Acts
Verse-by-Verse Commentary, Chapter Outlines, and Study Guides for Acts
Choose a Path Through Acts
Select a starting point below to read Acts by chapter, passage, or theme.
Introduction to Acts
Authorship, date, historical context, and a big-picture guide for reading Acts well.
Read Acts Verse by Verse
Passage-by-passage commentary that follows Acts from Jerusalem to Rome, one scene at a time.
Read Acts by the Chapter
Chapter outlines and summaries for Acts 1–28, highlighting key movements and meaning.
Themes and Guides
Study guides on the Holy Spirit, mission, the church, speeches, trials, miracles, and the Roman world.
Acts 2:42 — Devoted to the Apostles' Teaching
Acts 2:42 meaning explained: the four marks of the early church, teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, and how they still shape church life.
Acts 2:38 — Repent and Be Baptized
Acts 2:38 meaning explained, including the Greek behind "for the forgiveness of sins" and the debate over what it means for baptism and salvation.
Acts 2:17 — Your Sons and Daughters Shall Prophesy
Acts 2:17 meaning explained: what "the last days" means, why Peter edits Joel's prophecy, and how this promise crosses every line of age, gender, and status.
Acts 1:8 — The Great Commission of Acts
Acts 1:8 explained phrase by phrase: what "power," "witnesses," and "ends of the earth" mean, and how this one verse outlines the entire book of Acts.
An Introduction to the Book of Acts
Introduction to the Book of Acts: what Acts is about, how it’s structured, and the major themes as the gospel moves from Jerusalem to Rome through the Holy Spirit.
Acts 28:17–31 Paul Proclaims the Kingdom of God
Acts 28:17-31 concludes Acts with Paul in Rome, teaching about Jesus for two years with boldness and without hindrance. The gospel advances unstoppably.
Acts 28:11–16 Arrival in Rome
Acts 28:11–16 traces Paul’s final journey to Rome, where believers welcome him in Italy, Christians meet him on the road, and he takes courage under guard.
Acts 28:1–10 Paul on Malta
Acts 28:1-10 describes Paul on Malta after the shipwreck. Bitten by a viper but unharmed, Paul heals many islanders who honor him with supplies for Rome.
Acts 27:27–44 The Shipwreck
Acts 27:27–44 recounts Paul’s shipwreck, his warning against abandoning ship, a public prayer over bread, and how all 276 survive and reach land.
Acts 27:13–26 The Storm at Sea
Acts 27:13-26 describes a violent storm threatening Paul's ship. After all hope is lost, Paul shares an angel's promise: all will survive, though the ship will be destroyed.
Acts 27:1–12 Sailing Toward Rome
Acts 27:1–12 begins Paul’s voyage to Rome, showing slow sailing, risky decisions, and Paul’s warning as winter storms approach in the Mediterranean.
Acts 26:24–32 “Do You Believe the Prophets?”
Acts 26:24-32 records responses to Paul's defense. Festus calls him mad, Paul asks Agrippa if he believes the prophets, and officials agree Paul is innocent.
Acts 26:1–23 Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa
Acts 26:1-23 records Paul's defense before Agrippa. He recounts his conversion, commission to the Gentiles, and message of the suffering and risen Messiah.
Acts 25:13–27 Paul Before Festus and Agrippa
Acts 25:13-27 describes King Agrippa's visit to Festus. Unable to formulate charges against Paul, Festus arranges for Agrippa to hear Paul's case.
Acts 25:1–12 Paul Appeals to Caesar
Acts 25:1-12 describes Paul's appeal to Caesar after Festus proposes sending him to Jerusalem. As a Roman citizen, Paul invokes his right to be tried in Rome.
Acts 24:10–27 Paul’s Trial Before Felix
Acts 24:10-27 records Paul's defense before Felix. Though Felix fears Paul's message about judgment, he keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping for a bribe.
Acts 24:1–9 Charges Against Paul
Acts 24:1-9 describes formal charges against Paul before Governor Felix. Tertullus accuses him of inciting riots, leading the Nazarenes, and defiling the temple.
Acts 23:12–35 The Plot Against Paul and Transfer to Caesarea
Acts 23:12-35 describes a plot by forty Jews to kill Paul. His nephew warns him, and the tribune transfers Paul to Caesarea under heavy military guard.
Stephen’s Speech in Acts 7 Explained
Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 retells Israel’s story to show God’s free presence, repeated resistance to prophets, and why rejecting Jesus fulfills a tragic pattern.
Church Leadership and Structure in Acts
Discover how the early church developed leadership structures in Acts, from apostles to elders to deacons, and what patterns guide church organization today.