Acts of Apostles in the Early Church 

In brief, the early chapters of Acts are set in Jerusalem and tell us about Christ's resurrection and ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the beginning of apostolic ministry. Later chapters give us information about Saul's conversion and ministry, and end with his arrest, imprisonment and trip to Rome.

Acts begins where the Gospels leave off, reporting actions of the apostles and work of the Holy Spirit.

Beginning in Jerusalem, the church is established and grows rapidly, then faces intense persecution, which drives the believers into the surrounding areas.

Through this dispersion, Samaritans and Gentiles hear the good news of Jesus and believe. 

Paul's Ministry 

Acts then focuses on Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and spread of the church around the known world.

Paul replaces Peter as the central figure in the book.

Paul completes three missionary journeys and is then imprisoned in Jerusalem and finally transported to Rome.

The book of Acts ends abruptly, showing that the church's history is not yet completed.

"Throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria" (1:1-9:31)

            Introduction
            Christ's post-resurrection ministry
            Period of waiting for the Holy Spirit
            Filling with the Spirit
            Healing of the lame man and arrest of Peter and John
            Community of goods
            Arrest of the 12 apostles
            Choice of the Seven
            Stephen's arrest and martyrdom
            Scattering of the Jerusalem believers
            Philip's ministry in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch
            Saul's conversion

"As far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch" (9:32 to 12:25)

            Peter's ministry on the Mediterranean coast
            New Gentile church in Antioch
            Herod's persecution of the Church and his death