2. CLASS VERSE We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

3. THE TITLE The Book of Acts The Acts of the Apostles Some of the Acts of Some of the Apostles The Acts of the Holy Spirit The Acts of Jesus Christ The Continued Acts of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles

4. IMPORTANCE Inspired inerrant historical narrative of the first 33 years after Christ’s ascension No inspired inerrant historical narrative after 33 AD The 4 Gospels: Jesus Christ’s work from earth – no church, Gentiles, other cities, & no Paul The Letters: Teaching to various churches The Revelation to John: the future

5. AUTHOR: LUKE Greek MD: Colossians 4:10-14 Traveling companion of the Apostle Paul: Acts 16:10; 20:6; 27:1 Eyewitness to many of the events Historian Theologian Gifted writer Missionary & Pastor (Philippi for 6 years) Luke/Acts: 30% of the New Testament

6. DATE Christ’s Ascension: 30 AD Paul in prison: 63 AD; Acts ends Nero’s persecution: 64 AD Paul, Peter, James martyred: 64-68 AD Fall of Jerusalem: 70 AD Luke’s death: 85 AD

7. OUTLINE But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Jerusalem: 1:1-7:60 Judea and Samaria: 8:1-12:25 To the remotest part of the earth: 13:1-28:31

8. PURPOSE Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3

9. PURPOSES History of the early church World mission – evangelism Discipleship The Providence of God The Power of the Holy Spirit The establishment of the church Jews and Gentiles in the same church Faithful witness: 19 speeches Opposition to and triumph of the Gospel

10. UNIQUE ASPECTS Apostles Pentecost Signs & Wonders – miracles Speaking in tongues Holy Spirit

11. APOSTLES Knew Jesus Christ personally Committed their lives to Him: Galatians 2:20 Their purpose was exalt Jesus Christ by telling all people the truth about Him. “Salvation is given to be shared” They were totally dependent on the Holy Spirit

12. APPLICATION Do you know Jesus Christ personally? Do you know the Bible – the truth about Jesus Christ? How committed are you to Jesus Christ? Who are you teaching what you know about Jesus Christ? How dependent are you on the Holy Spirit?