The book of Acts tells how Jesus’ followers spread His message, built the first churches, and saw God’s power at work. It shows how people from all backgrounds came to believe in Jesus, despite challenges and opposition.
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
In Acts 1:1-11, Jesus spent forty days with His followers after rising from the dead, teaching them about God’s kingdom. Before returning to heaven, He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, who would give them power to share His message with the whole world. As they watched, Jesus was taken up into the sky and disappeared in a cloud. While they stood there amazed, two angels appeared and told them that Jesus would one day return the same way He left.
Choosing a New Apostle
In Acts 1:12-26, after Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers returned to Jerusalem and gathered in prayer. Peter spoke to the group, explaining that they needed to choose someone to take Judas’s place as one of the twelve apostles. They prayed and selected two men, Joseph (also called Justus) and Matthias. Then, they cast lots, a way of making decisions at that time, and Matthias was chosen to join the eleven apostles.
The Holy Spirit Comes
In Acts 2:1-13, Jesus’ followers were gathered together when suddenly a sound like a strong wind filled the house, and flames of fire appeared above their heads. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages. People from many nations were in Jerusalem, and they were amazed to hear the disciples speaking in their own languages about God’s great works. Some were in awe, while others mocked them, saying they were just drunk.
Peter’s Powerful Message
In Acts 2:14-40, Peter stood up and spoke to the crowd, explaining that the disciples were not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit, just as God had promised. He reminded them of the prophet Joel’s words and told them about Jesus—how He was sent by God, performed miracles, was crucified, and then raised to life. Peter urged the people to turn from their sins and be baptized in Jesus’ name to receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. That day, about three thousand people believed and were baptized.
A Growing Church and a Miraculous Healing
In Acts 2:41-3:11, after Peter’s message, thousands of people believed in Jesus and were baptized. The new believers met together daily, sharing meals, praying, and helping those in need. One day, Peter and John went to the temple and saw a man who had been unable to walk since birth. He was begging for money, but instead of giving him silver or gold, Peter told him, “In the name of Jesus Christ, walk!” Instantly, the man was healed, and he jumped up, praising God. The people were amazed at what had happened.
Peter Shares the Good News
In Acts 3:12-4:4, after healing the man who couldn’t walk, Peter spoke to the crowd, telling them that the miracle happened through Jesus’ power, not their own. He reminded them that Jesus was the Savior sent by God, but they had rejected and crucified Him. However, God raised Him from the dead. Peter urged them to turn to God and believe in Jesus for forgiveness. Many people believed his message, and the number of believers grew to about five thousand.
Peter and John Stand Firm
In Acts 4:5-22, the religious leaders put Peter and John on trial for healing the man who couldn’t walk. They asked them by what power they had done this. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly said it was through Jesus, whom they had rejected but whom God raised from the dead. He told them that salvation is found only in Jesus. The leaders were amazed by their courage but, since they couldn’t deny the miracle, they ordered them to stop speaking about Jesus. Peter and John refused, saying they had to obey God rather than men.
Praying for Boldness
In Acts 4:23-37, after Peter and John were released, they returned to the other believers and told them everything that had happened. Together, they prayed, asking God to give them courage to keep sharing His message. God answered by filling them with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke about Jesus even more boldly. The believers were united, sharing everything they had so no one was in need. Some, like Barnabas, even sold their land and gave the money to help others.
Honesty Before God
In Acts 5:1-16, a couple named Ananias and Sapphira sold some land but secretly kept part of the money while pretending to give it all to the apostles. Peter confronted Ananias, telling him that he had lied not just to people but to God. Immediately, Ananias fell down and died. Later, the same happened to Sapphira when she repeated the lie. This event caused great fear among the believers. Despite this, God continued to work through the apostles, performing many miracles, and more people joined them, bringing the sick to be healed.
The Apostles Cannot Be Silenced
In Acts 5:17-42, the religious leaders were jealous of the apostles and put them in jail for preaching about Jesus. But during the night, an angel set them free and told them to keep sharing the good news. The next morning, they were back in the temple teaching. The leaders arrested them again and warned them to stop, but Peter and the others said they must obey God rather than people. One leader, Gamaliel, advised letting them go, saying if their message was from God, no one could stop it. The apostles were beaten and released, but they rejoiced and kept preaching about Jesus every day.