The Book of Acts with Gary & Chris
April 15, 2020 • Gary Olsen, Chris Reighley • Acts
In this opening session, Gary and Chris introduce the Book of Acts as the Spirit-empowered continuation of Jesus’ work through His apostles. They explore Luke’s purpose, themes, and structure—laying the foundation for a chapter-by-chapter journey through the birth and mission of the Church.
Outline of The Book of Acts
Acts 1: Commission and Ascension
- Key Events: Jesus commissions the apostles to be His witnesses; ascension into heaven; Matthias chosen to replace Judas.
- Themes: Preparation for the Church Age; apostolic authority; anticipation of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2: Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
- Key Events: Holy Spirit descends; Peter’s sermon; 3,000 souls added.
- Themes: Inauguration of the Church; fulfillment of prophecy; communal life of believers.
Acts 3: Healing and Proclamation
- Key Events: Peter heals a lame man; preaches Christ as the fulfillment of prophecy.
- Themes: Apostolic miracles; call to repentance; messianic fulfillment.
Acts 4: Persecution and Boldness
- Key Events: Peter and John arrested; believers pray for boldness.
- Themes: Opposition to the gospel; unity in prayer; empowerment by the Spirit.
Acts 5: Purity and Power
- Key Events: Ananias and Sapphira judged; apostles perform signs; arrested and freed.
- Themes: Holiness in the Church; divine authority; perseverance under persecution.
Acts 6: Servant Leadership
- Key Events: Seven chosen to serve; Stephen’s ministry begins.
- Themes: Delegation in ministry; addressing internal needs; rise of new leaders.
Acts 7: Stephen’s Defense and Martyrdom
- Key Events: Stephen recounts Israel’s history; stoned to death.
- Themes: Faithfulness unto death; rejection of God’s messengers; introduction of Saul.
Acts 8: Gospel Spreads Beyond Jerusalem
- Key Events: Persecution scatters believers; Philip evangelizes Samaria and the Ethiopian eunuch.
- Themes: Expansion of the gospel; cross-cultural evangelism; guidance by the Spirit.
Acts 9: Conversion of Saul
- Key Events: Saul encounters Christ; begins preaching; escapes persecution.
- Themes: Transformative power of grace; God’s sovereignty in calling leaders.
Acts 10: Gentiles Receive the Gospel
- Key Events: Cornelius’ vision; Peter’s vision; Holy Spirit falls on Gentiles.
- Themes: Inclusion of Gentiles; breaking of cultural barriers; affirmation of God’s impartiality.
Acts 11: Affirmation of Gentile Inclusion
- Key Events: Peter defends Gentile conversions; Antioch church grows.
- Themes: Unity in diversity; discipleship; the term “Christian” emerges.
Acts 12: Persecution and Deliverance
- Key Events: James martyred; Peter imprisoned and miraculously freed; Herod’s death.
- Themes: God’s deliverance; judgment on pride; unstoppable gospel advance.
Acts 13: First Missionary Journey Begins
- Key Events: Paul and Barnabas sent out; preach in Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch.
- Themes: Missionary calling; opposition and perseverance; justification by faith.
Acts 14: Ministry and Challenges
- Key Events: Healing in Lystra; Paul stoned; return to Antioch.
- Themes: Suffering in ministry; strengthening new believers; appointing elders.
Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council
- Key Events: Debate over circumcision; decision affirms salvation by grace.
- Themes: Doctrinal clarity; unity in essentials; guidance by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 16: Second Missionary Journey
- Key Events: Timothy joins; Macedonian call; conversion of Lydia; jailer saved.
- Themes: Divine direction; hospitality; joy amidst suffering.
Acts 17: Proclaiming Christ in Diverse Contexts
- Key Events: Preaching in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens; sermon at Mars Hill.
- Themes: Engaging culture; reasoned apologetics; call to repentance.
Acts 18: Ministry in Corinth
- Key Events: Paul works with Aquila and Priscilla; opposition and encouragement.
- Themes: Tentmaking ministry; God’s provision; long-term discipleship.
Acts 19: Revival and Riot in Ephesus
- Key Events: Disciples receive the Spirit; miracles; uproar over idolatry.
- Themes: Power of the gospel; confrontation with false religion; transformation of society.
Acts 20: Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
- Key Events: Paul’s journey; addresses elders; warns of future challenges.
- Themes: Shepherding the flock; vigilance against false teaching; legacy in ministry.
Acts 21: Arrest in Jerusalem
- Key Events: Paul warned; arrested in the temple; addresses the crowd.
- Themes: Obedience despite danger; opportunity in adversity; defense of the faith.
Acts 22: Paul’s Testimony
- Key Events: Paul recounts his conversion; claims Roman citizenship.
- Themes: Personal testimony; legal rights; God’s providence.
Acts 23: Conspiracy and Protection
- Key Events: Plot to kill Paul; transferred to Caesarea under guard.
- Themes: Divine protection; courage under threat; God’s plans prevail.
Acts 24: Trial Before Felix
- Key Events: Paul defends himself; Felix delays decision.
- Themes: Integrity in trials; conviction of sin; procrastination in belief.
Acts 25: Appeal to Caesar
- Key Events: Paul before Festus; appeals to Caesar; Agrippa informed.
- Themes: Legal rights; strategic use of citizenship; God’s sovereignty.
Acts 26: Testimony Before Agrippa
- Key Events: Paul shares his conversion; Agrippa almost persuaded.
- Themes: Bold witness; power of personal story; response to the gospel.
Acts 27: Voyage and Shipwreck
- Key Events: Paul sails to Rome; storm and shipwreck on Malta.
- Themes: Faith in crisis; God’s promises; leadership in adversity.
Acts 28: Ministry in Rome
- Key Events: Paul heals on Malta; arrives in Rome; preaches under house arrest.
- Themes: Unhindered gospel; fulfillment of mission; hope amidst uncertainty.
