An Introduction to the Book of Acts, by Lane Rogers

1. The "Book of Acts" is not a very descriptive term because this letter contains neither all the acts of some of the apostles nor some of the acts of all the apostles." Perhaps it ought to be named, some of the Acts of apostles.

2. The Author of the Book___The Holy Spirit___II Peter 1:21.

3. The Writer of the Book___Luke. This is proven by:

a. Both Acts and Luke addressed to the same person. cf.__Acts 1:1 and Luke. 1:3

b. The Style__At least fifty words used in common to Acts and Lk. that are found nowhere else in the New Testament.

c. Luke was a companion of Paul and was therefore qualified to write this book.___Cf. 16:10; 20:4-6; 28:16; Col. 4:14; II Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24.

4. The dating of the book is about A.D. 63-64. History supports this thought that Luke lived and wrote in this time period. The book closes before Paul's trial by Nero was completed. The strong inference is that Luke completed the book during Paul's two year imprisonment and began circulation before the trial was completed. Since we known that the reign of Nero included the years 63-64 A.D. it is safe to date this book in this era.

5. A General view of the Contents of the Book.

a. This is the "first" history of the church.

b. It covers a period of thirty-two years in twenty-eight chapters.

c. The book, like Genesis, is one of beginnings and is just as important. It contains the following beginnings:

1) The beginning of the Holy Spirit's work in the evangelization of the world.

2) The beginning of gospel preaching (Cf. 1st Cor. 15:1-4).

3) The beginning of the congregations of the Lord.

4) The beginning of the Christian era.

5) The beginning of salvation through the blood of Christ.

6) The beginning of world-wide evangelism.

d. The book revolves around the work of two great apostles:

1) Peter to the Jews

2) Paul to the Gentiles.

e. The book revolves around four geographical centers.

(1) Jerusalem (2) Antioch (3) Ephesus (4) Rome

f. The book gives us the divine execution of the Great Commission. Cf. Matt.28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke 24:46-47.

f. The Purpose for Writing the Book____

The Church in Jerusalem 1:1___7:60

INTRODUCTION. 1:1-5

a. Former treatise 1

b. The day of ascension 2

c. The twelve apostles commissioned. 2b

d. Post resurrection appearances 3.

e. The charge concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 4,5

1. ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVET. 1:6-11

a. The inquiry of the apostles. 6-8___

b. The ascension. 9-11

2. IN THE UPPER ROOM. 1: 12-26___

a. Their return. 12

b. The prayer meeting. 13, 14.

c. The place of Judas filled. 15-26___

3. IN AN APARTMENT OF THE TEMPLE. 2:1-47___

a. The baptism of the Holy Spirit. 1-4

b. The result of the baptism. 5-13

c. The sermon of Peter. 14-36.

d. The results of the sermon. 37-42___

e. The unity of the church (congregations) 43-47_______

4. AT THE GATE BEAUTIFUL. 3:1-10___

The healing of the lame man. 1-10.

5. ON SOLOMON'S PORCH. 3:11-26___

Peter's Second Sermon. 11-26____

6. IN THE PRISON. 4:1-4___

a. The arrest. 1

b. The reason for the arrest. 2

c. They are led away. 3

d. The results of preaching. 4

7. BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN. 4:5-22___

a. The council gathered. 5, 6.

b. The examination of the council and the defense of Peter. 7-12

c. The results of Peter's defense. 13-22

8. IN THE UPPER ROOM___

a. The praise and prayer of the disciples. 23-31

b. The unity of the believers. 32-37.

c. The first church discipline. 5:1-11.

9. ON SOLOMON'S PORCH. 5:12-16___

Signs and wonders and the increase of the word. 12-16

10. IN THE PRISON. 5:17-20

a. Their arrest. 17, 18

b. The divine release. 19, 20.

11. ON SOLOMON'S PORCH. 5:21a.

The apostles teach in the Temple in the early morning. 21a.

12. BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN. 5:21-41___

a. The assembling of the council and the apostle's trial. 21b-28.

b. The answer of the apostles. 29-32__

c. The result of the defense and the advise of Gamaliel. The release. 33-41.

