The Acts of

the Apostles

Teacher’s Manual
Preview Acts of the Apostles © Bill Scheidler 1
 The Acts of the Apostles
Contents

Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Book…………3-9

Lesson 2-3 – The Keys of the Kingdom……10-20
Lesson 4-6 – Acts Chapter 1……………......21-41
Lesson 7-8 – Acts Chapter 2……………......42-58
Lesson 9-10 – Acts Chapter 3-4……………59-76
Lesson 11 – Acts Chapter 5………………...77-83
Lesson 12 – Acts Chapter 6-7……………....84-91
Lesson 13 – Acts Chapter 8………………...92-97
Lesson 14 – Acts Chapter 9…………….....98-106
Lesson 15 – Acts Chapter 10-11…………107-115
Lesson 16 – Acts Chapter 12…………….116-123
Lesson 17 – Acts Chapter 13…………….124-132
Lesson 18 – Acts Chapter 14…………….133-138
Lesson 19 – Acts Chapter 15…………….139-146
Lesson 20 – Acts Chapter 16-17………....147-157
Lesson 21 – Acts Chapter 18-19………....158-167
Lesson 22 – Acts Chapter 20-22………....168-176
Lesson 23 – Acts Chapter 23-26………....177-184
Lesson 24 – Acts Chapter 27-28………....185-194

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 Lesson 1
Introduction to the Book

I. Why should we study the Book of Acts?

A. The Book of Acts is a bridge connecting the Gospels and the Epistles.

1. It is the outcome of the Gospels.

a. In the Gospels, Jesus is seen as a grain of wheat who falls to the ground and
dies (John 12:24).

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground
and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

b. The book of Acts gives us the result of Jesus’ willingness to lay down His
life. It is the “much fruit” that is brought forth.

2. It is a sequel to the Gospels.

a. In the Gospels, Christ purchases the Church with His blood. In the Book of
Acts, that Church rises to actual existence.

b. In the Gospels, Jesus gives His famous prophecy stating, “I will build my
church” (Mt. 16:18). In the Book of Acts, we see the fulfillment of that
prophecy.

c. In the Gospels, Christ issued the commands to His followers to take the
gospel to the ends of the earth. In the Book of Acts, we get a glimpse of just
how the apostles responded to those commands under the guidance and
direction of the Holy Spirit.

3. It is an introduction to the Epistles

a. It gives the background and occasion for much of what will follow.

b. It helps us to understand the Epistles in their historical context.

B. The Book of Acts is the only book in the New Testament that focuses on
practical theology.

1. It establishes for us the foundational truths and principles of the Church “in word
and deed.”

2. It demonstrates for us in living form all of the teaching of Christ in the Gospels.

3. It illustrates the life application of all the doctrine outlined in the Epistles.

4. It provides a textbook on such things as:

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 a. Evangelism
b. Ministry in the spirit
c. Missions
d. Church planting
e. Church government
f. Team ministry
g. Prayer life of the church
h. Character of a biblical Christian
i. The training and releasing of leaders

C. The Book of Acts is a book of inspiration in these days of the restoration of the
Church.

1. It provides a record of the early rain outpouring of the Spirit.

2. It gives us a description of much that God is restoring.

3. It provides us a glimpse of and stirs our faith in regard to what God wants to do
in the Church today.

D. The Book of Acts is the only unfinished book in the Bible.

1. It is one book that has no “amen” to it.

2. It closes with the continued preaching of the Kingdom of God (Acts 28:30-31).

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all
who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things
which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding
him.

3. Our lives are to help complete this book throughout the ages.

II. What is the significance of the title of this book?

A. This book is titled “The Acts of the Apostles,” or more literally “Acts of Apostles.”

Although many would suggest other titles, this one has merit because:

1. It is the story of how God uses weak human vessels to implement His eternal
purposes.

2. It shows us what can be accomplished as we stand “in Christ?” I can do all

things . . . .

3. One of the key words in the Book of Acts is “apostle” or “apostles.”

a. Apostolos (apostle) is used 30 times

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 b. Apostello (sent) is used 25 times.
c. Apostolee (apostleship) is used once.

B. Some have suggested other titles.

1. Some have suggested in jest, “Some of the Acts of Some of the Apostles.”

a. It neither contains all of the acts of some of the apostles,

b. Nor some of the acts of all of the apostles.

c. It focuses on two apostles. In the first twelve chapters, Peter is the central
figure. In the rest of the Book of Acts, the central figure is Paul.

2. Others feel it could more appropriately be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit in
the Church.”

a. Nearly every chapter contains reference to the Holy Spirit.

b. There are 50 (Pentecost) references to the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts.

