Bible Studies

Introduction to the Book of Acts

This Bible study series was designed by our pastor, Rev. Reginald E. Bryant.

  • Introduction to Acts

    Style and Challenge

    • Peter > The Jews/Judaism
    • Paul > Gentiles/Paganism

    Authorship

    Luke (companion to Paul) is generally considered the primary writer. There are parallels between the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, in the following ways:

    • Concern for those outside of Judaism
    • Prominence of women
    • Role of the Holy Ghost
    • Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21; 18; 27:1-28; Colossians 4:14

    Date of Authorship

    Generally considered to be ~60 A.D.

  • Purpose: Account of the Development and Movement of the Early Church - In Four Interwoven Phases

    The Movement from Jews to Gentiles

    • Outreach to Jews (1:1-8 / 3)
    • Outreach to "second-class" Jews such as Samaritans and proselytes (8:4-40)
    • Outreach to God-fearing Gentiles (9:32 thru 11:18)
    • Outreach to Gentiles with no connection to Judaism (13:2 thru 21:15)

    The Movement from Jerusalem to the Gentile World

    • Jerusalem throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee (1:1 thru 9:31)
    • Extension to Antioch (11:19 thru 13:1)
    • Antioch based missionary/ministry (13:2 thru 21:16)
    • Into Rome (21:17 thru 28:31)

    Challenges and Development within the Early Church

    • Jews versus Jewish Christians
    • Hebrew Christians versus Hellenistic Christians
    • Jewish Christians versus Gentile Christians
    • Christians versus Roman authority

    The Establishment of Paul's role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and it's parallel to Peter's role to the Jews (Ref: Mark 16:14-18)

    • Healing of the lame (3:2-10 / 14:8-10)
    • Facilitator of miraculous healing (5:15 / 19:12)
    • Exorcisms (5:16 / 16:18)
    • Contentions with sorcercy (8:18-24 / 13:6-11)
    • Raising of the dead (9:36-42 / 20:9-10)
    • Deliverance from prison (5:19 / 12:7-11 / 16:25-26)

    The Book of Acts records how, through the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Ghost, a small group was used to spread the Gospel to the world.