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 19 recounts the significant events that took place during the Apostle Paul's time in Ephesus, a major city of the Roman province of Asia. Paul's journey begins with encounters with a group of disciples who had received John's baptism but had not yet heard of the Holy Spirit. After clarifying their understanding of baptism and faith in Jesus, Paul baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues and prophesying. This moment marks the beginning of a powerful movement in Ephesus, where Paul spends three months in the synagogue, boldly preaching about the kingdom of God. However, resistance arises from some who reject his message, prompting Paul to relocate his teaching to the hall of Tyrannus, where he continues his ministry for two years. As a result, the gospel spreads throughout Asia, reaching both Jews and Greeks. The chapter also highlights extraordinary miracles performed by Paul, including the use of handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him, which brought healing to the sick and deliverance for those possessed by evil spirits. This leads to a dramatic encounter with the seven sons of Sceva, who attempt to invoke the name of Jesus to exorcise a demon but are overpowered, illustrating the authority of Jesus and the dangers of using His name without true faith. The fear of the Lord spreads throughout Ephesus, leading many believers to confess their prior practices of magic and sorcery, culminating in a public burning of their books, valued at a significant sum. This act of repentance signifies a powerful transformation within the community and demonstrates the growing influence of the Christian faith. Ultimately, the chapter concludes with the affirmation that the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily in Ephesus, marking a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion.