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An introduction to the book of Acts.
The Gospel writer Luke
wrote Acts of Apostles.
Chapters 1 to 12 of Acts
primarily cover the activity
of the apostle Peter.
Chapters 13 to 28
feature the activity of the apostle Paul.
Because Luke accompanied Paul
on some of his travels,
Luke was an eyewitness
to certain events he recorded.
The book of Acts contains a detailed history
of the beginnings of the Christian congregation
and its rapid growth.
The account commences
about where Luke’s Gospel account ends.
Acts covers a period
of approximately 28 years,
from Jesus’ ascension to heaven in 33 C.E.
to about 61 C.E.
while Paul is still under house arrest in Rome
awaiting the outcome of his appeal to Caesar.
The Gospel of Luke and Acts of Apostles
were written just a few years apart
and were both addressed
to the same individual, Theophilus.
Did you know?
When Luke wrote his Gospel account,
he addressed Theophilus
with the title “most excellent,”
possibly indicating that Theophilus
had been a prominent official.
However,
Luke does not use that title in Acts,
which could suggest that he was writing
to Theophilus as a mature Christian.
Acts of Apostles contains 28 chapters.
In chapter 1,
Jesus tells his disciples
that they will be witnesses of him
“to the most distant part of the earth.”
He then ascends to heaven.
Chapter 2 records that ten days later,
on Pentecost 33 C.E.,
holy spirit is poured out
on about 120 disciples.
Later that day about 3,000 people
are baptized!
Chapters 3 to 9 relate early examples
of how the disciples zealously preach
and perform miraculous signs.
Although they face strong opposition,
they boldly continue
to spread the Christian message.
Stephen, an early Christian,
is even murdered because of his faith.
A man named Saul witnesses
and approves of the execution of Stephen.
However, not long after that,
Jesus appears to Saul
on the road to Damascus.
Subsequently, Saul becomes a Christian
and is later known as the apostle Paul.
Chapters 10 and 11 describe
a period of peace enjoyed by the disciples.
Jehovah uses the apostle Peter
to expand the preaching work
to include Gentiles, or non-Jews.
During this time of expansion,
the term “Christian” is coined
to identify Christ’s disciples.
In chapter 12, persecution breaks out again.
Herod puts the apostle James to death
and imprisons Peter,
who is later released by an angel.
Chapters 13 to 21 describe
Paul’s three eventful missionary tours
from about 47 to 56 C.E.
Paul travels to Cyprus
and parts of Asia Minor
during his first missionary tour.
His second missionary tour
takes him back to Asia Minor
as well as to Macedonia and Greece.
Paul’s third missionary tour covers
some four years and ends in Jerusalem.
Paul writes six inspired letters
during the period
that includes his second and third tours.
According to one estimate,
the book of Acts records
Paul traveling nearly 10,000 miles.
In chapter 21,
Paul is wrongfully arrested in Jerusalem.
Chapters 22 to 26 relate Paul’s defense.
He appears before Felix, governor of Judea;
his successor, Festus;
and King Herod Agrippa II.
In the course of his defense,
Paul appeals to Caesar,
the highest Roman authority of the time.
Chapters 27 and 28
describe Paul’s arduous journey to Rome,
which includes a shipwreck.
Acts concludes
with Paul under house arrest,
awaiting trial in Rome.
Despite confinement,
he remains busy preaching
to all those who come to him.
As you read Acts of Apostles,
note how the disciples
were empowered by holy spirit,
how they witnessed fearlessly
despite fierce persecution,
and how they used legal means to defend
their right to preach
the good news of God’s Kingdom.

Introduction to Acts of Apostles