The Church Unleashed
A Study Guide for Bold Faith and Spirit-Filled Mission
1. Introduction: A Sequel to the Gospel
Written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel account.
Acts picks up with the ascension of Jesus and traces the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.
The theme: the Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill the Great Commission.
Reflection: The book isn’t just called Acts of the Apostles—it could just as well be called Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Church.
2. The Power to Witness
Acts 1:8 is the key verse: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”
The disciples wait in prayer until Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit fills them (Acts 2).
Peter boldly preaches and 3,000 are saved—launching the church.
Takeaway: You don’t need a platform to make an impact. You need the Spirit and obedience.
3. The Church in Community and Persecution
Believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42–47).
Miracles and generosity marked the early church.
Persecution began quickly—yet the gospel advanced (Acts 4–7).
Lesson: The church grows not in comfort but in obedience—and often through pressure.
4. The Gospel Spreads Beyond Jerusalem
Stephen becomes the first martyr (Acts 7), and Saul begins persecuting the church.
Philip preaches in Samaria, and the Ethiopian eunuch is baptized (Acts 8).
The gospel breaks boundaries—social, ethnic, and religious.
Encouragement: God will move His message forward, even if it means scattering His people.
5. The Conversion of Saul
Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).
He becomes Paul—the church’s greatest missionary and a major New Testament author.
His transformation proves that no one is beyond God’s reach.
Truth: The gospel doesn’t just make bad people better. It makes dead people alive.
6. Gentiles Welcomed In
Peter has a vision and preaches to Cornelius, a Gentile (Acts 10–11).
The Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles, confirming salvation is for all.
This marks a turning point—the church is not just Jewish but global.
Reminder: The gospel is for everyone—and we must be willing to cross boundaries to share it.
7. Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Paul travels across the Roman world—preaching, planting churches, and enduring persecution (Acts 13–21).
His journeys take him through cities like Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and Ephesus.
Each stop includes bold preaching, resistance, and new believers.
Challenge: Where is God calling you to go—or support others to go?
8. Trials, Testimony, and Rome
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and put on trial before governors and kings (Acts 21–26).
He shares his testimony boldly, using every opportunity to preach Jesus.
The book ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome—still proclaiming the gospel (Acts 28).
Hope: You can’t chain the gospel. Even in suffering, the mission continues.
9. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses…”
Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”
Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else…”
Acts 9:15 – “He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name…”
Acts 20:24 – “I do not account my life of any value… if only I may finish my course and the ministry…”
10. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
How does the early church’s devotion challenge your view of Christian community?
What does the boldness of Peter, Stephen, and Paul teach about faith in the face of persecution?
What boundaries are you hesitant to cross with the gospel—and why?
How does Paul’s conversion speak to the people in your life you think will “never change”?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in your everyday life and witness?
If the story of Acts continued today, what would your part in it be?