A Biblical Theology of Acts
1. The Place of Acts in the Canon
The book of Acts stands as a vital bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. It shows the outworking of Christ’s resurrection and ascension in the mission of the church. Without Acts, the narrative of Jesus’ life would appear unfinished, and the letters of Paul would lack their historical and theological framework.
Acts reveals the unfolding of God’s plan, rooted in Old Testament promises, fulfilled in Christ, and extended to the nations. It confirms the continuity between Israel and the church while highlighting the transformation brought by the Spirit. In this way, Acts both completes the Gospel story and sets the stage for the rest of the New Testament.
2. Genre and Unity with Luke’s Gospel
Luke and Acts are best read together as a two-volume work. The Gospel narrates what Jesus “began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), while Acts describes what he continues to do through his Spirit-empowered church.
Scholars describe Acts as a historical monograph, selective in its focus. Certain events, such as Paul’s missionary journeys, are presented in detail, while others receive little attention. Luke writes not a complete history but a theological narrative that demonstrates how the risen Christ fulfills Scripture and advances his kingdom.
The Gospel emphasized the vertical universalization of salvation—breaking barriers of wealth, class, and purity. Acts emphasizes the horizontal universalization—expanding the message to all peoples “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
3. The Theme of Fulfillment
A key theme in Acts is fulfillment. Jesus taught that everything written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms must be fulfilled in him (Luke 24:44). Acts presents his death and resurrection as the center of God’s plan (Acts 2:23; 3:18).
This theme of fulfillment includes:
Messiah’s suffering and resurrection (Acts 17:3).
The Spirit poured out on all flesh (Acts 2:16–21).
The covenant with Abraham extended to the nations (Acts 3:25).
The Servant’s mission to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47).
Acts portrays history as divinely guided, showing that the promises of God, anticipated in Israel, reach their goal in Christ and his kingdom.
4. The Gift of the Spirit
Pentecost marks the great turning point in redemptive history. The Spirit’s outpouring fulfills Joel 2:28–32 and Ezekiel 36:26–27. The Spirit enables:
Repentance and faith (Acts 2:37–41).
A new covenant community marked by prayer, worship, and generosity (Acts 2:42–47).
Empowered witness to Christ in all nations (Acts 1:8).
This event is not isolated but repeated in stages: in Samaria (Acts 8:14–17), among Gentiles (Acts 10:44–46), and in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–7). Each moment shows that the Spirit is breaking down barriers, forming one people of God.
5. The Central Role of the Speeches
Nearly one-third of Acts is composed of speeches. These sermons provide theological interpretation of the events.
Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2): explains Jesus’ exaltation and the gift of the Spirit in light of Psalm 16 and Joel 2.
Peter in the temple (Acts 3): connects Jesus to Abraham’s covenant promises.
Stephen (Acts 7): retells Israel’s story, pointing to Christ and critiquing reliance on the temple.
Paul in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13): shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic promise.
Paul in Athens (Acts 17): addresses Gentiles, calling them to repent in light of the resurrection.
These speeches display how the apostles proclaimed “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), linking Christ’s work to the Old Testament and applying it to their hearers.
6. The Structure of Gospel Expansion
Acts 1:8 provides the outline: witness begins in Jerusalem, moves to Judea and Samaria, and extends “to the ends of the earth.”
The narrative reflects this:
Jerusalem (Acts 1–6) – the Spirit comes, the apostles preach, and thousands are added.
Judea and Samaria (Acts 6–9) – persecution scatters believers, spreading the word beyond Jerusalem.
Gentile inclusion (Acts 10–12) – Cornelius’ conversion confirms the Spirit is for all.
Missionary journeys (Acts 13–19) – Paul and companions bring the Gospel across Asia Minor and into Europe.
Rome (Acts 20–28) – Paul proclaims the kingdom at the empire’s heart, symbolizing the Gospel’s global reach.
Despite opposition, Luke emphasizes repeated summaries: “the word of God continued to increase and multiply” (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20). The kingdom advances even in suffering.
7. The Apostolic Witness
The Twelve are portrayed as foundational witnesses of the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22). Their role is unique: they provide the authoritative testimony upon which the church is built. The appointment of Matthias restored the Twelve as symbolic patriarchs of renewed Israel.
Yet this witness also expands. Believers scattered by persecution (Acts 8:4), deacons like Stephen and Philip, and later Paul himself all share in bearing testimony to Christ. The mission is both grounded in apostolic authority and extended through ordinary disciples empowered by the Spirit.
8. The Ministry of Paul
Paul’s calling is presented as extraordinary. He encounters the risen Christ (Acts 9; 22; 26) and becomes a “chosen instrument” to carry the name of Jesus to Gentiles and kings (Acts 9:15).
Paul embodies the Gospel’s outward thrust:
Synagogue preaching emphasizes continuity with Israel’s hope (Acts 13:16–41).
Gentile mission highlights God’s plan for all nations (Acts 14:15–17).
Trial defenses display the Gospel’s power even before rulers (Acts 26:22–23).
The book closes with Paul in Rome, preaching “with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). The open-ended conclusion signals that the mission of Christ continues through the church until the end.
9. Eschatology and the Kingdom of God
From beginning to end, Acts is oriented toward the kingdom. The apostles ask, “Will you restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus redirects their vision: the restoration comes not through political power but through the Spirit’s witness to all nations (Acts 1:7–8).
The kingdom is both present—manifest in the Spirit’s power and the church’s growth—and future—awaiting the day of Christ’s return and the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). Believers live in the overlap of the ages: empowered to witness, enduring persecution, and awaiting final glory.
10. The Gospel for Today
Acts challenges the church to embrace its identity as Spirit-filled witnesses of the risen Christ. The Gospel is not bound by geography, culture, or opposition. Like the early believers, we are called to proclaim Christ crucified and risen, knowing that God’s word will prevail.
For Anthony Delgado, the Gospel is not only personal salvation but the announcement that Christ is King. Acts shows this kingship advancing as the apostles proclaim the reign of the risen Lord. Even amid trials, the Gospel presses forward, preparing the world for the day when Christ’s kingdom is fully revealed.