13. THE SPREAD OF THE WORD. 5:42.

14. ON SOLOMON'S PORCH. 6:1-6__

a. The murmuring of the Grecian Jews. 1

b. The action of the twelve and the congregations. 2-6___

15. THE INCREASE OF THE WORD OF GOD. 6:7, 8

16. AT THE SYNAGOGUE OF THE LIBERTINES. 6:9-12

a. Those who opposed. 9

b. The evil means used by those who refused. 10-12

17. STEPHEN BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN. 6:13__7:57___

a. The testimony of the false witnesses. 6:13,14

b. The testimony of Stephen. 15

c. Stephen's defense. 7:1-53

d. The results. 54-57__

18. OUTSIDE THE CITY WALL. 7:58-60___

a. Stephen cast out. 58

b. His stoning and death. 59,60.

THE CHURCH IN JUDEA AND SAMARIA 8:1-40

THE DISPERSION-THE WORK OF PHILIP

THE WORK OF PETER AND JOHN

A. THE DISPERSION__8:1-4.

a. The persecution against the church. 1a.

b. The dispersion. 1b.

c. The burial of Stephen. 2

d. The persecution by Saul. 3

e. The preaching of all who were scattered. 4

B. THE FIRST WORK OF PHILIP. 8:5-13.

a. Leaving Jerusalem at the dispersion. 5a

b. The signs and preaching at Samaria resulting in the conversion of the Samaritans and Simon the sorcerer. 5b_13___

C. THE WORK OF PETER AND JOHN. 8:14-25

1. At Jerusalem, 14

a. News of Philip's work reaches Jerusalem. 14a.

b. Peter and John sent. 14b.

2. At Samaria. 15-25a.

a. The imparting of spiritual gifts. 15-17.

b. The sin of Simon and the rebuke of Peter. 18-24.

c. Preaching and testifying in Samaria. 25a.

3. Preaching to the villages in Samaria. 25b.

D. THE LATER WORK OF PHILIP. 26-40__

1. On the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. 26-39__

a. The directions of the angel. 26

b. The meeting of the eunuch and Philip. 27-30__

c. Philip's sermon. 31-35.

d. The baptism of the eunuch. 36-39__

2. At Azotus. 40a.

Directed here by the Holy Spirit. 40a.

3. At Lydda. (One of the villages on the plain of Philistia) 40b.

4. At Joppa. 40c__(where Philip probably preached).

5. In Caesarea. 40d

The final place in Philip's tour.

THE CONVERSION AND EARLY LABORS OF SAUL

9:1-30. Galatians 1:17-24__

1. AT JERUSALEM__9:1,2

Permission from the High Priest to carry the persecution to Damascus. 1,2.

2. ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS. 9:3-8a

The appearance of Jesus to the persecutor. 3-8a.

3. IN DAMASCUS. 9:8b-22

a. The directions of the Lord to Saul. 8b-9.

b. The directions of the Lord to Ananias. 10-16.

c. The directions of of Ananias to Saul and Saul's response. 17-19.

d. The preaching of Christ by Saul in Damascus. 20-22.

4. IN ARABIA. 9:23a. Cf. Galatians 1:17a__

5. BACK IN DAMASCUS. 9:23-25__Cf. Galatians 1:17b.

a. The plot of the Jews to kill Saul. 23b.

b. Escape in a basket. 24,25.

6. IN JERUSALEM. 9:26-29. Galatians 1:17b-19.

a. His vain attempt to join himself to the disciples, the intervention of Barnabas. 26,27.

b. His visit with Peter and James. Gal. 1:18, 19.

c. His preaching in the city and the opposition of the Grecian Jews. 28, 29.

7. AT CAESAREA. 9:30.

The point of embarcation from Jerusalem to Tarsus. 30a.

8. IN TARSUS. 9:30b. Galatians 1:21-24__

Saul's preaching in the regions of Cilicia and Syria. Gal. 1:21-24.

THE WORK OF PETER-THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH-THE EARLY LABORS OF BARNABAS AND SAUL

9:31__12:25

A. THE WORK OF PETER. 9:31--11:18

1. AT JERUSALEM. 9:31

The increase of the church through the preaching of Peter and others. 31 Cf. 9:32a.

