The Book of Acts, in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, details the early history of the Christian Church and the spread of the Gospel after Jesus Christ's ascension. Here’s a concise summary of each chapter from Acts 1 to 28:
Acts 1
- Ascension of Jesus: After His resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples and instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit. He ascends to heaven.
- Choosing Matthias: The disciples select Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve Apostles.
Acts 2
- Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, enabling them to speak in different languages. Peter preaches a powerful sermon, leading to the conversion of about 3,000 people.
Acts 3
- Healing the Beggar: Peter and John heal a lame man at the Temple, leading to a crowd gathering. Peter preaches about Jesus, emphasizing His resurrection.
Acts 4
- Peter and John Arrested: The religious authorities arrest Peter and John for preaching. Despite threats, they boldly proclaim their faith. The believers pray for boldness.
Acts 5
- Ananias and Sapphira: A couple lies about the proceeds of a land sale and faces severe consequences. The apostles perform many miracles, and the church grows despite persecution.
Acts 6
- Choosing Deacons: To address complaints about food distribution, seven deacons, including Stephen, are appointed. The church continues to grow.
Acts 7
- Stephen’s Martyrdom: Stephen gives a long speech recounting Jewish history. He is stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.
Acts 8
- Persecution and Philip: Following Stephen's death, persecution scatters the church. Philip evangelizes in Samaria and converts the Ethiopian eunuch.
Acts 9
- Saul’s Conversion: Saul (later Paul) has a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He becomes a believer, baptized, and begins preaching.
Acts 10
- Peter and Cornelius: God shows Peter that the Gospel is for all, leading to the baptism of Cornelius, a Gentile, and his household.
Acts 11
- Peter Defends His Actions: Peter explains his actions regarding Gentiles to the Jerusalem church. The church continues to grow, especially among Gentiles.
Acts 12
- Peter’s Imprisonment and Escape: King Herod arrests Peter, but God sends an angel to free him. Herod meets a grim fate for opposing God.
Acts 13
- First Missionary Journey: Paul and Barnabas are commissioned to spread the Gospel. They travel to Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor, preaching and performing miracles.
Acts 14
- More Missionary Work: Paul and Barnabas continue their journey, facing opposition and persecution, but many come to faith. They establish churches.
Acts 15
- Council at Jerusalem: The apostles gather to decide whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish law. They conclude that salvation is by grace, not law.
Acts 16
- Paul’s Second Journey Begins: Paul recruits Silas and visits various churches. He meets Timothy. They encounter a vision directing them to Macedonia. Lydia is converted.
Acts 17
- Preaching in Thessalonica and Athens: Paul faces persecution in Thessalonica and preaches in Athens, where he encounters philosophers and discusses the "Unknown God."
Acts 18
- Paul in Corinth: Paul stays in Corinth for a year and a half. He encounters Priscilla and Aquila and later carries on to Ephesus and then back to Antioch.
Acts 19
- Ephesus Ministry: Paul performs miracles in Ephesus and faces opposition from silversmiths whose trade is threatened by the spread of Christianity.
Acts 20
- Farewell to the Ephesian Elders: Paul encourages the elders and shares his plans. He predicts future troubles for the church but urges them to remain vigilant.
Acts 21
- Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem: Paul travels to Jerusalem despite the warnings of impending danger. He is arrested in the Temple after being falsely accused.
Acts 22
- Paul’s Defense: Paul defends himself before the crowd, recounting his conversion and mission, provoking mixed reactions from the audience.
Acts 23
- Paul Before the Sanhedrin: Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin. He cleverly divides the council by mentioning the resurrection, and he is later protected by a plot against his life.
Acts 24
- Paul Before Felix: Paul is accused before Governor Felix. He uses this opportunity to share his faith, but Felix postpones a decision and keeps him imprisoned.
Acts 25
- Paul’s Trial Before Festus: Festus hears Paul's case and Paul appeals to Caesar. King Agrippa arrives and shows interest in Paul's case.
Acts 26
- Paul Before Agrippa: Paul shares his testimony with King Agrippa, recounting his journey and conversion, leading Agrippa to ponder the matter.
Acts 27
- Journey to Rome: Paul sails to Rome as a prisoner. A storm threatens the ship, but Paul reassures everyone that they will be saved.
Acts 28
- Arrival in Rome: Paul reaches Rome and lives under house arrest, where he continues to preach the Gospel to all who come to him, unhindered.
The Book of Acts emphasizes the growth and challenges of the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles. Each chapter presents key events and teachings that are foundational to the Christian faith.