A C T S Go Tell the Good News!

Review of Acts Acts is the record God’s plan for human redemption put into practice! (ACTS = PRAXIS) The Holy Spirit works through apostles, evangelists, and prophets to spread the good news. Acts is the history of some of the work of some of the apostles (and others) to spread the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. Acts is the bridge that joins the gospels to the rest of the New Testament.

Highlights in the Book Of Acts Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:6-11) Establishment of the church (Acts 2:1-47) Work of Holy Spirit Baptism of the Spirit Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-48; 11:15 Fulfillment and purpose concerning Holy Spirit Languages Miracles Other gifts

Overview of Acts Acts can be outlined/divided Chapters 1-12 Mostly Peter's work Chapters 13-28. Mostly Paul's work The message of the apostles (Acts 2:23-24, 32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30-32; 10:39-40; 13:28-31) You killed Him. God raised Him up We are witnesses The gospel is preached to the Gentiles in the face of opposition and persecution from the Jews.

Persecution in Acts Mocking (Acts 2:13) Apostles imprisoned (Acts 4:3, 21; 5:18; 40; 12:3-4) Stephen martyred (Acts 7:58) Saul of Tarsus presses persecution (Acts 8:3; 9:1) James is slain (12:1-3) Paul (Acts 9:23; 13:45,50; 14:5; 14:19; 17:13; 23:12)

Progression of the Gospel Acts 1:8 “…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  Jerusalem (Acts 1 – 8:4) Because of persecution disciples were scattered Went everywhere preaching the gospel Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:5 – 11:18) Phillip went down to Samaria All the world (Acts 11:19 – 28:31) Those scattered went to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch Includes Paul's 3 missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor and to Rome

Conversions in Acts 3000 Acts 2:41 +2000 Acts 4 Samaritans Acts 8:12 Simon          Acts 8:13 Ethiopian    Acts 8:35 Cornelius     Acts 10 Sergius Paulus Acts 13:12 Lydia             Acts 16:15 Jailer             Acts 16:33 Corinthians Acts 18:8

Review of Acts 1-18 Ready to Launch (Acts 1) The Work Begins with POWER! (Acts 2)

Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

Review of Acts 1-18 Ready to Launch (Acts 1) The Work Begins with POWER! (Acts 2) The Church Grows As Conflicts Begin (Acts 3-7) The Church is Scattered as a Result of Intense Persecution (Acts 8) The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9) The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles (Cornelius, Barnabas & Saul in Antioch) (Acts 10-12) The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14)

First Journey Statistics 1,200 Miles 480 miles by water At least seven congregations established Paul reported about the work at Antioch in Syria Acts 14:27-28 Stayed approx. 2 years in Antioch Antioch Seleucia CYPRUS Salamis Paphos PAMPHYLIA Perga PISIDIA LYCAONIA Iconium Lystra Derbe Attalia

Review of Acts 1-18 Ready to Launch (Acts 1) The Work Begins with POWER! (Acts 2) The Church Grows As Conflicts Begin (Acts 3-7) The Church is Scattered as a Result of Intense Persecution (Acts 8) The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9) The Gospel Reaches the Gentiles (Cornelius, Barnabas & Saul in Antioch) (Acts 10-12) The First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14) The Conference in Jerusalem (Acts 15) The Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16-18:22) Summary of 1st & 2nd Thessalonians

Second Journey Statistics Neapolis Second Journey Statistics Lasted 3 years Jews violently resisted him in most every place Congregations established in several places 2,700 miles (1,290 by sea/1,410 by land)

Highlights of the 2nd Journey Paul and Silas travel by land through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches and delivering the letter from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. On to Derbe, and Lystra where Timothy joins them. They continue on through Phrygia and Galatia. But as they consider preaching in Asia, or north in Bithynia, the Spirit urges them forward to the town of Troas, where they are joined by Luke.

Highlights of the 2nd Journey In Troas, Paul sees the vision of the man from Macedonia asking for their help. They immediately sail across the northern part of the Aegean Sea, and make their way to the city of Philippi. Lydia and the jailer are converted, with their households. They leave Philippi at the request of the magistrates after Paul and Silas were arrested. Luke stays behind, and possibly Timothy also.

Highlights of the 2nd Journey Paul and Silas went on to Thessalonica where they preached until trouble arose. The brethren helped them escape by night. Paul and Silas preach in Berea until trouble arises, and the brethren escort Paul to Athens. Silas and Timothy stay behind Paul is alone in Athens. He addresses Athenian philosophers on Mars Hill. Still alone, Paul goes to Corinth where he works with Aquila and Priscilla as tent-makers. He writes a letter to the church at Thessalonica when Timothy and Silas join him. He writes a second letter to the Thessalonians because of misunderstandings they had.

Highlights of the 2nd Journey Paul stays 1 ½ years in Corinth, and many Corinthians hear the word, believe it, and are baptized. Paul and his company head toward Syria, stopping in Ephesus. Paul promises to return to Ephesus as soon as possible, after he made the trip to Jerusalem to keep a feast. Aquila and Priscilla remain in Ephesus Paul sails to Caesarea, visits Jerusalem, and then travels on to Antioch