“To the ends of the earth: a Bible study on the book of Acts” © 2006, Matt Podszus
Page 2
Introduction
Welcome to “To the ends of the earth: A Bible study on the book of Acts”. We hope you are looking
forward to this exploration into one of the most exciting books in Scripture.
Acts is volume two of a two-volume series. It was written by Luke who, in his gospel, spelled out
its recipient and purpose:
“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been
accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers
of the word have delievered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things
closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that
you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)
The book of Luke very much revolves around the themes of “accomplishment” (1:20; 45; 4:21;
9:31; 12:50; etc.) and “certainty” (1:18; 2:17; 23:47; 24:13-25) Again and again Luke emphasizes
that Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures as well as His own predictions, therefore He can be trusted
with certainty. Was Theophilus doubting? Maybe. That seems to be Luke’s point in writing.
These themes spill over into Acts. Luke picks up Acts by remind Theophilus of what he has
already covered.
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until
the day when He was taken up, after He had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the
apostles whom He had chosen. To them He presented Himself alive after His suffering by
many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the
promise of the Father, which He said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you
will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” (Acts 1:1-5)
Still Luke is instilling confidence and a sense of how Jesus has fulfilled and accomplished
certain things. Luke then dives into the promises that we are to now be aware of. In the end of
Luke’s gospel, he refers to a couple future-oriented teachings of Jesus. The disciples will be
persecuted and delivered up to synagogues and prisons and “will be brought before kings
and governors for [His] name’s sake” and that this will be their opportunity “to bear witness”
(21:10-19). Also, Jesus tells them that they “are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am
sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power
from on high” (24:22-49).
Would these things really happen? If not, Jesus’ credibility would be questionable. So, even as
Jesus fulfilled many things throughout the course of His own life, if we believe Him to be who He
claimed to be, we must ask whether His words continued to find fulfillment.
So we, and Theophilus, must ask how the rest of the story turned out.
The book of Acts details the coming of the Holy Spirit and the rapid expansion of the church.
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Introduction (cont.)
There are numerous valuable lessons to be learned about the work of the Spirit in our lives,
God’s heart for all nations, how to share our faith, God’s sovereignty in our circumstances, etc.,
yet the undercurrent is always that of certainty and fulfillment. Ultimately, this book should
either vindicate or indict Christ’s claims and the claims of his followers.
“ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come in power and the result will be that they will be His
witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Firstly, we see the theme of gospel expansion. Jesus has announced that His witnesses will
expand “to the ends of the earth.” In this book, you will glimpse whether this was the case and
how it occurred. One section of this study will just be committed to examining this aspect—even
evaluating how it might look as God uses your life in the continuation of this expansion.
Secondly, we see the theme of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus was the main character of Luke’s gospel,
then the Holy Spirit is definitely the main actor in Acts. Jesus promised this would be the case
and is shown to be true whenever we see the Spirit come “with power.” Acts will be a great
book to begin understanding the role of the Spirit and observing some of the things He does
through the lives of those He indwells.
Thirdly, we see the theme of witness. There are around 16 different sermons in the book of Acts.
In these we learn valuable lessons about evangelism—how to share with different audiences,
important points to hit, what to expect for results—as well as doctrine. These are wonderful
sections to analyze and can teach us much about our own gospel witness. In the back you will
find “Sermon Analysis” sheets. Every week you should have at least one sermon to analyze.
These will be very fruitful.
As we glean from these things, we should also see the unfolding story of Jesus’ reliability; things
took place just as He said they would. Don’t forget to consider, just as Theophilus did 2000 years
ago, how God’s sovereignty and faithfulness ought to impact your own life.
Don’t forget to consider how your life might either vindicate or indict Jesus words about what
would take place through His followers!
Don’t forget to remember that Jesus is obviously Lord, and that, in all this, it is Him to whom we
look to fulfill His words in-and-through us.
Enjoy!
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How to Do this Study
Remembering some of what we just read, we will approach this study inductively. In other words, we
are primarily going to let the book speak for itself.What we will be doing is utilizing a few analytical
tools in order to dissect and understand the meaning and significance of this book.
Events (upper left): Read through the section 2 or 3 times, then record
the specific events that took place. Try to assemble an accurate
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
picture of what actually happened (don’t hypothesize or extrapolate
here). Try to get a reading on the question, “Why did Luke write this
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
The second page of each study will have two sections, one on The
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Holy Spirit and one on Gospel expansion (middle left). As was
What obstacles are there?
mentioned, the Holy Spirit plays an enormous role in Acts. He is
How might God want to overcome those obstacles?
referred to 58 times. During each study you will examine the role you
see Him playing and consider how that might apply to the role He
plays in your life.
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
The section on Gospel expansion will help you keep tabs on where
it is going. When you really chart its expansion, it is pretty breath-
Audience
taking and allows us to more clearly see Jesus’ insight into the future.
Title and key verse
Main Points
Along with this, you will use this section to consider how God might
want to use you in this ongoing expansion of the gospel.
