Acts Outline Part 1

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES CHAPTER 1

I. THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST: VS 1-5

A. These were the values of His ministry upon the earth. v 1 1. Jesus did the will of God. 1 Peter 2:21 2. Jesus taught the laws of God. Heb. 1:1-3 B. These were the limitations of His ministry upon the earth. v 2 1. The ministry of Jesus began at His birth. Luke 2:8-15 2. The ministry of Jesus ended at His Ascension. 2 Cor. 4:7 C. These are the proofs of His ministry upon the earth. vs 3-5 1. Jesus Christ being raised from the dead proved His ministry upon the earth. v 3, 1 Cor. 15:12-20 2. The Holy Spirit affirmed His ministry upon the earth. vs 4-5, John 16:7-14 II. THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST: VS 6-11 A. These were the misunderstandings of His Ascension. v 6 1. The apostles were looking for a political kingdom. 2. The Kingdom of Christ is a spiritual Kingdom. John 18:36 B. These were the instructions of His Ascension. vs 7-8 1. You do not know the full truth. v 7 2. You will soon know the full truth. v 8 C. This was the manner of His Ascension. v 9 (A cloud received Jesus out of their sight.") D. These were the assurances of His Ascension. vs 10-11 1. The Apostles saw him ascend. v 10 2. There was the promise of His return. v 11 III. THE APOSTLES RETURN UNTO JERUSALEM: VS 12-14 A. The names of those apostles who returned to Jerusalem are listed in verses 13-14 B. This was the obedience of those apostles who returned. v 14 (The apostles continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.) IV. THE CHOICE OF AN ANOTHER APOSTLE: VS 15-26 A. These are the reasons for choosing another apostle. vs 15-20 1. Judas betrayed the Lord. vs 15-19, Psa. 41:9 2. Judas was to be replaced. v 20, Psa. 69:25, Psa. 109:8 B. These were the qualifications for choosing another apostle. vs 21-22 1. That apostle had to be an eye witness to the personal ministry of Jesus. vs 21-22 2. That apostle had to be an eye witness of the resurrection of Christ. v 22 C. These were the ways by which another apostle was chosen. vs 23-26 1. The apostles chose two men for that apostleship and prayed for Divine guidance. vs 23-25 2. The Lord chose Matthias. v 26 CHAPTER 2

I. THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: VS 1-13

A. The Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost. v 1 B. The Holy Spirit came with a great noise. v 2 C. The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles to speak His inspired words. vs 3-5 D. The coming of the Holy Spirit caused a great crowd of people to assembly. vs 6-13 II. THE PREACHING OF THE FIRST GOSPEL SERMON: VS 14-36 A. Peter explained the prophecies of New Testament Christianity. vs 14-21 1. The Holy Spirit was a promise of God. vs 14-20, Joel 2:28-32 2. The Holy Spirit does uphold the laws of Christ in matters of our own redemption of life. v 21, John 16:13, Romans 8:9-10 B. Peter revealed the works of Christ in our being converted. vs 22-36 1. The resurrection of Christ was confirmed by the power of God. vs 22-24, Phil. 2:5-11 2. The resurrection of Christ was declared by David. vs 25-31, Psa. 16:8-11 3. The resurrection of Christ was affirmed by the apostles. v 32, 1 Cor. 15:5 4. The resurrected Christ was exalted to the throne of God. vs 33-36, Col. 3:1-4 III. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH: VS 37-47 A. The church was established with the conversion of sinners. vs 37-41 1. The sinner needs to be pricked in his heart. v 37, Heb 3:13 2. The sinner ought to repent of his past sins. v 38, Luke 13:3 3. The sinner should be baptized so that he can be saved. v 38, Mark 16:16 4. The sinner must be exhorted to became a Christian. vs 39-40, 2 Cor. 5:11 B. This was the success of the beginning of the church. v 40 (There were about three thousand souls which were converted.) C. These are the assurances that the church was established. vs 42-46 1. Those people were obedient to the truth. v 42, Romans 6:16-18 2. Those people were true believers. vs 43-44, 1 John 4:3 3. Those people were benevolent. v 45, Gal. 6:10 4. Those people were untied. v 46, 1 Cor. 1:10 D. These are the blessings for being a member of the church. v 47 1. The Lord adds us unto His church. 2. Saints can please God. Heb. 12:28-29 3. Christians can please most people. Romans 12:18 IV. THE CONVERSION OF THE PENTECOSTIANS: VS 1-47 A. These were the characteristics of their conversion. vs 14,22 1. The gospel of Christ was preached unto them. 2. The gospel of Christ must be preached unto all. Romans 10:15 B. These were the needs for their being converted. vs 23,36 1. Those Jewish people had crucified the Lord of glory. 2. Our sins have also crucified the Lord of glory. Heb. 6:6 C. These were the ways by which they were converted. vs 37-40 1. Those Pentecostians heard the word of God. v 37, Romans 10:17 2. Those Pentecostians believed the word of God. v 37, Heb. 11:6 3. Those Pentecostians were willing to confess Christ. v 37, Matt. 10:32-33 4. Those Pentecostians repented of their past sins. v 38, Luke 13:3 5. Those Pentecostians were baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins. v 38, Matt. 28:18-20 D. These were the motivations for their conversion. 1. Those Pentecostians were told the promise of God. vs 38-39, 2 Peter 1:4 2. Those Pentecostians were exhorted to obey. v 40, Heb. 3:13 E. These were the assurances of their conversion. vs 41-42 1. Those Pentecostians obeyed the gospel. v 41, 2 Thess. 1:7-9 2. Those Pentecostians remained faithful to the gospel. v 42, Rev. 2:19 F. These are the blessings of their conversion. v 47 1. Those converted Pentecostians praised God. v 47, John 4:24 2. Those converted Pentecostians had favor with all people. v 47, Romans 12:18 3. Those converted Pentecostians were added to the New Testament church. v 47, Acts 10:34-35 CHAPTER 3

