Acts

The Book of Acts provides the historical background to the epistles of the New Testament writers. Inspired by God, this book lays out the expansion of the message of Jesus Christ, the good news, in the ancient world during the 1st century. This movement of the followers of Christ and their preaching begins first in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and then radiates out into the surrounding Judean areas. From there the book traces the movement Gospel movement and the early disciples into Samaria and finally the Gentile world.

In many ways the book reads like a suspense novel: it highlights conflict within the church and among the godly leaders, persecution and murder, to be sure. But we also see commitment to the cause of Christ, personal sacrifice, love, and faithfulness. It is truly an amazing story about the birth of the church and how it coped with the physical absence of its founder, Jesus Christ; how the message related to the Old Testament; and the transitions involved.

Or use the following index of eMeds in this series.

Acts of the Apostles – Acts 1:1–3

1The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3To these He also presented Himself alive...

The Acts of the Apostles (cont.) – Acts 1:1–3

1The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3To these He also presented Himself alive...

Reliable History – Acts 1:3–5

3To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave...

Great Commission Reworded – Acts 1:6–8

6So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8but you will...

And Then He Was Gone – Acts 1:9–11

9And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11They...

The Place of Obedience – Acts 1:12–15

12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew,...

Above All, Loyalty – Acts 1:15–20

15At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16“Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning...

The Traitor’s Replacement – Acts 1:21–26

21”Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His...

Spirit Overriding Law – Acts 2:1-4

1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared to them tongues as of fire...

Spirit-Enabled Evangelism – Acts 2:5–13

5Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7They were amazed and...

Miraculous Communication – Acts 2:4, 8, 11

4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance … 8”And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 11… we hear them in our own tongues speaking of...

Quick-Start Authority – Acts 2:14

14But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words.” Peter is the prominent member of the company of believers now sharing...

A New Beginning Offered – Acts 2:15–21

15”For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; and your...

Guilty as Charged – Acts 2:22–23

22”Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and...

Prophetic Evidence – Acts 2:24–29

24”But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. 25For David says of Him, ‘I saw the Lord always in my presence; for He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken....

Prophetic Indictment – Acts 2:30–36

30“And so, because he [David] was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, 31he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh...

Repent and Be Baptized – Acts 2:37–40

37Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;...

Don’t Miss Luke’s Point! – Acts 2:41

41So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. Wow! What other superlatives can we exclaim at this point? Amazing! Three thousand people were added (to the one hundred and twenty enumerated...

Good Example of Benevolence – Acts 4:33–37

33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the...

Apostolic Precedent – Acts 2:42–43

42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44And all those who...

First Miracle in the Church – Acts 3:1–10

1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in...

Not So Surprising – Acts 3:11–13, 16

11While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us,...

Pulling No Punches, Yet Grace – Acts 3:14–18

14”But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. 16And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the...

To All and to Each – Acts 3:19–24

19“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21whom heaven must receive until the period of...

Two Divergent Responses – Acts 4:1–4

1As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid...

The Fateful Power Play – Acts 4:5–8

5On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7When they had placed them in the center, they...

Spiritual Coup? – Acts 4:8–11

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, 9if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that...

Unflinching Proclamation – Acts 5:30–32

30”The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses of...

“One Way” Still True – Acts 4:12

12”And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Some verses in Scripture lend themselves to the discipleship program of all believers, and this is one of them. It is...

Power to Change Lives – Acts 4:13–16

13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 14And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had...

Here I Stand – Acts 4:17–20

17“But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 18And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John...

Undeniably Miraculous – Acts 4:21–23

21When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 22for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of...

Religious Raging Against God – Acts 4:23–27

23When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the...

Sovereignty and Prayer – Acts 4:27–30

27“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur....

Energized Benevolence – Acts 4:31–33

31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. 32And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and...

Good Example of Benevolence – Acts 4:33–37

33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the...

Bad Example of Benevolence – Acts 5:1–6

1But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan...

No Deception Allowed – Acts 5:7–9a

7Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9Then Peter said to...

The Truth and Nothing But – Acts 5:7–9a (cont.)

7Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9Then Peter said to...

