[A treatise from Luke to Theophilus of the continuation of the movement began by Jesus as recorded in his Gospel: the events, works, teachings, and results of the life of Jesus.] Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem after His departure for the Advent of the promised Holy Spirit. He commissions them to be universal witnesses of Him in the power of the Holy Spirit, beginning where they are. He is received by a cloud from their sight into Heaven. An angel appears to the awestricken disciples, foretelling of His like return. They return to Jerusalem from Mt. Olivet and all (approximately 120) continue in one accord. Peter speaks to the circumstances of Judas' tragic end, recommending the selection for a replacement. Matthias is chosen by lot from among those who had been with Jesus from the beginning.

The day of Pentecost arrives and all are in one accord. A mighty wind from heaven fills the house, filling all with the Holy Spirit, and they begin to speak in foreign tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Peoples present from all over the world amazingly hear in their own language. Some doubt, accusing them of being drunk. Peter stands to refute them, observing that it is only the third hour (9 a.m. Jewish time). He continues to instruct them in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy of the latter days and the plan and necessity for salvation through a crucified, resurrected, and exalted Christ. About 3,000 respond in faith, baptized, and added to the newly emerging Church. They continue in fear, fellowship, and fervent love toward each other. The Lord adds daily the saved to His Church.

Peter and John encounter a lame man at the entrance of the Temple by the Gate called Beautiful. He is healed, and with much excitement and praise, enters the Temple with them. All are astonished. Peter courageously calls all to repentance, testifying to the power of Jesus for this man's healing and the salvation purchased by His death and resurrection which was prophesied by many. Those listening had been responsible for killing Him.

Peter and John are arrested by the Temple guards on orders of the priests and Sadducees who objected to their teaching the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, not believing in it themselves However, about 5,000 who had heard their message believed. The next day Peter and John are brought before the rulers and high priest (Ananias). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone of salvation. Perceiving they had been with Jesus, and because of the witness of the one healed by Jesus through Peter, the Council could only threaten and release them. Charging them not to speak in Jesus' name any further, Peter took exception; He would receive his orders only from God. Because of the fame of this miracle, and the degree to which the people glorified God, the Council releases them. The disciples return to the Church and report what has transpired. The Church responds in prayer to God for boldness in proclamation and divine assistance for the working of miracles and signs. Again they are all filled with the Holy Spirit. They are of one heart and soul, having all things common. Great power is given the Apostles to witness, and great grace is upon them all. Those who had possessions, sold and brought them to the Apostles for distribution as needed; among these was one Barnabas, a Levite of Cyprus.

Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, conspire to withhold part of their proceeds from the sale of a possession. In turn, both lie to Peter concerning the correct amount received. God's judgment falls upon them respectively as an example to the others. As a result, great fear comes upon the Church and many throughout the region are healed. Great wonders are done by the Apostles. (Just the shadow of Peter would cause one to be healed.) The Apostles are imprisoned again by the high priest and Sadducees, but the angel of the Lord frees them to speak in the Temple. The next morning they are found, brought before the Sanhedrin, and charged with filling Jerusalem with their doctrine. Peter again expresses obedience to God, proclaiming Jesus to them. The Council, desiring to slay them, is given wise counsel by Gamaliel, a Pharisee of great reputation: if this work is of God, it will stand, and who can resist it; if not, it will fail on its own merits. Again the Apostles are ordered to speak no more of Jesus and released, but they continue teaching and preaching Jesus with much joy in the Temple.

A controversy over the Greek widows being neglected in the daily ministration is resolved by the decision of the Apostles to ordain other men to see over this matter while they continue to give themselves to prayer and preaching. Seven men are chosen, of good report, full of wisdom, and the Holy Spirit, among whom are Stephen and Philip. The disciples grow in number, with many priests believing. Stephen is arrested by a number of priests from the synagogue. He is falsely accused after inciting them by his many miracles and wonders.

Stephen answers their charge, recounting the history of Israel from Abraham through Moses. He rebukes the unbelieving Jews' resistance to the Holy Spirit, then taken outside the city and stoned, as one young Saul looks on.

Consenting to Stephen's death, Saul zealously persecutes the Church. Except for the Apostles, the disciples are scattered throughout Samaria, preaching the word as they go. Stephen is buried by devout men. Philip preaches and heals in Samaria, and Simon the sorcerer believes. Peter and John are sent to Samaria for a report, baptizing and laying hands upon the believers after receiving the Holy Spirit. Simon offers money for the gift of the Spirit but is sternly rebuked by Peter. The Apostles return to Jerusalem. Philip goes to an Ethiopian eunuch along the road returning from Jerusalem to his homeland. Teaching him about Jesus, beginning at the place of his reading in Isaiah, He leads him to faith and baptism. Philip is then caught away by the Spirit to the region of Caesarea, preaching in all the cities. The eunuch continues on his way home rejoicing.