I. THE HEALING OF THE LAME MAN: VS 1-11

A. These were his characteristics in life. vs 1-2 1. This man was crippled. vs 1-2, Romans 7:24 2. This man was a beggar. vs 1-2, Romans 6:21 B. This was his opportunity. vs 3-5 1. He was given a opportunity to be healed in a physical way. vs 3-5 2. All sinners have been given an opportunity to be healed in a spiritual way. Heb. 8:12, Romans 6:23 C. This was his blessing. vs 6-7 1. He was healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. vs 6-7 2. All sinners can be healed from their sins in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Acts 4:12, 2 Cor. 5:17 D. This was his gratitude. vs 8-11 1. He praised God for his gift. vs 8-11 2. Christians should praise God for their gifts. John 4:24, 1 Peter 2:9 II. THE PREACHING OF THE SECOND GOSPEL SERMON: VS 12-26 A. These are the powers which Christ possesses. vs 12-18 1. The power of Christ was approved by God. vs 12-15 a). God approved of His death. vs 12-14, John 1:29 b). God approved of His resurrection. v 15, Romans 4:25, 2 Tim. 1:10 2. The power of Christ healed the lame man. v 16, John 20:30-31 3. The power of Christ fulfilled all prophecies. vs 17-18, Isa. 53, Rom. 1:16 B. These are the commandments of Christ. v 19 1. All men must repent of their past sins. v 19, Luke 13:3 2. All men should be baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins. v 19, Acts 2:38 C. These were the traits of Christ. vs 20-23 1. Christ was sent from God. vs 20-21, 2 Cor. 5:18-21, 1 Tim. 3:16 2. Christ fulfilled His mission upon the earth. vs 22-23, Deut. 18:15-19, 2 Cor. 5:17 D. These are the blessings of Christ. vs 24-26 1. Christians are the promised children of Abraham. vs 24-25, Gal. 3:26-29 2. Disciples have received the forgiveness of their sins. v 26, Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:8-10 CHAPTER 4