2. IN LYDDA. 9:32-25

a. Peter comes to the saints at Lydda on his preaching tour. 32

b. The healing of Aeneas. 33,34

c. The results of this miracle and preaching. 35.

3. AT JOPPA. 9:36-43

a. The incident in Joppa. 36,37.

b. The disciples sent for Peter from Joppa to Lydda. 38.

c. Peter in Joppa: the raising of Dorcas.39-41.

d. Good results. 42.

e. Peter's residence. 43

4. IN CAESAREA. 10:1-48

a. Cornelius and his vision. 1-8

b. Peter's vision. 9-16

c. The messengers arrive. God directs Peter. Messengers received. 17-23a.

d. The trip to and arrival at Caesarea. 24b-33.

e. Peter's sermon. 34-43

f. The baptism of the Holy Spirit. 44-46a

g. Baptism in water. 46b-48__

5. AT JERUSALEM__11:1-18

a. News of the conversion of Cornelius arrives in Jerusalem 1

b. Objection of those of the circumcision. 2,3.

c. The answer of Peter. 4-18.

B. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH. 11:19-21

C. THE EARLY LABORS OF BARNABAS AND SAUL. 11:22--12:25

1. IN JERUSALEM. 11:22

Report of the conversion of the Greeks reaches Jerusalem. They send Barnabas. 22

2. AT ANTIOCH. 11:23,24.

The rejoicing of Barnabas and his efforts at Antioch. 23,24.

3. AT TARSUS, 11:25, 26a.

Barnabas to Tarsus to find Saul to help.

4. IN ANTIOCH. 11:26b-30__

a. The labors of Barnabas and Saul for a year. The new name. 26b.

b. Prophets from Jerusalem. The prophesy of Agabus. 27,28.

c. The free will offering taken and sent. 29,30.

5. AT JERUSALEM. 12:1-24.

a. Persecution of Herod. James beheaded. Peter imprisoned. 1-5.

b. The miraculous release. 6-11.

c. At the house of Mary. 12-17

d. The death of the soldiers. 18, 19a.

e. Herod's speech and death at Caesarea. 19b-23.

f. The growth of the word. 24.

6. BACK TO ANTIOCH. 12:25.

Barnabas and Saul return taking with them John Mark. 25.

THE CHURCH IN THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH.

13:1--28:31

THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

13:1--14:28

1. AT ANTIOCH. 13:1-3

a. The leaders of the church. 1

b. The directions of the Holy Spirit. 2

c. Barnabas and Saul set aside for their work. 3

2. AT SELEUCIA. 13:4

The seaport for Antioch from where they sailed to Cyprus. 4

3. IN SALAMIS. 13:5__

a. Preached in synagogues. 5a

b. Had John Mark as attendant. 5b

4. AT PAPHOS. 13:6-12

a. Through the whole island. 6a

b. Elymas and his opposition. 6b-8.

c. The rebuke and miracle of Paul. 10,11.

d. The results of this incident on the proconsul. 12.

5. IN PERGA. 13:13

Where John Mark left for Jerusalem. 13

6. IN ANTIOCH OF PISDIA. 13:14-52

a. In the synagogue, the first sermon of Paul. 14-41

b. The desire to hear more the next sabbath. 42

c. The interest of the Jews and devout proselytes. 43.

d. Great gathering the next sabbath. Contradiction of the Jews. 44, 45.

e. Turn to the Gentiles with good results. 46-48.

f. The spread of the Word. 49.

g. The persecution and leaving the city. 50 ,51.

7. AT ICONIUM. 14: 1-6a.

a. In the synagogue the conversion of many Jews and Greeks. 1

b. The opposition of the Jews, 2.

c. Stay sometime in spite of opposition. God blesses. 3

d. The city divided in opinion. 4

e. Plot laid for stoning, so they leave. 5, 6.

