Acts of the Apostles: Summary: Chapter by Chapter The Acts of Apostles gives us a unique insight into how the

Church began. To make the picture abundantly clear, God has given us a hand picked record of the activities of the Early Church. There is no single chapter that does not exhibit God's power and wisdom in operation. Below is a very brief summary. It should leave you in no doubt of God's intention for His body. Acts 1 Jesus promises the Holy Spirit (verse 8) to the disciples and ascends to heaven before their eyes. Matthias is chosen as an Apostle to replace Judas. Acts 2 The outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter gives an anointed and prophetic sermon. About 3,000 souls are added to the Church. Signs and wonders follow. Acts 3 Peter and John are used by God to heal a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. Peter preaches under the anointing. Acts 4 More people believe the word and are added to the Church (verse 4). Peter and John are arrested. They radiate the boldness of Christ. The Apostles are filled a fresh with the Holy Spirit (verse 31). The Apostles preach with great power. Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira lie to Peter (and the Holy Spirit) and fall down dead. The Apostles display signs and wonders. The sick and those oppressed by evil spirits are healed (verse16). The Apostles are arrested and released from prison by an angel (verse 18). Acts 6 Stephen, full of faith and power does great wonders and signs among the people (verse 8). Acts 7 Stephen's anointed sermon. He sees Jesus standing on the right hand of the father. He becomes the first martyr. Acts 8 Simon the sorcerer is saved. Philip does miracles and signs. Peter and John go
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to preach in Samaria and the Holy Spirit falls on some people. The Holy Spirit leads Philip to the Eunuch from Ethiopia. The Eunuch is saved. The Holy Spirit carries Philip away to Azotus. Acts 10 Cornelius sees a vision (1) Peter sees a vision (9) The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius household. Acts 11 The disciples first called Christians at Antioch Paul defends himself to the Apostles in Jerusalem. Barnabas is sent out. Many people added to the Lord. Agabus prophesies about a great famine throughout the entire world. Acts 12 James is killed and Peter is arrested. An angel rescues Peter. The church goes into continuous prayer for Peter. Herod is struck by an angel and eaten by worms. God's word grows and multiplies (24). Acts 13 The Holy Spirit asks for Barnabas and Saul to be set aside for God's ministry. Here starts their first missionary journey (2). Saul now called Paul pronounces judgement on Elymas the sorcerer. Elymas goes blind for a time (11). John leaves Barnabas and Paul, returning to Jerusalem. Many people added to the church through Paul and Barnabas' preaching. Acts 14 Signs and wonders done by Paul and Barnabas (3). They flee a violent attack. Paul heals lame man in Lystra crippled from birth. Paul stoned and left as dead, the disciple gather round him, pray and he revives (19). Acts 15 Certain men preach circumcision as a requirement for salvation. The Holy Spirit directs the apostles not to accept this (28). Paul and Barnabas set out for their second missionary journey (36) Acts 16 Paul meets Timothy, circumcises him and take him along on his missionary trip. Paul encourages the church. The church increases in number. The Holy Spirit forbids Paul to preach in Asia (6) and in Bithynia (7). Paul receives vision to go to Macedonia (9). Lydia is saved (14). Evil spirit of divination cast out by Paul (18). Praise and worship release Paul and Silas from jail (v26). The jailer's household are saved (v33).
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Acts 17 Greeks join Paul and Silas (v4). The Thessalonicans show a commendable desire to search the scriptures personally (v11). Many believe (v12) and several are saved (v34). Acts 18 Paul makes tents (3). Many believe the gospel (8). Paul has a vision (9) Apollos is equipped (25). Paul sets out on third missionary journey (22) Acts 19 Some disciples receive baptism of the Holy Spirit for the first time. Paul does unusual miracles. Seven sons of Sceva try to cast out demons. Many saved. God's Word grows (18, 20). Demetrius causes riot. Acts 20 Eutychus raised from the dead (9) Paul exhorts brethren. Acts 21 Paul warned not to go to Jerusalem by the Holy Spirit (4). Philip the evangelist has four daughter who prophesy (8) Agabus prophesies what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem (11) Paul beaten by a mob and arrested by soldiers. Acts 22 Paul tells of his conversion. Acts 23 The Lord appears to Paul at night. Acts 24 Felix touched by Paul's anointed speech (25). Acts 25 Paul witnesses to Agrippa (23). Acts 26 Agrippa perceives that Paul is innocent(30). Acts 27 Paul warns shipmates of dangerous trip, but is ignored (9) An angel appears to Paul telling him about the trip (v23) Acts 28 Paul survives vipers bite (4-3)

Paul heals someone with fever and dysentery (8) Paul preached another anointed sermon and more believe the gospel (24)

