Overview of the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 1

• Address to Theophilus: Reference to a prior writing about Jesus’ life until his ascension.
• Post-resurrection Appearances: Jesus appeared to apostles over 40 days.
• Jesus’ Instructions: Stay in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.
• Ascension: Jesus taken up into heaven.
• Apostles: Return to Jerusalem, meet and pray together.
• Selecting Matthias: To replace Judas as an apostle.

Acts 2

• Pentecost: Holy Spirit descends on apostles; speaking in tongues.
• Peter's Sermon: Addressed a crowd about Jesus’ resurrection and urged repentance.
• Baptism and Community Growth: 3,000 baptized and the community grows.

Acts 3

• Healing of the Lame Man: Peter heals a man at the temple gate.
• Peter’s Speech: Explains the healing as the work of Jesus.

Acts 4

• Peter and John Arrested: For preaching Jesus’ resurrection.
• Defense before Sanhedrin: Bold proclamation of Jesus as the cornerstone.
• Community Life: Believers share possessions.

Acts 5

• Ananias and Sapphira: Punished for deceit.
• Apostolic Miracles: Continued growth and influence.
• Apostles Imprisoned and Freed: By an angel, later flogged but rejoicing.

Acts 6

• Selection of Seven Deacons: To assist with community needs.
• Stephen’s Arrest: Accused of blasphemy.

Acts 7

• Stephen’s Speech: Recounts Jewish history and accuses leaders.
• Stephen’s Martyrdom: Stoned for his faith, sees a vision of Jesus.

Acts 8

• Persecution and Scattering: Led by Saul; spreading the gospel.
• Philip’s Ministry: In Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts 9

• Conversion of Saul: On the road to Damascus, becomes a Christian.
• Saul Preaches Christ: Faces initial distrust, but accepted by Barnabas.
• Peter’s Miracles: Healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha (Dorcas).

Acts 10

• Cornelius’ Vision: First Gentile convert with Peter’s guidance.
• Peter’s Vision: Inclusion of Gentiles affirmed.

Acts 11

• Peter Defends Gentile Conversion: Report to Jerusalem church.
• Spread of the Gospel: Antioch church growth; believers called Christians.

Acts 12

• Persecution by Herod: James martyred, Peter imprisoned and freed by an angel.
• Herod’s Death: Struck down for pride.

Acts 13

• First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas sent out, preaching in Cyprus and Asia Minor.
• Paul’s Sermon in Antioch: Salvation through Jesus, not the Law.

Acts 14

• Missionary Work in Iconium and Lystra: Persecution, miracles, and worship as gods.
• Strengthening the Disciples: Encouraging perseverance through trials.

Acts 15

• Jerusalem Council: Resolves Gentile circumcision dispute.
• Letter to Gentile Believers: No circumcision required, adhere to certain laws.

Acts 16

• Paul’s Second Journey: Includes Timothy.
• Vision of the Man from Macedonia: Leads to mission in Europe.
• Conversion of Lydia: Start of Philippian church.
• Imprisonment and Release in Philippi: Miraculous earthquake and conversion of the jailer.

Acts 17

• Missionary Work in Thessalonica and Berea: Mixed receptions.
• Paul in Athens: Addresses philosophers at the Areopagus.

Acts 18

• Ministry in Corinth: Establishing a church.
• Return to Antioch: Via Ephesus, strengthened churches.

Acts 19

• Paul in Ephesus: Holy Spirit baptism, miracles, and riot by silversmiths.

Acts 20

• Paul’s Farewell to Ephesus Elders: Emotional departure and warnings.

Acts 21

• Journey to Jerusalem: Warnings and arrest.

Acts 22

• Paul’s Defense: His conversion story and Roman citizenship revelation.

Acts 23

• Plot Against Paul: Escapes death conspiracy.
• Transfer to Caesarea: For protection.

Acts 24

• Paul Before Felix: Defense against charges; kept under guard.

Acts 25

• Appeal to Caesar: Under Festus’ governance.
• Hearing before Agrippa: Paul’s testimony.

Acts 26

• Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa: Recounts his conversion and mission.

Acts 27

• Paul’s Journey to Rome: Shipwrecked but all survive.

Acts 28

• Paul on Malta: Miracles and island hospitality.
• Arrival in Rome: Preaches under house arrest.

Themes and Key Points

• Holy Spirit's Role: Empowering and guiding the early church.
• Perseverance through Trials: Despite persecution, the gospel spreads.
• Inclusion of Gentiles: Central to the church’s mission.
• Community and Sharing: Early Christian communal living.
• Missionary Journeys: Paul's extensive travels to spread Christianity.
• Opposition and Legal Defense: Frequent trials and defenses before authorities.
• Fulfillment of Prophecies: Jesus as the awaited Messiah.