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 12 recounts a dramatic episode in the early church, highlighting the tension between the growing Christian movement and the political authorities of the time. The chapter begins with King Herod Agrippa I's violent persecution of the church, resulting in the execution of James, the brother of John. Herod's actions pleased the Jewish leaders, prompting him to arrest Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread, intending to publicly execute him after the Passover. This chapter emphasizes the power of prayer, as the church fervently prays for Peter’s safety. In a miraculous turn of events, an angel of the Lord visits Peter in prison, where he is heavily guarded. The angel instructs him to wake up, dress, and follow him. Despite being chained and surrounded by guards, Peter experiences a divine intervention that leads him out of the prison and through the gates to freedom, unaware initially if he is dreaming or experiencing reality. Once outside, Peter realizes he has been rescued and heads to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers are gathered in prayer. When Peter knocks at the door, he is met with disbelief by the prayer group, particularly by Rhoda, the servant girl, who recognizes his voice but fails to open the gate in her excitement. Eventually, they let him in, and he shares the miraculous account of his escape, urging them to inform James and the other brothers of his deliverance. The chapter concludes with Herod’s anger towards the soldiers for losing Peter and a shift of focus to Herod’s political struggles with Tyre and Sidon, illustrating the broader implications of power and authority in the region. This narrative not only showcases God's providential care for His people but also sets the stage for the continued spread of the Gospel amidst opposition.

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 12 recounts a dramatic episode in the early church, highlighting the tension between the growing Christian movement and the political authorities of the time. The chapter begins with King Herod Agrippa I's violent persecution of the church, resulting in the execution of James, the brother of John. Herod's actions pleased the Jewish leaders, prompting him to arrest Peter during the days of Unleavened Bread, intending to publicly execute him after the Passover. This chapter emphasizes the power of prayer, as the church fervently prays for Peter’s safety. In a miraculous turn of events, an angel of the Lord visits Peter in prison, where he is heavily guarded. The angel instructs him to wake up, dress, and follow him. Despite being chained and surrounded by guards, Peter experiences a divine intervention that leads him out of the prison and through the gates to freedom, unaware initially if he is dreaming or experiencing reality. Once outside, Peter realizes he has been rescued and heads to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers are gathered in prayer. When Peter knocks at the door, he is met with disbelief by the prayer group, particularly by Rhoda, the servant girl, who recognizes his voice but fails to open the gate in her excitement. Eventually, they let him in, and he shares the miraculous account of his escape, urging them to inform James and the other brothers of his deliverance. The chapter concludes with Herod’s anger towards the soldiers for losing Peter and a shift of focus to Herod’s political struggles with Tyre and Sidon, illustrating the broader implications of power and authority in the region. This narrative not only showcases God's providential care for His people but also sets the stage for the continued spread of the Gospel amidst opposition.