New Testament · History
The Book of Acts
The Spirit-empowered church takes the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
Acts records the birth and expansion of the church under the power of the Holy Spirit.
Author and background of Acts
Author
Luke
Date written
c. AD 62
Original audience
Theophilus and the church.
AD 30-62 across the Roman Empire.
Major themes of Acts
The theology of Acts centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.
God's character and glory
Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.
Sin, grace, and redemption
Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.
Covenant and promise
God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.
Worship and obedience
Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.
Key characters in Acts
Peter
Apostle to the Jews.
Paul
Apostle to the Gentiles.
Stephen
First martyr.
Barnabas
Encourager.
Every chapter of Acts explained
Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Acts — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.
Key verses from Acts
"You will be my witnesses... to the end of the earth."
How to apply Acts today
Acts is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:
- Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
- Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
- Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
- Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.
Pray Acts back to God
- Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
- Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
- Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
- Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).
Study Acts more deeply
Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Acts.
Keep going · Amazon picks
Go deeper into Acts on Amazon
Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Acts. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.
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Acts — John Stott (BST)
Classic, gospel-hearted commentary on Acts.
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Acts — Darrell Bock (BECNT)
Careful exegesis and application.
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Bible study journal
A journal for notes, prayer, and reflection as you work through this content.
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Acts — frequently asked questions
+Who wrote the book of Acts?
Luke — written around c. AD 62.
+What is the main message of Acts?
The Spirit-empowered church takes the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
+How many chapters are in Acts?
Acts has 28 chapters.
+Who was Acts written to?
Theophilus and the church.
+What are the key themes of Acts?
God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.