Peter's Ministry (Acts 1:1 to 12:25)

Acts begins where the Gospels leave off, reporting on the actions of the apostles and the work of the Holy Spirit. Beginning in Jerusalem, the church is established and grows rapidly, then faces intense persecution, which drives the believers into the surrounding areas. Through this dispersion, Samaritans and Gentiles hear the good news of Jesus and believe.

A. Peter and the Beginnings of the Church in Palestine

    1. "Throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria" (chapter 1:1-9:31)

            Introduction
            Christ's post-resurrection ministry
            Period of waiting for the Holy Spirit
            Filling with the Spirit
            Healing of the lame man and arrest of Peter and John
            Community of goods
            Arrest of the 12 apostles
            Choice of the Seven
            Stephen's arrest and martyrdom
            Scattering of the Jerusalem believers
            Philip's ministry in Samaria and to the Ethiopian eunuch
            Saul's conversion

    2. "As far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch" (chapters 9:32 to 12:25)

            Peter's ministry on the Mediterranean coast
            New Gentile church in Antioch
            Herod's persecution of the Church and his death

Paul's Ministry (Acts 13:1--28:31)

Acts now focuses on Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and the spread of the church around the known world. Paul replaces Peter as the central figure in the book. Paul completes three missionary journeys and is then imprisoned in Jerusalem and finally transported to Rome. The book of Acts ends abruptly, showing that the church's history is not yet completed.

B. Paul and Expansion of the Church to Rome

    1. "Throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia" (chapters 13:1 to 15:35)
          
            Paul's first missionary journey
            The Jerusalem conference

    2. "Over to Macedonia" (chapters 15:36-21:16)

             Paul's second missionary journey
             Paul's third missionary journey

    3. "To Rome" (chapters 21:17 to 28:31)

             Paul's imprisonment in Jerusalem 
             Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea
             Voyage to Rome
             Two years under house arrest in Rome