The Book of Acts
Acts 1
Introduction:
When: 63 – 69 ad, before Rome was set on fire
by Nero in 64 ad and before the destruction
of Jerusalem in 70 ad. The writer does not
mention either of these major events in the
Book of Acts. Also written before Rome
decided what to do with Paul – before Paul
was beheaded in 67 ad.
Who wrote Acts: Luke, a doctor (Col 4:14), a
Greek, and fellow traveler with Paul as seen
in the “we” verses: Acts 16:10 – 17 and Acts
27:1 – 28: 16.
Who did Luke write Acts for:
Both the book of Luke and Acts
were written to Theophilus.
“Theophilus” means: “loved of
God”, “a friend of God”, or
“one who loves God”.
Theophilus is called “most
excellent Theophilus” – means
he was a governor in the
Roman political system.
The book of Acts is a bridge between the
Gospel message to the growth of the Church
Acts 1 – 12 focuses on Peter
Acts 13 – 28 focuses on Paul
Most important verse:
Acts 1:8
“But you shall receive power when
the Holy Spirit comes on you; and
you will be My witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all of Judea, and
Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.”
Acts 1
V1: “in my former book…” = the gospel of Luke
Vv2 & 3: Purpose explained: to record all that Jesus did and
taught until He was taken up.
V3: Gave much proof that He rose from the dead during
the 40 days from His resurrection to His ascension
V4 & 5: He ate with them and commanded they stay in
Jerusalem - …”wait for the gift My Father
promised, which you have heard Me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you
will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Vv. 6 & 7 The Disciples still did not understand, “Are
you going to restore Israel now?”… Jesus said, “It is
not for you to know…”
Acts 1: 8
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all of Judea, and Samaria, and
to the ends of the earth.”
V9. Jesus was taken
up before their very
eyes…
Vv 10-11, The angels said, “why do you stand here
looking into the sky? This same Jesus, Who has been
take from you into heaven, will come back in the
same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
A promise given:
The purpose for the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for
believers to be:
Witnesses in Jerusalem
in all of Judea
in Samaria
Into all the earth
What is your Jerusalem? Your family!
What is your Judea? Your workplace or Deaf Community
What is your Samaria? Other relationships
What is your “ends of the world”? Missions Trips
The purpose for being born again and filled with the
Holy Spirit is to tell others about Jesus!
When was the last time you shared with a
non-Christian about what Jesus has done in
your life?
Acts 1 is about believers in Jesus telling
others – He lives in your life – Go and Tell!