Unstoppable Gospel, Unquenchable Fire, Unhindered Witness: A Brief Introduction to Acts
The Acts of the Apostles, often referred to simply as Acts, is one of the New Testament's most exciting and inspiring books. Written by Luke, the same author who penned the Gospel of Luke, Acts serves as a sequel to Luke’s Gospel and provides a unique window into the beginnings of the Christian church. But this book is much more than a historical record; it’s the dynamic story of how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His mission of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. It is God’s word, sent to his Church for all time, to strengthen every believer in witness and guide Christ’s Church in her mission.
As modern readers, we often think of the apostles and early Christians as spiritual giants, set apart by their unique calling. However, one of the central messages of Acts is that God accomplishes His purposes through people who, like us, face challenges, doubts, and struggles. Whether it’s Peter, a fisherman turned preacher, or Priscilla and Aquila, tentmakers who hosted a house church, Acts demonstrates how God works through all kinds of people to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
This introduction will explore the importance of Acts, its primary themes, and how its message encourages us to be bold witnesses for Christ in our everyday lives as we see how this book not only tells the story of the early church but also challenges us to join in God’s mission today.
The Importance of Acts: Bridging the Gospels and the Epistles
The Book of Acts occupies a crucial place in the Bible. Without it, the transition from the Gospels to the Epistles would be difficult to understand. As F.F. Bruce notes, Acts connects the ministry of Jesus to the life and mission of the early church, showing how the message of Christ spread from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire. It explains how a small group of disciples, initially hesitant and unsure of their mission, became a bold, Spirit-empowered community that proclaimed Jesus as Lord across diverse cultural and geographical boundaries.
Craig Keener highlights that Acts is not just a historical document but a theological narrative, showing how God’s promises in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This book gives us the origin story of the church, tracing its growth from a Jewish sect to a global movement.
John Stott emphasizes that Acts demonstrates the continuing work of Jesus through His followers. The Gospel of Luke begins with what Jesus did and taught (Acts 1:1), while Acts shows what Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit working in the apostles and the early church. This perspective reminds us that the story of God’s work in the world did not end with the resurrection—it continues through His people today.
Five Primary Themes of Acts
1. The Power of the Holy Spirit
One of the most prominent themes in Acts is the work of the Holy Spirit. From the very beginning, Luke emphasizes that the Spirit is the driving force behind the mission of the church. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit descends on the disciples, empowering them to preach the gospel in languages they had never learned.
Darrell Bock highlights that the Spirit’s role in Acts is both empowering and guiding. The Spirit directs the apostles in their mission, leading them to the right places and people at the right time. For example, it is the Spirit who tells Philip to approach the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:29) and who prevents Paul from entering certain regions on his missionary journeys (Acts 16:6-7). This theme reminds us that the church’s mission is not driven by human effort or ingenuity but by God’s Spirit working through His people.
2. The Mission to the Nations
The geographical expansion of the gospel is another central theme in Acts. The book is structured around Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8, showing how the gospel spreads from Jerusalem (Acts 1–7) to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12), and finally to the ends of the earth (Acts 13–28).
Michael Green notes that Acts demonstrates the inclusivity of the gospel, as the message of Jesus breaks down barriers of ethnicity, culture, and social class. The conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion (Acts 10), is a pivotal moment that shows God’s plan to include people from all nations in His kingdom. This theme challenges us to think about our role in sharing the gospel across cultural and social boundaries today.
3. The Witness of Everyday Believers in Everyday Life
While the apostles play a significant role in Acts, the book also highlights the contributions of everyday believers. F.F. Bruce points out that much of the church’s growth in the first century was due to the witness of ordinary Christians in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Figures like Stephen, a deacon who became the first Christian martyr (Acts 7), and Lydia, a businesswoman who hosted Paul and his companions (Acts 16), show how God uses people from all walks of life to advance His kingdom.
John Stott emphasizes that the early church was a community of witnesses. Whether through public preaching, personal conversations, or acts of compassion, believers lived out their faith in ways that drew others to Jesus. This theme encourages us to see our daily lives as opportunities for mission, trusting that God can use us—no matter our occupation or background—to share His love with others.
4. Opposition and Perseverance
The growth of the church in Acts is not without challenges. Persecution, imprisonment, and internal conflicts are recurring themes. From the stoning of Stephen to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, Acts shows how the early Christians faced significant opposition because of their faith. Yet, as Craig Keener observes, these challenges often led to more significant opportunities for witness. For example, Paul’s imprisonment gave him the chance to share the gospel with Roman officials and guards.
This theme reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy (and we should not expect it to be so), but God is faithful to sustain His people. As we face challenges in our lives, or even real resistance because of our faith in Christ, we can draw strength from the example of the ancient church, trusting that God can use even difficult circumstances for His glory.
Everyday People, Extraordinary Gospel
One of the most inspiring aspects of Acts is its focus on ordinary people. While figures like Peter and Paul play prominent roles, the book also highlights the contributions of countless unnamed believers who shared the gospel in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Michael Green notes that the rapid growth of the early church was largely due to the witness of “ordinary Christians explaining their faith to their friends and inviting them to church.” This pattern challenges us to see our daily interactions as opportunities to share the love of Christ.
For example, consider Ananias, a seemingly obscure disciple in Damascus. When God calls him to baptize Saul—later known as Paul—Ananias is understandably hesitant. Yet, his obedience is crucial in launching Paul’s ministry (Acts 9:10-19). Similarly, Priscilla and Aquila, a husband-and-wife team of tentmakers, are instrumental in discipling Apollos, a gifted preacher (Acts 18:24-26). Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman from Thyatira, was instrumental in forming the first European church, pioneered by Paul in Philippi. These stories remind us that God’s mission is not reserved for professional ministers or missionaries; it’s for everyone.
