Acts: Summary
The book of Acts is the second book of a two-volume set written by a man named Luke. Luke was a Greek, probably from Antioch, and was a physician (Col. 4:14) The church historian, Eusebius, wrote that Luke was “by race Antiochian and a physician by profession” (Ecclesiastical History 3.4.6.). At some point in the middle of the 1st century, Luke became a Christian and was a member of Paul’s missionary team (Col. 4:14, 2 Tim. 4:11, Philemon 24). He wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts for a Greek named Theophilus, who possibly commissioned Luke to write these two volumes. Both books were completed by the early 60’s A.D.
The book of Acts explains how the church was born in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2), how it spread throughout Judea and Samaria due to persecution, and how it spread to the end of the earth—Asia and Europe—through Paul’s three missionary journeys.
Throughout the book of Acts Christianity was expressed as the completion of the Jewish faith. The promised Messiah had come. When Paul shared the Gospel, he always started in the local synagogues. And the Jewish believers continued to follow the traditions of Judaism. Then Gentiles became Christians and there was much tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. Finally, in Acts 15 the early church leaders met in Jerusalem to confirm that Jesus came to save Jews and Gentiles and Gentiles did not have to participate in Jewish rituals to be saved. Jesus provided a relationship by grace through faith—not by the works of the OT Law.
Acts 28: Context
By the time we get to Acts 28, Paul had completed three missionary journeys’, was arrested, used his Roman citizenship to appeal to Caesar, and was on his way to Rome when the ship encountered a terrible storm. The boat was destroyed but all 276 people safely made it to shore just as God had promised (Acts 27:21-26).
Two lessons from Acts 28
A Christian leader is, at heart, a servant.
God often turns hard times into Gospel opportunities.
Most biblical scholars believe that Paul was released from imprisonment in Rome after two years and resumed his ministry. He may have traveled to Spain. We know he traveled with Titus and left him in Crete and with Timothy and left him in Ephesus. He wrote letters to both young pastors.
In 64 A.D. a great fire broke out in Rome. The emperor Nero blamed it on the Christians and significant persecution began. Paul was arrested again around 67 A.D. This time he was chained in prison and treated like a criminal (2 Tim. 1.16, 2.9). As he sat in prison, he knew his time was near. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-18.
Paul was beheaded in Rome around 67 A.D. The Lord stood by his side and brought him safely into the heavenly kingdom. Jesus fills our hearts with himself and gives us the courage and one day usher us home.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOORE
Get Ron’s Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.
LIVING GROUNDED
Learn more about how you can grow deeper and embrace the foundational truths of the Christian faith with Living Grounded. Whether you’re just starting out in faith or you’ve been a Christian for years, Living Grounded offers truth, wisdom, and encouragement for every stage. Contact gdevore@biblechapel.org to get connected.
CAREGIVING
Do you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.
CAMPUS FACEBOOK GROUPS
You’re invited to connect with The Bible Chapel family in your campus Facebook Group. Look for Facebook Groups at facebook.com/biblechapel and click on Groups on the left side.
FIND AN ENCOURAGER TODAY! JOIN A SMALL GROUP
Community Groups are our easiest on-ramp to community at The Bible Chapel; these groups use sermon-based questions to dive deeper into weekly messages. Visit biblechapel.org/smallgroups to learn more and sign up!
view more