy.
Apostle James: He is the brother of Apostle John. It is believed that Apostle James ministered in Jerusalem and nearby regions. He, along with the rest of the apostles, was one of the key leaders in the Jerusalem church who defended the followers of Christ and their faith in Jesus Christ. He was martyred (he was beheaded) in Jerusalem on king Herod’s command (Acts 12:1-2). Thus, he became the first Apostle To be martyred for the sake of their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus gave James and his brother John (the sons of Zebedee) the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17).
Apostle John: He is the brother of Apostle James. It is believed that Apostle John is the only one who lived almost to a hundred years of age and had a natural death among the Twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. However, he went through a lot of persecution under the Roman emperors. He was exiled to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9) during the persecution of Roman emperor Domitian. Another time, he was thrown into boiling oil during his imprisonment in Rome. While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He asked John to take care of His mother. Thus, John took care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the early stage of his ministry, he ministered in Jerusalem alongside Apostle Peter (Acts 3:1-10), and later became the bishop of the church at Ephesus. He died in Ephesus and is buried there. According to Mark 3:17, Jesus gave James and his brother John (the sons of Zebedee) the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder.
Apostle Philip: According to Acts 8:4-40, Apostle Philip ministered in Samaria; but later he traveled to Carthage in North Africa, Syria, Phrygia, Greece, and various other regions. He ministered to the Greek-speaking communities across all of these regions. He was arrested in Hierapolis, upon a Roman proconsul’s command, and was nailed upside down on a tree, and then beheaded.
Apostle Thomas: Also called Didymus. It is believed that Apostle Thomas (doubting Thomas [John 20:24-29]) preached the gospel first in Edessa in Mesopotamia, and then in India, particularly in the state of Kerala. Perhaps he was the one who traveled farthest among the other apostles of Jesus Christ. According to Indian Church history, he arrived in Cranganore (Kerala, India) in AD 52 and he shared the gospel with untold number of people and founded seven and half churches for the next twenty plus years. He was martyred in AD 72 with spears running through him in Mylapore and his remains were buried in Mylapore on the St. Thomas Mount in the suburb of the present city of Chennai. Later, some of his bones were taken to Edessa and buried there.
Apostle Bartholomew: He was also known as Nathaniel. According to tradition, Bartholomew preached the gospel in various places like Ethiopia, Arabia, and Armenia. Some Bible historians and scholars assume that Bartholomew traveled to India and preached the gospel alongside Apostle Thomas. Later he returned to Albinopolis, Armenia where he was beaten, crucified, and beheaded. Another tradition holds that the Armenians who opposed his preaching peeled off his skin alive, which caused his death. Thus, he was martyred and buried in Armenia.
Apostle Matthew: He was a Tax Collector, also known as Levi. It is believed that Apostle Matthew took the gospel to the regions of Persia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. He was martyred in Ethiopia on the king’s order and buried there. According to the tradition, he was pierced with a spear or a sword-like knife to death while he was preaching the gospel.
Apostle James son of Alphaeus: He was also known as James the Less (Matthew 10:3; Mark 15:40). According to the tradition, it is believed that Apostle James the Less ministered in Jerusalem as the Bishop of the Jerusalem Church. He was martyred in Jerusalem. The enemies of the gospel threw him down from the roof of the Jerusalem Temple, and then beat and stoned him to death. It is believed that he was buried on the Mount of Olives.
Apostle Judas son of James: He was also called Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus (Matthew 10:3 KJV; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). It is believed that Apostle Jude preached the gospel in Lebanon, Armenia, and some other regions. He was martyred in Lebanon and buried there. He was considered as the Apostle of Armenia.
Simon the Zealot: It is believed that Apostle Simon, the Zealot, initially preached the gospel in the Western Coastal regions of Africa, then ministered in England, then traveled through the regions of Persia preaching the gospel there. The enemies of the gospel in Persia martyred him and he was buried there. According to some traditions, the reason for his martyrdom was that the devotees of sun god in one of the regions of Persia asked him to offer a sacrifice to their sun god but he refused to sacrifice to sun god. As a result, the angry mob attacked him and martyred him.
Apostle Matthias: Apostle Matthias was the one who was chosen in the place of Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus with thirty silver coins and a kiss (Matthew 26:14-16, 48-49; Acts 1:12-26). It was believed that Apostle Matthias preached the gospel initially in Jerusalem, but later went as missionary to Syria and preached the gospel there. While he was preaching in Syria, people who opposed his preaching persecuted him and burned him to death. Thus, he was martyred in Syria and his remains were buried there.
Although, the book of Acts does not give complete details about the ministry destinations of the apostles or the kind of ministry they carried out, it records that all these apostles were present when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost and the first ever church was founded in Jerusalem. Perhaps, the book of Acts was the first ever written document regarding the history of the early church that is widely accepted among the Christians of all times. Throughout the history of the church, it is impossible to imagine the history of the Christian Church without referring to the book of Acts because the book gives its readers the answers of the who, where, when, why, and how questions of Christian faith, Christian life, Christian church, and Christian ministry. As a whole, the book gives a detailed description of the early Christians and the tenacity of their absolute faith in Jesus Christ, and their hard-work to take the gospel to the ends of the earth as Jesus commanded them.
The Acts of the Apostles - A Pivotal Book in the New Testament
The gospel according to Matthew connects the Old Testament to the New Testament. Beginning with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Matthew links Jesus with Jewish Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and also with the Old Covenant (Old Testament). Similarly, the book of the Acts of the Apostles is also rightly placed between the gospels and the epistles. Acts of the Apostles is called as a Pivotal book in the New Testament because it connects the Gospels with the Epistles, particularly the Epistles written by Apostle Paul, and rest of the New Testament books. Without this connection, there would have been numerous unanswered questions regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit, the role of Holy Spirit in founding of the New Testament church, the apostles ministry in and around Jerusalem, the persecution of the early Christians, very specifically Saul’s (Apostle Paul) conversion to Christian faith and his role in the mission of God. The Gospels talks about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the choosing of the Twelve apostles, Jesus’ promise of sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ promise of building the Church (Matthew 16:18), and the commissioning of the Twelve for God’s mission. The book of Acts talks about the ascension of Christ to heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit, founding of the New Testament Church, the advancement of the gospel to the ends of the earth, the persecution of Christians as the Christian faith spread across the regions, and the introduction of Saul (Paul) into Christian faith as Jesus encounters him at the entrance to the city of Damascus. It is important to note that Apostle Peter was the key figure in the founding of the New Testament Church but Apostle Paul was the key figure in writing the Doctrines for those of Churches. The contents of the Epistles of Apostle Paul mainly focus on the Doctrines of the New Testament Church. If the book of Acts of the Apostles, that narrates the call and commissioning of Saul (Paul), was not placed between the gospels and the Epistles (especially before the Pauline Epistles), we would have been confused thinking who is this Paul. The reason for which is that there is no mentioning of Apostle Paul anywhere in the gospels because he was neither one among the Twelve apostles nor counted among Jesus’ other disciples. Apostle Paul was called for a specific mission, so his call and commissioning was different from that of others. Now, we can understand the sequence of the New Testament books and their messages – the purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry [the Gospels]; coming of the Holy Spirit and the founding of the church, the ministry of the apostles, the call and commissioning of Saul (Paul), and the expansion of Christian faith to the ends of the earth [The Acts of the Apostles]; the Christian Doctrines and principles of Christian faith [the Pauline Epistles as well as the General Epistles]; and the nature of the end time events, judgement, the establishment of the Kingdom of God, the everlasting reign of God under Jesus’ Kingship, and the saints’ reward and eternal life with God in eternity [Revelation].