Why Not Me? – Acts 5:9–13

9 “. . . Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and...

The Fear of the Lord – Acts 5:13–16

13But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number, 15to such an extent that they even carried the...

Keeping to the Mission – Acts 5:17–21a

17But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the...

The Movement Can’t Be Stopped – Acts 5:21b–26

21 . . . Now when the high priest and his associates came, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22But the officers who came did not find them in the prison;...

Of Obedience and Insubordination – Acts 5:27–29

27When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this...

Unflinching Proclamation – Acts 5:30–32

30”The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses of...

Let it Play Out – Wise Counsel! – Acts 5:33–40

33But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and intended to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35And he...

Worthy to Suffer – Acts 5:41–42

41So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ....

Of Priorities and Needs – Acts 6:1–2

1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2So the twelve summoned the...

Harmony Through Wise Planning – Acts 6:3–7

3“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5The statement found approval with...

Standing Up Fearlessly – Acts 6:8–14

8And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued...

The Face of an Angel – Acts 6:15–7:4a

15And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. 1The high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2And he said, “Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he...

It’s All About God – Acts 7:4b–8

4 . . . From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living. 5But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, even when he had no child, He promised that He would give it to him as a...

Jealousy Taints the Story – Acts 7:9–14

9“The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, 10and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his...

Power Words and Deeds – Acts 7:15–22

15“And Jacob went down to Egypt and there he and our fathers died. 16From there they were removed to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17But as the time of the promise was...

Don’t Judge? – Acts 7:23–29

23“But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel. 24And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. 25And he...

Burning Bush Savior – Acts 7:30–34

30“After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush. 31When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of the Lord: 32‘I...

Continual Rejection – Acts 7:35–38

35“This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush. 36This man led them out, performing wonders and signs...

Danger of Abandonment – Acts 7:39–43

39”Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him [Moses], but repudiated him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, 40saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us; for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt—we do not know what...

Faithful to God’s Testimony – Acts 7:44

44“Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen.” Stephen moves on to describe very briefly the true tabernacle of God, what he calls the...

Big Deal Over Tabernacle? – Acts 7:45–50

45“And having received it [the tabernacle] in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the nations whom God drove out before our fathers, until the time of David. 46David found favor in God’s sight, and asked that he might find a...

Gavel of Judgment – Acts 7:51–53

51”You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the...

Triggering the Sanhedrin – Acts 7:54-57

54Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56and he said,...

Blood of the Martyrs – Acts 7:58–60

58When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60Then...

The First Gospel Spread – Acts 7:58, 8:1–4

58 . . . they began stoning [Stephen]; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul . . . 1Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem,...

Word More Than Miracles – Acts 8:5–8

5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7For in the case of many who had unclean...

Are Miracles for Today? – Acts 8:5–8 (cont.)

5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7For in the case of many who had unclean...

Shallow Faith vs. Abiding Trust – Acts 8:5–8 (cont.)

5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. 6The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7For in the case of many who had unclean...

Making a Name For Himself – Acts 8:9–13

9Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called...

Validation for the Samaritans – Acts 8:14–17

14Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply...

Buying Spiritual Power? – Acts 8:18–24

18Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20But Peter said to...

Relentless March of the Word – Acts 8:25–28

25So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. 26But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that...

I Want to See Jesus – Acts 8:29–35

29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip...

Faith Alone – Acts 8:36-37

36As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the...

Warning: Evangelist at Work – Acts 8:38-40

38And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on...

Trophy of Mercy – Acts 9:1-2

1Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them...

Flash of Confrontation – Acts 9:3-6

3As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”...

Conversion On the Road – Acts 9:7-9

7The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days...

Ananias Was the Man! – Acts 9:10–14

10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from...

Called to Suffer – Acts 9:15–16

15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” We each have our own personal “Great Commission,”...

Called to Suffer (cont.) – Acts 9:15–16

15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Paul suffered much throughout his ministry. He...

Joining the Family – Acts 9:17–19a

17So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”...

The Company of the Persecuted – Acts 9:19b–22

19 . . . Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not he who...

Into the Line of Fire – Acts 9:23–25

23When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25but his disciples took him by night and let him down...

