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 15 is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it addresses a significant theological dispute regarding the requirements for Gentile believers. The chapter opens with some men from Judea teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved, sparking a fierce debate with Paul and Barnabas. The church in Antioch decides to send Paul and Barnabas, along with others, to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about this issue. The journey is marked by a spirit of joy as they recount the conversions of Gentiles, illustrating the active work of God among non-Jews. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the assembly of apostles and elders gathers to discuss the matter. Here, the party of the Pharisees insists on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Law. After much debate, Peter stands up to remind the group that God had already shown His acceptance of Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus, not through the Law. This pivotal declaration shifts the conversation as the assembly listens intently. James, an influential leader in the Jerusalem church, supports Peter's argument by citing prophetic scriptures that affirm God's intention to include Gentiles. He proposes a letter to the Gentile believers, suggesting they abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood or strangled animals, but not burdening them with the full weight of the Law. The chapter concludes with the church sending this letter to the Gentile believers, affirming their inclusion in the faith and the grace of Jesus Christ.

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 15 is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it addresses a significant theological dispute regarding the requirements for Gentile believers. The chapter opens with some men from Judea teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised and follow the Law of Moses to be saved, sparking a fierce debate with Paul and Barnabas. The church in Antioch decides to send Paul and Barnabas, along with others, to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about this issue. The journey is marked by a spirit of joy as they recount the conversions of Gentiles, illustrating the active work of God among non-Jews. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the assembly of apostles and elders gathers to discuss the matter. Here, the party of the Pharisees insists on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Law. After much debate, Peter stands up to remind the group that God had already shown His acceptance of Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus, not through the Law. This pivotal declaration shifts the conversation as the assembly listens intently. James, an influential leader in the Jerusalem church, supports Peter's argument by citing prophetic scriptures that affirm God's intention to include Gentiles. He proposes a letter to the Gentile believers, suggesting they abstain from certain practices associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood or strangled animals, but not burdening them with the full weight of the Law. The chapter concludes with the church sending this letter to the Gentile believers, affirming their inclusion in the faith and the grace of Jesus Christ.