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 13 marks a significant turning point in the early church, as it is the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey. The setting is the church in Antioch, which had become a vibrant center for Christian activity. The chapter opens by introducing key leaders in the church, including Barnabas, Saul (who later becomes known as Paul), and others who are engaged in worship and fasting. It is during this time that the Holy Spirit speaks, instructing the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. This directive highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the church's mission and leadership decisions. Following prayer and fasting, the church lays hands on Barnabas and Saul, sending them off on their journey. They first travel to Seleucia and then sail to Cyprus, where they proclaim the word of God in various synagogues. The narrative introduces a significant encounter with a magician named Bar-Jesus, who opposes their message. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Bar-Jesus and declares judgment upon him, resulting in the magician becoming blind. This miraculous event serves as a powerful testament to the authority of the gospel, leading the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, to believe in the teaching of the Lord. The chapter continues with Paul and his companions making their way to Perga and then Antioch in Pisidia, where they are given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue. Paul seizes this moment to deliver a powerful sermon that recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. The chapter sets the stage for Paul’s theological teachings and his role as a primary proponent of the gospel to the Gentiles. The establishment of the church in Antioch and the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work signal a broader expansion of the Christian faith beyond its Jewish roots and into the Gentile world.

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 13 marks a significant turning point in the early church, as it is the beginning of Paul’s first missionary journey. The setting is the church in Antioch, which had become a vibrant center for Christian activity. The chapter opens by introducing key leaders in the church, including Barnabas, Saul (who later becomes known as Paul), and others who are engaged in worship and fasting. It is during this time that the Holy Spirit speaks, instructing the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. This directive highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the church's mission and leadership decisions. Following prayer and fasting, the church lays hands on Barnabas and Saul, sending them off on their journey. They first travel to Seleucia and then sail to Cyprus, where they proclaim the word of God in various synagogues. The narrative introduces a significant encounter with a magician named Bar-Jesus, who opposes their message. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Bar-Jesus and declares judgment upon him, resulting in the magician becoming blind. This miraculous event serves as a powerful testament to the authority of the gospel, leading the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, to believe in the teaching of the Lord. The chapter continues with Paul and his companions making their way to Perga and then Antioch in Pisidia, where they are given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue. Paul seizes this moment to deliver a powerful sermon that recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ. The chapter sets the stage for Paul’s theological teachings and his role as a primary proponent of the gospel to the Gentiles. The establishment of the church in Antioch and the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for missionary work signal a broader expansion of the Christian faith beyond its Jewish roots and into the Gentile world.