Acts Commentaries & Sermons


Doctor Luke

ACTS:
THE EARLY CHURCH'S
WITNESS OF THE GOSPEL


Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another Chart - Swindoll - chart on right side

THE EXPANDING WITNESS
OF THE SPIRIT-EMPOWERED CHURCH

Related Articles:
A Spirit Filled Church
Our Anointing - The Holy Spirit
Praying in the Spirit
Spirit-Filled Believers Are Like Artesian Wells
 


Click chart to enlarge

Paul's First Missionary Journey - map Acts 13:4-14:28+
Paul's Second Missionary Journey - map Acts 15:36-18:22+
Paul's Third Missionary Journey - map Acts 18:23-21:26+
  • Maps in the links in the table above are from the Holman Bible Atlas (digital bookHardcover/Paperback version) copyrighted © 1998 B&H Publishing Group, used by permission, all rights reserved. This is one of the best resources for Bible maps as the maps also include helpful short descriptions of the events portrayed on the maps. Please do not download to be used on another website. Thank you.
  • Here is a map with all three journeys on one map.

Maps from Bible-History.com

Maps from Holman Bible Atlas

THE ITINERARY OF PAUL'S
THREE MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

FIRST SECOND THIRD
  1. Antioch Acts 13:1-3
  2. Seleucia Acts 13:4
  3. Salamis on Cyprus Acts 13:5
  4. Paphos on Cyprus Acts 13:6-12
  5. Perga in Pamphylia Acts 13:13
  6. Pisidian Antioch Acts 13:14-50
  7. Iconium Acts 13:51
  8. Lystra Acts 14:6-20
  9. Derbe Acts 14:20
  10. Lystra Acts 14:21
  11. Iconium Acts 14:21
  12. Pisidian Antioch Acts 14:21
  13. Pamphylia Acts 14:24
  14. Perga Acts 14:25
  15. Attalia Acts 14:25
  16. Antioch Acts 14:26 
  1. Antioch Acts 15:36-40
  2. Syria Acts 15:41
  3. Cilicia Acts 15:41
  4. Derbe Acts 16:1
  5. Lystra Acts 16:1-5
  6. Phrygia/Galatia Acts 16:6
  7. Mysia Acts 16:7
  8. Troas Acts 16:8-10
  9. Samothrace Acts 16:11
  10. Neapolis Acts 16:11
  11. Philippi Acts 16:12
  12. Amphipolis Acts 17:1
  13. Apollonia Acts 17:1
  14. Thessalonica Acts 17:1-9
  15. Berea Acts 17:10-14
  16. Athens Acts 17:15-34
  17. Corinth Acts 18:1-17
  18. Cenchreae  Acts 18:18
  19. Ephesus Acts 18:19
  20. Caesarea  Acts 18:22
  21. Jerusalem Acts 18:22
  22. Antioch Acts 18:22
  1. Antioch Acts 18:23
  2. Phrygia/Galatia Acts 18:23-28
  3. Ephesus Acts 19:1-41
  4. Macedonia Acts 20:1
  5. Greece Acts 20:2
  6. Macedonia Acts 20:3-5
  7. Philippi Acts 20:6
  8. Troas Acts 20:6-12
  9. Assos Acts 20:13
  10. Mitylene Acts 20:14
  11. Samos Acts 20:15
  12. Miletus Acts 20:15-38
  13. Cos Acts 21:1
  14. Rhodes Acts 21:1
  15. Patara Acts 21:1
  16. Tyre Acts 21:3-6
  17. Ptolemais Acts 21:7
  18. Caesarea Acts 21:8-14

Charles Swindoll points out that "When we study the journeys of Paul in the book of Acts, we’re not just reading the travel log of a man; we’re observing the redemptive plan of God unfolding as He promised. Through the ministry of Saul of Tarsus, God’s mission to reclaim His creation from the death grip of evil would move to its next stage. The plan of this mission was outlined in the Lord’s promise at His ascension, where He said,

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...

  1. In Jerusalem [Stage 1: Acts 2–7],
  2. and in all Judea and Samaria [Stage 2: Acts 8–12],
  3. and even to the remotest part of the earth [Stage 3: Acts 13–‍28].” (Acts 1:8+)
PAUL'S PATTERN:
TO THE JEW FIRST
LOCATION REFERENCE
  1. Damascus
  2. Jerusalem
  3. Salamis
  4. Pisidian Antioch
  5. Iconium
  6. Philippi
  7. Thessalonica
  8. Berea
  9. Athens
  10. Corinth
  11. Ephesus
  12. Rome
  1. Acts 9:20+
  2. Acts 9:28-29+
  3. Acts 13:5+
  4. Acts 13:14+
  5. Acts 14:1+
  6. Acts 16:13+
  7. Acts 17:1-2+
  8. Acts 17:10+
  9. Acts 17:16-17+
  10. Acts 18:1-4+
  11. Acts 18:19; 19:8+
  12. Acts 28:17+

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES:

GENERAL INTRODUCTIONS

DICTIONARY ARTICLES

TIMELINES of Acts of the Apostles empowered by the Spirit


Ray Stedman gives us a panoramic view of the Book of Acts:

The book of Acts is a tremendously fascinating and interesting book. A number of years ago Canon Brian Greene spoke at Stanford University, and I went over to hear him. He told a story that I have remembered ever since:

An American, an Englishman and an Irishman were visiting Rome together, and they were taken on a tour of various points of interest throughout the city. Their guide took them to a section of Vatican City and showed them a chicken yard. In one pen was a hen which, the guide said, was a descendant of the rooster that crowed when Peter denied the Lord -- a very interesting historical personage! The three visitors regarded this chicken in characteristic fashion. The American asked, "How much can I buy it for?" The Englishman exclaimed, "My word! Could you tell me how many generations have elapsed between these?" But the Irishman was very practical; he asked, "Does it lay any eggs?" You see, he was interested in apostolic success!

That is exactly what we have in the book of Acts -- a tremendous record of apostolic success. Frankly, I don't see how anyone can pick up the book of Acts -- reading in any of our modern versions with an open, ready, eager mind -- and be able to lay it down before finishing it. It moves so rapidly and is so exciting that I think it is one of the most captivating books ever written. And Sir William M. Ramsay, the great British archaeologist, said that Luke, the writer of the book, is the most accurate historian who ever lived. So we have a book that is accurate history plus exciting adventure.

Acts constantly shouts triumph, from end to end. But this very apostolic success occasions considerable danger in the study of this book. It is always true that anyone or anything that is successful is bound to be imitated. The trouble with people who imitate, though, is that they almost invariably imitate faults instead of virtues. When I was a student at Dallas Theological Seminary each of us had to take a turn at preaching while the other students listened and evaluated. It was a very difficult time for all. I noticed that I could tell with whom certain individuals had been associated by the way they talked. Some of the young men had come from Bob Jones College, and they would stand on one leg, lean over the pulpit, and shout and wave their arms -- just like Bob Jones! Others had been associated with the Young Life Campaign, and they would stand with their hands in their pockets or they would gesture with a closed fist and talk with a drawl -- just like Jim Rayburn! They imitated them, but largely they imitated their faults rather than their virtues. And all too often people have imitated the weak points of the activities of the apostles and the Church recorded in Acts, because of a superficial analysis of the book.

