Gospels and Acts
Acts
The spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, through Peter and Paul.
Acts is the second volume of Luke’s work (Acts 1:1). It stops with Paul in Rome awaiting trial, which is why many date it to about AD 62: it does not mention Paul’s death, Nero’s persecution, or the fall of Jerusalem.
Kinds of writing
- Narrative 80%
- Discourse 20%
Key verses
You will be my witnesses. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (World English Bible)
Repent and be baptized. Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38 (World English Bible)
No other name. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!
Acts 4:12 (World English Bible)
A chosen vessel to the nations. But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.”
Acts 9:15 (World English Bible)
Preaching with all boldness, without hindrance. preaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
Acts 28:31 (World English Bible)
People
PeterJohnStephenPhilipPaulBarnabasCorneliusSilas
Places
JerusalemSamariaDamascusAntiochAthensCorinthEphesusRome
On the timeline
Jesus ascends to heavenPentecost: the Holy Spirit is poured outStephen, the first martyrSaul meets the risen Jesus on the Damascus roadPeter and Cornelius: the gospel to the GentilesThe council at JerusalemPaul speaks at the Areopagus in AthensVoyage to Rome and shipwreck on Malta
Acts quotes or alludes to the Old Testament 25 times (counted in the site’s Old in the New).
Dating notes
This timeline plots AD 62. The span is an estimate; Scripture doesn’t say when the book was written.