M13_Task 1.6
21 Main Events in the Book of Acts
21 main events in the book of Acts
Read the lesson
The Book of Acts records the history of the early Church The Book of Acts records the history of the early Church following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Written by Luke, Acts reveals how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth. The book highlights the birth and growth of the Church, the ministry of Peter and Paul, signs and wonders, persecution, missionary journeys, and the spread of Christianity among both Jews and Gentiles. The following 21 main events provide a chronological overview of the key people, places, miracles, teachings, and turning points that shaped the expansion of the Gospel and the advancement of God's Kingdom in the first century.
The Ascension of Jesus Christ
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for forty days and then ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives. Before departing, He commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit and commissioned them to be His witnesses throughout the world. Acts 1:9: "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the believers. They were filled with the Spirit and began speaking in other tongues, marking the birth of the New Testament Church. Acts 2:4: "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Peter's Sermon and Three Thousand Saved
Peter preached boldly concerning the death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ. His message resulted in about three thousand people repenting and being 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."
The Healing of the Lame Man at the Temple Gate
Peter and John healed a man who had been lame from birth. This miracle demonstrated the power of Jesus' name and opened the door for further preaching of the Gospel. Acts 3:6: "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
The Arrest of Peter and John
Religious leaders arrested Peter and John for preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Despite opposition, they boldly proclaimed that salvation is found only in Christ. Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
The Prayer for Boldness
Following persecution, the believers united in prayer and asked God for boldness to continue proclaiming His Word. The place where they prayed was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together."
Ananias and Sapphira's Deception
Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit regarding their offering and were judged by God. This event emphasized the holiness of God within the Church. Acts 5:3: "Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?"
The Appointment of the Seven Deacons
To address the needs of widows and maintain unity in the Church, seven men were chosen to oversee daily ministry responsibilities. Acts 6:3: "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom."
Stephen's Testimony and Martyrdom
Stephen boldly testified about Jesus before the Jewish council and became the first Christian martyr after being stoned to death. Acts 7:59: "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
The Gospel Spreads to Samaria
Philip preached Christ in Samaria, and many people believed. This marked a significant expansion of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. Acts 8:12: "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God."
The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch
Philip explained the Scriptures to an Ethiopian official, who believed in Jesus and was immediately baptized. Acts 8:36: "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?"
The Conversion of Saul (Paul)
Saul, a persecutor of Christians, encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and was dramatically transformed into an apostle. Acts 9:5: "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest."
Peter Raises Dorcas from the Dead
Through God's power, Peter raised Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead, leading many people to believe in the Lord. Acts 9:40: "Tabitha, arise."
Cornelius Receives the Gospel
God sent Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, demonstrating that salvation is available to all nations. Acts 10:34-35: "God is no respecter of persons."
The Church at Antioch Is Established
Antioch became a major center for Christian ministry, and believers were first called Christians there. Acts 11:26: "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
Peter's Miraculous Release from Prison
Peter was imprisoned by Herod, but an angel of the Lord delivered him during the night. Acts 12:7: "And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him."
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas were sent out by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel throughout various regions, establishing churches. Acts 13:2: "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
The Jerusalem Council
Church leaders met to determine whether Gentile believers must follow Jewish ceremonial laws. They affirmed salvation by grace through faith. Acts 15:11: "We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved."
The Macedonian Call
Paul received a vision directing him to Macedonia, leading to the spread of the Gospel into Europe. Acts 16:9: "Come over into Macedonia, and help us."
Paul's Ministry and Imprisonment
Paul faithfully preached Christ despite persecution, arrests, and trials, continuing to advance the Gospel wherever he went. Acts 20:24: "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy."
Paul's Journey to Rome
Although under arrest, Paul arrived in Rome and continued preaching the Kingdom of God with confidence and boldness. Acts 28:31: "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him."
Knowledge Check — 12 Questions
Answer all 12 questions: a mix of true/false, multiple choice, and Scripture fill-in-the-blank.
The Day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2.
Saul of Tarsus was already a Christian before his Damascus road encounter.
Peter preached the first major Christian sermon at Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit is not active in the book of Acts.
Acts 1:8 promises power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you, to be witnesses unto:
Who led the Jerusalem Council regarding the Gentiles?
On his first missionary journey, Paul partnered with:
The Macedonian call directed Paul to:
Acts 1:8 — "...ye shall receive ______, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..."
Acts 2:4 — "And they were all filled with the Holy ______, and began to speak with other tongues..."
Acts 2:38 — "...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of ______..."
Acts 9:5 — "I am Jesus whom thou ______..."
Record & Submit Your Video Evidence
M13_Task 1.6 Explain 10 Main Events from the book of Acts
Record yourself completing this task in the browser, or upload a video you already recorded. Then submit it to your teacher.
Record yourself
Or upload a video
Submit to your teacher
Submitting downloads your recording to your device and opens an email draft to your teacher — attach the downloaded file to that email and send.