An Insight Analysis into the Book of Acts

An Insight Analysis into the Book of Acts

Author

The Book of Acts does not specifically identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3, it is clear that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Date of Writing

The Book of Acts was likely written between 61-64 A.D.

Purpose of Writing

The Book of Acts was written to provide a history of the early church. The emphasis of the book is the importance of the day of Pentecost and being empowered to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. Acts records the apostles being Christ’s witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the rest of the surrounding world. The book sheds light on the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, teaches, and serves as our Counselor.

Reading the book of Acts, we are enlightened and encouraged by the many miracles that were being performed during this time by the disciples Peter, John, and Paul. The book of Acts emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the transformation that occurs as a result of knowing Christ. There are also many references to those that rejected the truth that the disciples preached about the Lord Jesus Christ. The lust for power, greed, and many other vices of the devil are evidenced in the book of Acts.

Brief Summary

The book of Acts gives the history of the Christian church and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well as the mounting opposition to it. Although many faithful servants were used to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, was the most influential.

Before he was converted, Paul took great pleasure in persecuting and killing Christians. Paul’s dramatic conversion on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-31) is a highlight of the book of Acts. After his conversion he went to the opposite extreme of loving God and preaching His Word with power, fervency and the Spirit of the true and living God. The disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in Jerusalem (chapters 1–8:3), Judea and Samaria (chapters 8:4–12:25), and to the ends of the earth (chapters 13:1–28). Included in the last section are Paul’s three missionary journeys (13:1–21:16), his trials in Jerusalem and Caesarea (21:17–26:32) and his final journey to Rome (27:1–28:31).

Summary of each chapter of Acts of Apostles

Acts1: Jesus said, “You will receive the Spirit and be my witnesses.” He was taken up in a cloud. The believers cast lots to replace Judas.

Acts2: At Pentecost they were filled with the Spirit. Peter told the crowd, “You crucified Jesus but God has made him Lord.” 3,000 believed.

Acts3: Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple. Peter told the people, “Faith in Jesus has healed this man. Repent of your sins.”

Acts4: They were taken before the rulers. Peter and John said, “We cannot stop speaking about Jesus.” The believers prayed for boldness.

Acts5: Ananias and Sapphira told a lie and fell dead. An angel released the apostles from prison. Gamaliel advised, “Leave these men alone.”

Acts6: The disciples chose seven men to distribute food. Some from the synagogue disputed with Stephen. They took him before the council.

Acts7: Stephen said, “Brothers, God called Abraham and appeared to Moses. You killed the Righteous One.” They were enraged and stoned him.

Acts8: Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria. A magician offered money for the gift of the Spirit. Philip baptised an Ethiopian official.

Acts9: Saul went to arrest the believers. Jesus said, “Why do you persecute me?” Saul was baptised and began preaching. Peter raised Dorcas.

Acts10: Cornelius sent for Peter. The Lord said to Peter, “Do not call them unclean.” Peter preached to the Gentiles and the Spirit fell.

Acts11: Some in Jerusalem criticised Peter. He said, “The Spirit told me to go.” Many in Antioch believed. Barnabas and Saul taught there.