The Title of the Book
The book is generally titled as The Acts of the Apostles, which is the Greek translation of Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων, Práxeis Apostólōn. In some of the old and new versions of the bible, the title of the book is mentioned as Πράξεις Práxeis, which is translated to English just as Acts or The Acts. In the early years of Christian faith (perhaps in the first few centuries beginning with the first century AD), the book was called το Ευαγγέλιο του Αγίου Πνεύματος, which is translated in English as ‘The Gospel of the Holy Spirit.’ This is because some Bible scholars/historians argue that the book might not be called as ‘The Acts of the Apostles,’ since the ministry of all the apostles are not recorded in it except just mentioning their names in the book (Acts 1:13, 16, 26; 2:14). The book mainly talks about the ministries of Apostles Peter and Paul. There are a few references to the ministry of James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee, and Philip. First of all, Luke, being a historian (also a medical doctor) wrote the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles just as they were handed down by the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and ministry and the servants of the Word (Luke 1:1-2). Secondly, Luke, being one of the ministry companions of Apostle Paul, wrote the second half of the book of Acts based on his personal experience with Apostle Paul and his ministry as directed by the Holy Spirit. So, no matter what all are the existing titles for the book of Acts, we can simply call it as The Acts of the Apostles!
Authorship of the Book
The authorship of several Biblical books in the Bible have been questioned through all ages, even today they are questioned. This is because most of the authors do not mention their names in their writings. Yet, based on internal and/or external evidence, Bible scholars and historians come together and examine the work and come to a conclusion and finalize who wrote what and credit the book’s possible author(s). Since such decisions are not fully (100%) confirmed, as time passes, the authorship of the books are questioned again by someone else, and such issues come up time to time.
In the case of Acts of the Apostles, most Bible Scholars and historians unanimously agreed that Luke, the beloved physician of Colossians 4:14, is the author of the book (Refer: Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). There is also some confusion regarding Luke’s identity – some scholars believe that he was a Hellenic Jew, but some believe that he was a Gentile convert from Antioch (one of the prominent Roman Colonies in the region of Syria). In fact, it does not matter who he was, for us he was a disciple of Jesus Christ, a Christian believer. His high profile education and his profession as a physician highlights that he was familiar with Roman political situations, Greek culture, and Jewish religious laws and traditions. According to Acts 16:10, Luke joined with Apostle Paul and his ministry team during Paul’s missionary journeys. He joined with them from Troas in Asia Minor and continued until Paul’s final journey to Rome in Italy. Then onwards Luke included himself also part of Apostle Paul’s ministry team and used the term ‘we’ (Acts 16:10; 20:5; 27:1-2). From Second Timothy 4:11 and Philemon verse 24, we can understand that Luke was counted among the faithful ministry associates of Apostle Paul because he remained with Apostle Paul as a loyal friend until the last moments of Paul’s life.
It is important to know that the author’s mentioning of the just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word (Luke 1:2) reveals that the author had a very close association with the apostles and other disciples who were the eye-witnesses of Jesus’ life and ministry (Luke 1:2). Another thing is that the book is addressed to Theophilus. There are two books in the Bible that are addressed to Theophilus – the gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles (these two books cover about 27% of the total volume of the New Testament). The gospel according to Luke focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the calling and commissioning of the apostles, the promise of the Holy Spirit, the Arrest, Trials, the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ, and concludes with the ascension of Jesus Christ to Heaven. The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the events that occurred after the ascension of Christ, which includes the coming of the Holy Spirit, the founding of the New Testament Church and its expansion, the ministry of the Apostles, the call and commissioning of Saul (Paul) for the mission of God, and the Church’s expansion to the Gentile world. These are some of the examples we can highlight to credit the authorship of the book of the Acts of the Apostles to Luke.
Right from the first Century AD onwards, Bible scholars, historians, and theologians were not able to affirm the authorship of the book of Acts fully to Luke. Yet, despite all existing arguments, based on internal evidence (especially the Theophilus references [Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1] and the use of ‘we’ references that indicate Luke was part of the Apostle Paul’s ministry team [Acts 16:10; 20:5; 27:1-2] and the external evidences available [refer to the early Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria, Origen of Alexandria, Tertullian from Carthage], we can come to the conclusion that the book – the Acts of the Apostles – was written by Luke, the beloved physician.
Date and Place of Writing
Like the ongoing dispute regarding the authorship of the book of Acts is in existence, the dispute on the date and place of writing are also in existence. Bible historians and scholars have had suggested numerous different dates based on their research on this topic. Some believed that the book of Acts was written in the early 60s; some believed it was written between AD 80-90; some others believed it might have written sometime between AD 90-100; some even believe that it was written sometimes after AD 100. However, most Bible scholars and historians believe that it was written before the martyrdom of Apostle Paul. If so, the earliest possible date of writing of Acts is sometime between 64-68 AD. This recommendation is on the basis that the book does not say anything about Apostle Paul’s martyrdom, rather it concludes with the narration of Apostle Paul’s imprisonment in Rome – he had been living there in his own rented house with a soldier to guard him – perhaps, in today’s term we can call it as house arrest (Acts 28:16, 30-31). That means, when Luke concluded writing the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Apostle Paul was still living in his own rented house in Rome and proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Thus, Apostle Paul strengthened the faith of the Roman believers, and, perhaps, brought an untold number of new believers to the existing church in Rome. As a result, the gospel was deeply rooted in the soil of Rome, which was the political, religious, and cultural hub of the Gentile world.
The place of writing for the book of Acts is also uncertain. No Bible historians or scholars have ever come up with a definite answer as to where the book of Acts was written. One thing we need to understand is that the book of Acts was written as a continuation of the Gospel According to Luke, which means, the Acts of the Apostles began where the Gospel of Luke ended. In other words, the Acts of the Apostles commenced where the Gospel of Luke concluded. Most probably, Luke might have started writing the book of the Acts elsewhere (it could be in Jerusalem or Antioch, or anywhere else in Asia Minor) but finished it while he was in Rome during the imprisonment of Apostle Paul.