The Man with an Enlarged Heart – Acts 9:26–28

26When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord...

Evangelism in the Face of Death – Acts 9:28–31

28And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30But when the brethren learned of it, they...

Getting in Position – Acts 9:32–35

32Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you;...

Evangelism and Healing – Acts 9:32–35 (cont.)

32Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you;...

Word of Miracle Spreads – Acts 9:36–42

36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they...

A Man God Can Use – Acts 9:43–10:4

43And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon. 1Now there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the...

Quick Obedience – Acts 10:5–10

5“Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; 6he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” 7When the angel who was speaking to him had left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout...

Quandary of the Wall Demolition – Acts 10:9b–16

9. . . Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; 11and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down,...

From Perplexity to Clarity – Acts 10:17–23

17Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate; 18and calling out, they were asking whether...

Glory to Whom Glory Is Due Acts 10:24–28

24On the following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand...

Ultimate Commander – Acts 10:29–33

29”That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. So I ask for what reason you have sent for me.” 30Cornelius said, “Four days ago to this hour, I was praying in my house during the ninth hour; and behold, a man stood before me in...

Open Hearts Welcome – Acts 10:34–37

34Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace...

Anointed Interpretation – Acts 10:38–43

38”You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land...

A Man Who Does Good – Acts 10:2, 22, 31, 35

2. . . Cornelius . . . a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually . . . 22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire...

Like Faith as at Pentecost – Acts 10:44–48

44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles...

Faith Alone – Acts 10:44–48 (cont.)

44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles...

Law Not Required for Salvation – Acts 11:1–3

1Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, 3saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with...

Worth Repeating – Acts 11:4–10

4But Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain to them in orderly sequence, saying, 5”I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came right...

Beyond Misgivings – Acts 11:11–14

11”And behold, at that moment three men appeared at the house in which we were staying, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12The Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brethren also went with me and we entered the man’s house. 13And...

Baptism of the Spirit – Acts 11:15–16

15 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” As Peter brings to a...

Just Like Us – Acts 11:17–18

17 “Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to...

The Christian “Diaspora” – Acts 11:19–21

19So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and...

God Not Slowing Down – Acts 11:21–24

21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he...

Genesis of a Ministry Partnership – Acts 11:25–26

25And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Barnabas saw that...

Benevolence Breeds Solidarity Acts – 11:27–30

27Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. 29And...

James Down, Peter Next? – Acts 12:1–5

1Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them. 2And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was...

Life and Death in Christ – Acts 12:6–8

6On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone...

Angelic Escapade – Acts 12:7–11

7And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.”...

Praying Without Expectation – Acts 12:12–15

12And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14When she...

Glimpse of Christian Underground Acts – 12:16–17

16But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. 17But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James...

Glory Seeker Gets the Worms! – Acts 12:18–23

18Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter. 19When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down...

Preparing to Reach the World – Acts 12:24–25

24But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. 25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark. Coming to the end of the first major movement of...

Pivot to the Future – Acts 13:1–3

1Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2While they were ministering to the Lord...

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines – Acts 13:3–4

3Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. The famous auto racing event, the Indianapolis 500, gave birth...

Preaching the Word – Acts 13:5a

5When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews . . . "Proclaim the word of God” – that was the defining characteristic of apostolic ministry, and that should be the hallmark of preachers of the Word. It was...

Island Ministry – Acts 13:5–7

5When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. 6When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name...

False Teaching Confronted – Acts 13:8–12

8But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 10and said, “You who are full of all...

The Greatness of Second Fiddle – Acts 13:13

13Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. Until now, the ministry duo was termed “Barnabas and Saul,” but now Luke uses Saul’s Roman name, “Paul,” and begins to list...

Paul’s Preaching Begins – Acts 13:13–17

13Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia . . . 14But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15After the reading of the Law and...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 1 – Acts 13:17–22

17”The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it. 18For a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. 19When He had...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 2 – Acts 13:23–26

23”From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And while John was completing his course, he kept...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 3 – Acts 13:26–31

26”Brethren, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 4 – Acts 13:32–33

32”And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’” Theology in...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 5 – Acts 13:34–37

34”As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ 35Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo...

