Download the Acts Trailhead (PDF)
Invitation to Discovery
Acts begins where Luke’s first account leaves off.
Jesus has risen. He speaks to His disciples about the kingdom of God. He tells them to wait in Jerusalem for what the Father has promised.
Then He tells them:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”
— Acts 1:8, KJV
Jerusalem is only the beginning.
As you walk through Acts, you will meet many people and travel many miles. Years will pass. Some people will speak. Some will listen. Some will go. Some will stay. Some will suffer.
Don’t hurry past them.
Listen carefully.
Notice what happens more than once.
Pay attention when Scripture appears inside the story.
And through it all, keep asking:
What is God up to now?
What is God revealing about Himself?
Acts at a Glance
Author: God
Written by: Luke
Written to: Theophilus
Earlier Account: The Gospel of Luke — Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1–3
Approximate Time Covered: c. AD 30–62
Genre: Narrative / History
Where the Trail Begins: Jerusalem
Where the Trail Ends: Rome
Key People: Luke will introduce you to the cast.
Meet Luke
LUKE — “THE BELOVED PHYSICIAN”
Colossians 4:14
Now listen to Luke introduce his own work.
Luke 1:1–4 → Acts 1:1–3
Route Map
Acts covers a lot of ground.
Cities change. People come and go. Years can pass between scenes. Keep this map nearby so you can get your bearings as you read.
JERUSALEM
Acts 1–7 · c. AD 30–33
The trail begins in Jerusalem.
Acts 1:4–8
JUDEA & SAMARIA
Acts 8–12 · c. AD 33–44
The trail begins moving beyond Jerusalem.
Acts 8:1
ANTIOCH & THE FIRST JOURNEY
Acts 13–14 · c. AD 46–48
Antioch becomes an important point on the map.
Acts 13:1–4
JERUSALEM
Acts 15 · c. AD 48–49
Back to Jerusalem.
Acts 15:1–35
THE SECOND JOURNEY
Acts 15:36–18:22 · c. AD 49–52
Syria · Cilicia · Derbe · Lystra · Troas · Philippi · Thessalonica · Berea · Athens · Corinth · Ephesus
Acts 15:36
THE THIRD JOURNEY
Acts 18:23–21:16 · c. AD 52–57
Galatia · Phrygia · Ephesus · Macedonia · Greece · Troas · Miletus
Acts 18:23
JERUSALEM & CAESAREA
Acts 21:17–26:32 · c. AD 57–59
The route changes.
Acts 21:17
TRAIL NOTE
Two years pass.
Acts 24:27
TO ROME
Acts 27–28 · c. AD 59–62
Caesarea · Sidon · Myra · Crete · Malta · Rome
Acts 27:1
ROME
Acts 28
Discover Acts
Keep your Bible open as you explore these landmarks.
The Trailhead points; Scripture provides the terrain.
PETER SPEAKS
Acts 2:14–41
Come, explore. The scenery is beautiful here.
STEPHEN TESTIFIES
Acts 7:1–53
Take your time. It’s a long trail.
PHILIP OBEYS
Acts 8:26–40
WHAT IS GOD UP TO NOW?
Acts 9 · c. AD 33–36
AGAIN
Acts 10 → Acts 11
JERUSALEM
Acts 15 · c. AD 48–49
Listen carefully.
WE
Acts 16:10
Something changed.
AND… AGAIN
Acts 9 → Acts 22
AND… AGAIN
Acts 9 → Acts 22 → Acts 26
Reflection Questions
You don’t need to answer every question. Choose one that catches your attention and follow it.
One question may lead to another. That’s okay.
- What does Acts reveal about God?
- What do you notice about the Holy Spirit?
- What do you notice about the people Luke introduces?
- What happens more than once?
- What does following Jesus look like in Acts?
Prayer Before Reading
Father,
Open my eyes as I read Your Word.
Teach me.
Help me listen.
Amen.
Now Open Your Bible
You’ve looked at the map.
You’ve met Luke.
You know where the trail begins.
Keep your eyes open.
Listen carefully.
When something catches your attention, stop.
Follow the trail.
And keep asking:
What is God up to now?
Now open Acts.
Listen.