Approaching the Bible [Part 11]: The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 1–12)

Read Aloud

The Gospel of John ended with resurrection hope — Jesus conquering death, restoring Peter, and commissioning His followers to continue His mission. The Book of Acts picks up exactly where John leaves off, moving from the story of Jesus’ ministry to the story of His Church empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Birth of the Church (Acts 1–2)

The book begins with Jesus’ final words before ascending into heaven: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). That promise sets the tone for everything that follows.

In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples — wind, fire, and languages declaring the wonders of God. It’s not just a spiritual moment; it’s a transformation of fearful followers into bold messengers. Peter, once afraid to admit knowing Jesus, now stands before thousands proclaiming, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Three thousand people are baptized that day — the beginning of the global Church.

Miracles, Unity, and Opposition (Acts 3–5)

Acts shows how the Spirit works through ordinary people. Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth, declaring that it wasn’t by their power, but “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

The early believers share everything they have, living in remarkable unity and generosity. Yet, the story doesn’t hide the struggles — persecution, deceit (as with Ananias and Sapphira), and threats from religious leaders all test their faith.

Through it all, their boldness only grows. When commanded not to speak in Jesus’ name, they pray not for safety but for courage.

Growing Pains and the Rise of New Leaders (Acts 6–7)

As the Church expands, challenges arise. Complaints about unfair food distribution lead to the appointment of seven deacons — including Stephen, whose wisdom and faith become a light in dark times.

Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin is one of the most powerful summaries of Israel’s history, pointing to Jesus as the Righteous One they rejected. His death as the first Christian martyr mirrors Christ’s own words: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

His sacrifice sparks a wave of persecution that scatters believers — but instead of silencing the message, it spreads it further.

The Gospel Spreads Beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8–12)

As the Church moves outward, we meet new key figures:

• Philip, who brings the message to Samaria and the Ethiopian official.

• Saul, a fierce persecutor, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus — and becomes Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

• Peter, whose vision and meeting with Cornelius mark a turning point: the gospel is for all people, not just the Jews.
  

Acts 12 closes with both persecution and deliverance — James is martyred, yet Peter miraculously escapes prison. God’s plan continues, unstoppable, as His word spreads through every obstacle.

Reflection: The Spirit at Work Then and Now

Acts reminds us that the same Spirit who empowered Peter, Stephen, and Paul still works in us today. The Church was never meant to be a building but a movement — a living body, carrying the message of Christ to every corner of the world.

Through faith, courage, and obedience, we continue the story that began in Acts — a story still unfolding.

Key Verses

• Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

• Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

• Acts 9:15 – “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”