Saul obtains letters of authority to seek out and persecute the Christians in Damascus. In his encounter with Christ on his way, he is blinded, converted, and obedient to Christ's instructions for the continuation of his journey. After three days in Damascus, he receives Ananias, a local disciple who comes to him after being instructed in a vision by the Lord. Saul is baptized, receiving again his sight. Now strengthened, he preaches Jesus in their synagogues, amazing all. After many days, the Jews take counsel to kill him, but the disciples aid him to escape by night. He later comes to Jerusalem (after going to Arabia? Gal.1:17), befriended by Barnabas, and finally received by the others. Again the Jews (Grecians) desire to kill him because of his disputations with them, but is aided to his home in Tarsus. The Church has rest and the disciples grow in number and strength. Peter ministers in the region, healing Aeneas of Lydda of palsy and raising Dorcas of Joppa from the dead. Many see and believe. Peter remains in Joppa, in the house of Simon the tanner.

After seeing a vision, Cornelius, a Roman centurion and devout worshiper of God, sends for Peter. Peter receives a vision of the unclean things made clean by God, and after some hesitation, finally understands. He then goes with the messengers to Cornelius and preaches Christ to the Gentiles. After believing and receiving the Holy Spirit, all are baptized.

Questioned about his actions, Peter relates this experience to the Apostles in Jerusalem, and all glorify God. A great awakening occurs in Antioch, and Barnabas is sent from Jerusalem to investigate. Arriving and seeing the visible evidence of much grace, he goes to Tarsus to enlist the aid of his new friend Saul (Paul). After a year of much teaching and great growth, the disciples are now being called Christians in Antioch. Agabus, a prophet, comes from Jerusalem, informing them of a famine. Aid is sent to Jerusalem by Saul and Barnabas.

Herod Agrippa I persecutes the Church in Jerusalem, having James (brother of John) killed and Peter imprisoned. Due to the Passover, Peter's execution is delayed, miraculously freed by an angel, and goes to the house of Mary (mother of John Mark, writer of the gospel Mark) where the Church was meeting in prayer for him. After overcoming their astonishment, he enters, informs them of his experience, and later departs for another place. Shortly after executing Peter's guards, Herod goes to Tyre and Sidon to settle a controversy. Following a great oratory and deifying himself after receiving the crowd's adulation, he is slain by the angel of the Lord. God's word grows. Accompanied by Mark, Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch.

Separated by the Holy Spirit for their first missionary journey, Barnabas and Saul, with John Mark, depart through Seleucia, Cyprus, and Salamis. In Paphos, they are opposed by Barjesus, a false prophet. After Paul's rebuke, he is blinded. The Pro-Counsel, Sergius Palus, is converted. They embark to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark, for some unknown reason, turns back home. Going on to Antioch of Pisidia, Paul preaches in the synagogue, recounting the history of Israel, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and Christ as Saviour. The Gentiles want to hear more later. On the next Sabbath, Paul's preaching is opposed by the Jews. After rebuking them for their unbelief, Paul and Barnabas turn their ministry to the Gentiles. Many believe throughout the region. Paul and Barnabas shake the dust from their feet for a witness against the unbelievers, as they are driven from the country by the Jews and city leaders.

The two arrive in Iconium and teach in the synagogue. Many signs and wonders are done, with many Jews and Greeks believing, but eventually the rulers are incited to stone them. They flee to Derbe and Lystra of Lycaonia, where a man crippled from birth is healed. They passionately speak against the people's attempt to deify them (Paul = Mercurius and Barnabas = Jupiter), barely restraining them. Jews from Iconium and Antioch come, and persuading some to stone Paul, leave him for dead outside their city. As the disciples stood by, Paul arises and leaves the next day with Barnabas for Derbe, returning to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (of Pisidia), commending them and ordaining elders. They pass on through Pisidia to Pamphylia, preaching at Perga, then going down to Attalia, sail to Antioch of Syria, thus ending their first missionary journey. After reporting, they remain in Antioch for some time.

Judaizers ("Jewish Christians" who try to convert new Gentile Christians to Judaism as a necessary requirement for salvation) come from Judea, teaching circumcision. After disputing them, Paul and Barnabas are sent with others to Jerusalem for conference. They pass through Phenice and Samaria, confirming the Gentiles in their faith. (Likely those confused by the Judaizers en route to Antioch!) Great joy is seen. The Antioch delegation is received by the elders and Apostles. Peter disputes the Pharisaic sects' teaching. (Last mention of Peter.) Following James' decision on the matter, a letter is drafted for the Gentiles that denounces circumcision, but exhorts purity in the faith. Accompanied by Judas and Silas, the delegation returns to Antioch with the letter. It is well received. Silas remains in Antioch. Paul enjoins Barnabas for a revisit to the churches of their first missionary journey. A rift develops over John Mark's going, and Paul chooses Silas to go with him by way of Syria and Cilicia; Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus.

