Book 5 of 27 in the New Testament — Spread of the early church.
Acts, Luke's second volume, picks up after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, following the Holy Spirit's dramatic arrival at Pentecost and the explosive growth of the early church that follows. The first half centers on Peter and the Jerusalem church's expansion; the second half shifts to Paul's missionary journeys carrying the gospel across the Roman world. Acts records both remarkable growth and fierce persecution, along with key turning points like the gospel's spread to non-Jewish Gentiles. It ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, boldly preaching even in captivity.
“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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”King James Version
Jesus promises the disciples power to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”King James Version
The Holy Spirit fills the disciples at Pentecost.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”King James Version
Peter declares that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus.
“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”King James Version
Saul encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”King James Version
Paul and Silas tell the jailer to believe in the Lord Jesus to be saved.