How Does the Church Act?

N.T.#817 "How Does the Church Act?"

June 17, 2026 

Introduction to Acts

Background

This is the second book which is written by Luke, the physician and disciple of Jesus Christ. Luke was Paul's close friend and traveling companion, as well as personal physician. (Col. 4:14) some think Luke wrote Acts before the end of Paul's first Roman imprisonment instead of  after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. 

Acts emphasizes that Jesus was Israel's long-awaited Messiah, shows the gospel is offered to all people, and the work of the Holy Spirit (mentioned over 50 times). (MacArthur)

We will be studying:

• the birth of the church at Jerusalem
• its persecution and espansion
• Peter and the beginning of Gentil Christianity
• Paul's three missionary journey
• Paul's final journey to Rome. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Luke wrote to Theophilus, a former Roman official of high rank. He was possibly a new convert who need to be grounded in Christ. Maybe Luke led him to the Lord. He was an example of humility and love so needed by the world and among God's people.

Jesus had shown Himself for 40 days after the resurrection to people. He spoke of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (verse 3) His followers were to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (verse 8)

What are we to be a witness sharing? Jesus died on the cross as our replacement for punishment of our sins and rose from the dead to give us eternal life through faith in Him.  

What kind of witness are we? Are we loving toward others? Do we share our faith? How does the church act? Is it meeting people's needs?