Timotheus (½ Jew, ½ Greek) is met at Lystra, circumcised by Paul, and enlisted for their trip. The Apostolic letter is shared en route through Phrygia and Galatia. Paul is forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go to Asia, so they pass by Mysia to Troas instead. The Macedonian call is received by Paul in a vision, and immediately they depart. (Luke now present? "we" vs.10. Watch for the pronouns: we, us, them, they, etc., possibly indicating Luke's locations.) Passing through Samothracia and Neapolis, they arrive in Philippi, Macedonia's chief city. While teaching the women down by a river, Lydia is converted and invites them to stay in her home. A demonic damsel who antagonizes Paul each day is rebuked and healed by him. Upset by the loss of their trade (idols), her masters have Paul and Silas imprisoned. As they pray, a great earthquake occurs, releasing their bonds, leading to the conversion of their jailor. The magistrates send word to release them privately, but due to their being falsely imprisoned and illegally beaten as Roman citizens, Paul and Silas demand to be released by them personally and publicly.

Paul and Silas pass through Amphipolis and Appolonia, arriving in Thessalonica (Luke remains in Philippi? vs.1 "they"). Paul teaches Jesus in the synagogue for three Sabbaths and many believe, but the unbelievers who are stirred up conspire against them. Jason's house is assaulted, and a security is taken of them. With aid from the brethren, Paul and Silas are sent to Berea by night. They teach noble Jews in the synagogue, and many men and women, Jew and Greek, believe, searching the scriptures daily. Jews from Thessalonica hear, come, and stir up the people, causing the brethren to carry Paul to Athens, taking word back for Silas and Timothy to come quickly. While teaching in the synagogues, Paul encounters Epicureans and Stoics who take him to Mar's Hill (Areopagus) for further debate, where he teaches them who their unknown god is. His teaching of the resurrection is scoffed at by some, but others want to hear more. Some believe. (Dionysius, the Areopagite and Damaris, a woman, are named. Silas and Timothy never make it to Athens. 18:5)

Paul leaves Athens for Corinth. The Jews are expelled from Rome by Claudius, Aquila and wife Priscilla being among them. After their arrival in Corinth, Paul abides with them, working in their trade as tentmakers, teaching both Jew and Greek in the synagogues each Sabbath. Silas and Timothy finally arrive from Berea. (Last mention of Silas.) Paul now is pressed in the Spirit to testify of Jesus as the Christ, with many opposing him. He denounces them for the Gentiles who do believe. Many believe, including Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue. After receiving a vision encouraging him not to be afraid to speak, Paul remains, teaching them for one and one-half years. He is brought before the judgment seat of Gallio by the Jews on a matter of the Mosaic Law. Refusing to judge him, Gallio drives them away. The Greeks beat Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and Paul remains awhile before sailing with Aquila and Priscilla to Syria by way of Ephesus. Paul takes a vow. Aquila and Priscilla remain in Ephesus, as Paul sails for Caesarea, going up to Jerusalem, then down to Antioch. He departs Antioch on his Third Missionary Journey to the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples en route. Apollos comes to Ephesus, teaching the baptism of John the Baptist. After instructed more fully by Aquila and Priscilla, he continues on to Achaia (Corinth), now teaching mightily, Jesus as the Christ.

While Apollos is at Corinth, Paul goes to Ephesus, baptizing Apollos' converts (12), and they receive the Holy Spirit. Paul does a remarkable work in Ephesus for over two years, teaching, healing, casting out demons, etc. (Taught at the school of Tyrannaus, Asia hears the word, and Jewish exorcists attempt an exorcism in Jesus' name with disastrous results. Christ is glorified.) Timothy and Erastus are sent ahead to Macedonia. A craftsmen (of idols) revolt occurs against Paul and his companions. Seized and brought into the theater by a mob, the town clerk dismisses it as being an unlawful assembly.

Paul departs for Macedonia, going on to Corinth for three months. Intending to sail to Syria, but prevented by the Jews, he goes through Macedonia, sailing from Philippi to Troas, (Luke rejoins him at Philippi? vs.5 "we"), where he is met by Timothy and others. Paul's late night sermon in a crowded upperroom leads to the miracle of his restoring Eutychus who had fallen from an upper window. He continues through the night with the brethren, departing on foot the next day for Assos, while his company go by sail. Rendezvousing at Assos, they sail for Mitylene, past Chios, arriving at Samos, then tarrying at Trogyllium for a day, arrive at Miletus. Paul calls for the elders from Ephesus, and after his farewell address to them, they part with great emotion and sadness.