The Recipients of the Book
Both the gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed to an individual named Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1). Other than that we are not sure about who else were counted among the primary recipients of the book. Yet, based on the nature of the message it contains, we can assume that it was written to the scattered Christians who were converted from Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds. It is definitely not limited to only the original recipients of the gospel but to all Christians of all time. When we read Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-5, we can understand that the author, Luke, is not just writing something randomly about Jesus or His followers, but his message is very intentional and was written with a specific purpose. This is why he addressed to Theophilus, and wrote to him saying that he himself has examined the information that was handed down to him (to us) by the eyewitnesses and servants of the word, in order to give an orderly account. This is exactly what the author meant when he wrote the gospel according to Luke, especially Luke 1:1-4 (read the passage below):
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
We do not know anything about Theophilus more than just his name mentioned in these two books (Luke 1:3; Acts 1;1). Luke being a historian, focuses on researching material (fact checking) and recording it accurately. Thus, Luke gives to his readers of all time a trustworthy record of Jesus’ life and ministry. From His birth to His ascension to heaven (The Gospel according to Luke); from the ascension of Christ to heaven and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the founding and expansion of the New Testament Church on the earth (the Acts of the Apostles).
Purpose of the Book of Acts
The book of Acts is one of the very notable books in the New Testament – its purpose, its contents, its presentation, its characters, its position, and its popularity are very appealing and engaging even in today’s context. There are several motives and purposes in presenting the historical facts narrated in the book. The book of Acts begins by affirming that everything Luke recorded in the gospel of Luke was thoroughly examined and recorded as historical facts for the benefit of the Bible students of all time (Acts 1:1-2; [Luke 1:1-4]); and the book of Acts ends with Apostle Paul’s ministry among the believers in Rome while he was imprisoned in there. In particular, the book of Acts records the historical facts that took place from the time of Christ’s ascension to heaven, the founding of the New Testament Church, and its expansion up until the first half of the second half of the first century. According to the author, the long lists of the persons, places, and events recorded in the book is thoroughly examined and found out to be true (Acts 1:1-2; Luke 1:1-4). The historical facts that are reported in the second half of the book, especially from chapter sixteen onwards, emerged from his very own experience (Luke, the author of the Acts) because he was also a participant in the mission work that was led by Apostle Paul. Below noted are a few of those purposes behind writing this book for our reference:
- To record the fact-checked reports regarding the source of Christian faith: Luke states that he did a fact-check on the reports he received from the eye-witnesses and the servants of God regarding what they said about Jesus’ life and ministry (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-2).
- To connect the Gospels and the Epistles: The gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John narrate the historical facts about Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension. The gospels also narrate the calling and commissioning of disciples to carry out the message of Jesus (gospel) across the world. The Epistles were written to teach and guide the followers of Jesus Christ with regard to the doctrines of Christian faith in order to keep them in the right track of righteous living. The Acts of the Apostles narrates how the small group of people (made up of apostles, disciples and followers of Jesus) who followed Jesus in Jerusalem crossed the barriers and spread the gospel across the world. Thus, the book of Acts bridges the Gospels and the Epistles, especially the Epistles of Apostle Paul.
- To bring Awareness among the unbelieving Jews that Jesus is the Messiah: During Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, many Jews did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah for whom they had been waiting. Despite His life-giving teachings and all the wonders and miracles that accompanied His teachings and preachings, those Jews not only rejected Jesus but also falsely accused Him, persecuted Him, and handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified. They did not try to believe even after His resurrection from the dead. Therefore, the author, Luke, intent to bring forth into the light what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing through Jesus’ disciples as Jesus had foretold while He was with them. This was the message Apostle Peter, along with the rest of the apostles, shared with the crowd (Acts 2:14-41). Another thing, the author, Luke, wanted to bring into the light was the coming of the Holy Spirit (on the Day of Pentecost [Acts 2:1-4]) upon the people who were waiting in Jerusalem (around 120 people [Acts 1:15]) and the founding of the New Testament Church and its expansion thereafter (Acts 2:40-47).
- To highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in the Mission of God: The book records the extraordinary way the Holy Spirit manifested on the Day of Pentecost upon God’s people (Acts 2). The book recounts (for the sake of the later generations of Christians) the incident of the coming of the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit worked in and through His chosen people in order to spread the gospel across the regions. As a result, the Church was founded in Jerusalem and took its flight to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
- To re-emphasize the purpose of the Great commission: The book once again emphasizes on the Great Commission in Acts 1:8 [it is already mentioned in Luke 24:44-53]). Acts 1:8 states that you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In other words, the disciples [we, the church, in todays’s context] will be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem [in our hometown or whichever place we call our home], in all of Judea and Samaria [within the family, friends, and neighborhood], and to the ends of the earth [cross-culturally anywhere in the world]. It means, the church that was founded in Jerusalem will expand to the ends of the earth before the second coming of Jesus.
- To re-assure that God’s promises will never fail: The book of Acts records the fulfillment of God’s promises of blessing the nations through the descendant of Abraham – Jesus Christ.
- To highlight the Expansion of the Church: The book of Acts brings up the Bible Map of the founding of the New Testament Church and its step-by-step expansion into the rest of the world.
- To encourage believers to be strong in the face of persecution: The book of Acts records the details of the severe persecutions the followers/disciples of Jesus Christ (the Church) faced in the first century. It also records the expansion of the Christian faith in the midst of severe persecution, which reveals that there is hope even in the midst of the hopelessness.
- To highlight the ministries of Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul: Over all, the book of Acts focuses on the ministry of a vast majority of early Christians, including the apostles and early disciples of Jesus Christ, the ministry focus of Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul are especially outstanding. Although, Peter and Paul were chosen by the same God and serve the same God, their ministry responsibilities were slightly different – Apostle Peter’s main focus was among the Jews, whereas Apostle Paul focused mostly on the Gentiles. That was the reason Apostle Paul wrote For the same God who worked through Peter as the Apostle To the Jews also worked through me as the Apostle To the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8). Thus, the first half of the book of Acts focuses mainly on Apostle Peter’s ministry (Acts 1-12); and the second half of the book focuses mostly on Apostle Paul’s ministry (Acts 13-28). The book also highlight their unwavering commitment to their calling and how they surrendered their lives for the cause of spreading the gospel. They both, in every sense, were faithful to the One who called them for the ministry.