One of the other elements that factor heavily into Acts are the
Doctrines and aspects of the gospel explained
speeches. These tie closely with their context and give an unfolding
Gospel elements that were noticeable absent
sense of the gospel message. From these we can gain an increasingly
Outcome deep grasp of how evangelism should look in our lives. The Sermon
Analysis (lower left) sheets are found in the back of the study. These
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?) will help you to glean many important lessons from each sermon you
see. Each study will have at least one sermon to analyze.
Finally, page three (or four if you include the Sermon Analysis sheets)
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How to Do this Study (cont.)
of each study will be for distilling the final lessons and convictions.
There is a section on Cross referencing. Acts is a unique book in two ways: (1) It was written by
the most prolific New Testament author. This gives us quite a bit of
material within both Acts and the Gospel of Luke to compare what
Acts 1-2 The Promised Spirit
Cross referencing
we’ve read. Because this is a two volume work, it will be important to
look in these two books first for clues to help you understand each
What other passages might help us understand this one?
Compare Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 with Acts 2:13-40. How do you see Peter changed?
section you are reading. (2) It is written by someone who was deeply
influenced by the second most prolific New Testament author, Paul.
Some things to consider
Paul and his teaching also factor heavily into this book. When you
read Acts, you realize that he was a traveling companion of Paul’s
In the whole scheme of things, do you think it was likely or unlikely that you would become a
Christian? Why is it that this message made it 2000 years and half way around the world to you?
during much of his ministry. This gives you another broad set of
If the gospel has made it to you, why are there still places it hasn’t arrived?
Do you think that the promise of the Holy Spirit coming in “power” is for every Christian? What do
related writings to reference. Paul’s writings can help fill in both the
you think that should look like in your life?
Much has been made over the years about how Paul seems to
contradict his writings in his Acts sermons. It is important to remember that a sermon is very
different than a letter. Paul himself distinguishes between his style of writing and his style of
speaking (2 Cor. 10:9-11). Also, Luke writes many examples where his speakers used “many other
word” (2:40) and spoke for many other days (17:2). The final verse of Acts tells us that Paul, “lived
there [in Rome] two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,
proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness
and without hindrance.”
It goes without saying that we don’t hear all that Paul has to say, so Luke recorded what he record
intentionally and under the Spirit’s guidance in order to show this unfolding story.
The same could be said of Peter’s sermons and writings. When something appears to be missing, it
might actually offer a clue as to why what was recorded found its way in.
Whenever cross referencing it is a good rule of thumb to begin within the same book; expand
within the same author; then the same testament; finally the whole Bible, because every author uses
words, phrases and ideas in unique ways.
After this section you will find the “Some things to consider” section. This section will always have
2 or 3 questions that will just probe your thinking toward deeper consideration and application.
Then you will find the “Convictions and applications” section. Here is where you will consider how
this will affect your thinking and behavior. If this study affects neither, you may as well not do it.
In order to solidify your convictions and help you own them long term, we will be memorizing one
verse every week. Most of these come from Acts, but some come from related Scripture.
Finally, these compartments will not probably give you the freedom to deeply explore Acts. If you
will look about 10 inches to your left, you will see an 8.5“ X 11” page that will appear adjacent to
every page of this study. Use that space to jot thoughts, observations, questions and other notes.
Really dive into this study. It should take you about 3-4 hours per week. You could spend more, but
try to pace yourself to complete it in that amount of time.
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Acts 1-2 The Promised Spirit
Events
What were the major events in this section? What actually took place? What was their significance?
Did the narrator explain the significance in any way? How do we see these verses demonstrating the
coming of the Holy Spirit in power for the sake of global expansion of the gospel?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
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Acts 1-2 The Promised Spirit
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
If the gospel has made it to you, why are there still places it hasn’t arrived?
Do you think that the promise of the Holy Spirit coming in “power” is for every Christian? What do
you think that should look like in your life?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
Compare Acts 5:1-11 with 2 Samuel 6:1-15. What could be an explanation for this unusual event?
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Acts 3-5 Power and Persecution
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Are you a bold person? We Peter and John? How do you think they acquired their boldness? Do
verses 4:29-31 give any clues?
Consider 4:18-20 and 5:27-29. Are there areas when you, too, need to obey God in opposition to the
world and its norm?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
Isn’t Jesus supposed to be “seated” at the right hand of the throne (Matt. 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke
22:69; Eph. 1:20; 2:6; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:18; 12:2)? Why do you think he is described as “standing at
the right hand of God” in verses 7:55 and 56?
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Acts 6-7 Stephen
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
If Stephen, who was “a man full of God’s grace and power,” was willing to be a servant why do we
tend to think we’re above such tasks? Are there areas where you are considering yourself too good
or gifted to serve?
How does Stephen’s example teach us how we out to respond to persecution we endure because of
our faith and the gospel (7:54-60)?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
On page 56 you will find a map displaying all of the places list in Acts 2:5-12. In Acts 8:4 we read
that “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Connect the dots
of each place mentioned in Acts 2 and fill in the area that was reached through the scattering of
persecution.
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Acts 8-9:31 Saul /Paul
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Read Luke 9:51-56 John 4:1-42. How do you see the disciples’ changed toward Samaritans?
