Book introduction
Acts
Acts records the Spirit-empowered expansion of the gospel through the apostles and early church.
New TestamentChurch5 major themes
Overview
How to enter this book well
Setting
Jerusalem outward to Judea, Samaria, and the nations
Why read it
Read Acts to watch the gospel move outward through the power of the Spirit and the witness of the church.
Holy SpiritMissionChurchWitnessKingdom
Outline
Major movements in Acts
Chapters 1-7: witness in Jerusalem
Chapters 8-12: widening mission beyond Jerusalem
Chapters 13-28: Paul's mission and gospel advance to Rome
Opening chapter
The church is commissioned
Acts 1 frames the story around the risen Christ, the coming Spirit, and witness to the ends of the earth.
Notice how mission is geographically structured.
Read expectancy and dependence together.
Mid-book guidance
Chapter 14 in context
Acts 14 should be read within the larger movement of Acts, paying attention to how this chapter advances the book's main themes of holy spirit, mission, church.
Look for repeated words, contrasts, promises, or commands.
Notice how this chapter connects to what comes before and after it.
Ask what the chapter reveals about God's character and His purposes.