The Major Themes in Acts
The major themes recorded in the book of Acts will help one to understand the main message the author would like to pass on to its readers through the book of Acts. Although, the book focuses on several key themes, due to lack of time and space only a few will be discussed here:
The Holy Spirit: During His earthly ministry, Jesus promised His disciples that, after His ascension to heaven, He will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, in order to guide God’s people into all the truth (John 15:26; 16:7-15). As per Jesus’ promise, the Father sent His Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and lead God’s people and help and strengthen them to carryout the mission they were called to do. The book of Acts narrates the event of the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit strengthened and empowered the believers to live a transformed life and be witnesses of Jesus Christ to evangelize the world. As a result, the Church was founded and the Holy Spirit helped the believers to expand the Church across the neighboring regions and beyond. The Holy Spirit attested the ministry of the disciples with many miracles and wonders. The testimony and the life-style of the early Christian believers influenced and encouraged the believers of later times as they faced opposition and persecution in the mission work. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to bear one another’s burden without seeing one’s whereabouts or social status, and the Holy Spirit helps believers to live in harmony and unity according to the Word of God.
The Great Commission: Jesus said to His apostles that All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20). The other three gospels also repeatedly restate the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21). However, the book of Acts not only restates the Great Commission of Jesus Christ but also was very specific in mentioning the order of the places where the mission of God would be carried out first, second, third, and so on. According to Acts 1:8, Jesus said, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When we read through the book of Acts, we can understand how exactly the gospel advanced through various geographical locations. According to the book of Acts, the Gospel was preached first in Jerusalem (which is recorded in Acts chapters 1-7); then in all of Judea and Samaria (Acts chapters 8-12); following that the gospel advanced to the ends of earth (Acts chapters 13-28). Although the gospel is taken to the ends of the earth, it does not mean that everyone everywhere has welcomed and accepted the message of the gospel. The preaching of the gospel is still going on and the gospel is still working in people’s life, and many are turning to Jesus Christ. This process will continue until the return of Christ.
The Gospel Message: Acts 4:12 states that Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. God sent His One and Only Son into this world and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ came into this world, lived a life like any one of us (but without sin), suffered and died (but resurrected from the dead and ascended to heaven), and is now interceding for us in heaven. The Apostles’ life and ministry in Acts were based on Jesus’ life, ministry, suffering (arrest, trials, crucifixion), death, burial, resurrection, ascension to heaven and the promise of His return to earth to take us with Him, so that where He is we may be also (John 14:2-3). This is the gospel the apostles and early church preached.
The word Gospel simply means Good News. The Greek word for Gospel is Ευαγγέλιο (Evangélio), and it is derived from two Greek words: Ευ means Good, and αγγέλιο means Message. According to the Christian tradition, the Gospel or Good News is always connected with Jesus Christ – the Good News concerning Jesus Christ. Man’s disobedience and rebellious attitude distanced themselves from the Holy God, and, therefore, destined humanity to eternal condemnation and punishment. Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. However, mankind can be saved from the penalty of their sin and receive eternal life in heaven with God if they believe in Jesus Christ and the One who sent Him. Romans 3:24-26 states that All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. In a nutshell, the gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and resurrected from the dead, triumphant over the last enemy – death. He did this so that there is now no condemnation for those who believe in Him, but rather, because of our belief, our heavenly Father will give us eternal life through Him.
Repentance and Forgiveness: Perhaps, the central message of the book of Acts might be repentance and forgiveness of sin. Repentance is the act of admitting and confessing one’s wrong actions and assuring that those mistakes will not be repeated and forgiveness is the act of accepting one’s plea for forgiveness and pardoning the one who committed wrong. The action of repentance prepares way for the forgiveness of sin. Repentance is an action to take by oneself and forgiveness is a reward to receive from someone else. These two are a must for a person to redirect their lifestyle – redirect their life from a wrong path towards the right path. These are the first steps one must take towards receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. Christian faith is based on these factors. The very first church came into being as a result of repentance and forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38). New Testament begins with the invitation to repent, receive baptism, and receive the forgiveness of sin. Matthew notes that John the Baptist started preaching: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 3:2). Mark and Luke mention that He [John the Baptist] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). The gospel according to Matthew notes that Jesus began His ministry by inviting people to repent. Jesus said, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 4:17). Mark also noted Jesus first message: The time has come,” he [Jesus] said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). Apostle Peter preached his first message: Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Apostle Paul said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household (Acts 16:31). Jesus’ warning against the Seven Churches in Revelation chapters Two and Three is that repent and do what is right before God (Revelation 2-3).
Community of Believers: In the Christian context, an assembly of the followers of Jesus Christ could be called as a community. The members of such a community gather together in a particular place for worship, fellowship, and to care for each other. The book of Acts documented the beginning of such communities. It all started when God the Father sent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost to abide with His people for their benefit. Jesus said to His disciples, …the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you (John 14:26 [14:16; 15:26; 16:7]). The author of the Acts of the Apostles records that:
… God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:36-41)
This was the occasion when a group numbering about a hundred and twenty (Acts 1:15) turned from a private gathering into a public gathering. Thus, a community of believers was formed. This community emerged from a small gathering of believers into a large community of believers. They all repented and were baptized (Acts 2:38a), their sins were forgiven (John 20:23), and they received the gift of Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38b). According to Acts 2:42, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Thus, Acts narrates how the people who actively opposed Jesus and His teachings turned out to be a community of believers, and then the messengers of the gospel – carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. All those who surrendered their will to the Will of God, feared God and respected each other and formed a community of believers. Thereafter …
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:44-47).
The Messengers of Missio Dei: The English phrase ‘The Mission of God’ is the translation of the Latin phrase Missio Dei. The Missio Dei phrase is not very popular among all the Christian ministers but it is widely used among the Christian theologians. The phrase simply refers to everything that God does in His Kingdom. However, human disobedience and rebellion against Him has brought a division between God and man. Now, God is working towards leveling the differences and reconciling with the sinful humanity. Hence, God Himself took initiative to reconcile with the sinful humanity. In the past, He raised numerous individuals for that purpose, and then He sent His One and Only begotten Son – Jesus, to bear the consequences of human sin, and currently God entrusted the same responsibility to His church to accomplish what He started. Therefore, ever since Christ ascended to heaven, you and I are the messengers of the Missio Dei – The Mission of God. When the mission of reconciling Himself with humanity is done, He will come again and take us to be with Him. Thus, we will be with Him forever and ever – Him being our God and Heavenly Father and we being His children. God spoke through His servant Jeremiah: They shall be My people, and I will be their God (Jeremiah 32:38). Apostle Paul also quoted prophet Ezekiel: I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people (Ezekiel 37:27). Apostle John said that And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them (Revelation 21:3).