Paul’s Preaching, Part 6 – Acts 13:38–41

38”Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. 40Therefore take heed, so...

Mixed Results to the Grace Message – Acts 13:42–45

42As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas,...

Rejoicing Gentiles – Acts 13:46–49

46Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I...

Appointed to Life – Acts 13:48b–49

48b . . . and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. A major theological issue goes back to the late fourth century, involving the teachings of Augustine (who emphasized...

Of Joy and Strength – Acts 13:50–52

50But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went...

Insane or Enlightened? – Acts 13:52

52And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Joy distinguishes the believer in Jesus Christ. It is an otherworldly experience of supernatural origins—either that, or it characterizes someone qualified for lockup in a medical...

The Audience and the Method – Acts 14:1

1In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. From Pisidian Antioch, Paul and company traveled about eighty miles (as the crow flies) southeast to...

Of Miracles and Disbelief – Acts 14:2–7

2But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. 3Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs...

Confirmation of the Apostle – Acts 14:6–10

. . . 6they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7and there they continued to preach the gospel. 8At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who...

Resisting Self-Worship! – Acts 14:11–17

11When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13The...

Indisputable Miracle – Acts 14:18–20a

18Even saying these things, with difficulty they restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. 19But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead....

No Leaderless Churches – Acts 14:20b–23

20. . . The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 21After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to...

Mission One Complete – Acts 14:24–28

24They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia. 25When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished....

What About Circumcision? – Acts 14:28–15:3a

28And they spent a long time with the disciples. 1Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate...

Going to the Source – Acts 15:2b–5

2 . . . the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. 3Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and...

Apostolic Solidarity – Acts 15:6–11

6The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. 7After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word...

A Clear Voice – Acts 15:12–18

12All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me. 14Simeon...

An Agreed Judgment – Acts 15:19–22a

19“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, 20but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. 21For...

Encouraging Letter – Acts 15:22–29

22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, 23and they sent this letter by them, “The...

Rebuke of Loud Silence – Acts 15:22–29 (cont.)

22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders . . . “. . . if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” Continuing on with the letter from the Jerusalem Council to the new Galatian churches, we note, fifthly, the humble...

Shoring Up the Foundation – Acts 15:30–35

30So when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31When they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves,...

Divide and Conquer – Acts 15:36–39

36After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. 38But Paul kept insisting that...

When in Rome . . . – Acts 15:40–16:3

40But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord. 41And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 1Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son...

Get Moving, the Spirit Will Guide – Acts 16:4–8

4Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. 5So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in...

Go Where He Leads – Acts 16:9–13

9A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to...

Conversion of a Worshiper – Acts 16:14–15

14A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying,...

Shutdown of False Worship – Acts 16:16–21

16It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are...

Rejoicing in Suffering – Acts 16:22–30

22The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. 23When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them...

Fellowship of the Redeemed – Acts 16:30a–34

30 . . . “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. 33And he took them that very hour of...

The Roman Citizenship Card – Acts 16:35–40

35Now when day came, the chief magistrates sent their policemen, saying, “Release those men.” 36And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37But Paul said to...

Carrying on While Hurting – Acts 17:1–4

1Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and...

Upsetting the World – Acts 17:5–9

5But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6When they did not find them, they began...

Becoming More Noble-Minded – Acts 17:10–12

10The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining...

Biding Time Provocation – Acts 17:13–16

13But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and...

Paul On the Offensive – Acts 17:16–21

16Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. 17So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with...

The Exclusiveness of Truth – Acts 17:22–24a

22So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘To an...

Let Me Tell You About God – Acts 17:24–28

24 “God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all...

Ignorance is No Excuse – Acts 17:28b–34

28 “. . . some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’ 29Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man. 30Therefore having...

Shake, Shake, Shake – Acts 18:1–6

1After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, 3and because he...

Staking the Ground – Acts 18:7–11

7Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard...

Faith in the Face of Persecution – Acts 18:12–17

12But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio...

The Seed Laid at Ephesus – Acts 18:18–23

18Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he...

Improving Powerful Preaching – Acts 18:24–28

24Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things...

No Second Blessing – Acts 19:1–3

1It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard...

Law to Gospel Transition – Acts 19:4–7

4Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon...

Teaching the Word Acts – 19:8–10

8And he [Paul] entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew...

Apostolic Miracles Abounding – Acts 19:11–12

11God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. Miracles abounded; God was powerfully at work. Some...

Not to be Trifled With – Acts 19:13–17

13But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest,...

Keep the Flame Burning – Acts 19:17–20

17This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. 18Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19And many...

Strategizing the Gospel – Acts 19:21–23

21Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to...

Money Behind “Religion” – Acts 19:23–27

23About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25these he gathered together with the workmen of...

The Church Will Prevail – Acts 19:28–29

28When they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s...

Fellowship in Action – Acts 19:30–31

30And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. The value of Christian fellowship cannot be...

Why Do the Nations Rage? – Acts 19:32–34

32So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together. 33Some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having...

Grace Quelling Persecution – Acts 19:35–41

35After quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36So, since these are...

Introducing the Team – Acts 20:1–5

1After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. 2When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. 3And there he...

On the First Day – Acts 20:7–12

7On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together....

Bypass To Save Time – Acts 20:13–17

13But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for so he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. 14And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15Sailing from there, we...

Humble Service – Acts 20:18–19

18And when they [the elders of Ephesus] had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon...

Join the Cloud of Witnesses – Acts 20:20–21

. . . 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul could have...

Bound and Committed – Acts 20:22–24

22”And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24But I do not consider my life...

Gospel Accountability – Acts 20:25–27

25”And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. 26Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole...

On Guard! – Acts 20:28

28”Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Five profound principles saturate this verse, worthy for every leader to memorize....

Don’t Shrink Back – Acts 20:29–30

29”I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” In the previous verse, Paul stressed that the...

Be Alert – Acts 20:31

31”Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.” Paul repeats himself using a different word: elders need to be on the “alert.” Paul’s example should suffice to raise...

Commendation Par Excellence – Acts 20:32

32“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” We often equate commendation with special treatment. But when the apostle Paul commends the...

Guaranteed Blessing – Acts 20:33–35

33“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the...

Evidence of Deep Fellowship – Acts 20:36–38

36When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they...

Quality Fellowship – Acts 21:1–5

1When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving...

Men and Women of Note – Acts 21:6–9

6Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again. 7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brethren, we stayed with them for a day. 8On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering...

The Will of the Lord – Acts 21:10–14

10As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the...

Glorious Recap – Acts 21:15–20a

15After these days we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to lodge. 17After we arrived in Jerusalem, the...

Paul’s Fidelity in Question – Acts 21:20b–25

20. . . and they said to him [Paul], “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; 21and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the...

Criticism Every Which Way – Acts 21:26–30

26Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself along with them, went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them. 27When the seven days were almost over, the...

God to the Rescue – Acts 21:31–40

31While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers,...

Paul’s Testimony, Part One – Acts 22:1–5

1“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.” 2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he said, 3”I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city,...

Paul’s Testimony, Part Two – Acts 22:6–10a

6”But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8And I...

Paul’s Testimony, Part Three – Acts 22:10b-16

10“. . . And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me...

Paul’s Testimony, Part Four – Acts 22:17–21

17“It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ 19And I said, ‘Lord,...

Fury Against the Message – Acts 22:21–22

21“And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” 22They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” Rage filled...

Police Brutality – Acts 22:23–24

23And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were...

No Time for Turning the Cheek – Acts 22:25–30

25But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are...

Of Serpents and Doves – Acts 23:1-5

1Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God...

A Time to Turn, a Time to Defend – Acts 23:6-9

6But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7As he said this, there occurred a...

God’s Sovereign Promise – Acts 23:10–11

10And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. 11But on the night immediately following, the...

A Real Conspiracy Theory – Acts 23:12–15

12When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14They came to the chief priests and the elders...

Fortuitous Leak – Acts 23:16–22

16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and...

Escalation of Protection – Acts 23:23–24

23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him...

Useful Self-Serving – Acts 23:25–30

25And he wrote a letter having this form: 26”Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that...

God Will Take Care of You – Acts 23:31–35

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the...

