Study Notes

The Book of Acts, written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, chronicles the early Christian church's growth and expansion. Acts 3 takes place shortly after Pentecost, focusing on a miraculous healing performed by Peter and John at the temple gate. This chapter demonstrates the apostles' continued ministry in Jerusalem and their bold proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah.

Acts 4 continues the narrative of the early church's growth and the challenges faced by the apostles in Jerusalem. This chapter follows directly from the events of Acts 3, where Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple gate and Peter preached to the gathered crowd. Acts 4 describes the subsequent arrest of Peter and John, their bold testimony before the Sanhedrin, and the unity and generosity of the early Christian community.

Acts 1 serves as a crucial bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, particularly the epistles. This chapter sets the stage for the explosive growth of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

This chapter records the dramatic events of Pentecost, including the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter's powerful sermon, and the formation of the first Christian community. It serves as a turning point in salvation history, inaugurating the age of the Spirit and the rapid spread of the Gospel.