We couldn't understand the New Testament if we took this one book out. When we come to the close of the four Gospels we have learned that the apostles have been sent to only one nation -- Israel. We also know that our Lord is risen, but that is all we know. And if we leave out the book of Acts and skip to the Epistles of Paul, we find that, instead of twelve apostles (or eleven) preaching only to Israel, we have an additional apostle, Paul, and Christians going out everywhere -- to all the known world. And we find them talking, not about a kingdom, but about a new organization -- the Church. All of this finds its root in the book of Acts. We wouldn't know what had happened if it weren't for this book.

Acts is a transitional book in the sense that it gives us the record of the way God moved in the minds and hearts of men to found and establish the Church and begin its great work in the world today. But it is not transitional in doctrinal sense. That is, when the Spirit of God came on the day of Pentecost -- from that moment on in the mind of God -- all the privileges and blessings and glory of belonging to the Church, the body of Christ, were true immediately. There wasn't any intermediate period. But it took a long time for men to comprehend this. Thus we find them still clinging to certain aspects of their old traditions and beliefs. Men were only slowly accepting and growing into the truth of the gospel. In that sense Acts is a transitional book.

I like to think of the book of Acts as a revolving door. A revolving door is constructed so that people can go in and go out at the same time. With most doors someone is either going in or coming out. People can't do both at the same time. But in a revolving door people can go in one side and come out the other. The book of Acts is like that -- Judaism is going out and the Church is coming in. Both are in there at the same time, for a while, just as two people can be in a revolving door going in opposite directions. But don't ever try to set up housekeeping in a revolving door -- it will knock you off your feet! Don't try to live in a revolving door, because it is not designed for such. Similarly, don't rely exclusively on the book of Acts for your doctrine and teaching. It is not designed for that. It is not designed to be the only book from which we get our instruction as to what to believe. It is designed to be a record of the introduction of the Church, and it is designed to stir us up and encourage us and bless us, and to show us what God can do and intends to do through the Church. But it is not primarily a book for doctrine.

The key to really understanding this book is the realization that Acts is not a record of the apostles, as the title would lead us to believe, but it is actually acts of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Notice how it begins: In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach... (Acts 1:1 RSV)

Luke is referring to the Gospel he wrote, and he says that in it he dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach. In the Gospel of Luke you have the record of what the Lord Jesus began to do. But now, in Acts, Luke gives us the record of what our Lord is continuing to do. So it is the Lord who is at work throughout both books. Luke is Volume 1; Acts is Volume 2 -- continued from our first installment. That is what Luke is saying here in this first verse. From the incarnation of the Lord Jesus to his ascension, you have only what he began to do on earth.

During World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain, in a stirring message broadcast around the world, announced the victories of the Allied Forces when they had swept across North Africa and were about to launch the invasion of Sicily. Churchill said of these events: "This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it may be the end of the beginning." Now, that is what we have in the four Gospels. It is not the end of our Lord's ministry when he ascends into the heavens, as recorded in Chapter 1 of Acts. That is just the end of the beginning. But in the rest of Acts we have the beginning of the end.

The record all through the rest of this book is of Christ's activity through the instrumentalities of men and women. In John 16:7 the Lord tells the disciples. "it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." And in Luke 12:50, before the cross, Jesus tells them, "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!" That is, "How limited and shackled and fettered and bound I am until this thing be accomplished!" Well, it has been accomplished now. Our Lord is no longer fettered. He is no longer limited. He is no longer shackled. When the Spirit of God came, the omnipotence of God was let loose among men and women; and that is why we have the tremendous explosion which we call the book of Acts in our Bible.

The Holy Spirit gives us the outline of this book in a very well-known verse, Chapter 1, Verse 8 -- our Lord's words to the disciples:

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;" (Acts 1:8a RSV)

That encompasses the first two chapters of the book -- the coming of the Holy Spirit. And then what?

"...and you shall be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8b RSV)

That is the rest of the book. The two great divisions are the coming of the Spirit and the witnessing of the Spirit. The latter division separates into several parts:

"...in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8c RSV)

Thus the book is very plainly outlined for us. We have in Chapters 1 and 2 the coming of the witness -- the Holy Spirit. Then from Chapter 3 through Chapter 7 we have the witnessing in Jerusalem, beginning with the story of Peter's addresses there -- preaching for the first time the gospel of the risen Christ to men and women in the very city in which he was crucified. Then, beginning in Chapter 8, we have the witness spreading into "all Judea and Samaria" -- just as the Lord had said. Chapter 13 opens with the first sending out of Paul, beginning a process which carries right through to the end of Chapter 28 -- and the witness has gone "to the end of the earth." We can see how literally this outline has been fulfilled. It begins in Jerusalem, the center of the Jewish nation, and it ends in Rome, the center of the Gentile world. It carries us from the limited gospel of the kingdom, at the close of the four Gospels, through the spreading of the gospel of grace to the whole world, at the close of Acts.

Finally, notice that this is the one book of the Bible which is not finished. It ends very abruptly. The last two verses say that Paul has reached Rome:

And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered. (Acts 28:30-31 RSV)

Acts leaves you right there. I never close this book without wondering to myself, "Well, what happened next?" It gives the distinct impression of being unfinished. There is a reason for this. It is because this is the biography of a living person.

I have in my library an autobiography of Dr. H. A. Ironside. It was written, naturally, while he was still alive. It ends on the same sort of note. It leaves you up in the air. You wonder what happens next. It isn't complete. His life hadn't ended.

You see, if Acts is the record of the life of Jesus Christ worked out through individual men and women, it is unfinished. This means that men and women are still writing the book of Acts today. It is not finished yet! Men and women of God have been writing this book ever since the days of the apostles. I don't know where the record is kept, but I am sure that it is kept in heaven somewhere. It is an account of what the Holy Spirit is doing through people in sending the gospel out to the uttermost parts of the earth.

You and I still have a share in writing this book. We haven't seen the last page yet. It is fascinating to think about it that way, isn't it? And yet it is true. Our names do not appear in the chapters we have here, but somewhere other chapters have been written down -- and somewhere we have a chapter to write!(from Four Faces of Christ)

ACTS COMMENTARY
VERSE BY VERSE
Bruce Hurt, MD

Completed- August, 2019. 

COMMENTARIES AND OTHER
RESOURCES THAT CAN BE BORROWED FROM
ARCHIVE.ORG

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. For hundreds of other commentaries and books that can be borrowed see Christian Commentaries Online


Preaching Luke-Acts by Allen, Ronald J.

