Prayer and the Ministry of the Word: The Choosing of the Seven (Acts 6:1–7)
As the church grows, Greek-speaking widows are overlooked and a complaint arises. The apostles gather the congregation, protect their calling to prayer and the Word, and have the believers choose seven Spirit-filled men to oversee the care. The result: the word of God keeps spreading.
We Must Obey God Rather Than Men: The Apostles on Trial (Acts 5:12–42)
Jealous rulers jail the apostles, an angel frees them, and the council puts them on trial. Peter answers, “We must obey God rather than men.” Gamaliel urges caution, the apostles are flogged, and they leave rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.
Ananias and Sapphira: The Danger of Pretending (Acts 5:1–11)
Ananias and Sapphira sell property, keep part of the price, and present the rest as the whole. Peter exposes the lie, and both die. Their sin was not keeping money but pretending. Acts 5:1–11 warns the church about hypocrisy and restores a healthy fear of the Lord.
One Heart and Soul: Generosity and the Example of Barnabas (Acts 4:32–37)
After praying for boldness, the believers live with one heart and soul. No one claims his possessions as his own, the apostles testify to the Resurrection with great power, and no one remains in need. Luke then introduces Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, who sells a field and gives it all.
A Prayer for Boldness: How the Church Responds to Threats (Acts 4:23–31)
Threatened by the council, the believers gather and pray. They do not ask God to remove the danger. Instead, they remember who He is, pray Psalm 2, and ask for boldness to keep speaking. The room shakes, the Spirit fills them, and they speak the word of God with courage.
No Other Name: Peter and John Before the Council (Acts 4:1–22)
The authorities arrest Peter and John and demand to know by what name they healed the lame man. Filled with the Spirit, Peter answers that Jesus is the rejected stone and that there is no other name by which we must be saved. Ordered to be silent, the apostles refuse.
Repent and Return: Peter’s Sermon at Solomon’s Portico (Acts 3:11–26)
A crowd stares at Peter and John after the healing of the lame man. Peter refuses the credit, proclaims Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One whom they disowned, and then offers mercy: repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away and times of refreshing may come.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, Walk: The Healing of the Lame Man (Acts 3:1–10)
On their way to pray, Peter and John meet a man who has never walked. He asks for money. Peter has none, but he gives what he has: “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” The man enters the temple walking, leaping, and praising God.
The Day of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Comes With Power (Acts 2:1–13)
On the Day of Pentecost, a sound like a rushing wind fills the house, tongues like fire rest on each believer, and the Holy Spirit fills them all. Visitors from every nation hear the mighty deeds of God in their own languages. Some ask what it means. Others mock.
Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost: God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:14–41)
Three thousand new believers needed more than a moment of decision. Acts 2:42–47 shows what the early church did next: it devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. The result was awe, generosity, gladness, and daily growth.
The Choosing of Matthias: Waiting, Praying, and Replacing Judas (Acts 1:12–26)
Between the Ascension and Pentecost, the believers wait, pray with one mind, face the failure of Judas, and choose Matthias as the twelfth apostle. Did they act in step with God or move too soon? Acts 1:12–26 shows how Jesus prepares His church before He empowers it.
You Shall Be My Witnesses: The Promise of the Spirit and the Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:1–11)
Before He ascends, the risen Jesus gives His disciples forty days of proof, a command to wait, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and a mission that reaches to the ends of the earth: “You shall be My witnesses.” Then two messengers promise that this same Jesus will return.
Introduction to the Book of Acts: What Jesus Continued to Do and Teach
Luke’s Gospel recorded all that Jesus began to do and teach. Acts records what He continued to do, reigning from heaven and working through His people by His Spirit. This introduction covers the author, date, structure, and themes of Acts, and the wisdom of Jesus in forming His church.
That You May Believe: A Recap of the Gospel of John (John 1–21)
rom “In the beginning was the Word” to “Follow Me,” John wrote with one purpose: that we would believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life in His name. This summary walks back through the seven signs, the “I am” statements, the Cross, and the empty tomb.
What Is That to You? Follow Me: Jesus’ Final Words to Peter and John (John 21:20–25)
Peter has just been restored when he turns, sees John, and asks, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus answers, “What is that to you? You follow Me!” The Gospel of John closes with a personal call, a corrected rumor, and a Savior too great for any book to contain.