Where has God “scattered” you now (both here and next year)? To whom might He want you to
preach the word?
What are some of the things you learn about God from the story of Saul/Paul.
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
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Acts 9:32-12 Peter’s Revelation
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Why didn’t the angel just tell Cornelius the gospel? What are the implications of this aspect of the
story? (11:13, 14)
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
On page 57 you will find a map with all of the cities and regions Paul visited on his missionary
journeys. Use 4 colored pencils and, for the next 5 studies, chart Paul’s 3 missionary journeys and
his journey to Rome.
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Acts 13-14 Paul’s First Journey
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Where else in Scripture do you see the Spirit playing a role of leading and directing?
How do you see Paul’s theology mirrored in his speeches and writings?
How do you see God’s sovereignty in Paul’s trip (esp., over persecution and its effect)? How should
that affect the way you welcome hardship/opposition into your life and ministry?
How do verses 14:21-23 help flesh out Paul’s full view of his stewardship and ministry?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
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Acts 15:1-35 The Jerusalem Council
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
In light of this chapter, what roles do you believe morality and the disciplines should play in the
Christian life? (I.e.,What was the heart of the issue in Acts 15?)
Do these things hold the right place in your thinking? How does it affect us when they do not?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
Resume your charting of Paul’s journeys on page 57 (this one begins in Antioch).
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Acts 15:36-18:17 Paul’s Second Journey
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Compare 16:6-10 with 2 Corinthians 2:12-13. How does the Spirit’s leading look in our lives?
Paul’s second journey begins very inauspiciously (15:37-39) and took several counter intuitive turns
(16:6-10; 2 Cor. 2:12-13; Acts 17:14-16; 18:1-5) along the way. What does this teach us about the
nature of ministry and following the Spirit’s lead in life?
What are some things you can take from the example of the Bereans? (17:11)
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
Continue to chart Paul’s journeys on page 57 (this one begins in Antioch, too).
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Acts 18:18- chp. 23 Paul’s Third Journey
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Why do you think Paul chose to utilize his Roman citizenship in this section (and in Acts 16:37-39)
but not in other situations? When is it appropriate to capitalize on your worldly privileges as a
Christian?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Further investigation
Which words and concepts does this passage seem to hinge on? Look up any words or look into any
concepts that might aid your understanding. Are there any questions that came up as you read?
Continue to chart Paul’s journeys on page 57 (this one begins in Jerusalem).
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Acts 24-28 To Rome
The Holy Spirit
What role did the Holy Spirit play in this section?
What convictions did you develop regarding His role in your life?
Gospel expansion
Did the gospel expand outward?
If so, where?
What obstacles were there and how did God overcome them?
How might God want to use your life to advance His gospel?
Look at Philippeans 1:12-14. How did Paul’s time in Rome turn out?
What would it look like for you to live in an awareness of God’s sovereignty next year, even as you
move into ministry areas you believe He has called you to?
How do you think these convictions will alter the way you live?
Acts 3-5
Acts 6-7
Acts 8-9:31
Acts 9:32-12
Acts 13-14
Acts 15:1-35
Acts 15:36-18:17
Acts 18:18-chp. 23
Acts 24-28
The final chapter (in the next year, how do you see your life factoring into the gospel “going to the
ends of the earth”?
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Appendix
Sermon Analysis Sheets
“The Scattering” Map
“Paul’s Missionary Journeys” Map
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
Sermon Analysis
Verses: Speaker(s)
Audience
Main Points
Outcome
Lessons (how can you make application in your own gospel witness?)
The Scattering
“Those who had been scattered preached the
word wherever they went.” Acts 8:4
PONTUS
CAPPADOCIA
PHRYGIA
The Parthian
PAMPHYLIA Empire
MESOPOTAMIA
CRETE
Ecbatana =
Media
EGYPT
Red Persian
Sea Gulf
Paul’s
ü Three Taverns
ü Forum of Appius Missionary
ü Puteoli
Byzantium ü ü Chalcedon Journeys
Philippi üü Neapolis
Amphipolis ü Samathros
Imbros
ü ü Apollonia ü Ankyra
Lemnos
Berea ü Thessalonica
Troas ü Gordion ü Caesarea ü
Assps ü
Lesbos ü Pergamum
Mitylene ü ü Thyiatira
Sardis ü ü Philadelphia ü Antioch in Pisidia
Evvoia
Chios ü Smyrna
ü Rhegium Delphi ü ü Laodicea ü Iconium
ü Ephesus ü Colossae
Lystra ü
Corinth ü ü Athens
ü Andros Samos
ü Miletus ü Derbe ü Tarsus ü Issus
Cenchreae Naxos Patmos
Syracus ü Cos Attalia üü Perga
Santorini ü Cnidus Antioc üAleppo ü
Sparta ü
Selucia Pieria ü Selucia Pieria ü
ü Patara
Rhodes
ü Salamis
CYPRUS
Phoenix ü Paphos ü
Cauda Fair Havens ü ü Lasea Byblos ü
Damascus ü
Sidon ü
ü Tyre
ü Ptolemais
ü Cyrene
ü Caesarea
ü Jerusalem