James Rosscup - This conservative commentary is a detailed work in the Greek and is well-written. The author did the famous Greek-English lexicon and two books on alleged contradictions.

Acts of the apostles by Allen, Ronald J

Turning to God : a study of conversion in the book of Acts and today by Barclay, William See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".

The Acts of the Apostles: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) E. M. Blaiklock 

The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version (POSB) - Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - This is a very useful resource which always includes numerous related cross-references. It will be of aid to you preaching and teaching. 

Acts - Bible Study Commentary by Bruce, F. F. (1982) 124 pages - this is not the top rated NICNT version 27 ratings

The book of the Acts (New International Commentary on the New Testament) by Bruce, F. F (1988) 584 pages User reviews

Rosscup - This work, first issued in 1954, is now revised not long before Bruce died, with a new translation of the Greek text in place of the ASV. The bibliographical lists are extensively updated in footnotes, Bruce has interacted with later studies, arranged comments on fewer verses, and achieved a more lucid style in places. However, the basic verse-by-verse commentary remains substantially the same. It remains the finest commentary on Acts as to exposition in detail. Bruce points to I. H. Marshall’s commentary for detail on Luke’s theology. He shows a fine grasp of pertinent history, a sound explanation of most passages, and insights on many of the problems.

Keith Mathison (Lignonier) - First published in 1954, F.F. Bruce’s commentary on Acts in the NICNT series soon became a standard conservative evangelical commentary. In 1988, his commentary was revised and updated. It still remains one of the best commentaries on this book of Scripture.

Tim Challies - F.F. Bruce has two commentaries on Acts and the contribution to the NICNT series is regarded as the stronger of the two. Not only that, but it is regarded as one of the very best works on the book. A couple of commentators on the commentaries point out that Bruce is especially strong on the historical aspect of Acts.

The Acts of the Apostles: the Greek text with introduction and commentary by Bruce, F. F. (1990) 608 pages. Somewhat Technical. User reviews

New Bible Commentary - (1994) Bruce, F. F. “The Acts of the Apostles,” in New Bible Commentary.   A boiled down version of Bruce’s expertise, quite helpful in itself.

Acts by Calvin, Jean Crossway Classic Commentaries.

Cyril Barber - Contains all of the remarkable insights of the first English edition without the stilted language. This is a work that deserves a place in every pastor’s library.

The Acts; an exposition by Erdman, Charles R

James Rosscup - Concise treatments are given to each of the N. T. books. The main value of the set lies in its clear synthesis which helps the student grasp the flow of thought as he moves through a book. Erdman possessed a lucid writing style. He was amillennial.

The Acts of the Apostles a new translation with introduction and commentary by Fitzmyer, Joseph A 28 ratings Mathison at Ligonier gives it runner up status in best commentaries on Acts. 

Cyril Barber - Begins with a translation of the entire book, followed by a closely reasoned explanation of title, authorship, date, and purpose of Acts. Essays discuss the text and sources, the composition and form-critical analysis, language and style, and historical character of Acts, etc. The exposition combines historic and linguistic data, but offers minimal help to preachers.

Acts by Gangel, Kenneth - This is more like a workbook with questions and short explanatory notes.

Cyril Barber commenting on Gangel's more extensive work in the Holman NT Commentary says "Clearly written, and with the theme of Luke’s second work cogently presented, this commentary does justice to the biblical text and the purpose for which this historic account was produced. Gangel follows the best interpretative tradition and then applies the principles in the best possible manner.

Luke-Acts and New Testament historiography by Green, Joel B

The apostolic church by Harrison, Everett Falconer, 1902- Not a commentary on book of Acts but the church that begins in Acts. 

Acts and the history of earliest Christianity by Hengel, Martin,

Cyril Barber - Asserts the essential reliability of the book of Acts and examines Luke's historical-theological methodology.

An introduction to the New Testament - the Gospels and Acts Volume 1 by Hiebert, D. Edmond

Cyril Barber - Describes the regional, social and cultural milieu of the Roman Empire during the first century A.D. Part 1 covers such topics as travel by ship as well as along the Roman roads of Asia Minor; also food shortages, diverse Roman religions, the urban elites, and the emergence of the house church. Part 2 describes in detail the various Roman provinces and the establishment of the early church. A final chapter discusses Luke’s geographic limits and the Jewish and Roman cultures it contained.

The Book of Acts in its Graeco-Roman setting Gill, David W., and Conrad Gempf, eds

A commentary on the original text of the Acts of the Apostles by Hackett, Horatio Balch e

Cyril Barber - Insightful, reliable, and always worth consulting. Reprinted from the revised edition of 1882.

Kingdom power : receiving the power of the promise : a study in the book of Acts by Hayford, Jack W

The book of Acts by Horton, Stanley 73 ratings Pentecostal perspectiv

The message of Acts in the history of redemption by Johnson, Dennis E. 20 ratings Mathison at Ligonier gives it runner up status in best commentaries on Acts. 

Cyril Barber - Examines the major themes of Acts and links the OT with the NT while explaining the contribution of Acts to the history of redemption. Though not a commentary, this study will enrich each reader’s understanding of the history of the period.

Acts : an exegetical commentary by Keener, Craig S., 1208 pages

Keith Mathison (Lignonier) - Craig Keener’s four-volume commentary on Acts is not for everyone. At 4,500 pages, few will ever read all of it. But if you are looking for an exhaustive commentary that deals with every conceivable question, then, clear out about a foot and a half of shelf space and pick up this commentary (bend your knees when you do so). This will probably be the standard evangelical commentary on Acts for at least the next half century. For those who do not need a commentary with a bibliography longer than most other books, Keener also has an abridged version of his commentary that is only 635 pages.

Jerusalem to Rome; studies in the Book of Acts by Kent, Homer Austin,

Cyril Barber - In recounting the beginning and expansion of the early church, the writer reveals the personal struggles of those who participated in the events recorded by Luke. The inclusion of discussion questions makes this an ideal volume for adult Bible study groups.

Acts Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament by Krodel, Gerhard (Lutheran perspective)

Cyril Barber - Designed for laypeople. Explains in non-technical language the essential thrust of this portion of the canon.

A bibliography of the periodical literature on the Acts of the Apostles, 1962-1984 by Mills, Watson E

Cyril Barber - This volume is intended to supplement the indispensible work of A. J. and M. B. Mattill, A Classified Bibliography of Literature on the Acts of the Apostles (which concluded with entries up to 1962). The material in this volume is arranged alphabetically. The indexing to periodical literature is impressive. It succeeds in bringing within the purview of the student or researcher a wealth of important data.

The Acts of the apostles by Morgan, G. Campbell 

Studies in the Acts of the apostles by Moule, C. F. D Short work (104 pages) by respected Anglican pastor. 