Paul and company sail to Syria by way of Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Phenicia, by Cyprus, and into Tyre. Remaining there for seven days, Paul is warned by the Spirit through the disciples not to go up to Jerusalem. They sail past Ptolemais and arrive at Caesarea the next day, visiting with Philip the Evangelist. The prophet Agabus comes from Jerusalem, also warning Paul against going on to Jerusalem. Determined to go, Paul arrives in Jerusalem with a company from Caesarea, and is received by the Church elders and James (church Pastor). He is warned by the Church of the number of Jewish Zealots in the city and their false charge against his Mosiac teachings. Though taking a conciliatory vow, he is seized by a mob in the Temple, beaten, and finally rescued by the chief captain. Taken up to a castle, he turns, with permission, and speaks to the Jewish mob.

Paul addresses the crowd in Hebrew, relating the story of his life and conversion. They listen, then rail against him, calling for his death. The captain orders him to be examined and scourged. Paul appeals as a Roman, causing the captain to loose Paul's bonds and call for a hearing with his accusers the next day. (Scenes reminiscent of Jesus' arrest and trial.)

After speaking before the Council, Paul is smitten on the mouth at Ananias' command, and to their astonishment, he appeals to them as a Pharisee. A theological division occurs among them concerning the resurrection. He is rescued again by the Roman soldiers, and in a night vision, the Lord assures him no harm will come to him, for He still has a ministry in Rome. Paul's sister's son overhears a conspiracy by the Jews to kill Paul. He warns Paul and the chief captain. The captain, Claudius Lysias, drafts a letter to Felix, and a heavily armed guard escorts Paul to Felix, the governor at Caesarea. Paul is kept in Herod's judgment hall while Felix summons Paul's accusers.

With a spokesman, Ananias and the elders arrive five days later. Tertullus, the spokesman, makes a flattering appeal to Felix. Paul defends himself against their false charge of sedition, recounting how and where he was seized, and that his original accusers aren't even present. Felix defers the case until obtaining the testimony of Lysias, the chief captain. Felix and his wife call for Paul to tell them of faith in Christ, and are moved, but dismiss him, having hoped for a bribe from Paul for his freedom. After two years, Festus, now governor, keeps Paul in arrest to please the Jews.

After three days, Festus goes to Jerusalem. Still secretly plotting to kill him, the Jews appeal to Festus for Paul to be brought there. Festus refuses and commands them to appear in Caesarea for a hearing. Some days later, all are in Caesarea, and after being taken into a hearing, Paul declares his innocence, refusing Festus' unsafe suggestion that he go to Jerusalem to be heard. He appeals to Caesar as a Roman. King Agrippa II and his wife, Bernice, visit Festus, and Festus relates Paul's case to him. At a hearing the next day called by Agrippa, Festus acknowledges to the court his dilemma and Paul's innocence.

Permitted to give his testimony before Agrippa, Paul relates his life story, his ministry to the Gentiles, and the resurrection story. Festus calls him mad from much learning, causing Paul to appeal to Agrippa's own knowledge of the Christian gospel for his defense. Agrippa is "almost persuaded" to become a Christian, and would have freed Paul, except for his legally binding appeal to Caesar.

Now escorted by Caesar's guards, Paul sets sail for Rome, stopping in Sidon (Luke present, vs.1 "we"). After seeing friends, they sail on to Fair Havens. Because of the lateness of the season and impending foul weather, Paul warns them to winter there, but upon the centurion's command, they continue. A strong wind arises with bad weather for many days, causing all hope to vanish. Reminding them of his earlier unheeded advice, he now encourages them because of his recent vision from the angel of God: all would be saved in their imminent shipwreck. Paul's calming leadership prevails, and all 276 souls aboard are saved, though shipwrecked on an unknown shore. (Paul saves other prisoners from being killed by the guards fearing their escape.)

Shipwrecked on the island of Melita, they are entreated hospitably by a barbarous people. Paul is bitten by a venomous snake coming from a fire he builds, and though judged by the natives at first, he is called a god when he fails to die. Paul heals much of their sick and is given many honors. They depart after three months by way of Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli, meeting the brethren there. Arriving in Rome, they are unexpectedly met by many brethren outside the city. After being assigned to a Roman guard, Paul summons and addresses the Roman Jews to explain why he is there. They had received no word of his Jerusalem troubles and accusations. Paul is given opportunity to teach them on the gospel of the denounced Jewish Christian sect, and many believe, but many don't. He quotes Isaiah's warning and prophecy, declaring them unwilling to hear the gospel, unlike the Gentiles who hear and believe. They reason among themselves. Paul receives all who will hear him for the next two years, no one forbidding him.