The book of Acts narrates how earnestly and passionately the apostles of Jesus Christ and the early Christians carried out their responsibilities as messengers of the Missio Dei. In the current age, it is our responsibility to carry out these same duties of the messengers of the Missio Dei and tirelessly work hard to accomplish the Missio Dei.
The Church: Jesus said to His disciples, … I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). This prediction turned out to be a reality when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the disciples of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). Being filled with the Holy Spirit, Apostle Peter, along with the rest of the eleven apostles, shared the gospel of Jesus Christ to a large crowd and about three thousand people on that day accepted Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life and, thus, the very first Christian Church was founded.
In his sermon, Apostle Peter stressed on saying this Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone (Acts 4:11). Later, Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers that God’s household (the Church) is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The church is expanding ever since as more and more people are added to the church everyday. The good news is that the church is expanding more than ever before in these days. Thus, the Church, as the body of Christ, must work hard to expand the Kingdom of God on earth until the day of Christ’s return.
In addition to the above-mentioned themes, the book of Acts also firmly focuses on the ministry of the Apostles; Christian leadership; Christian sufferings as a result of sickness, persecutions, and so on; perseverance of the early church in the midst of trials and temptations; the grace of God extended to the Gentile-world; the gospel preached beyond the borders of Jewish nation; Paul’s (Saul) call and commissioning to preach the gospel. All of these themes from the book of Acts (of course, there could be many more dominant themes in the book), will help its readers to reflect on five things in particular: (i) the mission of God; (ii) the purpose of Jesus coming into this earth as a human being in order to fulfill God’s mission; (iii) the coming of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised; (iv) the founding of the church and its expansion; (v) the church’s mission to preach the gospel to everyone everywhere and prepare the world for Jesus’ return.
Ministry Details of Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul in Acts
From the available Biblical resources, we can understand that Luke served as a physician (Colossians 4:14), a historian (Luke 1:1-4), an author/writer (the gospel according to Luke and Acts of the Apostles), and, above all, he served as a minister of the gospel. We can understand from the book of Acts, starting from Acts 16:10 up until Paul’s martyrdom, Luke was an active member in Apostle Paul’s ministry team (2 Timothy 4:6-11). He also accompanied Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys (refer: Acts 16:10; 20:5; 27:1-2). The book, the Acts of the Apostles, does not give much details about the ministry of all the apostles, but the book very clearly gives much detail on the ministry involvement of Apostle Peter (Acts 1-12) and Apostle Paul (Acts 13-28). Luke, of course, was one of the ministry companions of Apostle Paul, yet he knew much on Apostle Peter’s ministry involvement. The role of both the apostles, Peter and Paul, in spreading the gospel is surprisingly impressive and worthy of attention. The books of Acts also highlights some important moments from the early Church history:
- Acts records Jesus’ post resurrection appearances (Acts 1:3-5)
- Acts records Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples (Acts 1:8)
- Acts records Jesus’ ascension to heaven (Acts 1:9-11)
- Acts records Jesus’ apostles waiting in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come (Acts 1:12-14)
- Acts records Jesus’ apostles (the Eleven) choosing Matthias as an apostle (Acts 1:15-22)
- Acts records the event of the descending of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13)
- Acts records the founding of the first-ever Christian Church (Acts 2:41-47)
- Acts records Stephen’s martyrdom, the first Christian martyr (Acts 6:1-7:60)
- Acts records Apostle James’ martyrdom, the first martyr among the apostles (Acts 12:1-12)
Acts also records Apostle Peter’s significant ministry. All the gospels record that Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times during Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:25-27). Yet, even after this shortcoming, he was faithful to Him who called him for ministry. Below mentioned are some of the examples of Apostle Peter’s ministry for our reference:
- Acts records the first ever evangelistic sermon delivered, and it was by Apostle Peter (Acts 2:14-36)
- Acts records about the founding of the first ever Christian Church under Apostle Peter’s leadership (Acts 2:41-47)
- Acts records that Peter (and John) heals a man who was lame from birth at the Temple gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:6-7)
- Acts records Peter’s confrontation of Ananias and his wife Sapphira for their unfaithful action in connection with money matters (Acts 5:3-10)
- Acts records Peter’s courage and decision to obey God’s commands rather than obeying human beings (Acts 5:27-33)
- Acts records that Peter and John placed their hands on the disciples in Samaria and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17)
- Acts records that Peter heals a man named Aeneas in Lydda who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years (Acts 9:32-35)
- Acts records that Peter raised a girl named Tabitha [in Greek: Dorcas] from the dead (Acts 9:34)
- Acts records that Peter had a vision from the Lord to go and share the gospel to Cornelius and his household, which marked the beginning of Apostle Peter’s ministry among Gentiles (Acts 10:11-15)
- Acts records that Peter was delivered by an angel from the prison as the church was praying for him (Acts 12:5-10)
Peter’s sufferings for the sake of the gospel are also recorded in Acts. Below mentioned are a few examples for our reference:
- Acts records Peter was imprisoned for the sake of the gospel (Acts 5:17-21)
- Acts records Peter (and other apostles) was persecuted for his faith in Jesus – the apostles were flogged and asked to not speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40).
- Acts records that Peter and the apostles rejoiced and that they were considered worthy of suffering for the sake of Christ and His ministry (Acts 5:41-42)
- Acts records that Peter was imprisoned by king Herod but an angel saved him from the prison (Acts 12:1-4)
About the halfway through the book of Acts, the focus started to shift from Apostle Peter’s ministry to Apostle Paul’s ministry, including his missionary journeys:
- Acts records that Saul/Paul was born in Tarsus of Cilicia (Acts 22:3)
- Acts records the Jewish persecution of the followers of Christ under Saul/Paul’s leadership (Acts 7:54-8:3; 9:1-2)
- Acts records that Saul/Paul encounters Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)
- Acts records that Saul/Paul turned out to be a follower of Jesus Christ and dedicated his life for His service after his encounter with Jesus (Acts 9: 10-25)
- Acts recorded Paul’s first visit to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-31 [also refer Galatians 1:18-19])
- Acts records how Paul became a faithful believer in the Lord and an apostle (Acts 9:19b-31; 11:22-30; 12:25)
- Acts records that Paul visited Jerusalem to attend the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-29)
- Acts records Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10)
- Acts records the expansion of the Christian faith starting from Jerusalem to the end of the earth as Jesus foretold: … when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
- Acts 1:1-8:3 Witness of Jesus in Jerusalem
- Acts 8:4-12:25 Witness of Jesus in all of Judea and Samaria
- Acts 13:1-28:31 Witness of Jesus expands to the ends of the earth
Acts records Apostle Paul’s mission trips to various destinations. The purpose of such missionary journeys of Apostle Paul were to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, and to teach the existing believers to stay strong in their faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 13:1-21:16). Below mentioned are some of the team members who were part of the mission team along with Apostle Paul and the places they visited during these missionary journeys (it is not a full account of the people who joined the team or places they visited, the complete details regarding these missionary journeys are given in Acts 13:1-21:17):
- Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13:4-14:28)
- Paul and Barnabas, and their companion (they took John Mark with them but John Mark deserted them at Pamphylia and returned to Jerusalem). They started from Antioch/Seleucia and traveled through Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Perga, Attalia, and back to Antioch. This missionary journey lasted about two years.
- Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)
- During the second journey Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and from place to place a few others like Aquila and Priscilla joined the team (Barnabas did not join Paul but he took John Mark and went to different direction). This time Paul re-visited some of the places he visited in his previous trip. They traveled through Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Phrygia, Galatia, Troas, Macedonia, Achaia, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Caesarea and back to Antioch. This missionary journey lasted for about three years.
- Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:17)
- During this trip Paul and his missionary team traveled through Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece, Troas, Miletus, Caesarea and return back to Jerusalem. This missionary journey lasted about four years.
The Arrest and Trials of Apostle Paul in Acts
The book of Acts records Apostle Paul’s life and ministry from the time of Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7:54-8:1a [Key Verse: 7:58b]) to his last days in Roman custody (Paul was allowed to live by himself in his own rented house, with a soldier to guard him [Acts 28:16, 30-31]). We can learn a little more about him from his own testimony recorded in his Epistles, particularly in Philippians, which states that he was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless (Philippians 3:5-6). He also testified about his suffering due to his faith in Jesus in many of his Epistles. Acts 20:1-28:31 particularly talks about Apostle Paul’s suffering due to his faith in Jesus Christ and his final journey to Rome with soldiers guarding him.
- The Holy Spirit warned Apostle Paul about his future persecution (Acts 20:23)
- The Jews stirred up the crowd to seize Apostle Paul (Acts 21:27)
- False accusation against Apostle Paul by the Jews (Acts 21:28-29)
- Apostle Paul was dragged out of the Temple and beaten (Acts 21:30-32)
- Apostle Paul was arrested and imprisoned (Acts 21:33-34)
- The Jews demand the annihilation of Apostle Paul (Acts 21:36; 22:22)
- The Commander orders for Apostle Paul’s Interrogation and flogging (Acts 22:23-24)
- Apostle Paul facing trial before the Sanhedrin and the Commander of the guards (Acts 22:30)
- Apostle Paul was stricken on the mouth upon the high priest Ananias’ order (Acts 23:2)
- Apostle Paul was arrested and taken to Caesarea and kept under guard for trial (Acts 23:31-34)
- Jewish Elders’ accusation against Apostle Paul and his trial before Felix (Acts 24:1-27)
- Apostle Paul’s trial before Festus and King Agrippa (Acts 25:1-26:32)
- Apostle Paul was taken to Rome under guard for his trial (Acts 27:1-2)
- Apostle Paul and all those in the ship were caught up by the storm (Acts 27:13-15)
- Apostle Paul was in a shipwreck (Acts 27:41)
- Apostle Paul was bitten by a snake (Acts 28:1-3)
- Apostle Paul in Roman custody, however, Apostle Paul was allowed to live by himself in his own rented house, with a soldier to guard him (Acts 28:16ff)
Although the book of Acts gives importance on narrating the human role in the founding of the church in Jerusalem and its expansion to the ends of the earth (particularly from Jerusalem to Rome), the book primarily upheld the importance of the Mission of the triune God in the world. That is, the mission of God the Father; the mission God the Son – Jesus Christ; and the mission of God the Holy Spirit. Beyond this, the purpose of God in human life is explained, the ministry of Jesus is revealed, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit is assured. The book gave much importance to the role of Holy Spirit, who was sent to comfort, encourage, and guide the followers of Jesus Christ, so that they will be faithful to their Master and preach the Gospel in any and all circumstances, even in the face of persecution. Also, the book highlights the importance of repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Outline of the Acts of the Apostles
1:1-8:1b The Establishment and Expansion of the Gospel in Jerusalem and its surrounding Regions
1:1-2 The Introduction
1:3-11 Jesus’ Final Moments with His Apostles Prior to His Ascension to Heaven
1:3-7 Jesus’ Promise of Sending the Holy Spirit
1:8 Jesus Commissions His Apostles for the Mission of God
1:9-11 The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
1:12-26 Apostles’ Time in Jerusalem between Jesus’ Ascension and the Day of Pentecost
1:12-14 Prayer and Fellowship while the Apostles wait in Jerusalem
1:15-26 The Need, Procedure, and Selection of an Apostle To fill Judas’ Place
2:1-47 The Coming of the Holy Spirit and the Establishment of the New Testament Church
2:1-13 The Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost
2:1-4 The Manifestations of the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
2:5-13 The Amazement and Reaction of the Crowd who Witnessed it
2:14-40 Apostle Peter’s First-ever Gospel Sermon before the Crowd
2:14-21 Peter explains the Promise of the Holy Spirit
2:22-36 Apostle Peter’s Sermon on Christ the Crucified
2:37 People’s Response to the Apostle Peter’s Sermon
2:38-40 Apostle Peter’s Response to his listeners
2:41-47 The Final Outcome: The Founding of the New Testament Church
3:1-8:1b The Ministry of the Church in Jerusalem under the Apostolic Leadership
3:1-26 The Ministry of Apostles Peter and John in the Jerusalem Temple
3:1-8 Apostles Peter and John Heal a Beggar who was born Lame
3:9-10 The Response of the crowd
3:11-26 Apostle Peter’s second large-scale Gospel Message
4:1-22 Peter and John’s Arrest, Trial before the Sanhedrin, and Release
4:23-37 Believers’ Unity for Prayer, Fellowship, and Sharing in Suffering
4:23-31 The Church Prays for Strength in the midst of Persecution
4:32-37 The Believers share their Property and Possessions
5:1-11 The Deceitfulness of Ananias and his wife Sapphira in dealing with money
5:12-42 The Persecutions of the Apostles as the they expanded their ministry
6:1-8:3 The Expansion of the Church Resulted in the Persecution of the Believers
6:1-7 Choosing of the Seven Men to Serve the Church (assist the apostles)
6:8-8:3 The Ministry of the Church Interrupted as Wide-spread
Persecution Broke Out against its expansion