Acts : based on the Revised standard version by Neil, William

Cyril Barber - New Century Bible Commentary. 1981. Based on the RSV This handy commentary does not provide an exposition of the theme but, rather, furnishes readers with perceptive comments on select words or phrases.

The Communicator's Commentary. Acts by Ogilvie, Lloyd John - 7 ratings (This is now known as the Preacher's Commentary and states that the goal is to aid preachers and teachers.)

Drumbeat of Love : the unlimited power of the Spirit as revealed in the Book of Acts by Ogilvie, Lloyd John 9 ratings

The Acts of the Apostles : an exposition Rackham, Richard. Also available below with no time limit.

Cyril Barber - The reissue in an overpriced paperback format of one of the great commentaries on the book of Acts.

Growth of the Body : [Acts 13-20] by Stedman, Ray C

Adventuring through the life of Christ : a Bible handbook on the Gospels and Acts by Stedman, Ray C 

The Words of the Apostles by Stier, Rudolf; 

Cyril Barber - Examines the public ministry of the apostles and expounds each message with insight and skill. A must for every student of the book of Acts.

The strength of an exacting passion : a study of Acts 18:18-28:31 by Swindoll, Charles

The church of the first days : lectures on the Acts of the Apostles by Vaughan, Charles John

Cyril Barber - Vaughan achieved justifiable acclaim for his expositional commentaries on Romans, Philippians, and Revelation. C. H. Spurgeon wrote of this work on Acts, "Not only does Dr. Vaughan expound his text in the ablest manner, but he introduces passages of Scripture so aptly that he suggests discourses:' This is a work of rare merit, and it will be appreciated by those who use it wisely.

Acts : Bible study commentary by Vaughan, Curtis - 2 ratings Conservative. Simple, easy to understand comments. 

Be Dynamic (Acts 1-12) by Warren Wiersbe

Be Daring : put your faith where the action is (Acts 13-28) by Wiersbe, Warren Cyril Barber - Continues the author's popular exposition of the Book of Acts. Shows how the power of God is available to work through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes in the Church and in the world. Recommended.

Wiersbe Commentary on Acts in Pdf - 88 pages

The Bible Exposition Commentary by Wiersbe, Warren W - All NT books in one source. Excellent.  Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.

Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament  and Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Chapter by Chapter Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings. Excellent to help summarize a chapter.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W - helpful ponts for teaching and preaching

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

Acts by Williams, David John 7 ratings Mathison at Ligonier gives it runner up status of best commentaries on Acts. 


STUDY BIBLES - ONE VOLUME COMMENTARIES OF ENTIRE BIBLE, BIBLE DICTIONARIES, GENERAL REFERENCE WORKS

Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.


Note: The following have a one hour time restriction and no copy and paste function. 

The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes 1,275 ratings

ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible : New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes. 4,445 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings 

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. 45 ratings

The Holman Illustrated Study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

The Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings

NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version) 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

Disciple's Study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Word in life Study Bible - Very interesting format. Not your routine study Bible. Worth checking the very informative notes. (e.g., here is a picture of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.)

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - OT and NT - Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV. Charles F Pfeiffer - Editor of the Old Testament. 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

Believer's Bible Commentary by MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages - Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. - "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe - "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." 

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1994 edition - Abridged - New Testament

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews 

NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

J.Sidlow Baxter: Explore The Book - pdf  Vol. 6 Acts to Revelation

Jensen's Survey of the NT - a classic with suggestions for studying each book of the Bible

What the Bible is all about by Mears, Henrietta What the Bible is all about OR here - What the Book is all about

NIV cultural backgrounds study Bible. bringing to life the ancient world of scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The illustrated guide to Bible customs & curiosities by Knight, George W. (George William), 

Today's handbook of Bible times & customs by Coleman, William L

Eerdmans' family encyclopedia of the Bible (1978) 344 pages

Eerdmans' handbook to the Bible (1983) 688 pages 

The Lion handbook to the Bible - (1999) 822 pages. This resource is absolutely loaded with very nice color pictures and charts.

Tyndale handbook of Bible charts & maps by Wilson, Neil  

Bible handbook and A-Z bible encyclopedia

International children's Bible field guide : answering kids' questions from Genesis to Revelation by Richards, Larry

The Shaw pocket Bible handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

Zondervan illustrated Bible backgrounds commentary - New Testament - 552 pages. (2002) See user reviews.

The new Unger's Bible dictionary by Unger, Merrill Frederick, 1909-

Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill Frederick

The parallel New Testament and Unger's Bible handbook : produced for Moody monthly by Unger, Merrill  (1975) 744 pages 4 ratings

The Hodder Bible handbook by Unger, Merrill 

Nelson's expository dictionary of the Old Testament by Unger, Merrill 

Kregel Bible handbook : a full-color guide to every book of the Bible by Kerr, William 3 ratings

Zondervan handbook to the Bible

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

Dictionary of Paul and his letters  180 ratings IVP Series The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a one-of-a-kind reference work. Following the format of its highly successful companion volume, the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, this Dictionary is designed to bring students, teachers, ministers and laypeople abreast of the established conclusions and significant recent developments in Pauline scholarship. No other single reference work presents as much information focused exclusively on Pauline theology, literature, background and scholarship.

Dictionary of the later New Testament & its developments 71 ratings IVP Series The third of IVP's critically acclaimed series of dictionaries of the New Testament provides focused study on the often-neglected portions of the New Testament: Acts, Hebrews, the General Epistles, and Revelation. Furthermore, its scope goes beyond the life of the New Testament church to include the work of the apostolic fathers and early Christianity up through the middle of the second century.

Dictionary of New Testament background 79 ratings IVP Series  In a time when our knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world has grown by leaps and bounds, this volume sets out for readers the wealth of Jewish and Greco-Roman background that should inform our reading and understanding of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Dictionary of New Testament Background takes full advantage of the flourishing study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and offers individual articles focused on the most important scrolls. In addition, the Dictionary encompasses the fullness of second-temple Jewish writings, whether pseudepigraphic, rabbinic, parables, proverbs, histories or inscriptions. Articles abound on aspects of Jewish life and thought, including family, purity, liturgy and messianism. The full scope of Greco-Roman culture is displayed in articles ranging across language and rhetoric, literacy and book culture, religion and cults, honor and shame, patronage and benefactors, travel and trade, intellectual movements and ideas, and ancient geographical perspectives. No other reference work presents so much in one place for students of the New Testament. Here an entire library of scholarship is made available in summary form. 

APOLOGETICS, ETC

When Critics Ask -  A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties - Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe

Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties - Gleason Archer

Hard Saying of the Bible Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

Systematic Theology - An Introduction to Bible Doctrine (first edition) - Wayne Grudem

More than a Carpenter - Josh McDowell's classic - good book to suggest to your skeptical friends!

