The Story of the Bible

Old Testament History

Adam

400

0 BC

Moses

140

0 BC

Malachi

400

BC

David

– 10

00 B

C

Abraham

200

0 BC

JES

US

- 3

0 Y

ears

AP

OS

TL

ES

-

30 Y

ears

You & Me - CHURCH AGE2000+ Years

New Testament

History

4 Gos

pel

s

ActsGenesis to Esther

BC AD

Luke, author of the book of Acts

• Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14).• Luke was a missionary (with Paul 6+ years in Acts – the “we” sections – 16:10, 20:5).

• Luke was perhaps a pastor/church leader (seemingly left in Philippi for 5-6 years – the non-“we” sections Acts 16:17, 40 to Acts 20: 5,6).

• Luke was a historian who wrote both the Gospel of Luke (life of Christ) and Acts (history of the church).

Luke, historian, researcher, friend

Intro to Luke

• (Luke 1:3-4) Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Intro to Acts

• (Acts 1:1) In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…

Ready…

• (1 Peter 3:15) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Outline of Acts (1:8)

1. JERUSALEM - The Beginning of the Church (Acts 1-7)

2. JUDEA & SAMARIA – The Early Growth of the Church (Acts 8-12)

3. ENDS OF THE EARTH – The Missionary Journeys of Paul (Acts 13-28)

JudeaJerusalem

Samaria

Ends of the Earth

Our Task(Acts 1:8)

• Jerusalem – We must tell the good news of Jesus to the people we already know locally.

• Judea – We must reach out to our whole community, not just the people we already know.

• Samaria – We are responsible to tell people who are different than us racially and culturally.

• The ends of the earth – We must help take the good news to people around the world.