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 14 narrates the continued missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas as they travel through Iconium and Lystra, spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Initially, they enter the synagogue in Iconium, where their powerful preaching results in many Jews and Greeks believing in the gospel. However, opposition arises from the unbelieving Jews, who stir up discontent among the Gentiles against the apostles. Despite this adversity, Paul and Barnabas remain in Iconium for a lengthy period, boldly proclaiming the word of God and performing miraculous signs, which affirm their message. As tensions escalate, they learn of a plot to harm them and decide to flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, which leads the townspeople to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods—Paul as Hermes and Barnabas as Zeus—because of the miraculous event. The local priest attempts to offer sacrifices to them, but the apostles vehemently refuse, emphasizing their humanity and urging the crowd to turn to the true living God. Despite their attempts to redirect the people's focus, the situation takes a tragic turn when Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the crowd against Paul, leading to his stoning. Believing him to be dead, they drag him out of the city, but he miraculously rises again with the help of the disciples and continues his ministry by traveling to Derbe. This chapter highlights the challenges and triumphs of early evangelism amid persecution and misunderstanding while showcasing the power of faith and the resilience of the apostles.

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 14 narrates the continued missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas as they travel through Iconium and Lystra, spreading the message of Jesus Christ. Initially, they enter the synagogue in Iconium, where their powerful preaching results in many Jews and Greeks believing in the gospel. However, opposition arises from the unbelieving Jews, who stir up discontent among the Gentiles against the apostles. Despite this adversity, Paul and Barnabas remain in Iconium for a lengthy period, boldly proclaiming the word of God and performing miraculous signs, which affirm their message. As tensions escalate, they learn of a plot to harm them and decide to flee to Lystra and Derbe. In Lystra, Paul heals a crippled man, which leads the townspeople to mistakenly identify Paul and Barnabas as gods—Paul as Hermes and Barnabas as Zeus—because of the miraculous event. The local priest attempts to offer sacrifices to them, but the apostles vehemently refuse, emphasizing their humanity and urging the crowd to turn to the true living God. Despite their attempts to redirect the people's focus, the situation takes a tragic turn when Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuade the crowd against Paul, leading to his stoning. Believing him to be dead, they drag him out of the city, but he miraculously rises again with the help of the disciples and continues his ministry by traveling to Derbe. This chapter highlights the challenges and triumphs of early evangelism amid persecution and misunderstanding while showcasing the power of faith and the resilience of the apostles.