New Evidence that Demands a Verdict  (Evidence I and Evidence II updated and in one volume)  (or here) - Josh McDowell

Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morison

THE LIST BELOW IS FOR GREEK (AND HEBREW) WORD STUDIES
IF YOU WANT TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER INTO THE TEXT

See also the list of Word Study Resources 

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament by Zodhiates, Spiros - This is my "go to" resource for Greek word studies. One on the best lexicons for laymen. Highly Recommended for Greek Word Studies to aid your interpretation of a passage. 

Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Timothy. Shorter definitions than Zodhiates but does an excellent job in summarizing the various nuances of a specific Greek word. One of my favorites.

Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Gingrich, F. Wilbur. Similar to Friberg but shorter definitions. Gingrich however gives more Scriptures for each nuance, whereas Friberg generally gives only one representative Scripture. 

The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament by Rogers, Cleon - A sleeper. This book is a gold mine of little gems on individual Greek words in any NT passage you are studying. If you have time it is always worth checking out! I use it for my Greek word studies all the time. 

Word meanings in the New Testament - Matthew-Revelation by Ralph Earle. Strictly speaking this is not a lexicon, but it offers insights on select words in a verse by verse format (but not every verse is included in the analysis). This resource is worth checking if you have time as it can occasionally give some wonderful insights on a specific Greek word. 

New Testament Words - William Barclay - 59 ratings very interesting resource - covers about 70 NT Greek words in Barclay's unique style. On page 289 there is a helpful index of English words with the corresponding Greek word, in turn followed by the places Barclay described them in New Testament Words and in his Daily Study Bible series (see list of DSB commentaries here). E.g., take the Greek word for "Covetousness" which is pleonexia and is found in New Testament Words on page 61 and pp 233-235 and is also described in the Daily Study Bible entries for : Mark 7:14-23; Ro 1:28-32; Eph. 4:17-24; Col. 3:5. So you can click the DSB commentary on Mark 7 and scroll down to Mark 7:14 to see Barclay's entry for pleonexia which concludes "Pleonexia ( G4124) is that lust for having which is in the heart of the man who sees happiness in things instead of in God." Interesting!

Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : based on semantic domains - Louw Nida. Brief but nice definitions. Not easy to use - you need to know some Greek. Classifies Greek words into 93 "semantic domains" (see list on page XXV) and if you can categorize the word you are looking for in one of the domains, it can help find the specific word you are interested in. 

Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament : abridged in one volume (TDNT) - Classic ("Little Kittel") work summarizing the 10 volume set by Kittel. For most of us the abridged definition is "more than enough!" 

A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament, and other early Christian literature (BDAG); by Bauer, Walter, More detailed definitions but need to know Greek. Zodhiates and Friberg are much easier to use. 

Liddell and Scott's Greek-English lexicon, abridged : the little Liddell by Liddell, Henry George. The abridged version. You need to know Greek to use.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - pdf. The old standby. You can also borrow Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words

New Testament Words in Today's Language by Detzler, Wayne A - Wonderful resource to supplement word studies.  3 ratings THIS IS A SLEEPER! 

Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - 229 ratings (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for laymen. Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and d

DANNY AKIN
SERMONS
ACTS

JOSEPH A ALEXANDER
Acts Commentary
(1857, 1866)

James Rosscup: "This work, originally out in 1857, has proved helpful to many, though it is now far out of date as to literature commenting on Acts. For many basic details verse by verse, it still is of good value and often will help on word meaning and special problems. The fact that it was reprinted is indicative of its respected place in Acts studies." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors)

Cyril Barber -  A beautifully produced work that brings within the reach of the busy pastor the benefits of this commentator's prodigious labors. A warmly devotional treatment. (The Minister's Library Volume 2)

Ajith Fernando - Loaded with exegetical and devotional gems, though dated.

D Edmond Hiebert - An exhaustive exposition of Acts by a conservative Presbyterian scholar of the past century. Gives a precise interpretation of the text on the basis of the original. Omission of technical matters makes it suitable to the English reader.

Spurgeon: "In all respects a work of the highest merit." (Commenting on Commentaries - nice resource as it has links to all 66 books)

HENRY ALFORD
Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary
Book of Acts 

Read Alford's fascinating brief biography and Phil Johnson's related comments

James Rosscup writes that Alford's series on the New Testament "contains much that is valuable in the Greek New Testament… though all of the Greek New Testament words have been changed to English throughout....."This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a… grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford… comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions."

C H Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work." (Commenting on Commentaries - excellent resource with links to all 66 books)

Editorial Note: If you are not proficient in Greek, you will find the work below more useful than the Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary. 


HENRY ALFORD
THE NEW TESTAMENT FOR ENGLISH READERS
BOOK OF ACTS

Greek and Latin are translated into English. The links are to the chapters but note they are difficult to discern on many pages.

FRANK ALLEN
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
(1931)

PAUL APPLE
COMMENTARY
BOOK OF ACTS

642 page commentary with frequent quotations and devotional questions for reflection. Here is a sample excerpt to give a "taste" of what you can glean from this well done commentary:

"Today we are going to begin a study of the Book of Acts and focus on the mission of the church for today. For the life of Christ we have the Synoptic Gospel accounts of Mat, Mark, Luke and John. But for the important transition time of the founding of the church and the spread of the gospel through the efforts of first Peter centered in Jerusalem and then Paul as the special Apostle to the Gentiles, we only have the one historical document of the Book of Acts. That concept of “transition time” is very important. This is a bridge period of time – the gospel of the kingdom is still being offered first to the Jews in the early chapters – there is still the presentation of the now risen and ascended Messiah to God’s chosen people. There is still the offer of the coming kingdom if they will repent and embrace the promised Messiah. But there is a transition as they continue to reject (not individually, but as a nation) and now the coming of the future king will be linked to the completion of the fullness of the times of the Gentiles. As a transition book, we will see some things that are not normative for this church age. But we will also learn much from studying the initial missionary journeys about how the head of the church wants us to build His church. Key Verse: Acts 1:8 “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem; and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” You can outline the book along these geographic lines. Not sure how far we will take this study before we interrupt and go down a different path … but we are at least committing to the first section. Look at the contrast between the two parts of the Book

Chaps 1-12 = Jerusalem the center – Jewish focus // Peter – central figure //  Peter imprisoned 

Chaps 13-28 = Antioch the center – Gentile focus // Paul – central figure – Apostle to the Gentiles // Paul imprisoned

We should gain confidence from studying this book; we should get excited about the power of God (Ed: His Spirit) working through His people; we should learn much about witnessing; we should learn much about church methodology; we should draw closer to the person of Jesus Christ Himself as we see His continued activity right now in the world (Ed: Through His Spirit) – understanding the significance of His resurrection and ascension and current role at the right hand of God.

