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Key Themes in Acts of the Apostles

Apr 27, 2025

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Acts of the Apostles - Key Points and Themes

Introduction

  • The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the early Christian church following the ascension of Jesus.
  • Written to Theophilus, it highlights the actions and teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Acts 1: The Ascension of Jesus and the Promise of the Holy Spirit

  • Jesus instructed the apostles to stay in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus ascends to heaven; two men in white (angels) affirm He will return.
  • Apostles return to Jerusalem and pray together with other followers including Mary, Jesus' mother.

Acts 2: The Day of Pentecost

  • The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles; they speak in various languages.
  • Peter delivers a sermon explaining the prophecy of Joel about the Holy Spirit.
  • About 3,000 people are baptized and join the church.

Acts 3: The Healing of the Lame Man

  • Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful.
  • Peter explains the miracle as an act of faith in Jesus.

Acts 4: Peter and John Arrested

  • Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus’ resurrection.
  • They are released after being warned not to preach in Jesus' name.
  • The believers pray for boldness and the Holy Spirit fills them again.

Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira

  • Ananias and Sapphira lie about their donation and are struck dead.
  • The apostles perform many miracles; the church grows.
  • Apostles are arrested again but freed by an angel.

Acts 6–7: Stephen's Ministry and Martyrdom

  • Stephen, full of faith, performs miracles and is accused of blasphemy.
  • He delivers a speech recounting Israel's history and accuses the Sanhedrin of resisting the Holy Spirit.
  • Stephen is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.

Acts 8: Expanding Beyond Jerusalem

  • The church is persecuted; believers scatter and spread the gospel.
  • Philip evangelizes in Samaria; Simon the sorcerer is rebuked.
  • Philip baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts 9: The Conversion of Saul

  • Saul (later Paul) is converted on the road to Damascus.
  • He begins preaching Jesus is the Son of God.
  • The church enjoys peace and grows in strength.

Acts 10: Peter and Cornelius

  • Peter has a vision leading to the acceptance of Gentiles.
  • Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household are baptized.

Acts 11: The Church in Antioch

  • Peter defends his actions with Gentiles.
  • Antioch becomes a center of Christian growth, believers first called Christians.

Acts 12: Peter's Imprisonment and Deliverance

  • King Herod persecutes the church; James killed, Peter imprisoned.
  • An angel frees Peter; Herod dies after not giving glory to God.

Acts 13-14: First Missionary Journey

  • Paul and Barnabas are sent by the Holy Spirit on a missionary journey.
  • They preach in Cyprus and Asia Minor, facing opposition but also success.

Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council

  • The council addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law.
  • It is decided that Gentiles do not need to be circumcised but should avoid certain practices.

Acts 16-18: Second Missionary Journey

  • Paul and Silas travel through Asia Minor and Greece.
  • They are imprisoned and miraculously freed in Philippi.
  • Paul preaches in Athens about the 'Unknown God' and in Corinth.

Acts 19: Ministry in Ephesus

  • Paul performs miracles in Ephesus; silversmiths incite a riot due to loss of trade.
  • Many Ephesians renounce magic and sorcery.

Acts 20: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

  • Paul travels to Macedonia and Greece.
  • He delivers a farewell speech, warning of future challenges.

Acts 21-23: Paul’s Arrest and Defense

  • Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after being attacked by a mob.
  • He addresses the crowd and the Sanhedrin, asserting his Roman citizenship.

Acts 24-26: Trials Before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa

  • Paul defends his faith before Roman officials.
  • King Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian.

Acts 27-28: Journey to Rome

  • Paul sails to Rome; shipwrecked on Malta.
  • He survives a snakebite and heals many on the island.
  • Paul arrives in Rome and preaches under house arrest.

Conclusion

  • Acts concludes with Paul's ministry in Rome, emphasizing the unstoppable spread of the gospel despite persecution.

This summary captures the key events and themes from the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting the growth and challenges of the early Christian church and the influential role of the apostles, especially Paul.

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