New Testament Narrative
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Some scholars refer to this book as the acts of the apostles and others call it the acts of the Holy Spirit.
Stories about certain historical characters and events during the early years of Christianity. The book of Acts is the sequel to Luke’s gospel. It tells the story of how the Christian church took root in Jerusalem and spread to other nations. Take it literally.
Acts is the Sequel to the Gospel of Luke
The book of Acts is perfectly placed between the Gospels and the Letters, bridging the gap between the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and Paul’s letters to the churches. Some call this book the Acts of the Apostles because it describes the ministry of the apostles Peter and Paul. Others call it the Acts of the Holy Spirit because it’s filled with miraculous signs and wonders performed by the Holy Spirit. Either way, this short book describes a pivotal time in Bible history.
Luke is the author of Acts. He writes about the early years of the Christian church, beginning with the appearance of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s stirring speech results in thousands of converts and jump-starts this new movement. But it doesn’t take long for persecution to set in when the authorities disapprove of so many Jews professing faith in Jesus— a man they had so recently executed.
Yet even the martyrdom of Stephen doesn’t discourage these new Christians. For although they scatter, they spread the gospel everywhere they go. Christianity starts in Jerusalem with Peter and James at the helm. Then a Jewish Pharisee named Saul has an encounter with the living Christ on the road to Damascus that changes not only his life but the lives of countless others who are touched by his apostolic ministry.
Jesus Ascends into Heaven
Jesus tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they are baptized with the Holy Spirit. They will be His witnesses to the whole world. After Jesus ascends into heaven, an angel tells the disciples that Jesus will return the same way they saw Him go to heaven.
Major Characters and Events
Peter
A Jewish fisherman and one of the Twelve Apostles. Peter served as one of the main leaders of the early Christian church.
Tongues of Fire on Pentecost
The apostles saw tongues of fire and were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Jewish holy day called Pentecost. They spoke in many languages. Peter gave a speech that resulted in 3,000 converts.
The Stoning of Stephen
A deacon in the early church, Stephen was accused of blasphemy and then stoned to death. He was the first Christian martyr. Saul witnessed and approved of Stephen’s execution.
“… and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26
Paul
The Apostle to the Gentiles. Known by his Jewish name, Saul, and later his Roman name, Paul. He had previously approved of Stephen’s death and ruthlessly persecuted Christians.
Paul’s Conversion
On a trip to Damascus, Saul/Paul was confronted by the risen Jesus and called to serve Him. After his dramatic conversion experience Paul became a passionate missionary.
Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas traveled from Antioch in Syria to Cyprus and Galatia, then back to Antioch. The Council of Jerusalem decreed that Gentile Christians did not have to be circumcised.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
Paul and Silas traveled from Antioch in Syria to Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece, then back to Antioch. Timothy joined them in Lystra.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
Paul traveled from Antioch in Syria to Galatia, Macedonia, and Greece, then on to Jerusalem.
New Testament Narrative
New Testament Narrative
ACTS
ACTS
The Apostle Paul
Saul’s name was changed to Paul. The man who had once persecuted Christians became an international evangelist. In all his travels, Paul’s ultimate destination was the city of Rome. It was not only Paul who went to Rome, but the Christian church went there as well.
Acts tells the story of the church’s shift from Jerusalem, which was the center of Judaism, to Rome, which was the center of the world.
Where would you like to go now?
Gospels
Letters