Acts and the Church Today
What does the Book of Acts mean for us today? Darrell Bock argues that Acts is not just a record of what God did in the past; it’s a call to participate in His mission in the present. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is at work in us, equipping us to be witnesses for Christ in our own communities.
John Stott reminds us that the mission of the church is not optional; it’s central to our identity as followers of Jesus. Whether we’re sharing the gospel with a co-worker, volunteering in our community, or partnering with others to spread God’s word here and around the world, we’re called to participate as Spirit-empowered witnesses in God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.
Acts: A Story That Continues
The Book of Acts ends somewhat abruptly, with Paul under house arrest in Rome, but still preaching the gospel “unhindered” (acts 28:30-31). This open-ended conclusion suggests that the story is not over. As F.F. Bruce notes, the mission of the church continues, and we are invited to be part of it. Just as God used ordinary people in the first century to accomplish extraordinary things, He can use us today.
As you read Acts, be encouraged by the examples of Peter, Paul, Dorcas, Ananias, Lydia, and so many others who trusted God and discovered the greatness of his grace in their lives. Their stories remind us that the same God who worked through them is at work today, even in us, calling us to be witnesses of His love and power. The Book of Acts is not just a history book—it’s a call to action. Will we respond?
Reading Outline for Acts: Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
1. Witnesses in Jerusalem (Acts 1–7)
Focus: The gospel begins in Jerusalem, where the early church is established and experiences both growth and opposition.
Key Events:
Preparation for Mission (Acts 1):
Jesus’ ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
The apostles replace Judas with Matthias, completing the Twelve.
The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2):
The Holy Spirit is poured out, empowering the disciples to speak in various languages.
Peter’s sermon leads to the conversion of 3,000 people.
Community Life and Growth (Acts 2:42–47):
The early believers devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
Miracles and Persecution (Acts 3–5):
Peter heals a lame man at the temple.
The apostles face opposition from the Sanhedrin but continue to preach boldly.
The Appointment of Deacons (Acts 6):
The church addresses internal challenges by appointing seven men, including Stephen and Philip, to serve the community.
Stephen’s Witness and Martyrdom (Acts 7):
Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin highlights God’s faithfulness and Israel’s resistance to His purposes.
Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr.
2. Witnesses in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12)
Focus: The gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries.
Key Events:
Philip’s Ministry (Acts 8):
Philip preaches in Samaria, and many believe.
Philip shares the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch, who is baptized.
The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9):
Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Saul is transformed into Paul, a key leader in the spread of the gospel.
Peter’s Ministry Expands (Acts 10–11):
Peter has a vision of unclean animals, symbolizing God’s inclusion of Gentiles.
Peter shares the gospel with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and his household.
The church in Jerusalem accepts that God’s salvation is for the Gentiles.
The Church in Antioch (Acts 11:19–30):
A multicultural church forms in Antioch, where believers are first called “Christians.”
God’s Sovereignty Amid Persecution (Acts 12):
Herod persecutes the church, killing James and imprisoning Peter.
Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel.
3. Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth (Acts 13–28)
Focus: Paul’s missionary journeys take the gospel to the far reaches of the Roman Empire.
Key Events:
The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13–14):
Paul and Barnabas are sent out by the church in Antioch.
They preach the gospel in cities like Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, facing both acceptance and persecution.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15):
The apostles and elders meet to address whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law.
They affirm that salvation is by grace through faith, without requiring Gentiles to adopt all Jewish customs.
The Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16–18):
Paul and Silas revisit churches and expand the mission to Europe.
Key moments include the conversion of Lydia in Philippi, the imprisonment and miraculous release of Paul and Silas, and Paul’s address at the Areopagus in Athens.
The Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18–21):
Paul strengthens existing churches and spends significant time in Ephesus.
He faces opposition from those threatened by the gospel’s impact on local economies and religions.
Paul’s Arrest and Defense (Acts 21–26):
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and makes several defenses of his faith before Jewish and Roman authorities, including Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa.
His bold witness highlights his unwavering commitment to the gospel.
Paul’s Journey to Rome (Acts 27–28):
Paul survives a shipwreck and continues his journey to Rome under guard.
The book ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, proclaiming the gospel to all who visit him.
Key Takeaways from Acts 1:8 as the Structural Outline of Acts
Jerusalem: Begin Where You Are
Witnessing starts at home, within our immediate context. The early church models faithful obedience in their local community despite challenges.
Judea and Samaria: Cross Boundaries
The mission of the church expands as believers step beyond familiar cultural and geographical boundaries, showing that the gospel is for all people.
Ends of the Earth: God’s Global Vision
The spread of the gospel to Rome, the heart of the ancient world, underscores God’s desire for His message to reach every nation.
Aids for Further Study
Here are numerous aids for further study, including some excellent videos, podcasts, commentaries, and study guides.
Non-Technical Commentaries and Books
Acts - Seeing the Spirit at Work, by John Stott (Bible Speaks Today)
Let’s Study Acts, by Dennis Johnson (Banner of Truth)
Exalting Jesus in Acts, by Tony Merida (Exposition Series)
Videos & Pods
BibleProject: Overview of Acts (Free on YouTube)
This two-part animated series explains the structure, key themes, and theological significance of Acts in a visually engaging and easy-to-understand format.
part one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGbNw855ksw
part two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-17KxpjL0Q
From the 2024 Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea
Here are several brief messages on the key themes of Acts and how these shape the mission of the Global Church.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYGxDL2dvuo5w6St6t8kfEJF8uvzml2dS
"The Bible Project Podcast" – Episodes on Acts
Deep dives into the structure, themes, and narrative of Acts with conversational and engaging teaching from Tim Mackie and Jon Collins.