I. PETER AND JOHN ARE IMPRISONED: VS 1-4

A. This was the reason for their imprisonment. vs 1-2 (The religious leaders were grieved because Peter and John were preaching the truth of God.) B. This was the reality of their imprisonment. v 3 ("They laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day.") C. This was the results of their preaching and imprisonment. v 4 ("Many of them which heard the word believed.") II. PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE COUNCIL: VS 6-12 A. This was the assembly of that council. vs 5-6 (This council consisted of the Jewish leaders.) B. This was the question of that counsel. v 7 ("By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?") C. These were the answers for that council. vs 8-12 1. The healing of the impotent man was by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. vs 8-10, Matt. 28:18-20 2. The healing of sinful man is done by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. vs 11-12, Luke 24:44-48 a). Christ is the head of the corner. v 11, Eph. 1:20-21, Eph. 2:20 b). Christ is the name which God uses to redeem fallen man. v 12, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, 2 Cor. 5:17-21 III. THE BOLDNESS OF PETER AND JOHN: VS 13-22 A. This was the effect of their boldness. v 13 1. Peter and John caused other persons to marvel. v 13 2. Our boldness should cause other persons to marvel. Heb. 13:5-6 a). Our boldness is achieved by righteousness. Prov. 28:1 b). Our boldness is enhanced by prayer. Eph. 6:19 B. These were the reasons for their boldness. v 14 1. The power of God has been manifested upon the impotent man. v 14, 22 2. The power of God has been confirmed by miracles. John 20:30-31 3. The power of God has been verified by experience. Romans 1:16, 2 Tim. 1:12 C. This was the test for their boldness. vs 15-18 1. Peter and John had been commanded not to preach the gospel any more. v 18 2. Christians must preach the gospel to please God, not man. Gal. 1:6-10 D. This was the proof of their boldness. vs 19-20 1. Peter and John were willing to preach the truth of God. 2. Christians must be willing to preach the truth of God. 2 Tim. 4:1-4 E. This was the consequence of their boldness. vs 21-22 1. Peter and John were delivered. 2. Christians can be delivered. Romans 8:31, Romans 14:7-9 IV. AN APOSTOLIC PRAYER: VS 23-31 A. This was the motivation for that prayer. vs 23-24 1. Peter and John had excess to the providence of God. 2. Christians have excess to the providence of God because the power of God has made us free for sin, and the power of God helps us to conquer the influence of sin. Phil. 2:13, Romans 8:28 B. These were the characteristics of that prayer. vs 24-28 1. Those Christians confessed the Lord as being their God: the Creator of life. v 24, Gen. 2:7, 1 John 5:7 a). Some people may deny the Lord as being their God. v 25, Psa. 14:1 b). All men should confess the Lord as being their God. 1 Kings 18:39 2. Those Christians confessed the Lord as being their Christ: the Redeemer of life. v 26 a). Some people may deny the Lord as being their Christ. v 26, John 14:1-3 b). All men should confess the Lord as being their Christ. Acts 2:34-38, Matt. 28:18-10 3. Those Christians confessed the Lord as being their Ruler. vs 27-28 a). Some people may deny the Lord as being their Ruler. vs 27-28, Exod. 5:2 b). All men should confess the Lord as being our Ruler. Acts 17:24-28 C. These were the requests of that prayer. vs 29-30 1. Those Christians prayed for boldness. v 29, Eph. 3:12 2. Those disciples prayed for the will of God to be done. v 30, Luke 22:42, James 4:1-3 D. These were the results of that prayer. v 31 1. God answered their prayer. 2. God does answer prayer. Phil. 4:6 V. THE WORKING OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY: VS 32-37 A. This is the harmony of true Christianity. v 32 1. Those true believers were completely united. 2. All religious people should be completely united. 1 Cor. 1:10 B. This is the value of true Christianity. v 32 1. Those true believers were willing to share their substances. 2. Christians should be willing to share their substances. James 2:14-16 C. This is the blessing of true Christianity. v 33 1. Those true believers had excess to the grace of God. 2. Christians have excess to the grace of God. Titus 2:11-12 D. This is the proof of true Christianity. vs 34-35 1. Those true believers proved their Christianity by sacrificial giving. 2. Christians must prove their Christianity by sacrificial giving. Acts 20:35 E. This is the fruit of true Christianity. vs 36-37 1. Those true believers gave liberally to the Lord. 2. Christians must give liberally unto the Lord. Luke 6:38 CHAPTER 5

