The Survey of Acts of Apostles

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES in the New Testament Survey notes.

Author: Kenneth Malenge 

Section Chapters Main Focus Key Events Key Characters Key Doctrinal Themes
I. The Church in Jerusalem 1–7 Birth of the Church Ascension of Christ, Pentecost, Healing of the lame man, Apostolic preaching, Appointment of deacons, Stephen’s martyrdom Peter, John, Stephen, Apostles Promise of the Holy Spirit, Nature of the Church, Boldness in witness, Opposition and persecution
II. The Church in Judea & Samaria 8–12 Expansion beyond Jerusalem Philip in Samaria, Ethiopian eunuch, Saul’s conversion, Peter and Cornelius, Herod’s persecution Philip, Saul (Paul), Peter, Cornelius, Barnabas, Herod Agrippa I Salvation to the Gentiles, Unity of Jews and Gentiles, Power of prayer, God’s sovereignty over rulers
III. Paul’s First Missionary Journey 13–14 Missionary Expansion Sent from Antioch, Preaching in Cyprus and Galatia, Conversions and persecution Paul, Barnabas, John Mark The gospel for the Gentiles, Justification by faith, Endurance in persecution
IV. The Jerusalem Council 15 Settling Doctrinal Dispute Debate on circumcision, Decision that Gentiles are saved by grace without law Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James Salvation by grace through faith, Unity of the Church
V. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey 16–18:22 Wider Evangelism Timothy joins, Macedonian vision, Philippian jailer saved, Athens sermon, Ministry at Corinth Paul, Silas, Timothy, Lydia, Philippian jailer, Aquila & Priscilla Power of the gospel, The work of the Spirit, The role of women and families in missions
VI. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey 18:23–21:26 Strengthening Churches Ministry at Ephesus, Riot of silversmiths, Farewell to Ephesian elders Paul, Apollos, Ephesian elders The Word’s power over idolatry, Eldership and pastoral care
VII. Paul’s Arrest and Trials 21:27–26 Defense of the Faith Arrest in Jerusalem, Speeches before Sanhedrin, Felix, Festus, Agrippa Paul, Felix, Festus, Agrippa II The believer’s testimony, Hope of resurrection, God’s providence
VIII. Paul’s Journey to Rome 27–28 Gospel Reaches Rome Shipwreck at Malta, Arrival in Rome, Paul preaches under house arrest Paul, Julius (centurion), Roman officials Gospel unhindered, God’s sovereignty in mission, The kingdom of God proclaimed to all nations

Key Verse: Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” (KJV).

PART II – ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Background

  • Author: Luke (same as the Gospel of Luke).
  • Date: Around A.D. 62–64 (before Paul’s death).
  • Audience: Addressed to Theophilus and the wider church.
  • Theme: The continuation of Christ’s work by the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
  • Key Verse: Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

Purpose of the Book

  1. To show the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.
  2. To demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit in establishing the church.
  3. To provide a historical bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles.
  4. To record the acts of the apostles (especially Peter and Paul) as witnesses of Christ.

Outline of Acts

  1. The Church in Jerusalem (Acts 1–7)
    • Ascension of Christ and Pentecost (ch. 1–2)
    • Growth of the Jerusalem church
    • Ministry of Peter and apostles
    • Stephen’s martyrdom
  2. The Church in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12)
    • Philip in Samaria
    • Conversion of Saul (Paul)
    • Gospel spreads to Gentiles (Cornelius’ conversion, ch. 10)
    • Peter’s leadership and James’ martyrdom
  3. The Church to the Ends of the Earth (Acts 13–28)
    • Paul’s missionary journeys (ch. 13–21)
    • Paul’s arrest, trials, and voyage to Rome (ch. 21–28)

Theological Emphases

  • Holy Spirit: Central role in empowering, guiding, and filling believers.
  • The Church: Foundation of the body of Christ, built on apostles’ teaching.
  • The Gospel for All Nations: From Jews to Gentiles, breaking barriers of race and culture.
  • Persecution and Suffering: Believers face opposition but the gospel advances.
  • Mission and Evangelism: Every believer is called to witness.

Unique Features of Acts

  • Only historical record of the early church.
  • Shows transition from Jewish-centered faith to universal gospel.
  • Gives background to Paul’s epistles.
  • Highlights growth despite persecution.

Relevance Today

  • Encourages bold evangelism and church planting.
  • Reminds us of dependence on the Holy Spirit.
  • Calls the church to unity in diversity.
  • Inspires courage under persecution.

📖 Summary:
The book of Acts is the Spirit-empowered continuation of Christ’s work, recording how the gospel moved from Jerusalem → Judea → Samaria → the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8), establishing the foundation for the worldwide church.

Kenneth Malenge 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

English and Swahili Teachings on Christ

  Summary: The Person and Work of God the Son (Jesus Christ) Jesus Christ, God the Son, is fully God and fully man— the God-Man . Hebrews 1:8 and John 1:1-14 affirm His eternal deity and incarnation. As man, He was born of a woman, experienced human growth, temptation, and death—yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). As God, He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of a virgin, and bears titles and attributes that belong only to Deity (Col. 2:9). His Divine Sonship is affirmed by the Father, angels, prophets, apostles, devils, and Christ Himself. His deity is irrefutable to any who accept the authority of Scripture. His Sevenfold Mission : The Son of God and Son of Man – sent to save the world (John 3:17; Luke 19:10), and to share His inheritance with the redeemed (Rom. 8:17). Saviour and Redeemer – to save His people from their sins and redeem them by His blood (Matt. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). Our Example – in holiness, prayer, love, humility, obedience, and overcoming temptation ...
Read more

Apostle’s Creed: I believe.

Image
I believe in God, the Father almighty,  creator of heaven and earth. 1. The Doctrine of Faith (“I believe”) This opening phrase is more than a declaration; it’s a confession of trust and a personal commitment. The word believe  goes beyond intellectual agreement; it involves faith that transforms the heart and life (Romans 10:9-10). This faith rests not on feelings or human wisdom but on the revelation of God’s Word. In saying “I believe,” the believer aligns himself with the truth of God, submitting to His authority and staking his life on His promises (Hebrews 11:1). It involves both trust and obedience (James 2:17). This emphasizes  personal faith:  Not merely intellectual agreement, but a deep trust and conviction.  2. The Doctrine of God (“in God”) The creed immediately centers belief on God; not just any god, but the one true and living God revealed in Scripture. This declaration echoes the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteron...
Read more

The Fifth Commandment: Honoring Authority and Reflecting God’s Order

Image
The Fifth Commandment: Honoring Authority and Reflecting God’s Order "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long..." — Exodus 20:12 (KJV) The Meaning and Scope of the Fifth Commandment The fifth commandment calls us to honor our parents, but its meaning extends beyond biological relationships. It establishes a broader principle of respect for all God-ordained authority in the home, church, and society. This commandment is unique because it comes with a promise: long life and blessing. It reflects God’s design for order, where submission to rightful authority brings peace and stability. While “parent” primarily refers to biological and adoptive parents, it also includes other authority figures God has placed over us: spiritual leaders (1 Corinthians 4:15), civil authorities (Romans 13:1–2), employers (Ephesians 6:5–7), and older, wiser individuals who provide guidance (Leviticus 19:32). These figures reflect God’s structure of authority in different are...
Read more