No Fear Before Human Accusations – Acts 24:1–3

1After five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with an attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2After Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, “Since we have...

Time to Wait – Acts 24:4–9

4“But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the...

False Accusation Will Come – Acts 24:10–13

10When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem...

Living Blamelessly – Acts 24:14–16

14”But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15having a hope in God, which these men cherish...

Logic and Reason in Defense – Acts 24:17–21

17“Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings; 18in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were some Jews from Asia— 19who ought to have been present...

Blessings in the Midst of Conflict – Acts 24:22–23

22But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23Then he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to...

Of Sovereignty and Patience – Acts 24:24–27

24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and...

Divine Will and Government Action – Acts 25:1–5

1Festus then, having arrived in the province, three days later went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul, and they were urging him, 3requesting a concession against Paul, that he...

No Offense to Speak Of – Acts 25:6–8

6After he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him,...

Confident in God’s Promises – Acts 25:9–12

9But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong...

The Fingerprint in God’s Ink – Acts 25:13–15

13Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. 14While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by...

Follow the Evidence – Acts 25:16–20a

16“I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the...

An Astute Political Maneuver – Acts 25:20–21

20“Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until...

Divine Appointment to Testify – Acts 25:22–23

22Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 23So, on the next day when Agrippa came together with Bernice amid great pomp, and entered the auditorium accompanied by the commanders and...

The Divine Setup – Acts 25:24–27

24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you see this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25But I found that he had...

The Invitation to Testify – Acts 26:1–3

1Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: 2“In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about...

What I Used to Be – Acts 26:4–5

4“So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the...

Hope Rooted in the Law – Acts 26:6–8

6“And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. 8Why is it...

Hostile Toward Jesus – Acts 26:9–11

9“So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also...

Personal, Divine Intervention – Acts 26:12–15

12“While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14And...

Staying on Mission – Acts 26:15b–17

15b”. . . I am Jesus whom you [Paul] are persecuting. 16But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will...

The Great Rescue – Acts 26:18

“‘. . . 18to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’” As Paul continues his...

As Much as the Worst – Acts 26:19–21

19”So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to...

Let the Light Shine – Acts 26:22–23

22”So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead...

So Close, Yet So Far – Acts 26:24–26

24While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” 25But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26For the...

His Guidance, Our Will – Acts 26:27–32

27”King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” 28Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” 29And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also...

His Will, the Details – Acts 27:1–5

1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of...

His Will, Unwise Decisions – Acts 27:6–13

6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the...

His Will, the Weather – Acts 27:14–20

14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island...

His Will, Our Courage – Acts 27:21–26

21When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for...

From Worse to Worse – Acts 27:27–32

27But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they...

Of Hope and Confidence – Acts 27:33–38

33Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for...

When Things Go More Wrong – Acts 27:39–41

39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the...

Our God Really Is an Awesome God – Acts 27:42–44

42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first...

Shared Blessings with “Enemies” – Acts 28:1–2

1When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. Safe, but...

No Serpent Can Stop God – Acts 28:3–6

3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man...

Blessings and Guidance – Acts 28:7–10

7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent...

Promise Within Sight – Acts 28:11–15

11At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From...

Finally, in Person – Acts 28:15b

15. . . and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Paul’s heart rejoiced, overflowing with thanksgiving when he saw the delegation of believers coming from Rome to meet him. It had been a long while since he wrote them of his plans to visit...

His Testimony Begins – Acts 28:16–19

16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I...

No Waste of Opportunity – Acts 28:20–22

20“For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come...

Some Believe, Some Reject – Acts 28:23–27

23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the...

And the Story Continues On – Acts 28:28–31

28”Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. 30And he stayed two full years in his own...

Keep the Story Going! – Summary of Acts

We have come through the inspired record of the early post-resurrection, post-ascension Christian movement. This has been a continuation of his first writing, the Gospel According to Luke. While the first volume details the life of Christ, this second covers...

Remembering Acts – Acts 1–28

The following table can help recall the general flow of the book of Acts. I learned and adapted this from Prof. Ron Blue of Dallas Theological Seminary. He picked it up from someone else, whose name is long lost in my discarded or misplaced student notes....