Acts of the Apostles; study guide.
Introduction
     Strictly speaking, Luke did not write the history of the early church. This is not to suggest that his narration is unhistorical or  inaccurate. However, the task of the historian is to give a comprehensive narrative of all the important facts. This obviously, Luke did not attempt, he tells us nothing about the churches in Galilee or about the evangelization of Egypt or Rome. His story is not the Acts of the Apostles, for only three of the original twelve appear in his narrative – Peter, James, John; and the latter two are only mentioned. The book of Acts is the Acts of Peter and Paul. Furthermore, Peter is practically dropped from the story after the conversion of Cornelius, and we are left wondering what became of him. 
     Two themes underlie the story as told by Luke; the rejection of the Gospel by the Jews and it's reception by the Gentiles; and the treatment of the early church by local and Roman officials. Luke's main purpose, therefore, in his two volume work (Luke – Acts) is to explain to Theophilus how it came about that the Gospel which began with the promise of the restoration of the kingdom of Israel; Luke 1:32, 33, ended with the Gentile Church in Rome, distinct from Judaism.
The Establishment and Growth of the Church
I. Beginnings of the Church – 1:1 – 2:47.
     A. Preparation: The post resurrection ministry and ascension of Jesus 1:1-14                                                                                                                                                                                            
     B. Coming of the Holy Spirit  – 2: 1 – 41
II. The Church in Jerusalem – 3:1 – 5:42.
     A.  A typical miracle and sermon – 3:1 – 26.
     B.  First opposition from Jewish leaders – 4:1 – 37.
     C.  Second opposition from Jewish leaders – 5:17 – 42.

III. Extension of the Church in Palestine through dispersion – 6:1 – 12:25.
     A.  Ministry and martyrdom of Stephen – 6:8 – 8:3.
     B.  The Gospel and Samaria – 8:4 – 25.
     C.  Conversion of Saul – 9:1 – 31.
     D.  Peter's ministry in Palestine and the first Gentile converts – 9:32 – 11:18.
     E.  Establishment of a Gentile church at Antioch – 11:19 – 30.
IV.  Extension of the church in Asia Minor and Europe – 13:1 – 21:17.
     A.  First mission, Galatia – 13:1 – 14:28.
     B.  Counsel in Jerusalem – 15: 1 – 35.
     C.  Second mission, Asia Minor and Europe – 15:36 – 18:22.
     D.  Third mission, Asia Minor and Europe – 18:23 – 21:17.
V.  Extension of the Church in Rome – 21:18 – 28:31.
     A.  Rejection of the Gospel by Jerusalem – 21:18 – 26:32.
     B.  Reception of the Gospel in Rome – 27:1 – 28:31.