I. THE SIN OF LYING: VS 1-11

A. This was the manner of that lying. vs 1-2 1. Ananias and Sapphira planned and plotted a lie. 2. A Christian should not tell lies. Prov. 12:22 B. This was the source of that lying. vs 3-4 1. Ananias and Sapphira did not lie unto men, but unto God. 2. God hates all lies. Prov. 6:16-19 C. This was the punishment for that lying. vs 5-10 1. Ananias and Sapphira died before the Lord. 2. All liars shall be punished. Rev. 21:18 D. These were the results of lying. v 11 1. Lying was the first sin which God punished in the church. v 11 2. Lying brings spiritual death. Rev. 21:27 II. THE MINISTRY OF HEALING: VS 12-16 A. This was the scope of that healing. v 12 (The apostles by the power of God performed many miracles.) Mark 16:17- 18 B. This was the consequence of that healing. vs 13-14 (Believers were added to the Lord.) Acts 2:47 C. This was the reason for that healing. vs 15-16 (Healing the sick confirmed the word of God.) Heb. 2:1-4 III. THE PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES: VS 17-26 A. This was the reason for their persecution. v 17 (Their persecution was caused by the indignation of the Sadducees.) B. This was the manner in which they were persecuted. v 18 (Those apostles were put into prison.) C. This was the blessing of their persecution. v 19 (Those apostles were delivered from prison.) D. This was the joy of their persecution. vs 20-21 (The apostles taught the people the words of life.) E. This was the consequence of their persecution. vs 22-26 (The persecution of the apostles amazed and confounded the wicked.) IV. THE APOSTLES BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN COURT: VS 27-42 A. These were the charges of that Sanhedrin Court. vs 27-28 1. We charged you not to teach any more in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. vs 27-28, Acts 4:17-18 2. You intend to bring this man's blood upon us. v 28, Matt. 27:24-25 B. These were the answers which was given to that Sanhedrin Court. vs 29,32 1. God must be obeyed instead of men. v 29, Gal. 1:10 2. God raised Jesus from the dead. v 30, 1 Cor. 15:1-4 3. God exalted Jesus to be the Savior of the world. v 31, Acts 2:34-38 4. God has made us witness of these things. v 32, Luke 24:44-48 C. This was the guilt of that Sanhedrin Court. v 33 1. They were cut to the heart. 2. Sin can cut the heart of a sinner. Acts 2:37 D. These were the restraints of that Sanhedrin Court. vs 34-39 1. If Christianity be of God, you can not overthrow it. 2. God is greater than Satan. 1 John 4:4 E. These were the decisions of that Sanhedrin Court. v 40 1. They beat the apostles. 2. They charged the apostles to quit preaching the gospel. 3. They let the apostles go home. F. This was the influence of that Sanhedrin Court. vs 41-42 (The Sanhedrin Court could not stop the apostles from preaching the gospel of Christ.) CHAPTER 6

I THE CHOOSING OF DEACONS: VS 1-7

A. This was the need for those deacons. vs 1-2 (Those deacons would serve in the church.) B. This was the qualifications for those deacons. v 3 (Those deacons must have an "Honest report, full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom.") C. This was the manner in which those deacon were chosen. vs 4-6 (The people prayed for the deacons which were chosen.) D. This was the value of those deacons. v 7 (The work of those deacons helped the church to grow in great numbers.) II. THE ARREST OF STEPHEN: VS 8-15 A. This was the character of Stephen. v 8 1. Stephen was full of faith. 2. Christians should be full of faith. Heb. 11:6, Mark 9:23 B. This was the ability of Stephen. vs 9-10 1. Stephen could silence false teachers. 2. Christians should be able to silence false teachers. Titus 1:9, Jude 3-4 C. This was the persecution of Stephen. vs 11-14 1. Stephen was arrested. 2. Christians will be persecuted. 2 Tim. 3:12 D. This was the joy of Stephen. v 15 1. Stephen rejoiced in the face of tribulation. 2. Christians can rejoice in the face of persecutions. Matt. 5:11-12 CHAPTER 7

I. THE SERMON OF STEPHEN: VS 1-60

A. This was the reason for his sermons. v 1 (Stephen was charged with false teaching.) B. This was the appear for his sermon. v 2 ("Men, brethren, and father, hearken.") C. These were the characteristics of his sermon. vs 2-50 1. Israel began with the call of Abraham. vs 2-7 a). God called Abraham when he was living in Mesopotamia. vs 2-4, Gen. 12:1-3 b). Abraham dwelt in the land of Canaan. v 5 c). The nation of Israel would be in bondage for 430 years. vs 6-7 2. Israel was developed by the twelve Patriarchs. v 8 3. Israel grew into a nation in the land of Egypt. vs 9-36 a). Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt. v 9 b). Joseph was made governor over the land of Egypt. v 10 c). Israel was invited down to dwell in the land of Egypt. vs 11-16 d). The people of Israel was soon reduced to slavery. vs 17-19 e). God chose Moses to free the people of Israel from their bondage which they had endured in Egypt. vs 20-35 4. The hope of Israel was the coming of Christ. v 37, Deut. 18:15-19, Gal. 4:4-7 5. The law of Moses was given unto Israel. v 38, Gal. 3:19-27 6. Rebellion has been the history of Israel. vs 39-50 a). The Israelites rebelled against God in the wilderness. vs 39-44 b). The Israelites rebelled against God in the land of Canaan. vs 45-50 D. These were the applications of his sermon. vs 51-53 1. The Jewish nation had rebelled against the law of Moses. v 51 2. You as a Jewish nation are rebelling against the law of Christ. vs 52-53 E. This was the consequence of his sermon. vs 54-60 (Stephen was stoned to death.)

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