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Peter and the Beginnings of the Church in the Holy Land (chs. 1–12)

“Throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria” (1:1—9:31; see 9:31 and note)

Introduction (1:1–2)

• Luke’s Purpose: Luke introduces the continuation of his Gospel, highlighting the acts of Jesus’ apostles through the Holy Spirit.

Christ’s Resurrection Ministry (1:3–11)

• Post-Resurrection Appearances: Jesus appears to the disciples over 40 days, teaching them about the kingdom of God and commissioning them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

The Period of Waiting for the Holy Spirit (1:12–26)

• Preparation for the Spirit: The disciples return to Jerusalem and pray together, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. The apostles also select Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot.

The Filling with the Spirit (ch. 2)

• Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, enabling them to speak in different tongues. Peter preaches to the crowd, and about 3,000 are baptized, marking the birth of the early Church.

The Healing of the Lame Man and the Resultant Arrest of Peter and John (3:1—4:31)

• Healing at the Temple: Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate, leading to their arrest. They boldly testify before the Sanhedrin, proclaiming Jesus as the source of the man’s healing. They are released with a warning.

The Community of Goods (4:32—5:11)

• Sharing and Unity: The early church is described as being of one heart and mind, sharing everything they have. Ananias and Sapphira lie about their donation, resulting in their sudden deaths as a judgment from God.

The Arrest of the 12 Apostles (5:12–42)

• Miracles and Persecution: The apostles perform many miracles, and their growing influence leads to their arrest. They are miraculously freed from prison, continue preaching, and are eventually flogged but rejoice in suffering for Christ.

The Choice of the Seven (6:1–7)

• Delegation of Responsibility: To handle the growing demands of the church, seven deacons are chosen, including Stephen, to oversee the daily distribution to widows. This allows the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the Word.

Stephen’s Arrest and Martyrdom (6:8—7:60)

• False Accusations and Defense: Stephen is arrested on charges of blasphemy. In his defense, he recounts Israel’s history, pointing out their rejection of God’s messengers. He is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.

The Scattering of the Jerusalem Believers (8:1–4)

• Persecution and Spread of the Gospel: Following Stephen’s death, a great persecution arises, causing many believers to flee Jerusalem, thereby spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria.

Philip’s Ministry (8:5–40)

• In Samaria (8:5–25): Philip preaches in Samaria, performs miracles, and converts many, including Simon the sorcerer.
• To the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26–40): Philip is led by the Spirit to meet and baptize an Ethiopian eunuch, illustrating the expanding reach of the gospel.

Saul’s Conversion (9:1–31)

• Saul’s Encounter with Christ: Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, is blinded and converted on the road to Damascus. Ananias restores his sight, and Saul is baptized, beginning his transformation from persecutor to preacher.

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“As Far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch” (9:32—12:25; see 11:19 and note)

Peter’s Ministry on the Mediterranean Coast (9:32—11:18)

• To Aeneas and Dorcas (9:32–43): Peter heals Aeneas, a paralyzed man, and raises Dorcas from the dead in Joppa, leading many to believe in the Lord.
• To Cornelius (10:1—11:18): Peter receives a vision and is sent to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. After sharing the gospel, Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit, confirming that the gospel is for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

The New Gentile Church in Antioch (11:19–30)

• The Growth of the Church in Antioch: News of the gospel’s spread to Gentiles in Antioch reaches Jerusalem, and Barnabas is sent to encourage them. The church grows, and Antioch becomes the center for Gentile Christianity.

Herod’s Persecution of the Church and His Subsequent Death (ch. 12)

• James’ Martyrdom: King Herod persecutes the church, executing James the brother of John. He also imprisons Peter, but Peter is miraculously freed by an angel.
• Herod’s Death: Herod is struck down by an angel for accepting praise meant for God and dies, bringing an end to his persecution of the church.

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Paul and the Expansion of the Church from Antioch to Rome (chs. 13–28)

“Throughout the Region of Phrygia and Galatia” (13:1—15:35; see 16:6 and note)

Paul’s First Missionary Journey (chs. 13–14)

• Sent by the Holy Spirit: Paul and Barnabas are set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent on their first missionary journey. They preach in Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, facing both success and opposition, and establishing churches.

The Jerusalem Conference (15:1–35)

• The Issue of Circumcision: The Jerusalem council convenes to settle the issue of whether Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. The council, led by Peter and James, affirms that salvation is through grace by faith, not by the law.

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“Over to Macedonia” (15:36—21:16; see 16:9 and note)

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (15:36—18:22)

• Expansion into Macedonia and Greece: Paul travels with Silas through Asia Minor, having the vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help. They preach in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth, establishing churches and facing persecution.

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (18:23—21:16)

• Strengthening the Churches: Paul revisits many of the churches he established, particularly in Asia Minor and Greece, encouraging them in the faith and confronting false teaching.

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“To Rome” (21:17—28:31; see 28:14 and note)

Paul’s Imprisonment in Jerusalem (21:17—23:35)

• Arrest: Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after being falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple. He defends himself before the Jewish leaders and is transferred to the Roman governor for protection.

Paul’s Imprisonment in Caesarea (chs. 24–26)

• Trial Before Felix: Paul stands trial before the Roman governor Felix, who postpones judgment.
• Trial Before Festus and Agrippa: After Felix is replaced, Paul is tried before Festus and King Agrippa, where he makes his defense and affirms his appeal to Caesar.

Voyage to Rome (27:1—28:15)

• Shipwreck and Survival: Paul is transported to Rome under guard, but their ship is wrecked on the island of Malta. After surviving the storm, Paul ministers to the people there.

Two Years Under House Arrest in Rome (28:16–31)

• Ministry in Rome: Paul is placed under house arrest in Rome, where he continues to preach the gospel, meet with Jewish leaders, and live as a witness for Christ, awaiting trial before Caesar.