Acts: The Kingdom Advancing Through the Power of the Spirit
- The Pilgrim's Post
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Hey friends,
The Book of Acts is not just a history lesson—it’s the story of Christ’s reign advancing through the power of the Spirit. This book takes us beyond the Gospels, showing how Jesus continues His work through His Church.
If you’ve ever wondered what happened after Jesus ascended, how the Gospel spread from Jerusalem to the nations, and what this means for us today, then this study is for you. Grab your Bible (and a strong cup of coffee), and let’s dive in.
The Purpose of Acts: The Kingdom on the Move
Acts is Luke’s sequel to his Gospel, written to show how the risen Christ continues to build His Kingdom through His Spirit-empowered Church. It’s the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission—from a small group in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
Luke lays this out in Acts 1:8, which acts as a roadmap for the entire book:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This isn’t just an ancient mission—it’s our mission today.
Acts and the Gospels: Continuity and Expansion
Acts is deeply connected to the Gospels, especially Luke. But while the Gospels focus on Jesus’ earthly ministry, Acts shifts to His heavenly reign and the spread of His Kingdom.
Key Differences Between Acts and the Gospels
The Gospels – Jesus preaches, heals, and calls disciples. He inaugurates the Kingdom.
Acts – Jesus reigns from heaven, sending His Spirit. The Church expands the Kingdom.
Where the Gospels show Christ’s finished work, Acts reveals Christ’s ongoing work through His people.
Historical Context: When and Why Was Acts Written?
Acts was likely written in the early 60s A.D., before Paul’s execution and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (70 A.D.). It was a critical time for the Church:
Rome was persecuting Christians.
Jewish leaders rejected the Gospel.
The Church was expanding into Gentile territories.
Luke wrote Acts to encourage believers—reminding them that the Gospel is unstoppable, no matter the opposition.
Defending Acts: Is It Historically Reliable?
Without question. Here’s why:
Eyewitness Testimony – Luke was a meticulous historian, often traveling with Paul. He includes firsthand details (see Acts 16:10, where he shifts to “we” language).
Archaeological Confirmation – Cities, titles, and customs in Acts have been confirmed by archaeology.
Consistency with Paul’s Letters – Paul’s letters align perfectly with Acts, reinforcing its historical accuracy.
Early Church Acceptance – The early Church viewed Acts as inspired Scripture, affirming its truthfulness.
Key Themes in Acts
Acts isn’t just about history—it’s theological. Here’s what it teaches us:
1. Christ’s Kingdom Advances Through the Spirit
Jesus may have ascended, but He isn’t absent. He rules through His Spirit, guiding and empowering His Church (Acts 1:8). The same Spirit that empowered the apostles dwells in us today.
2. The Gospel Breaks Down Barriers
Acts moves from Jerusalem (Jews) → Samaria (mixed) → the Nations (Gentiles). The Gospel isn’t for one people—it’s for all nations.
3. Persecution Leads to Growth
Whenever the Church is attacked, it grows stronger. We see this in:
Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7) → the Gospel spreads.
Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 16) → the jailer is saved.
Persecution in Jerusalem (Acts 8) → missionaries go to the nations.
Persecution isn’t a setback—it’s God’s way of advancing the Gospel.
4. The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
From Saul’s conversion (Acts 9) to Lydia’s heart being opened (Acts 16:14), Acts shows that God is the one who saves. The apostles preach, but God draws people to Himself.
Reading Plan and Reflections
This 8-week plan will take you through Acts, with key themes and questions for reflection.
Week 1: The Birth of the Church
Reading: Acts 1–2
Jesus ascends, promising the Spirit (Acts 1:1-11).
Pentecost: The Spirit is poured out (Acts 2:1-41).
The early Church is formed (Acts 2:42-47).
Reflection:
How does the Holy Spirit equip believers for mission?
What does Acts 2 teach about the importance of the Church?
Week 2: The Boldness of the Apostles
Reading: Acts 3–5
Peter and John heal a lame man (Acts 3).
Bold preaching before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4).
Persecution begins—but the Church grows (Acts 5).
Reflection:
What does boldness in Christ look like today?
How does persecution strengthen the Church?
Week 3: Persecution & Expansion
Reading: Acts 6–8
Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7).
The Gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem (Acts 8).
Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
Reflection:
How does suffering advance the Gospel?
How does Acts 8 show that the Gospel is for all people?
Week 4: The Gospel to the Gentiles
Reading: Acts 9–12
Saul’s dramatic conversion (Acts 9).
Peter’s vision—salvation for the Gentiles (Acts 10).
The Church in Antioch (Acts 11).
Reflection:
How does Paul’s conversion display God’s sovereign grace?
Why is it significant that Gentiles receive the Gospel?
Week 5: Paul’s Missionary Journeys Begin
Reading: Acts 13–16
Paul and Barnabas sent out (Acts 13).
The Jerusalem Council: Salvation by grace (Acts 15).
Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16).
Reflection:
How does Acts 15 confirm salvation by grace alone?
How does the Holy Spirit direct missions?
Week 6: The Gospel in Europe
Reading: Acts 17–20
Paul’s sermon in Athens (Acts 17).
The riot in Ephesus (Acts 19).
Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20).
Reflection:
How does Paul’s Athens sermon guide us in sharing the Gospel today?
How can we finish the race well like Paul?
Week 7: Paul’s Arrest and Trials
Reading: Acts 21–26
Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21).
His trial before governors and King Agrippa (Acts 24–26).
Reflection:
How does Paul’s bold testimony inspire us?
How can we stand firm under opposition?
Week 8: Paul’s Journey to Rome
Reading: Acts 27–28
Paul’s shipwreck (Acts 27).
Preaching under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28).
Reflection:
How does Acts 28 show that God’s mission never stops?
How does Acts challenge us to live on mission today?
Conclusion: The Story Isn’t Over
Acts ends with the Gospel still advancing—because the mission continues through us.
The Kingdom is here. The Spirit is at work. Christ is reigning.
Are you ready to be His witness?
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