3. It could be called the “Life of Paul.”

Even though Peter is a central figure in the early chapters, as soon as Paul is
introduced the focus of the book changes. It could be argued that even the
material surrounding the ministry of Peter only provides an introduction to Paul
and his ministry to the Gentiles. The events that are recorded prior to Paul’s
apostolic work all have a bearing on such a ministry.

4. Other suggestions include:

a. Acts
b. The Acts of the Holy Spirit
c. The Gospel of the Holy Spirit
d. The Gospel of the Resurrection
e. The Acts of the Ascended and Glorified Lord
f. Luke-Acts
g. The Book of the Continual Doing and Teaching of the Living Christ by the
Holy Spirit through His Body Which Is the Church (G. Campbell Morgan)

III. Who wrote the book of Acts?

A. The real author is the Holy Spirit (II Pet. 1:21; II Tim. 3:14-17).

B. The human author was a man by the name of “Luke.”

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 1. Luke was referred to by Paul as the “beloved physician” and is the only Gentile
author in the New Testament (Col. 4:14)

2. Luke also wrote the gospel that bears his name, which is an account of Christ’s
earthly ministry – “Christ according to the flesh.”

3. Luke wrote Acts as a continuation recording Christ’s heavenly ministry – “Christ

according to the spirit.”

4. Because of the way the Book of Acts ends, many have suggested that he was
planning on writing another book to finish the story.

5. There is much evidence to establish Luke as the author.

a. Both Acts and Luke are addressed to the same person—Theophilos (Acts
1:1; Luke 1:3).

b. The writer refers to a former treatise—the Gospel of Luke (Acts 1:1).

c. The style of both the Gospel and the Book of Acts are the same (medical
language).

Fifty words are used in common to the two books that are not found
anywhere else in the New Testament.

d. Luke was a companion of Paul and, therefore, qualified to write the book
(Acts 16:10, 20:4-6, 28:16; Col. 4:14; II Tim. 4:11; Phil. 4).

Notice the use of the pronoun “we” (Acts 16:19, 20:4-5).

e. Luke’s authorship of both books is unanimously attested to by Early Church

tradition.

IV. When was the Book of Acts written?

A. The Book of Acts was most likely written between 63 and 65 A.D.

1. Paul was still in prison in Rome and had not come to trial.

2. The reign of Nero included these years.

3. It was obviously written before the death of Paul.

4. It was very likely written shortly after the close of the time covered in the book,
after Paul had been two years in Rome.

B. The Book of Acts covers approximately 33 years from the ascension of Jesus to the
time when Paul had been in prison in Rome for two years (See Chart on the
Chronology of the Book of Acts).

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V. What is a general overview of the contents of the Book of Acts?

A. This is the first history of the church and the only unfinished book in the Bible.

1. It is simply a sketch history (John 21:25).

2. The history of the Church continues to be recorded in the book of heaven.

3. We can expect the end to be greater than the beginning (Eccl 7:8).

B. The book, like Genesis, is the book of beginnings and it is just as important. It
contains the following beginnings:

1. The Holy Spirit’s work of evangelism

2. The gospel of preaching (I Cor 15:1-4)

3. A new dispensation (the Holy Spirit)

4. The Church of our Lord

5. World-wide evangelism

6. Salvation through the blood of Christ

C. The book centers on the work of two great apostles.

1. Peter to the Jews (Chapters 1-12)

2. Paul to the Gentiles (Chapters 13-28)

D. The book revolves around four geographical centers.

1. Jerusalem - home missions

2. Antioch - foreign missions

3. Ephesus

4. Rome

5. Thus, the gospel begins in Jerusalem, the religious hub of the world, and ends in
Rome, the political hub of the world.

E. The book gives to us a glimpse into the divine execution of the Great Commission
(Mt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:46-47).

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VI. What is the key verse and how is it fulfilled in the Book of Acts?

The key verse in the Book of Acts is Acts 1:8. It is the key verse because it gives the
order of witness in the Book of Acts.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall
be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the
earth.”

A. Jerusalem (Acts 1:4, 8; Luke 24:47)

B. Judea (Acts 2:9, 14, 8:1, 9:31, 10:37, 11:1, 19, 15:1)

Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose
against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered
throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 8:1

C. Samaria (Acts 8-10)

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. Acts 8:4-5

D. Uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 11:19, 23:11, 28:14-31).

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen
traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one
but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who,
when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned
to the Lord. Acts 11:19-21

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul;
for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at
Rome.” Acts 23:11

VII. What was the purpose for which this book was written?

There are many possible reasons that have been suggested for which Luke may have
written this book.

