Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts Chapter 11 is a pivotal moment in the early church's history, illustrating the expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. After hearing reports that Gentiles had received the word of God, Peter returns to Jerusalem, where he faces criticism from the circumcision party for associating with uncircumcised men. In response, Peter recounts his vision while praying in Joppa. He describes a divine revelation in which a sheet filled with unclean animals descended from heaven, accompanied by a voice instructing him to eat. Despite his initial reluctance, Peter learns that God has made these animals clean, symbolizing a broader acceptance of Gentiles into the faith. This vision is confirmed by the arrival of three men sent from Cornelius, a Gentile, who had received a message from an angel to summon Peter. Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, visits Cornelius's house, where he witnesses the Holy Spirit fall on the Gentiles as it had on the Jews at Pentecost. This leads Peter to recognize that God does not show favoritism and that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all. Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter explains his experience, and the church rejoices, acknowledging that repentance leading to life has been granted to the Gentiles. The chapter also notes the persecution that scattered believers to various regions, including Antioch, where some began preaching to Hellenists, further emphasizing the unifying power of the gospel across cultural barriers.

Purpose

To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author

Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.

Historical Context

Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.

Significance

The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.

Key Themes

Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty

Interesting Facts

• Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
• The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
• Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)

Prophecies

• Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)

Acts Chapter 11 is a pivotal moment in the early church's history, illustrating the expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. After hearing reports that Gentiles had received the word of God, Peter returns to Jerusalem, where he faces criticism from the circumcision party for associating with uncircumcised men. In response, Peter recounts his vision while praying in Joppa. He describes a divine revelation in which a sheet filled with unclean animals descended from heaven, accompanied by a voice instructing him to eat. Despite his initial reluctance, Peter learns that God has made these animals clean, symbolizing a broader acceptance of Gentiles into the faith. This vision is confirmed by the arrival of three men sent from Cornelius, a Gentile, who had received a message from an angel to summon Peter. Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, visits Cornelius's house, where he witnesses the Holy Spirit fall on the Gentiles as it had on the Jews at Pentecost. This leads Peter to recognize that God does not show favoritism and that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all. Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter explains his experience, and the church rejoices, acknowledging that repentance leading to life has been granted to the Gentiles. The chapter also notes the persecution that scattered believers to various regions, including Antioch, where some began preaching to Hellenists, further emphasizing the unifying power of the gospel across cultural barriers.