Commentary on Acts
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to Acts
Acts is a narrative book in the New Testament that recounts key historical events and developments in Israel's history. The book contains important stories, characters, and events that contribute to the broader biblical narrative and redemptive history.
As with other biblical narratives, Acts combines historical reporting with theological interpretation, showing how God works through historical circumstances and human actions to accomplish His purposes. The narrative demonstrates divine providence, human responsibility, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Throughout Acts, readers can observe God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings and opposition. The book's events establish important precedents and patterns that inform biblical theology and provide context for understanding later Scriptural developments.
Historical Context
Acts was written as Luke's second volume (c. 80-85 CE), tracing Christianity's expansion from Jerusalem to Rome. The book addresses questions about the church's identity, mission, and relationship to both Judaism and the Roman Empire.
Imperial Context
Acts presents Christianity as politically harmless to Rome while theologically distinct from Judaism. This apologetic purpose reflects the church's need to establish legal and social legitimacy within the Roman system.
Literary Features
Acts employs narrative techniques characteristic of biblical historiography. The book uses plot development, characterization, dialogue, and setting to convey both historical events and theological meaning. Narratives in Acts are carefully structured to highlight divine providence and human response.
Structure
The narrative structure of Acts involves a clear progression with rising and falling action, climactic moments, and resolution. The author selectively includes details that advance the theological purpose while maintaining historical accuracy.
Literary Devices
Common literary devices in Acts include:
- Repetition - Key phrases and motifs recur to emphasize important themes
- Type-scenes - Conventional scenarios (e.g., encounters at wells, divine calls) that evoke specific expectations
- Inclusio - Framing sections with similar language to create literary units
- Chiasm - Mirror-image structures that highlight central elements
These narrative techniques guide the reader's interpretation and highlight theological significance within historical events.
Key Passages in Acts
Acts 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
Acts 7:1
Important development in the book's message
Acts 14:1
Central teaching or turning point
Acts 21:1
Application of key principles
Acts 28:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-7)
- Chapter 1 ( Acts 1 Acts 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( Acts 2 Acts 2: Chapter 2 )
- Chapter 3 ( Acts 3 Acts 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( Acts 4 Acts 4: Chapter 4 )
Main Section 1 (8-14)
- Chapter 8 ( Acts 8 Acts 8: Chapter 8 )
- Chapter 9 ( Acts 9 Acts 9: Chapter 9 )
- Chapter 10 ( Acts 10 Acts 10: Chapter 10 )
- Chapter 11 ( Acts 11 Acts 11: Chapter 11 )
Main Section 2 (15-21)
- Chapter 15 ( Acts 15 Acts 15: Chapter 15 )
- Chapter 16 ( Acts 16 Acts 16: Chapter 16 )
- Chapter 17 ( Acts 17 Acts 17: Chapter 17 )
- Chapter 18 ( Acts 18 Acts 18: Chapter 18 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (22-28)
- Chapter 22 ( Acts 22 Acts 22: Chapter 22 )
- Chapter 23 ( Acts 23 Acts 23: Chapter 23 )
- Chapter 24 ( Acts 24 Acts 24: Chapter 24 )
- Chapter 25 ( Acts 25 Acts 25: Chapter 25 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Christology
Jesus Christ's identity and work form the center of Christian faith. The book explores aspects of His person, ministry, and continuing significance for believers.
Soteriology
Salvation through Christ transforms believers' standing before God and daily experience. This redemptive work addresses sin's penalty, power, and ultimately its presence.
Ecclesiology
The church as God's people has a distinct identity and mission in the world. The community of believers demonstrates and proclaims God's redemptive purpose.
Eschatology
God's future promises provide hope and shape present priorities. The anticipated return of Christ and consummation of God's kingdom give perspective to current circumstances.
Theological Significance
Acts contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Christology
The book develops understanding of Jesus Christ's person and work, exploring aspects of His identity, mission, and continuing significance. These christological insights inform Christian faith and practice.
Soteriology
The book articulates aspects of salvation accomplished through Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. This soteriological teaching addresses the full scope of redemption—past, present, and future.
Ecclesiology
Through both instruction and example, Acts shapes understanding of the church's nature, purpose, and practices. These ecclesiological insights guide Christian community life and mission.
Eschatology
The book contributes to biblical teaching about last things, including Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation. This eschatological perspective provides hope and shapes present Christian living.
Cross References to Other Books
- Psalm 110:1-7 Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT - Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT
- Isaiah 53:1-12 Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ - Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ
- Daniel 7:13-14 Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion - Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion
- Joel 2:28-32 Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring - Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring
- Malachi 3:1 Prophecy of messenger preparing the way - Prophecy of messenger preparing the way
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 2:2 [Text of Acts 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 4:4 [Text of Acts 4:4] - Key teaching in verse 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 6:6 [Text of Acts 6:6] - Key teaching in verse 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 7:1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so? - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 8:8 [Text of Acts 8:8] - Key teaching in verse 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 10:10 [Text of Acts 10:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 12:10 [Text of Acts 12:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 14:10 [Text of Acts 14:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 16:10 [Text of Acts 16:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 18:10 [Text of Acts 18:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 20:1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 20:10 [Text of Acts 20:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 22:1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 22:10 [Text of Acts 22:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 24:1 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 24:10 [Text of Acts 24:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 25
Chapter 25 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 26
Chapter 26 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 26:10 [Text of Acts 26:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 27
Chapter 27 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 28
Chapter 28 of Acts continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Acts 28:10 [Text of Acts 28:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Christlike Character
The book's portrayal of Jesus and teaching about Him provides the pattern for Christian character and conduct. This Christlikeness manifests in relationships, attitudes, speech, and actions. The transformative power of the gospel enables believers to grow in resembling Christ.
Church Life and Mission
Principles for healthy church community address worship, leadership, conflict resolution, and mutual edification. These guidelines help contemporary churches maintain biblical faithfulness while addressing current challenges. They also inform the church's missional engagement with surrounding culture.
Spiritual Warfare
The book acknowledges the reality of spiritual conflict and provides resources for overcoming evil. This perspective balances awareness of spiritual opposition with confidence in Christ's victory. It helps believers recognize and resist temptation while avoiding both naive dismissal and unhealthy obsession with demonic activity.
Eschatological Hope
The anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises provides perspective for current circumstances. This hope sustains believers through suffering and shapes priorities and decisions. It balances engagement with present responsibilities and anticipation of future glory.