6:8-15 Stephen’s Ministry and Opposition against his Ministry
7:1-53 Stephen’s Speech before the Sanhedrin
7:2-8 Speech relating God’s Plan during the Patriarchal Age
7:9-19 Speech relating Israelites’ Life in Egypt
7:20-43 God’s Call of Moses as the Deliverer of His People
7:44-50 Speech relating the Tabernacle and the Temple
7:51-53 Speech about the Israelites’ Rejection of Christ
7:54-8:1a Stoning of Stephen resulted in his Martyrdom
8:1b Persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem
8:1c-12:23 Expansion of the Gospel in the regions of Judea and Samaria
8:1c Due to Persecution, the Believers Scatter throughout Judea and Samaria
8:2 Godly People Buried Stephen
8:3 The Determination of Saul to destroy the Church
8:4-40 Philip’s Mission Work in Samaria
8:4-13 Philip’s Ministry lead many Samaritans to accept Jesus Christ
8:14-25 Peter and John were sent to Samaria to Strengthen the believers
8:26-39 The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch
8:40 Philip Travels from Azotus to Caesarea and Preaches the Gospel along the way
9:1-31 Jesus’ Encounter with Saul of Tarsus
9:1-2 Saul’s murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples
9:3-8 Saul’s Unexpected encounter with Jesus at the Gate of Damascus
9:9-12 Conversion of Saul and his vision about Ananias
9:13-17a Ananias’ vision about Saul and visiting him in Damascus
9:17b-19a Saul’s Baptism and Commissioning for Ministry
9:19b-25 Saul’s Ministry in Damascus as a changed Man
9:26-31 Saul’s Ministry in Jerusalem along with apostles’ approval
9:32-11:18 Apostle Peter’s Ministry beyond Jerusalem and Caesarea
9:32-35 Peter’s Ministry in Lydda: Healing of Paralyzed Aeneas
9:36-43 Apostle Peter’s Ministry in Joppa: Raising of Dorcas (Tabitha)
10:1-48 Peter’s Ministry in Caesarea: The Beginning of the Gentile Mission
10:1-7 Vision of Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment
10:8-23a Peter’s Vision regarding accepting the Gentiles
10:23b-48 Peter’s Visit to Cornelius’ House at Caesarea
10:23b-33 Peter and Cornelius recount their visions
10:34-43 Peter’s Message to the Household of Cornelius
10:44-46 Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles
10:47-48 Water Baptism of Cornelius’ Household
11:1-18 Peter Prepares the Jerusalem Church for the Gentile Mission
11:1-3 Jews Accuse Peter for visiting the Gentiles
11:4-16 Peter defends his visit to the Gentiles and retells the Visions
11:17-18 Peter and the Believers approve the Gentile Missions
11:19-30 The Persecution in Jerusalem opened the Door for the Gentile Missions
11:19-21 The spread of the Gospel into the Gentile Territory
11:19 Ministry among the Jews in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch
11:20-21 Ministry among the Greeks in Antioch
11:22-24 Jerusalem Church approves the Ministry in Antioch
11:22 Jerusalem Church sends Barnabas to Antioch
11:23-24 The Spirit-filled Ministry of Barnabas in Antioch
11:25-26a Barnabas and Saul travel to Antioch to strengthen the Ministry
11:26b The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch
11:27-30 The Antioch Church helps Jerusalem Church during the famine
12:1-23 Crisis in Jerusalem Church: Herod Persecute the Church in Jerusalem
12:1 King Herod’s intention to Persecute the Church at Jerusalem
12:2 Martyrdom of Apostle James, brother of Apostle John, by king Herod
12:3-18 Herod’s attempt to execute Peter BUT God delivers him
12:3-5 Apostle Peter’s Arrest and Imprisonment
12:6-11 Peter’s Miraculous Escape from the Prison with an Angel
12:12-16 Church’s earnest Prayer for Peter’s Deliverance
12:17-18 Herod executes the guards in the place of Peter
12:19-23 The death of Herod
12:24-28:31 The Expansion of the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth
12:24-25 Barnabas and Saul take John Mark with them and return to Antioch
13:1-3 The Antioch Church Commissions Barnabas and Saul for Ministry
13:4-14:28 Barnabas and Saul (and John Mark) set out for Asia Minor
(This Mission Trip is known as Paul’s First Missionary Journey
[Starting from Acts 13:9, Saul is called Paul])
13:4-12 Ministry Engagement from Antioch of Syria to Paphos in Cypress
13:13-52 Ministry Engagement in Pisidian Antioch
13:13a Travels from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia
13:13b John Mark leaves Barnabas and Paul to return to Jerusalem
13:14-52 Travels from Perga to Pisidian Antioch and the Ministry there
13:14-41 Paul Preaches in the Synagogue on Sabbath
13:42-48 Paul and Barnabas continue to minister to the people
13:49-52 Some stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas
14:1-7 Paul and Barnabas minister at Iconium
14:8-20 Paul and Barnabas minister in Lystra and Derbe
14:8-10 Paul Heals a Man who was Crippled from Birth
14:11-13 Lycaonian People’s Surprise and Response
14:14-18 Paul and Barnabas’ Response to Lycaonian People
14:19 Jews’ opposition and stoning of Paul at Lystra
14:20 Paul and Barnabas leave Lystra and headed to Derbe
14:21-28 Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria
15:1-35 The Council at Jerusalem to discuss Church issues and concerns
15:1-2 The question of Circumcision: Jewish believers vs Gentile believers
15:3-4 Antioch Church Sends Paul and Barnabas for Jerusalem Council
15:5-12 The entire assembly listened to Peter, Paul, and Barnabas
15:13-21 The issue resolved with the concluding thoughts of Apostle James
15:22-29 The Council’s Letter and Advice to the Believers at Antioch
15:30-35 Paul and Barnabas Returned to Antioch with Judas and Silas
15:36-41 Apostle Paul and Barnabas Tirelessly Engage in Spreading the Gospel
15:36 Paul and Barnabas decide to visit churches and preach the Gospel
15:37-39a Paul and Barnabas parted company upon John Mark’s issue
15:39b Barnabas took John Mark and sailed for Cyprus
15:40-41 Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia
[This Mission Trip is known as Paul’s Second Missionary Journey]
16:1-40 The Ministry of Paul and Silas in Galatia and Philippi
16:1a Paul and Silas’ Ministry in Derbe and Lystra
16:1b-3 Young Timothy joins Paul and Silas at Lystra
16:4-5 Paul and the Team delivers the Council’s Decrees to the Churches
16:6-10 Paul’s Vision of the Man inviting him to Macedonia
16:11-12 Paul and the Team in Troas, Samothrace, Neapolis, and Philippi
16:13-15 Businesswoman Lydia and her household accept the Gospel Message
