The Holy Spirit comes, and the good news spreads from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Section
New Testament, Acts
Book
44 of 66
Chapters
28
Written by
Luke
When
Probably in the AD 60s or later
Written to
Theophilus, continuing Luke’s Gospel

The big picture

Acts begins with the risen Jesus promising power when the Holy Spirit comes. At Pentecost the Spirit falls on the believers, Peter preaches, and about three thousand people are baptised.

The church grows through prayer, miracles and persecution. The good news crosses into Samaria and to Gentiles, and Paul carries it across the Roman world. The book ends with Paul in Rome, still preaching “with all boldness”.

Why it was written

To show how the risen Jesus kept working through His Spirit and His church, and that the gospel is for every nation.

Key passages

Tap or hover over a reference to read it.

  • Acts 1:8 – You will receive power and be My witnesses
  • Acts 2:1-4 – The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
  • Acts 2:38-42 – Repent, be baptised, and the church’s first life together
  • Acts 9:1-19 – Saul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus

How it points to Jesus

Luke says his Gospel told what Jesus “began” to do and teach (Acts 1:1); Acts is what He continues to do by His Spirit. Every healing and every new believer is the risen Jesus at work.

Themes and people

Themes: The Holy Spirit · Witness · Prayer · The church · Every nation

People: Peter · Stephen · Philip · Paul · Barnabas · Lydia · Priscilla and Aquila

Study it together

  1. The first believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). Which of these do you need more of?
  2. What does the Holy Spirit’s power look like in an ordinary week?
  3. The gospel crossed every barrier in Acts. Who could you share it with?

Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.

Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.