Acts: Summary & Overview

Overview

Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel — the story of how the early church exploded from a handful of believers in Jerusalem to a movement spanning the Roman Empire. Powered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles preach, heal, and suffer for the Gospel. The book follows Peter's ministry to Jews and Paul's missionary journeys to Gentiles.

Key Themes

  • The power of the Holy Spirit
  • The spread of the Gospel
  • The birth of the church
  • Courage under persecution
  • God's plan includes all nations

Famous Verses

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.

Acts 1:8

Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

For in him we live, and move, and have our being.

Acts 17:28

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.

Acts 20:24

Key Facts

Testament
New Testament
Genre
Historical Narrative
Author
Luke
Date Written
~63–70 AD
Chapters
28

Related Books

Read Acts in Context

Acts is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.

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