16:16-24 The arrest and imprisonment of Paul and Silas in Philippi
16:25-34 The conversion of the Philippi Prison Jailer
16:35-40 Paul and Silas released from the Philippi Prison
17:1-18:22 Paul and the Team in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth
17:1a Paul and his ministry companions in Amphipolis and Apollonia
17:1b-9 The Ministry of Paul and the Team in Thessalonica
17:1b-4 Many accepted Christ through Paul’s Ministry in the Synagogue
17:5-9 Some Jews oppose Paul and the Team
17:10-15 The Ministry of Paul, Silas, and Timothy in Berea
17:10-12 Paul’s ministry in the Jewish synagogue in Berea
17:13-15 Some of the Thessalonica Jews oppose Paul in Berea
17:16-34 Paul’s Ministry in the City of Athens
17:15-17 Paul’s Dialogue with Jews and God-fearing Greeks
17:18-31 Paul Preaching Jesus in the meeting of the Areopagus
17:32-34 Some accept Jesus as a result of Paul’s Preaching
18:1-22 Paul’s Ministry in Corinth along with his Tent Making Profession
18:1 Paul Arrives at Corinth
18:2 Paul meets with Aquila and his wife Priscilla (Jews)
18:3-18a Paul’s long-term (1.5 yrs) Ministry begins in Corinth
18:3-6 Paul’s Ministry in the Synagogue on sabbaths
18:7-18a Paul’s Fruitful Ministry Outside the Synagogue
18:18b Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla sail for Syria
18:19-21a Paul’s (and Aquila and Priscilla) ministry in Ephesus
18:21-22 Paul’s Journey to Antioch via Caesarea and Jerusalem
18:23-21:16 Paul Continues his Ministry trips to Strengthen the Church
[This Mission Trip is known as Paul’s Third Missionary Journey]
18:23 Paul travels from Antioch to the regions of Galatia and Phrygia
18:24-28 The Ministry of Apollos (from Alexandria) in Ephesus and Achaia
18:24-26a Apollos preached boldly in the synagogue
18:26b Priscilla and Aquila instructed Apollos in the way of God aptly
18:27-19:1a Apollos’ Powerful Ministry in Achaia (Corinth)
19:1b-20:1a Apostle Paul Returns to Ephesus to strengthen the Church
19:1b-7 Paul’s Ministry among the Twelve disciples of John the Baptist
19:8-12 Paul ministers in the Synagogue and the lecture hall of Tyrannus
19:13-16 The Consequence for misusing Jesus’ Name
19:17-20 The Word of the Lord spread widely in Ephesus
19:21-22 Paul plans to visit Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem, and Rome
19:23-41 Paul’s Ministry was hindered by a riot ignited by Demetrius
20:1a Paul’s Three-year Ministry in Ephesus ended due to a riot there
20:1b-21:16 Apostle Paul and Team set out from Ephesus to Jerusalem
20:1b-3a Paul’s three-month ministry in Greece
20:3b-12 Paul’s ministry in Troas – raised Eutychus from the Dead
20:13-16 Paul Travels from Troas to Miletus
20:17-38 Paul’s Farewell Message to the Ephesian Elders at Miletus
20:17-35 Paul’s Very Final Words to the Ephesian Elders
20:36-38 The Ephesian Elders’ affectionate Farewell to Paul
21:1-3a Paul set out for Syria via Rhodes, Patara, Phoenicia, and Cyprus
21:3b-6 Paul visited the disciples at Tyre and his Farewell Message
21:7-16 Paul and Team sail from Tyre to Caesarea via Ptolemais
21:7 Paul’s short visit to the brothers and sisters in Ptolemais
21:8-12 Paul and the Team arrives at Caesarea
21:8-9 Paul’s stay with Philip the Evangelist
21:10-12 Prophet Agabus Prediction regarding Paul
21:13-16 Paul set out from there after his farewell Message
21:17-23:33a Apostle Paul and Team Arrive at Jerusalem
21:17-20a Warm welcome by the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem
21:2b-26 Jewish threat against Paul in Jerusalem
21:27-32 Jewish attacks on Paul in the Jerusalem Temple
21:33-36 The arrest of Apostle Paul upon the Commander’s order
21:37-22:21 Apostle Paul’s defense before the Jewish crowd
22:22-29 Paul reveals his identity as a Roman citizen
22:30-23:10 Paul before the Sanhedrin
23:11 The Lord Strengthens Paul to testify in Jerusalem and Rome
23:12-15 Some Jews conspired and vowed to kill Apostle Paul
23:16-22 God’s way of revealing the plots against His People
23:23 Commander’s Order to transfer Paul from Jerusalem to Caesarea
23:24-24:27 Apostle Paul is Taken to Caesarea for Trials before Governor Felix
23:24-33 Apostle Paul is Escorted to Caesarea upon the Commander’s order
23:34-24:27 Paul’s Trial begins before Governor Felix and the Sanhedrin
23:33b-24:9 Jewish Leaders’ accusations against Apostle Paul
24:10-21 Paul tries to defend himself against Jews’ accusations
24:22-23 Paul was kept under guard as the hearing was adjourned by Felix
24:24-27a The proceedings restarted by Felix but ended without a verdict
24:27b Felix left Paul in prison to grant a favor to the Jews
25:1-26:32 Apostle Paul’s Trial before Porcius Festus and king Agrippa
25:1-7 Paul’s Trial continues before Porcius Festus
25:8-12 Paul defends himself before Festus and appeals to appear before Caesar
25:13-22 Porcius Festus discuss Paul’s matter with king Agrippa
25:23-26:32 Paul’s Trial continuous before Porcius Festus and king Agrippa
25:23-27 Festus presents Paul’s case before king Agrippa
26:1-29 Paul explains to king Agrippa why Jews are against him
26:30-32 King Agrippa’s response after hearing from Paul
27:1-28:31 Paul Sails to Rome under guard to appear before Caesar
27:1-12 Paul begins his voyage from Caesarea to Rome
27:1-8 Paul’s sail sets out from Adramyttium to Fair Havens/Crete
27:9-12 Paul warns about a very strong wind on the way
27:13-26 The Ship was caught up in a very dangerous Storm
27:13-20 A high wind called the Northeaster hits the ship
27:21-26 Paul’s vision about a safe arrival in Rome
27:27-44 The Shipwreck and everyone (276 people) escape to the Island of Malta
28:1-10 Malta Islanders welcomes the Shipwreck survivors
28:1-2 The unusual kindness and hospitality of the Islanders
28:3-6 Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake
28:7-10 The miraculous survival of Paul from the snakebite
28:11-15 The Voyage from Malta Island to Rome
28:11-12 The voyage begins from Malta to Syracuse
28:13-14a The voyage from Syracuse to Puteoli via Rhegium
28:14b Paul’s arrival at Rome
28:15 Paul thanked God for bringing him unharmed to Rome
28:16-31 Paul’s Ministry at Rome under Guard
28:16 Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him
28:17-29 Paul speaks to the local Jewish leaders in Rome
28:30-31 Paul continues his ministry of preaching and teaching in Rome