- Preface
- Chapter 1—God's Purpose for His Church
- Chapter 2—The Training of the Twelve
- Chapter 3—The Great Commission
- Chapter 4—Pentecost
- Chapter 5—The Gift of the Spirit
- Chapter 6—At the Temple Gate
- Chapter 7—A Warning Against Hypocrisy
- Chapter 8—Before the Sanhedrin
- Chapter 9—The Seven Deacons
- Chapter 10—The First Christian Martyr
- Chapter 11—The Gospel in Samaria
- Chapter 12—From Persecutor to Disciple
- Chapter 13—Days of Preparation
- Chapter 14—A Seeker for Truth
- Chapter 15—Delivered From Prison
- Chapter 16—The Gospel Message in Antioch
- Chapter 17—Heralds of the Gospel
- Chapter 18—Preaching Among the Heathen
- Chapter 19—Jew and Gentile
- Chapter 20—Exalting the Cross
- Chapter 21—In the Regions Beyond
- Chapter 22—Thessalonica
- Chapter 23—Berea and Athens
- Chapter 24—Corinth
- Chapter 25—The Thessalonian Letters
- Chapter 26—Apollos at Corinth
- Chapter 27—Ephesus
- Chapter 28—Days of Toil and Trial
- Chapter 29—A Message of Warning and Entreaty
- Chapter 30—Called to Reach a Higher Standard
- Chapter 31—The Message Heeded
- Chapter 32—A Liberal Church
- Chapter 33—Laboring Under Difficulties
- Chapter 34—A Consecrated Ministry
- Chapter 35—Salvation to the Jews
- Chapter 36—Apostasy in Galatia
- Chapter 37—Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
- Chapter 38—Paul a Prisoner
- Chapter 39—The Trial at Caesarea
- Chapter 40—Paul Appeals to Caesar
- Chapter 41—“Almost Thou Persuadest Me”
- Chapter 42—The Voyage and Shipwreck
- Chapter 43—In Rome
- Chapter 44—Caesar's Household
- Chapter 45—Written From Rome
- Chapter 46—At Liberty
- Chapter 47—The Final Arrest
- Chapter 48—Paul Before Nero
- Chapter 49—Paul's Last Letter
- Chapter 50—Condemned to Die
- Chapter 51—A Faithful Under-Shepherd
- Chapter 52—Steadfast Unto the End
- Chapter 53—John the Beloved
- Chapter 54—A Faithful Witness
- Chapter 55—Transformed by Grace
- Chapter 56—Patmos
- Chapter 57—The Revelation
- Chapter 58—The Church Triumphant
Preface
The fifth book of the New Testament has been known from ancient times as The Acts of the Apostles; but this title cannot be found in the book itself. One of the earliest manuscripts, the Codex Sinaiticus, gives as the title the simple word Acts, with no mention of the apostles. There is a reason for this. Acts was intended to be more than a brief history of the service rendered by the twelve disciples, much more than the principal events in the lifework of its four leading characters, Peter, James, John, and Paul.AA v.1
The book of the Acts was written by “the beloved physician,” Luke, a Gentile convert, for the whole church, Jews and Gentiles alike. While it covers a period of a little more than three decades, it is filled with important lessons for the church in every age. In the book of the Acts God clearly indicates that the Christian today shall experience the presence of the same Spirit who came with power at Pentecost and fanned the gospel message into a flame. The acts of the Holy Spirit through Peter and Paul, John and James, and others, can be repeated in the modern disciple.AA v.2
The abruptness with which the book of Acts closes is not accidental; it deliberately suggests that the thrilling narrative is unfinished, and that the acts of God through the Spirit are to have their sequel throughout the Christian dispensation—each successive generation adding a chapter full of beauty and power to the one that preceded it. The acts recorded in this remarkable book are in the truest sense the acts of the Spirit, for in apostolic times it was the Holy Ghost who appeared as the counselor and helper of the Christian leaders. At Pentecost the praying disciples were filled with the Spirit and preached the gospel with power. The seven men chosen as deacons were “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” Acts 6:3. It was the Holy Spirit who led in the ordination of Saul (Acts 9:17); in the acceptance of Gentiles into church fellowship (Acts 10:44-47); in the separation of Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (Acts 13:2-4); in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:28); and in Paul's missionary journeys (Acts 16:6, 7). Another time when the church suffered intensely at the hands of Roman and Jewish persecutors, it was the Spirit who sustained the believers and kept them from error.AA v.3
The Acts of the Apostles was one of the last books written by Ellen G. White. It was published a few years before her death. It is one of the most illuminating volumes that came from her prolific pen. The average reader will find in it light for Christian witnessing. The message of the book is up to date, and its relevancy is reflected in the effort of the author to show that the church will soon witness a bestowal of spiritual power exceeding that of Pentecost. The work of the gospel is not to close with a lesser display of the Holy Spirit's power than marked its beginning.AA vi.1
That the reader might participate in this re-enactment of the glorious scenes of the early church and at the same time be preserved from the subtle counterfeits of the enemy of souls is the prayer and earnest wish ofAA vi.2
Acts of the Apostles Study Guide. A complete chapter by chapter guide with questions to aid in your reading and understanding of the book.AA vi.3