Title of the Book: Stott: The most accurate (though cumbersome) title, then, which does justice to Luke’s own statement in verses 1 and 2, would be something like “The Continuing Words and Deeds of Jesus by his Spirit through his Apostles.” Bock: “The Acts of the Sovereign God through the Lord Messiah Jesus by His Spirit on Behalf of the Way.” LUKE CHRONICLES: THE ACTS OF THE RESURRECTED JESUS CHRIST PERFORMED BY HIS CHOSEN APOSTLES THROUGH THE POWER OF THE PROMISED HOLY SPIRIT."

JACK ARNOLD
SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

WILLIAM ARNOT
Acts Commentary
"The Church in the House"

A Series of Lessons on the Acts of the Apostles (1873) (569 pages)

Cyril Barber - These sermons reveal Arnot's thorough awareness of the original text and the milieu of the early church. His material is provocative as well as edifying. Both laypeople and pastors should read this book eagerly in order to better determine the course of the church, its commitments, and the criteria of its fellowship. Recommended.(The Minister's Library Volume 2)

Spurgeon writes "Intended to be read in families on Sabbath afternoons; but all who are acquainted with Dr. Arnot will know that even his simplest expositions are rich and full. He hath dust of gold."  (Commenting on Commentaries - excellent resource with links to all 66 books) (Millennial)

Arnot's English uses words from 1800s which are sometimes difficult to understand, but the pearls abound like this snippet from Arnot's comments on Acts 1:8 - "The Spirit is like the air. The Lord breathed on His disciples, and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." We could not live our present natural life without air. The sun in the heavens would not warm us if the atmosphere were not trapped round the globe. The air is near, and the sun is distant. It is the sun's heart that sustains life; but the sun's heart could not be communicated to plants and animals without the intervention of the atmosphere. The earth is as completely dependent on air for its supply of water as for its supply of heat. The air obtains a supply from the ocean, and pours it on the dry land. Thus disciples in every age obtain grace from the Lord through the ministry of the Spirit." Amen (Page 13)


WILLIAM BARCLAY'S DAILY STUDY BIBLE
Commentary on Acts

D Edmond Hiebert - Divides Acts into brief paragraphs, with the author's translation of the portion printed at the beginning. The comments are generally devotional in character, containing various religious and literary quotations. The author is at his best in his discriminating discussion of Greek words. The interpretation is liberal in spots. (from Hiebert's critique of Barclay on Peter's epistles - "Barclay holds that Christ's descent into Hades gave those who there heard Him a second chance."

Ajith Fernando - Devotional insights arising from a great background knowledge.

Comment: I appreciate Barclay's unique insights on Greek words, but clearly his teaching about a "second chance" is NOT sound doctrine! Be an Acts 17:11 Berean with Barclay. See discussion of his orthodoxy especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay".


ALBERT BARNES
Notes on the New Testament
on Acts

BRIAN BELL
SERMON NOTES
ACTS OF THE SPIRIT 
THROUGH THE APOSTLES

Frequent use of illustrations.

CHRIS BENFIELD
SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

JOHANN BENGEL
The Critical English Testament
Commentary on Acts

Represents Combination of Bengel's Gnomon and Comments by more modern expositors (in brackets) to make this more usable for those who do not read Greek.(1877)

See the Gnonom (more Greek) - Acts 1-28 Commentary

C H Spurgeon -- "'A Critical New Testament, so compiled as to enable a reader, unacquainted with Greek, to ascertain the exact English force and meaning of the language of the New Testament, and to appreciate the latest results of modern criticism.' Such is the professed aim of this commentary, and the compilers have very fairly carried out their intentions. The whole of Bengel’s Gnomon is bodily transferred into the work, and as one hundred and twenty years have elapsed since the first issue of that book, it may be supposed that much has since been added to the wealth of Scripture exposition; the substance of this has been incorporated in brackets, so as to bring it down to the present advanced state of knowledge. We strongly advise the purchase of this book, as it is multum in parvo, and will well repay an attentive perusal. Tischendorf and Alford have contributed largely, with other German and English critics, to make this one of the most lucid and concise commentaries on the text and teachings of the New Testament" (Commenting on Commentaries - excellent resource with links to all 66 books)

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR
The Acts of the Holy Spirit
Joseph S Exell, Editor

JIM BOMKAMP
BIBLE STUDIES
BOOK OF ACTS

Click for links to following studies:

  • Acts 1 "Tarrying Upon the Holy Spirit"    
  • Acts 2:1-13 "The Pentecostal Blessing" 
  • Acts 2:13-41  "The Pentecostal Sermon" 
  • Acts 2:42-47 "Body Life In The Early Church"  
  • Acts 3:1-12   "Silver And Gold Have I None, But..." 
  • Acts 3:13-26  "Peter's Second Sermon"    
  • Acts 4:1-22  "Peter and John Arrested For Preaching"  
  • Acts 4:23-37  "Rejoicing In What God Has Done"    
  • Acts 5:1-16  "The Discipline of Ananias And Sapphira"    
  • Acts 5:17-42  "Apostles Jailed Then Delivered"    
  • Acts 6:1-7 "The First Deacons"    
  • Acts 6:8-7:60 "Stephen, The First Martyr"    
  • Acts 8:1-24 "Persecution of the Church/Simon Magus"  
  • Acts 8:25-40 "Conversion Of The Ethiopian Eunuch"  
  • Acts 9:1-19  "The Conversion Of Saul"
  • Acts 9:20-43 "Paul's Early Years/The Healing Ministry of Peter" 
  • Acts 10 "Conversion of Cornelius The Gentile" 
  • Acts 11:1-26 "Peter's Defense/First Gentile Church"    
  • Acts 11:27-30 "How God Speaks To His Church" 
  • Acts 12 "Peter's Arrest And Deliverance"    
  • Acts 13:1-12 "The Holy Spirit Leads To Missions"  
  • Acts 13:13-37 "Paul And The Men Sail To Asia Minor"    
  • Acts 13:38-52 "Forgiveness Through Christ Is Proclaimed" 
  • Acts 13:48-14:20 "Ministry And Persecution In Galatia"    
  • Acts 14:21-28 "Principles Of Church Planting" 
  • Acts 15:1-12 "Salvation Is By Faith In Christ Plus Nothing"    
  • Acts 15:13-35  "The Jerusalem Council:  Part 2" 
  • Acts 15:36-16:7 "Second Missionary Journey Begins Amiss"    
  • Acts 16:8-40 "The Vision Of The Man From Macedonia"
  • Acts 17:1-15 "Are You A Berean?"    
  • Acts 17:16-34 "Proclaiming The Unknown God At Athens"
  • Acts 18:1-18 "Preaching Christ And Him Crucified In Corinth"  
  • Acts 18:19-19:10  "The Third Missionary Journey Begins"
  • Acts 19:13-41 "Rescuing Souls From The Occult In Ephesus"
  • Acts 20:1-19 "From Ephesus To Macedonia And Greece And Back"
  • Acts 20:20-28 "Ephesian Elders Charged To Be Faithful"     
  • Acts 20:29-38 "Ephesian Elders Charged To Protect Flock"  
  • Acts 21:1-14 "In Caesarea Paul Again Counts The Cost"     
  • Acts 21:15-29 "Separating Spiritual From Cultural" 
  • Acts 21:27-40 "Trusting Christ In The Midst Of Chaos"     
  • Acts 22:1-22 "Paul Shares His Testimony With The Mob"  
  • Acts 22:23-23:11 "When Things Go From Bad To Worse"     
  • Acts 23:12-35 "Standing Fast Waiting Upon Christ" 
  • Acts 24:1-27 "Imprisoned For Two Years In Caesarea"     
  • Acts 25:1-27 "Paul Appears Before Festus And King Agrippa"
  • Acts 26:1-15 "Paul's Defense Before Agrippa, Part 1"     
  • Acts 26:16-32 "Paul's Defense Before Agrippa, Part 2"
  • Acts 27:1-21 "Paul Sails Towards Rome"     
  • Acts 27:22-44 "Shipwrecked On The Island Of Malta" 
  • Acts 28:1-10 "Ministry To The People Of Malta"     
  • Acts 28:11-31 "In And After Rome/Wrap-up"

