Do you want to read ACTS with me?

READING PLAN

Acts and Paul’s letters have a total of 115 chapters, Acts, Galatians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Corinthians, Romans, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, I & II Timothy, and Titus. Between now and the end of May there are 135 days. It gives me plenty of time to work through the bulk of the New Testament. My goal is to read Acts as the Narrative of the Church and insert Paul’s letters as I go. My plan is to look for the these truths in them…. I hope you will join me! Reading plan, helpful notes and charts are available for download below.

The gospel

Where is it?

The four gospel books, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the narratives of the life of Jesus. In these books Jesus is the main character. The four gospels tell of his life and work. The gospels are where we get the gospel message. Acts is the sequel to those narratives, telling of the founding and growth of the church based on that same message, the gospel. In Acts, the Holy Spirit is the main character. It is His work, transforming the life of those who believe the message. The same message is proclaimed in all the narratives, the first set by Jesus himself, the divine human, the second by the Holy Spirit through human instruments. (So, I've told you where to find the gospel.)

Acts - narrative of the  New Testament

What is it?

The book of Acts is a narrative, a story or written account of events. The narrative of Acts gives the accounts of the founding of the church by the proclamation of the gospel. The narrative can be used as a timeline of events for the New Testament. As it is read a progression is seen. First, the foundation is laid, the proclamation of the gospel. In the first part of Acts, Peter is the main preacher of the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea. In the second section Paul proclaims the gospel by journeying to Asia, Greece, and Macedonia. These men did more that proclaim a simple “Jesus died for you” message, but a more complete salvation message of several points. As one reads through Acts you can note these repeated proclamations by observing what they preached. (Notice what they proclaimed as the gospel. Write it down and compare each proclamation.)

Half way through the book Paul's first missionary journey is completed. At this point one can begin to insert the letters of the New Testament into the narrative. Paul either revisits the churches on his following missionary journeys, or sends the churches a letter.

The letters to the churches give us a glimpse into the next step after the proclamation. As in the life of any believer there was need for correction, explanation, and application of the gospel. Paul corrects behavior and wrong doctrine, clarifies truth, dispels misunderstanding, and shows the churches how to apply the gospel. The letters are like the sanctification part of the message of salvation.

What is its purpose?

At the end of Acts Paul is arrested and imprisoned. He writes another set of church letters in prison and also writes letters to individual pastors, Titus and Timothy. As the churches grow there was a need to equip the leaders in guiding and leading the church. Paul explains the structure, roles, and responsibilities in the church. He also encourages and advises the men knowing that they will have to deal with issues in the church . The ultimate display of the gospel is demonstrated through the Holy Spirit working in the leadership of the church to equip and train its saints for the work of service, Ephesians 4. (The purpose of the gospel.)

A plan for the church

What does it look like?

The foundation that the apostles laid in Acts through the work of the Holy Spirit of proclamation, then through letters of correction and clarification, and finally instruction regarding equipping of leadership serves as a model for the church.  It's an amazing, thorough, and well- thought out plan. Jesus said, “On you Peter I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it”. The church, the witness of Jesus’ in the world, the instrument of God, and the presence of His Spirit on earth was methodically and marvelously planned! There is no question that the church will prevail against  the gates of hell because it is The Church of Jesus Christ. The question is whether it is effective and influential. If we proclaim the complete gospel of Jesus and follow God's plan could we be as effective and influential as the first century church?

Below is a reading program for the book of Acts with Paul’s letters inserted chronologically. Also, some tools like an outline of the book, key words to look for, the gospel points that were proclaimed in Acts to the churches, and a timeline of events. Click on the image to download.

Click on the image to download the reading plan, chart, and timeline.

Map of 3rd Journeys- click on image to download.

Map of 1st and 2nd Journeys- click on image to download.

I hope you enjoy! May you live Abundant Days for His glory and your good!

Kristin Overman