The Book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles, is the fifth book of the New Testament. Written by Luke, it chronicles the early history of the Christian church after Jesus’ ascension. Acts highlights the spread of the Gospel through the efforts of the apostles, especially Peter and Paul. This summary outlines the key events and teachings found in each of the 28 chapters.
Chapter 1: The Ascension of Jesus
The book begins with Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples before His ascension into heaven. He promises them the Holy Spirit and commissions them to be His witnesses. The apostles choose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot.
Chapter 2: The Coming of the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues. Peter delivers a powerful sermon, leading to the conversion and baptism of about three thousand people. The early church community forms, sharing their possessions and living in fellowship.
Chapter 3: Healing at the Temple
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter preaches to the gathered crowd about Jesus’ resurrection and calls for repentance.
Chapter 4: Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaims Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation. The believers pray for boldness, and they continue to speak the word of God with courage.
Chapter 5: Ananias and Sapphira
Ananias and Sapphira deceive the apostles about the proceeds from the sale of their property and are struck dead. The apostles perform many signs and wonders, leading to increased persecution from the Jewish authorities. The apostles are arrested but miraculously freed by an angel, and they continue to preach in the temple courts.
Chapter 6: The Choosing of the Seven
As the number of disciples increases, a dispute arises between the Hellenistic Jews and the Hebraic Jews over the distribution of food. The apostles appoint seven men, including Stephen and Philip, to oversee this task, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry.
Chapter 7: Stephen’s Speech and Martyrdom
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, delivers a powerful speech before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel’s history and accusing the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit. Enraged, they stone Stephen to death, making him the first Christian martyr.
Chapter 8: The Church Scatters and Philip’s Ministry
Persecution intensifies, scattering the believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and converting many, including Simon the sorcerer. Philip then leads an Ethiopian eunuch to Christ and baptizes him.
Chapter 9: The Conversion of Saul
Saul, a fierce persecutor of the church, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus. Blinded, he is led to the city where Ananias heals him. Saul is baptized, begins to preach about Jesus, and faces persecution himself. Peter heals Aeneas and raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead.
Chapter 10: Peter and Cornelius
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter. Peter also receives a vision, teaching him that God shows no favoritism. Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household, who receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized, marking the inclusion of Gentiles into the church.
Chapter 11: The Church in Antioch
Peter defends his actions with Cornelius to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. The church in Antioch grows as believers scatter due to persecution. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) are sent to teach in Antioch, where disciples are first called Christians.
Chapter 12: Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
King Herod Agrippa persecutes the church, executing James and imprisoning Peter. An angel frees Peter from prison, and he escapes to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. Herod is struck down by an angel and dies.
Chapter 13: Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Barnabas and Saul are commissioned by the Holy Spirit and sent on their first missionary journey. They travel to Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, preaching in synagogues and converting many, despite opposition from some Jews.
Chapter 14: Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe
Paul and Barnabas face both success and persecution as they preach in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Paul heals a crippled man in Lystra, but they are later attacked and Paul is stoned. They continue to strengthen the disciples and appoint elders in each church.
Chapter 15: The Council at Jerusalem
A dispute arises over whether Gentile converts must follow the Mosaic law. The apostles and elders meet in Jerusalem to discuss the issue. Led by Peter and James, they decide that Gentile believers are not required to follow the law, except for a few necessary rules. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with the council’s decision.
Chapter 16: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
Paul and Silas begin their second missionary journey. They meet Timothy in Lystra and invite him to join them. Paul receives a vision calling him to Macedonia. They travel to Philippi, where Lydia is converted and they are imprisoned but later freed by an earthquake.
Chapter 17: Preaching in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens
Paul and Silas preach in Thessalonica, facing opposition from some Jews. In Berea, the Jews are more receptive and examine the Scriptures daily. Paul preaches in Athens, addressing the philosophers at the Areopagus and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus.
Chapter 18: Ministry in Corinth and Return to Antioch
Paul spends a year and a half in Corinth, preaching and establishing the church. He meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers. Paul faces opposition from the Jews but receives encouragement from the Lord. After returning to Antioch, Paul sets out on his third missionary journey.
Chapter 19: Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends three years in Ephesus, performing miracles and teaching daily. Many turn to Christ, leading to a significant impact on the local economy and the silversmiths who make idols. A riot ensues, but Paul eventually leaves for Macedonia.
Chapter 20: Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem
Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, encouraging the disciples. In Troas, Paul raises Eutychus from the dead. He meets with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, warning them about future challenges and encouraging them to shepherd the church.
Chapter 21: Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem and Arrest
Paul arrives in Jerusalem, where he is warmly received by the believers. However, rumors about his teachings lead to his arrest in the temple. A mob forms, and Paul is taken into custody by the Roman authorities.
Chapter 22: Paul’s Defense Before the Jewish Crowd
Paul addresses the Jewish crowd, recounting his conversion and calling to preach to the Gentiles. The crowd becomes violent, and Paul is taken to the Roman barracks, where he reveals his Roman citizenship to avoid flogging.
Chapter 23: Paul Before the Sanhedrin
Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin, where he declares his belief in the resurrection. This statement causes a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees. That night, the Lord encourages Paul, telling him that he must testify in Rome. A plot to kill Paul is uncovered, and he is transferred to Caesarea.
Chapter 24: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
Paul presents his defense before Felix, the governor, denying the accusations against him and explaining his faith in Christ. Felix, hoping for a bribe, leaves Paul in prison for two years.
Chapter 25: Paul’s Trial Before Festus
Festus succeeds Felix as governor and hears Paul’s case. Paul appeals to Caesar, and Festus arranges for him to be sent to Rome. Before his departure, Paul testifies before King Agrippa and Bernice, who acknowledge his innocence.
Chapter 26: Paul’s Defense Before King Agrippa
Paul presents his defense before King Agrippa, recounting his conversion and mission to preach the Gospel. Agrippa is almost persuaded to become a Christian. Festus and Agrippa agree that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Chapter 27: Paul’s Journey to Rome
Paul sets sail for Rome as a prisoner. The journey is perilous, and a severe storm leads to a shipwreck on the island of Malta. Paul reassures the crew and passengers that they will all survive, which comes true as they safely reach shore.
Chapter 28: Paul’s Ministry in Malta and Rome
Paul is warmly received by the people of Malta, where he performs miracles, including healing the island’s chief official’s father. After three months, Paul continues to Rome. Under house arrest, Paul preaches the Gospel boldly and without hindrance to all who visit him.