Theme - In this book, Luke continues the elements of historical narrative given in his Gospel. In the one, he sets forth the work of the Lord Jesus in his redemptive labours and teachings, concluding with accounts of his sacrificial death, his resurrection and instructions to his followers, and his ascension to the right hand of God. Taking up the narrative at that point, Luke sets forth the continuing redemptive work of the risen Christ through the administration of the Holy Spirit and by the followers of Christ. He tells of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church, furnishes information of the growth of Christianity in Jerusalem, of the dispersion of the disciples into various outlying countries, and their continued ministry of the gospel.

Purpose - The Book of Acts, like the four Gospels, grew out of some very definite situations in the early church. There was need for proof concerning the activities and teachings of the leaders in the church, for evidence that the Christian movement was one movement whether the believers were Jews, proselytes, Samaritans, Grecians, or Gentiles in general. It is especially necessary to set forth the truth that Jewish and Gentile believers enter the kingdom of God upon the common ground of faith, that in Christ there is no difference, that men and women of every race and nation must enter into perfect brotherhood and fellowship in the church.

Period - Acts covers the history of Christianity from the ascension of Christ to Paul's imprisonment at Rome, closing with the record of his two years' imprisonment, and prior to his release and fourth missionary journey. The account covers a period of about 32 years. It was probably written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, or about A.D. 60-61.

Outline - A simple analysis of the book is as follows: I. A Repetition of the Account of Christ's Ascension and Commission to the Church (1:1-11) II. The Enduement of the Church for Its Gospel Witnessing (1:12-2:47) III. The Gathering of Disciples in Jerusalem (3:1-8:1a) IV. The Evangelization of Judaea, Samaria, and Surrounding Provinces (8:1b-40) V. The Conversion and Early Ministry of Paul (9:1-31) VI. Peter's Ministry to the Gentiles (9:32-11:30) VII. Persecutions by Civil Authorities (12) VIII. Paul's Call and First Missionary Tour (13-14) IX. The Jerusalem Council and the Victory for Religious Freedom (15:1-35) X. Paul's Second Missionary Tour (15:36-18:22) XI. Paul's Third Missionary Tour (18:23-21:16) XII. The Arrest and Trial of Paul in Jerusalem (21:17-23:30) XIII. The Imprisonment of Paul in Caesarea (23:31-26:32) XIV. Paul's Voyage to Rome (27:1-28:15) XV. Paul's Imprisonment in Rome (28:16-31)