Book of Acts
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.
The Ascension of Jesus: The King Enthroned and the Mission Begins (Luke 24:50–53)
Luke concludes his Gospel with the ascension of Jesus Christ. As He blesses His disciples, He is taken into heaven. Rather than grieving His departure, they return to Jerusalem with great joy, worshiping the risen King and awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.