He may have written it…

A. To preserve an historical record of the origins of the Early Church. Luke, being a
man of education, would be concerned that these happenings were recorded for
future generations.

B. To demonstrate the continuing work of Christ through the ministry of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 1:1).

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 C. To defend the church from the Roman Empire’s antagonism toward the Jews by
showing that while they share common scriptures, they are a separate religious group
that the Romans need not fear.

D. To demonstrate the pattern by which Christ builds His church.

E. To provide a defense of Christianity in a time when world-wide persecution was

foreseen. From this book could be demonstrated the past Roman policy of ignoring
but never persecuting the early Christian leaders.

F. To assist in the evangelization of the Jews by showing that Christianity is indeed the
fulfillment of the Old Testament.

G. To provide a biographical sketch of the life of one of the greatest apostles in the early
church.

H. To provide a defense brief to be presented at Paul’s trial to explain his arrest and the
charges that were against him.

VIII. What are the key words used in the Book of Acts?

Key words often give insight into the main message of a book. Some of the key words
in the Book of Acts include the following:

• Paul – 154
• Peter – 64
• (Holy) Spirit – 50
• Word (of God) – 48
• Name (of Jesus, the Lord) – 34
• Apostle(s) – 30
• Witness (or some form of the word) – 30
• Prayer – 28

IX. What is the key message of the Book of Acts?

Note to Teacher: Have the class make a sentence with all the key words in it.

Sample: The story of how God equips people with supernatural equipment (Holy Spirit,
Name of Jesus, Word of God, Prayer) and sends (apostello) them out to be His witnesses
and accomplish His purpose.

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 Lesson 2-3
The Keys of the Kingdom in the Book of Acts

I. What is the purpose of a key?

A. A key is an instrument used to lock or unlock something.

B. A key is anything that is used to disclose, open, unlock or solve something.

C. Symbolically, keys speak of authority, power and right.

II. What is Jesus’ relationship to keys?

A. Jesus has all power and authority (Mt. 28:18).

B. Jesus has control over many keys.

1. He holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 16:19).

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind
on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be
loosed in heaven.

2. He has the keys of hell and death (Rev. 1:18).

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.
And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

3. He has the key of David (Is. 22:22; Rev. 3:7).

The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and
no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open. Isaiah 22:22

4. He has the key to the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1; 20:1).

C. Jesus said that He would give His followers the keys of the kingdom of heaven
(Mt. 16:18-19).

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of
the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

III. What are the keys of the kingdom that functioned in the Book of Acts?

What are the keys that unlock the Book of Acts? What are the keys to the success of
the disciples in the Book of Acts? What were the keys that opened the doors to the
Gospel in the Book of Acts? What were the tools in the hands of the disciples that
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 made it possible for them to carry out the Great Commission?

A. Key Number One: The Holy Spirit

1. The Church cannot function or even attempt to fulfill the Great Commission
without a relationship to and a reliance on the Holy Spirit.

2. The apostles in the Book of Acts lived in the conscious awareness of being
motivated by, empowered by, and under the authority of the Holy Spirit.

3. The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is central to the Book of Acts, being
mentioned some 50 times.

a. The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts had a nine-fold role. The Holy Spirit
was:

• The Commander-in-Chief (1:2)

• The Inspirer of Prophecy (1:16; 11:28; 13:2, 4)
• The Fulfillment of Prophecy (2:17-18)
• The Promise of the Father (2:33)
• The Gift of God (2:28, 15:8)
• The Comforter of the Churches (9:31)
• The Confirmer of the Word (10:38, 44-47)
• The Rain from Heaven (2:11-18; 10:38, 44-47)
• The Bringer of Joy (13:52)

b. The disciples in the Book of Acts had a ten-fold relationship to the Holy
Spirit. They were:

• Empowered by the Spirit (1:8)

• Baptized in the Spirit (1:5)
• Recipients of the Spirit (8:15; 19:2-6)
• Filled with the Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8; 6:3, 5)
• Co-witnesses with the Spirit (5:32)
• Prompted by the Spirit (18:5)
• Appointed by the Spirit (20:23, 28)
• Separated and sent by the Spirit (13:2, 4)
• Transported by the Spirit (8:39)
• Led, guided and directed by the Spirit (8:29)

Philip was directed by the Spirit to join himself to the Ethiopian man in the
chariot (Acts 8:29). The Holy Spirit orchestrated the meeting between Peter
and Cornelius that opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 10:19). The
conclusions of the council at Jerusalem were inspired by the Holy Spirit
(Acts 15:28). Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to go to Macedonia and open a
whole new region to the Gospel (Acts 16:6-7). Agabus was inspired by the
Holy Spirit to warn Paul concerning his arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:11).

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