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Pages you visit will appear hereThe Spirit empowers the early church
Paul's missionary journeys
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
Jesus ascends to heaven after commanding the apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit and be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas among the twelve apostles.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
The Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles at Pentecost, enabling them to speak in different languages. Peter preaches boldly, and about 3,000 people are baptized and added to the church.
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| 3 |
Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate, drawing a crowd to whom Peter preaches about Jesus as the promised Messiah. The healing demonstrates God's power working through the apostles.
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| 4 |
Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus but boldly defend their faith before the religious authorities. The early church prays for boldness and continues to grow in unity and power.
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| 5 |
Ananias and Sapphira die for lying to the Holy Spirit about their offering, demonstrating God's holiness. The apostles perform many signs and wonders despite increasing persecution from religious leaders.
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| 6 |
Seven deacons, including Stephen, are chosen to serve the church and care for widows. Stephen performs great wonders and faces opposition from those who cannot refute his Spirit-filled wisdom.
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| 7 |
Stephen delivers a powerful speech tracing Israel's history and accusing the religious leaders of rejecting God's messengers. He becomes the first Christian martyr, stoned to death while Saul watches approvingly.
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| 8 |
Persecution scatters Christians throughout Judea and Samaria, spreading the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Philip preaches in Samaria and baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch, showing the gospel reaching all nations.
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| 9 |
Saul encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and is dramatically converted from persecutor to preacher. Ananias baptizes Saul, who immediately begins proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God.
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| 10 |
God gives Peter a vision about clean and unclean foods, preparing him to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household, proving that salvation is for all people.
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| 11 |
Peter defends his ministry to Gentiles before the Jerusalem church, explaining God's clear leading through visions and the Spirit's work. The church in Antioch grows and becomes the first place where believers are called Christians.
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| 12 |
King Herod persecutes the church, executing James and imprisoning Peter, but an angel miraculously frees Peter from prison. Herod dies under God's judgment, while the word of God continues to spread.
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| 13 |
The Holy Spirit sends Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their first missionary journey from Antioch. They preach in Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivers his first recorded sermon about Jesus as the promised Savior.
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| 14 |
Paul and Barnabas continue their missionary work in Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe, facing both acceptance and persecution. They strengthen new believers and appoint elders before returning to Antioch to report on God's work among the Gentiles.
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| 15 |
The Jerusalem Council meets to decide whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, concluding that salvation is by grace alone. This pivotal decision opens the door for the gospel to spread freely among all nations.
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| 16 |
Paul begins his second missionary journey with Silas, traveling through Asia Minor and receiving the Macedonian call to Europe. In Philippi, Lydia becomes a believer and Paul and Silas are miraculously freed from prison.
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| 17 |
Paul preaches in Thessalonica and Berea, then travels to Athens where he delivers his famous sermon about the unknown God. Some mock his message about resurrection, but others believe and join him.
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| 18 |
Paul spends 18 months in Corinth, working with Aquila and Priscilla while establishing a strong church. Despite opposition, God encourages Paul in a vision to continue speaking boldly.
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| 19 |
Paul ministers in Ephesus for over two years, performing extraordinary miracles and seeing many turn from magic and idolatry to Christ. A riot erupts when silversmiths fear losing business from decreased idol worship.
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| 20 |
Paul travels through Macedonia and Greece, then delivers a farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus. He warns them of coming difficulties and commends them to God's grace while heading toward Jerusalem.
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| 21 |
Despite warnings from the Holy Spirit, Paul continues to Jerusalem where he is arrested in the temple after being falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into restricted areas. Roman soldiers rescue him from an angry mob.
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| 22 |
Paul addresses the Jerusalem crowd in Hebrew, recounting his conversion and calling to minister to the Gentiles. The crowd listens until he mentions the Gentiles, then erupts in anger demanding his death.
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| 23 |
Paul appears before the Sanhedrin and cleverly divides the council by raising the issue of resurrection. After discovering a plot to kill Paul, Roman officials secretly transfer him to Caesarea for his protection.
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| 24 |
Paul defends himself before Governor Felix against accusations brought by the high priest Ananias and lawyer Tertullus. Felix keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, occasionally summoning him to hear about faith in Christ.
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| 25 |
The new governor Festus hears Paul's case and suggests he return to Jerusalem for trial. Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen and appeals to Caesar, ensuring his journey to Rome.
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| 26 |
Paul presents his defense before King Agrippa, powerfully recounting his conversion and calling to preach to both Jews and Gentiles. Agrippa admits Paul could have been freed if he hadn't appealed to Caesar.
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| 27 |
Paul begins his journey to Rome as a prisoner, encountering a fierce storm at sea that threatens to destroy the ship. Through Paul's faith and God's protection, all 276 people aboard safely reach the island of Malta.
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| 28 |
After being shipwrecked on Malta and bitten by a viper with no harm, Paul is recognized as special by the islanders. He finally reaches Rome, where he continues preaching about the kingdom of God with boldness and freedom.
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