8. IN LYSTRA__14:6b-20.

a. General statement of the work. 6b-7.

b. The healing of the lame man. 8-10.

c. The multitudes worship them as gods. 11-13.

d. The objection of Paul and Barnabas. 14-18.

e. Opposition from the Jews of Antioch and Iconium. Paul stoned. 19

f. He is raised and returns to the city. 20.

g. Timothy, his mother, and grandmother converted here. Cf. 16:1; 1st Tim. 1:5.

9. AT DERBE. 14:21a.

Preached here. Many converted. 21a.

10. IN LYSTRA. 14:22-23.

Confirmed the souls of the disciples and appointed elders. 22,23

11. AT ICONIUM. 14:22, 23

Same as above. 22,23.

12. IN ANTIOCH. 14:22,23

Same as above.

13. THROUGH THE PROVINCES OF PISDIA AND PAMPHYLIA. 14:24

14. AT PERGA. 14:25a.

15. AT ATTALIA. 14:25b.

16. IN ANTIOCH. 14:26-28.

a. The gathering of the church to hear all that God had done. 26,27.

b. They stay here some time. 28.

THE TROUBLE OVER CIRCUMCISION

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL

15:1--35

1. FALSE TEACHERS TROUBLE THE BELIEVERS. 1__

2. PAUL AND BARNABAS SENT TO JERUSALEM. 2,3__

3. THEIR RECEPTION IN JERUSALEM. 4, 5.

4. THE ELDERS AND APOSTLES MEET TO SETTLE THE DISPUTE. 6-29.

a. Council meets: Peter's speech. 6-11.

b. Paul and Barnabas tell of their work. 12

c. The speech of James. 13-21.

5. THE WORK IN ANTIOCH. 15:33-35.

6. PETER'S VISIT TO ANTIOCH. Galatians 2:11-21.

THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

15:35-18:22

1. IN ANTIOCH. 15:36-40__

a. The desire to revisit the churches established on the first tour. 36

b. The desire of Barnabas to take John Mark. 37.

c. Disagreement and parting of Barnabas and Saul. 38-40.

2. THROUGH THE PROVINCES OF SYRIA AND CILICA. 15:41

Confirmed the churches in this region. Cf. Galatians 1:21-24.

3. AT DERBE. 16:1a.

Confirmed the church.1a.

4. IN LYSTRA. 16:1B-5.

a. Timothy, his faith and ancestry. 1b.

b. The good report of Timothy's work from near by congregations. 2

c. The circumcision of Timothy by Paul in preparation for their work. 3.

5. THROUGH THE CITIES OF ICONIUM AND ANTIOCH TO WHOM THEY DELIVERED THE DECREES OF THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL. THE CONGRGATIONS WERE GREATLY STRENGTHENED. 16:4,5.

6. THROUGH THE REGION OF PHRYGIA AND GALATIA. 16:6A; Cf. Galatians 4:13-15; 1st Cor. 16:1,2.

7. WHILE IN THE ABOVE STATED REGIONS THEY WERE FORBIDDEN BY THE SPIRIT TO SPEAK THE WORD IN ASIA. THEY PASSED THROUGH THE PROVINCE OF BITHYNA, BUT THEY WERE AGAIN FORBIDDEN. 16:6b__8a.

8. AT TROAS. 16:8b-10.

a. The vision. 8b, 9.

b. God's call to Macedonia. 10.

9. AT SAMOTHRACE. 16:11a.

A small island where they anchored overnight. 11a.

10. AT NEAPOLIS. 16:11b.

A large seaport city. No time spent here. 11b.

11. IN PHILIPPI. 16:12-40

a. A description of Philippi. 12

b. The prayer meeting and the conversion. 13-15.

c. The incident of the maid with the evil spirit. 16-18

d. The result of the casting out of the evil spirit. 19-24.

e. Praise and prayer in jail. 25

f. The earthquake; prisoners released. 26

g. The desperation of the jailer. 27.

h. The intervention of Paul. 28

i. The inquiry of the jailer for salvation. 29, 30.

j. The reply and explanation. 31, 32.

k. The results. 33,34.

l. The suggested release of Paul and Silas. 35-37.

m. The report of Paul's reply to the magistrates, their action. 38,39.

n. The final visit with the brethren at the house of Lydia. 40.