JOHN CALVIN
Commentary
Acts of the Holy Spirit

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE
FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Commentary on the Acts

CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT
FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Commentary on the Acts of the Holy Spirit
J. R. Lumby

ALAN CARR
Sermons
Acts of the Holy Spirit

OSWALD CHAMBERS
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST
DEVOTIONALS ON ACTS

MATT CHANDLER
Sermons on Acts

ADAM CLARKE
Commentary on Acts

Click critique of Clarke

STEVEN COLE
Sermon Series
Book of Acts

Recommended - These sermons function much like a verse by verse commentary

THOMAS CONSTABLE
Expository Notes on the book of Acts

BOB DEFFINBAUGH
EXPOSITORY SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

DAN DUNCAN
ACTS - SERMONS

For corresponding Mp3's click here.

JOHN EADIE
PAUL THE PREACHER;
A Popular and Practical Exposition
of His Discourses and Speeches as Recorded in the
Acts of the Apostles

Published 1859

Cyril Barber - This companion volume to Steir's The Words of the Risen Saviour and Words of the Apostles deals with the messages of the apostle Paul in the book of Acts. C. H. Spurgeon said Eadie's work was "designed to give ordinary readers a juster and fuller conception of the doctrine and life-work of the apostle:' Recommended. (The Minister's Library - Volume 2)

I.   SAUL AT DAMASCUS - Acts 9:19–25; Gal. 1:17; 2 Cor. 11:32, 33
II.  SAUL AT JERUSALEM - Acts 9:26–30; 22:17–21. Gal. 1:18, 19
III.  SAUL AT ANTIOCH IN SYRIA - Acts 11:22–26
IV.  SAUL IN CYPRUS - Acts 13:1–12
V.  PAUL AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA - Acts 13:13–52
VI.  PAUL AT ICONIUM - Acts 14:1–5; 2 Ti 3:11
VII. PAUL AT LYSTRA - Acts 14:8–21; 2 Ti 3:11
VIII. PAUL AT PHILIPPI - Acts 16:6–40. 1 Thes 2:2. Phil 1:30; 4:15
IX.   PAUL AT THESSALONICA - Acts 17:1–9. 1ST & 2ND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS
X.   PAUL AT ATHENS - Acts 17:15–34; 1 Thess 3:1
   PART  I.      
   PART  II.      
   PART  III.      
XI.  PAUL AT CORINTH - Acts 18:1–18. 1ST & 2ND EPISTLES TO THE CORINTHIANS
XII.  PAUL AT EPHESUS - Acts 19:1–41. 1 Cor 15:31, 32; 16:8, 9. 2 Cor 1:8, 9, 10.
XIII.  PAUL AT TROAS - Acts 20:5–12
XIV.  PAUL AT MILETUS - Acts 20:17–38
   PART  I.     INTRODUCTORY APPEAL TO THE PAST—HIS FIDELITY
   PART  II.   ANTICIPATIONS OF THE FUTURE—HIS COURAGE
   PART  III.  HIS CHARGE
   PART  IV.  THE FAREWELL
   PART  V.   CONCLUDING APPEAL TO THE PAST—HIS DISINTERESTEDNESS
XV.   PAUL AT JERUSALEM - Acts 22:1–30
    PART I.   SPEECH FROM THE STAIRS OF THE GARRISON - Acts 22:1–30
    PART II.   BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN - Acts 23:1–11
XVI. PAUL AT CESAREA
   PART  I.    BEFORE FELIX - Acts 24:1–23
   PART II.   BEFORE FELIX AND DRUSILLA - Acts 24:24–27
   PART III.  BEFORE FESTUS - Acts 25:1–12
   PART IV.  BEFORE FESTUS AND AGRIPPA - Acts 25:13–27; 26:1–32
XVII.  PAUL ON THE VOYAGE TO ROME - Acts 27
XVIII.  PAUL IN ROME - Acts 28; Eph. 3:1; 6:20; Phil. 1:12–14; 4:22; Col 4:18; Philemon 1:9–13

CHARLES ELLICOTT, EDITOR
E H PLUMPTRE - AUTHOR
A Bible Commentary for English Readers
Book of Acts

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE
Commentary on Acts of the Apostles
George T. Stokes
1891

ARNO C GAEBELEIN
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
AN EXPOSITION (1912)

See his shorter commentary  Acts from Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible

Rosscup notes that Gaebelein "was a popular evangelical Bible teacher of the first part of the century, much like H. A. Ironside in his diligent but broad, practical expositions of Bible books. Gaebelein was premillennial and dispensational, and editor for many years of Our Hope Magazine… This is one of the best older… works on Acts and is at times helpful in studying the transitional problems. It does not involve itself with exegetical details." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

D Edmond Hiebert - A forceful, conservative unfolding of the message of Acts by a noted premillennial, dispensational Bible teacher active during the first half of this century. Emphasizes the transition from Judaism to Christianity as portrayed in Acts.


DAVE GUZIK
Commentary Notes on Acts

HORATIO B HACKETT
A Commentary on the Original Text
of the Acts of the Apostles

Over 400 page revised in 1882 by Alvah Hovey This revised, illustrated edition removes much of the original Greek text which makes this classic nineteenth work on Acts much more "user friendly.". See Alvah Hovey's comments on what was revised in Hackett's original text).

D Edmond Hiebert - A full verse-by-verse commentary by a conservative Baptist professor of the past century. Still valuable for a clear unfolding of the text of Acts.