Summary of the Book of Romans

The book of Roman is a masterfully written exposition on grace. This letter to the believers in Rome has changed the hearts of many as they read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Paul wrote this letter to these Christians to explain his revelation of grace. Romans 1 covers Paul's introduction to the book of Romans as well as building a case against the entire world that we were guilty before God. The reason for writing the book of Romans was to share the gospel and teach that our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ apart from what we can do to earn it. Romans 2 is written to admonish the Jews that living by the law and circumcision does not make them righteous in God's eyes. This comes as quite a shock, but Paul stresses that living by rules and regulations only brings about judgment and condemnation. Paul concludes that a true Jew is one that has experienced circumcision of the heart by the Spirit of God. Romans 3 completes the accusation that both the Jews and the Gentiles are guilty before God. Now the prosecution can rest and the defense can begin. Paul switches gears by explaining that the righteousness that the law was powerless to give us, God did by sending Jesus. He maintains that this righteousness comes by faith to all who believe in Christ Jesus apart from the law. Romans 4 is proof that faith has always been the means for justification. Paul reflects back to the Old Testament patriarchs who were justified by faith, not works, to illustrate his point. Paul uses this illustration to prove that Gentiles were part of this promise given to Abraham. The whole world was blessed through him because he chose to believe God rather than his circumstances and because of this, his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Romans 5 is powerful and instrumental in understanding that we are completely reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. God did not spare his son, but graciously gave him for us to undo what Adam did in the garden. Death came through one man's sin, but life came more abundantly in every way through the gift of Jesus. Paul stresses that this reconciliation is not something we are waiting for, but in every sense of the word, we are righteous, holy and pure before God.
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Romans 6 eloquently teaches that, as born again believers, sin's power over us is broken. Paul maintains that we are freed from sin and made alive to God through Jesus Christ. Our sin nature was crucified with him when we were baptized into his death. Now through Jesus, we have received the gift of God which was eternal life. Romans 7 shows us the contrast between living bound to the law and living fresh and new by the spirit of God. No longer slaves or in bondage, we are free to belong to another. The struggle with sin may still be evident, but Paul maintains we have no obligation to it. If we live by the Spirit then we will bear fruit according to our new nature. Romans 8 shows how to live by the Spirit, letting peace rule in our hearts. The Holy Spirit within us testifies that we are children of God. He gives us assurance before God so we are convinced that nothing will ever separate us from His love. This is a passage of hope because we know our future is bright in Christ. Romans 9 teaches us that it is not natural children that are God's children, but rather children of the promise. The promise comes through faith in Christ not by works of the Law. The Israelites who pursued righteousness by the law did not obtain it. But Gentiles, those who pursued it by faith, obtained their righteousness through Jesus Christ. Chapter 9 is a sobering call that Christ alone saves nothing else is sufficient. Romans 10 teaches the word of faith. By confessing with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and by believing this in our hearts we are saved. Nothing more, nothing less. Christ is the end of the law so we can be justified and made righteous by faith in Jesus alone. Faith comes by hearing this gospel message and responding to it. Paul encourages us that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 11 discusses that although Israel as a whole rejected Jesus as their Messiah, there is still a remnant chosen by grace. Their dismissal of Jesus has blessed the world because this salvation message was then opened to the Gentiles. However, they have not fallen beyond recovery, in the end Israel will be saved through faith. God's plan includes bestowing mercy upon all mankind. Romans 12 encourages us to be living sacrifices in view of the mercy we have received in Christ Jesus. We do this through renewing our minds to the truth of God's word, serving and blessing the body of Christ through our gifts and above all by loving and being devoted to one another. Romans 12 is a call to live a life of peace, faithfully serving the Lord in all things and overcoming the evil of the world by the lives we live through Christ Jesus.
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Romans 13 is a charge to clothe ourselves with Christ Jesus and live as his children in this present world. We are to submit to authorities and to pay respect where it is due. We are to awake from our slumber and serve the Lord out of love showing that we are included in the light of the gospel. Romans 14 encourages us to consider everything we do as if we are doing it for the Lord. It is a call to do what leads to peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ. We are not to condemn or look down on those who are weaker in faith, but be fully convinced of what is acceptable in our own minds, for everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 15 stresses unity within the body of believers. We are to take the encouragement from the scriptures and Christ as our example in how we live accepting one another. Paul reminds us that we are competent ministers of the gospel taking in and internalizing the amazing grace that was covered in the previous chapters. Now it is our job to share it with others. Romans 16 is Paul's final farewell and instruction to the believers in Rome. He is affectionate toward them and gives final coaching to watch out for false doctrine and teachings and those who would cause division among them. He reminds them that Satan will soon be crushed under their feet and that His gospel is able to hold them until the day of Jesus. As you can see this is an amazing book and will bless all who read, understand and enjoy this wonderful message of Jesus.