12. PASSING THROUGH THE CITIES OF AMPHIPOLIS AND APPOLLONIA. 17:1a.

13. AT THESSALONICA. 17:1b-10a.

a. Entering the synagogue and reasoning for three Sabbaths. 1b-3.

b. Many responded. 4

c. The Jews, full of jealousy, stir up a persecution. 5

d. The trial of Jason and certain brethren. 6-9

e. The brethren sent them away by night. 10a.

14. AT BEREA. 17:10b-14a.

a. Entering the synagogue. 10b.

b. The noble attitude of the Berean Jews. 11

c. The good results. 12

d. The Jews from Thessalonica stir up opposition. Paul leaves with brethren, Silas and Timothy remain. 13,14a.

15. IN ATHENS. 17:14b-34.

a. The brethren from Berea go with Paul as far as Athens and take back a command for the coming of Silas and Timothy. 14b, 15.

b. Paul is provoked in spirit and reasons in the synagogue. 16,17.

c. The contact with the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, 18-21.

d. Paul's message about the unknown God. 22-31.

e. The results. 32-34.

16. IN CORINTH. 18:1-17____

a. Coming to Corinth. 1

b. His meeting and abiding with Priscilla and Aquilla. 2,3

c. Reasoning in the synagogue. 4.

d. The arrival of Silas and Timothy. 5

e. The opposition: turning to the Gentiles. 6

f. The services in the house of Titus Justus. 7

g. The encouraging vision by night. 8-10.

h. One year and six months spent here. 11

i. Paul's trial before Gallio. 12-16.

j. The beating of Sosthenes. 17

17. AT CENCHREA. 18:18

Where Paul cut his hair in fulfillment of a vow; accompanied by Priscilla and Aquilla. 18

18. AT EPHESUS. 18:19-21

a. Enters the synagogue and reasons with the Jews. 19.

b. Their desire that he might abide for a long time. 20.

c. His leaving and promise to return. 21

19. AT CAESAREA. 18:22a

Saluted the congregation. 22a

20. IN ANTIOCH. 18:22b.

Back home. 22b

THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

18:23--21:16

1. IN ANTIOCH OF SYRIA. 18:23a

Having spent some time here they prepare for the third journey. 23a.

2. THROUGH THE PROVVINCES OF GALATIA AND PHYRGIA. 18:23b.

3. AT EPHESUS. 18:24__19:41

a. Apollos teaching the baptism of John is corrected by Priscilla and Aquilla. 18:24-28.

b. Paul corrects some on the baptism of John, baptizes them, lays hands on them; they receive spiritual gifts. 19:1-7.

c. Paul preaches in the synagogues and the school of Tyrannus. 19:8-12.

d. Exorcists overcome by evil spirits. The name of the Lord magnified. 19:13-20.

e. Paul's far reaching plans. 19:21,22.

f. The riot of the silversmiths. 19:23-41.

4. AT TROAS. II Corinthians 2:12, 13__

a. A door was opened for the word. 12

b. Greatly troubled at the failure to find Titus; presses on into Macedonia. 13

5. IN MACEDONIA. 20:1,2.

a. A tender parting. 1

b. Spoke on the way to Macedonia. 2

6. AT CORINTH IN GREECE. 20:3-5__

a. His labors with the Corinthian congregation. 3-5

b. He probably wrote the epistle of Romans. Cf. 15:23, 24; 16:23.

c. Also the epistle of Galatians from here.

d. Learning of the plot for his life he changes his plans. 5.

e. A collection was taken from here by Paul according to previous instructions. Cf. 1st Cor. 16:1, 2.

7. AT PHILIPPI 20:6a.

Sailed from here after "the days of unleavened bread" on his way to Jerusalem. 6a.

8. IN TROAS. 20:6b-13.

a. The seven day stay. 6b

b. The worship of the first day of the week. 7

c. Paul's sermon. The raising of Eutychus. 8-13.

