We invite you to learn more
about the book of Acts of the Apostles (Greek, Praxeis Apostolon) and the early Christian church
of the New Testament. The book is commonly referred to as Acts by most people. Some scholars have suggested
the title to be interpreted as "the Acts of the Holy Spirit."
The book's plan is stated in the opening verses, where Christ says,
"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Tradition says Luke, a Greek physician, wrote the book
of Acts sometime before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in the year A.D. 70. Luke, the historian and theologian, describes
the apostolic age and how the early Christian church developed in a time of bitter persecution. Luke
was not so much concerned to record exactly what happened, as to justify the Gentile mission to both Christians uneasy about
it and pagans interested in it.
Acts continues the story
began in Luke's Gospel, covering the 30 years after Jesus' ascension. In that short time the church was established and the gospel of salvation was taken throughout the known world--from
Jerusalem to Rome. Those preaching the gospel, through ordinary people with human limitations, were empowered by the Holy
Spirit to turn the world "upside down."
Through the book of Acts, we learn about the nature of the
church and how we today are also to witness forChrist.As you read Acts, put yourself in the place of the
disciples who were filled with the Holy Spirit and saw people respond to the good news. And sense their
strong commitment as they offered their talent and treasure to Christ.
There are many useful resources available
on the Acts of the Apostles and the Early Church. Here are a few selected links that you may find of value in your Bible study.
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