Acts 1-14 Summary (Common English Bible)

The Risen Jesus with His Disciples

• Theophilus: Recipient of the Acts.
• Jesus’ Ascension: Jesus instructed the apostles before being taken to heaven.
• Holy Spirit’s Promise: Jesus foretold the apostles would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus' Mission: Apostles to be Jesus' witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Jesus' Followers in Jerusalem

• Return to Jerusalem: After Jesus' ascension, apostles returned to Jerusalem.
• Prayer and Unity: All disciples devoted themselves to prayer.

A Replacement for Judas

• Peter's Leadership: Peter led the selection of a new apostle.
• Matthias Chosen: Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.

Pentecost

• Arrival of the Holy Spirit: Apostles began speaking in other languages.
• Peter's Sermon: Explained the event as fulfillment of the prophet Joel.
• Growth of the Church: 3,000 baptized and added to the community.

Community of Believers

• Shared Life: Believers shared possessions and supported each other.

Healing of a Crippled Man

• Peter and John's Miracle: Healed a man crippled from birth.
• Public Reaction: Amazement and attention from the crowd.

Peter and John Questioned

• Arrest and Defense: Peter and John arrested, defended their actions by proclaiming Jesus' power.
• Gamaliel's Advice: Advice to not oppose the apostles’ mission as it could be from God.

Selection of Seven to Serve

• Addressing Community Needs: Seven men chosen to distribute food to widows.
• Stephen: Noted for faith and miracles.

Arrest and Martyrdom of Stephen

• Stephen's Trial: Charged with blasphemy.
• Speech and Martyrdom: Detailed speech regarding Israel’s history and accused the council of betrayal.
• Saul’s Presence: Saul (later Paul) approved of Stephen’s stoning.

The Church Scatters

• Persecution and Spread: After Stephen’s death, believers scattered, spreading the Gospel.

Philip in Samaria

• Miracles and Preaching: Philip preached and performed miracles.
• Simon the Sorcerer’s Belief: Simon believed and was baptized but later rebuked for offering money for the Holy Spirit.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

• Guided by the Spirit: Philip explained scripture to an Ethiopian official.
• Baptism: The eunuch requested baptism upon understanding.

Saul Encounters the Risen Jesus

• Conversion: Saul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was blinded.
• Ananias' Role: Restored Saul’s sight, leading to Saul’s baptism.
• Preaching in Damascus and Jerusalem: Saul began preaching Jesus as the Son of God.

Peter Heals and Raises the Dead

• Miracles in Lydda and Joppa: Peter healed Aeneas and raised Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead.

Peter, Cornelius, and the Gentiles

• Vision of Clean and Unclean: Peter’s vision led to the acceptance of Gentiles.
• Cornelius' Household: First Gentile converts received the Holy Spirit.

Jerusalem Church Questions Peter

• Defense of Gentile Conversion: Peter explained his actions and the vision.
• God’s Acceptance: Church acknowledged God’s acceptance of Gentiles.

The Antioch Church

• Expansion: Gospel spread beyond Jews to Gentiles in Antioch.
• Barnabas and Saul’s Ministry: Encouraged and grew the church.

Herod Imprisons Peter

• Angel’s Deliverance: Peter was miraculously freed from prison.
• Herod’s Death: Struck down for pride and not giving glory to God.

Barnabas and Saul Sent to Minister

• Holy Spirit’s Guidance: Church in Antioch commissioned Barnabas and Saul for ministry.

Serving in Cyprus

• Paul’s Confrontation: Paul rebuked a sorcerer opposing the Gospel.

Paul and Barnabas in Pisidian Antioch

• Preaching to Jews and Gentiles: Paul preached salvation through Jesus.

Paul and Barnabas in Iconium

• Division: Preached in Iconium, leading to division and threats of violence.

Healing a Crippled Man in Lystra

• Miracle in Lystra: Paul healed a man crippled from birth, demonstrating faith.