9. AT ASSOS. 20:14a.

Met Paul here as he walked from Troas. 14a

10. AT MITYLENE. 20:14b.

Overnight stop. 14b

11. OVER, AGAINST CHIOS. 20:15a.

Overnight stop. 15a.

12. AT SAMOS. 20:15b.

Overnight stop. 15b.

13. IN MILETUS__20:15C-38

a. Past Ephesus to Miletus. Calls the Elders. 15c-17.

b. Paul's past ministry as exemplified at Ephesus. 18-21; 26.

c. His attitude to his own future. 22-24.

d. His ultimate concern as touching his hearers. 25.

e. Conditions at Ephesus in the near future. 28-30

f. The self sacrificing spirit of his example. 31-35.

g. The tender farewell. 36-38

14. AT COS. 21:1a.

Anchored overnight. 21a

15. AT RHODES. 21:1b

Overnight stop. 1b

16. AT PATARA. 21: 1c-2.

Change of ships. 1c-2

17. IN THE SIGHT OF CYPRUS ON THE LEFT.

21:3a.

18. AT TYRE. 21:3b-6

a. Tarried seven days. 3b-4a.

b. Tried to prevent Paul from going to Jerusalem. 4b

c. Sorrowful parting. 5,6.

19. IN PTOLEMAIS. 21:7

20. CAESAREA. 21:8-14.

a. Stayed with Philip the evangelist and his four gifted daughters. 8

b. Prophetic promise of affliction in Jerusalem. 9-14.

21. IN JERUSALEM. 21:15, 16

On to Jerusalem to stay on the home of Nmason. 15,16.

THE VOYAGE TO ROME

1. AT JERUSALEM. 21:17--23:30.

a. Paul's salutation and advice of the elders. 21:17-26.

b. Jews from Asia cause Paul's arrest. 21:27-40.

c. Paul addresses the Jewish mob. 22:1-21

d. The response of the mob. Paul imprisoned. 22:22-30.

e. Paul address the council. 23:1-10.

f. The Lord encourages. Paul. 23:11

g. The plot for Paul's life and his escape. 23:12-30.

2. AT ANTIPATRIS. 23:31, 32.

The soldiers traveled this far and returned the horsemen went on with Paul. 31,32.

3. IN CAESAREA. 23:33-27:1__

a. Paul is brought before Felix the governor. 23:33-35.

b. Paul's trial before Felix the governor. 24:1-22.

c. Paul's two year's imprisonment in Caesarea. 24:23-27

d. Festus visits Jerusalem. 25:1-6a.

e. Paul's trial, defense and appeal to Caesar. 25:6b-12.

f. Paul's defense before King Agrippa. 25:13__26:32

g. Preparations for leaving. 27:1, 2

4. AT SIDON. 27:3

A stop for refreshment.

5. UNDER THE LEE OF CYPRUS. 27:4

6. AT MYRA. 27:5, 6

Changed Ships.

7. AT CNIDUS. 27:7a

Over against this place with difficulty. 7a

8. UNDER THE LEE OF CRETE. 27:7b

9. AT FAIR HEAVENS. 27:8-15.

a. Came into port. 8

b. Because of the weather Paul wants to stay. 9, 10.

c. The centurion listened to the captain who advised to sail on. 11,12.

10. CAUDA. 27:16-17.

Strengthened the Ship. 16,17.

DRIVEN FOR FOURTEEN DAYS BY WIND. 18-27.

11. MELITA. 28:1-10

a. Barbarians show them much kindness. 1,2.

b. Incident, Paul and the snake. 3-6

c. Paul heals Publius' father and many others. 7-9

d. Leave with many honors on a ship from Alexandria. 10

12. AT SYRACUSE. 28:11, 12

Stayed here three days. 11,12.

13. AT RHEGIUM. 28: 13a

A stop on the way. 13a

14. IN PUTEOLI. 28:13b, 14

Found brethren and stayed with them seven days.

THE MARKET OF APPIUS AND THE THREE TAVERNS. 15

15. AT ROME. 28:16-31

a. Paul dwelt alone with a guard. 16

b. Paul speaks with the chief Jews. 17-29

c. Stays two years in his own hired dwelling while preaching the kingdom of God. 30,31.