10 Interesting Facts About the Book of Acts

The Book of Acts is one of the most exciting parts of the Bible. It’s full of powerful moments, bold preaching, miracles, and the early growth of the Church. It picks up right after the resurrection of Jesus and shows how His followers carried the gospel around the world.

Here are 10 interesting facts about the Book of Acts that every believer should know.

1. Acts Was Written by Luke

Luke, the same person who wrote the Gospel of Luke, also wrote Acts. He was a doctor and a close friend of the Apostle Paul.

Luke 1:3 — “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus.”

Acts 1:1 - “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”

These verses show both books are written to Theophilus, using similar language and format. Based on early church tradition and internal evidence, the author of both is widely understood to be Luke, the beloved physician mentioned in Colossians 4:14.

2. It’s a Sequel to the Gospel of Luke

Acts begins with a quick summary of what happened in Luke’s Gospel and then continues the story.

Acts 1:1 — “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.”

The Gospel of Luke tells what Jesus did while on earth. Acts tells what He did through the Holy Spirit in His followers.

3. The Holy Spirit Is the Main Guide

Acts is sometimes called “The Acts of the Apostles,” but it could also be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit plays a central role throughout the book.

Acts 1:8 — “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...”

The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach, heal, and lead the growing Church.

4. The Church Was Born at Pentecost

The event of Pentecost in Acts 2 marks the birth of the Christian Church. That day, the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, and 3,000 people were saved and baptized.

Acts 2:41 — “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

This was the beginning of the global mission to spread the gospel.

5. Peter Preached the First Gospel Sermon

Peter, once afraid and denying Jesus, now boldly preached in Jerusalem, leading to the conversion of thousands.

Acts 2:38 — “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...”

His transformation is one of the clearest signs of the Holy Spirit’s power.

6. Acts Records Over 20 Miracles

From healing the lame (Acts 3:1–10) to raising the dead (Acts 9:36–41), miracles were common.

Acts 9:40 — “But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise.”

These miracles confirmed the apostles’ message and revealed God’s presence.

7. Saul Became Paul After Meeting Jesus

One of the most famous moments in Acts is the conversion of Saul, a persecutor of Christians, who later became the Apostle Paul.

Acts 9:4 — “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”

Acts 9:5 — “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest...”

Paul would go on to become the most well-traveled missionary in the Bible.

8. The Gospel Reached Gentiles Too

At first, the gospel was preached mostly to Jews. But Acts shows how God opened the door to non-Jews (Gentiles) as well—starting with Cornelius.

Acts 10:34 — “God is no respecter of persons.”

Acts 10:35 — “But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

This moment changed the Church forever.

9. Paul’s Missionary Journeys Cover Much of Acts

Paul traveled to many places: Antioch, Philippi, Corinth, Athens, and Rome. He preached, started churches, and wrote letters that would later become part of the New Testament.

Acts 13:2 — “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”

Acts 13:3 — “And when they had fasted and prayed...they sent them away.”

His life became a pattern for missions and evangelism.

10. Acts Ends With Paul in Rome

The book doesn’t end with a neat conclusion. It leaves Paul under house arrest in Rome, still preaching the gospel.

Acts 28:30 — “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house...”

Acts 28:31 — “Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ...”

The story of Acts is open-ended, showing that God’s work through the Church continues today.

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