June 2, 2024 - Acts 1
June 2, 2024
Introduction to Acts 1
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. The Book of Acts presents some of the history of the church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
2. Acts provides ‘the rest of the story’ to the gospels.
3. Luke is considered to be the author of Acts. However, nowhere is it stated that Luke is the author.
4. Colossians 4:14 indicates that Luke was a physician.
5. Luke is a Greek name. Luke is a Gentile.
6. Luke was either a converted God-fearer or a Jewish proselyte.
7. Bible scholars don’t agree on the date it was written, but since Acts does not mention events at the end of Paul’s life, it was probably written before those events occurred. A good estimate is in the early 60’s AD.
8. The theme of the book is how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
9. Some have said this book should be called ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit.’
10. Nearly one-third of Acts is the sermons of Peter (3), Stephen (1), and Paul (6).
11. Luke was a traveling companion with Paul, thus, he had first-hand information.
12. Acts 1:8 provides the outline of the book showing how, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel spread first in Jerusalem 9 (chapters 1-7), then in all Judea and Samaria (chapters 8-9), and then to the end of the earth (chapters 10-28).
13. The events recorded in the book of Acts took place from 33 AD. - 62 AD.
14. Chapters 1-12 focus on Peter’s ministry.
15. Chapters 13-28 focus on Paul’s ministry.
16. More than any other book of the Bible, Luke speaks of the ‘Holy Spirit’ 40 or more times depending on which translation you have.
17. Application:
God’s work can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have the responsibility to be a witness for Jesus in our everyday life.
Decisions in your life need to be preceded by prayer seeking God’s wisdom in the matter.