C H Spurgeon writes that "Hackett occupies the first position among commentators upon the Acts."  (Commenting on Commentaries - excellent resource with links to all 66 books)

JAMES HASTINGS
Sermons on Acts
Great Texts of the Bible

MATTHEW HENRY
Commentary on Acts

DAVID HOLWICK
SERMON NOTES
ACTS 

INTERVARSITY PRESS
Commentary on the Book of Acts
William J Larkin, Jr.

Cyril Barber -  Historically helpful. Contains some important insights. Critical matters are confined to the footnotes. Oriented toward the pastorate.

More Detailed Table of Contents

H A IRONSIDE
Commentary on Acts

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN
Commentary on Acts

BELOW ARE LINKS TO THE UNABRIDGED VERSION

S. LEWIS JOHNSON
Sermons on Acts

R J KNOWLING
The Expositor's Greek Testament
The Acts of the Apostles

This work has helpful comments but knowledge of the Greek is necessary for maximum benefit.

D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text. Still one of the most thorough commentaries on the Greek text. Significant for the Greek student.

Rosscup notes that Expositor's Greek Testament is "One of the older, much-used commentaries, which offers considerable help on Greek words, grammar, background etc. and will prove rather contributive, consulted along with newer and longer studies." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works).


PAUL KRETZMANN
Popular Commentary of the Bible
The Acts of the Apostles

JOHN MACARTHUR
Verse by Verse Sermons on Acts
Recommended

Functions much like a verse by verse commentary

Acts 1

Acts 2

Acts 3

Acts 4

Acts 5

Acts 6

Acts 7

Acts 8

Acts 9

Acts 10

Acts 11

Acts 12

Acts 13

Acts 14

Acts 15

Acts 16

Acts 17

Acts 18

Acts 19

Acts 20

Acts 21

Acts 22

Acts 23

Acts 24

Acts 25

Acts 26

Acts 27

Acts 28

MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
Conservative, Evangelical
GENERAL RESOURCES
Book of Acts

BIBLICAL ART - retrieved from Google search

Hint: Go to Google Image Search - Enter these words (do not enclose in quotes) - Bible acts 3 - you will retrieve a number of pictures that you may find useful in teaching. For each subsequent chapter simply repeat the search with that chapter number (disclaimer: I have not done all 28 chapters so be a Berean!)


BEST COMMENTARIES ON ACTS


CYRIL BARBER - recommendations - from "The Minister's Library Volume 2" and "The Minister's Library Volume 3"

  • *Alexander, Joseph Addison. Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. 2 vols. in 1. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1980. A beautifully produced work that brings within the reach of the busy pastor the benefits of this commentator's prodigious labors. A warmly devotional treatment.
  • Arnot, William. Studies in Acts: The Church in the House. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1978. First published in 1883. These sermons reveal Arnot's thorough awareness of the original text and the milieu of the early church. His material is provocative as well as edifying. Both laypeople and pastors should read this book eagerly in order to better determine the course of the church, its commitments, and the criteria of its fellowship. Recommended.
  • Arrington, French L. The Acts of the Apostles. Peabody,, ME: Hendrickson Publishers, 1988. It was the author's stated intention to "write a readable and yet reliable commentary that would he helpful to all serious students of the Bible," and he has succeeded in his endeavor. A professor in the Church of God School of Theology, TN, Arrington's presentation is clear and his bibliography is impressive. Greek words are translated, often with amplification.
  • Barrett, Charles Kingsley. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. In process. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T. And T. Clark, 1994- . Replaces the work by W. C.Allen. Barrett makes available to his readers his vast research into the early origin of the Christian church. The informed reader soon becomes aware of the fact that this work is destined to stand the test of time. Barrett ably blends philology and history with his treatment of the Biblical text. Excellent.
  • Bauckham, Richard, ed. The Book of Acts in Its Palestinian Setting. Vol. 4: The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995. This is the most recent addition to the critically acclaimed Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Its contents is devoted to those parts of the narrative of Acts that are specifically set in Palestine. Readers can expect a consummate handling of the geography, culture, and of the social and religious aspects of first-century Judaism; and they will not disappointed. All facets of Luke’s account are explored in light of the Palestinian origins of early Christianity. Included in these chapters are fresh assessments of the historical significance of key persons and events. The material has been well-researched.
  • Boice, James Montgomery. Acts: An Expositional Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997. Deals convincingly with the missionary/evangelistic thrust of the early church. Expounds the biblical text with rare excellence. Wordy.
  • Bruce, Frederick Fyvie. The Book of Acts. Revised ed. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988. A revision of Bruce's 1956 work. While the basic approach remains the same, a comparison of this edition with its predecessor shows that all the material has been carefully reworked. The footnotes have been brought up-to-date, and the text emended in light of modern scholarship. Bible students will appreciate this later edition, and preachers will find that it will help them in their exposition of the text. Recommended.
  • Calvin, John. Acts. Crossway Classic Commentaries. Edited by A. McGrath and J. I. Packer. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1995. Contains all of the remarkable insights of the first English edition without the stilted language. This is a work that deserves a place in every pastor’s library.
  • Couch, Mal, ed. A Bible Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1998. A beautifully produced, practical, well-illustrated, usable book that is abreast of recent scholarship but never loses sight of the needs of lay readers. All things considered, this is an excellent work that deserves a place in every church library.
  • Custer, Stewart. Witness to Christ: A Commentary on Acts. Greenville, SC: BJU, 2000. The scope of this book can best be assessed by the author’s note: “I trust that this commentary will be a spiritual blessing to every reader. It is my desire to provide insight into the meaning, solutions to alleged ‘discrepancies,’ and practical applications that will strengthen the believer in his faith and practice….” The author has admirably achieved each goal.
  • DeHaan, Martin Ralph. Pentecost and After: Studies in the Book of Acts. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1996. First published in 1964. Contains 26 chapters that are rich in devotional insights. This work is ideal for daily devotional Bible reading, or for lay discussion groups. It opens up the readers understanding of the NT world and explains the growth of the early church. It is recommended to earnest Christians in all walks of life.
  • Eadie, John. The Words of the Apostle Paul. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1985. This companion volume to Steir's The Words of the Risen Saviour and Words of the Apostles deals with the messages of the apostle Paul in the book of Acts. C. H. Spurgeon said Eadie's work was "designed to give ordinary readers a juster and fuller conception of the doctrine and life-work of the apostle:' Recommended.
  • Fitzmyer, Joseph A. The Acts of the Apostles. Anchor Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1998. Begins with a translation of the entire book, followed by a closely reasoned explanation of title, authorship, date, and purpose of Acts. Essays discuss the text and sources, the composition and form-critical analysis, language and style, and historical character of Acts, etc. The exposition combines historic and linguistic data, but offers minimal help to preachers.
  • Gangel, Kenneth Otto. Acts. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville: Holman, 1998. Clearly written, and with the theme of Luke’s second work cogently presented, this commentary does justice to the biblical text and the purpose for which this historic account was produced. Gangel follows the best interpretative tradition and then applies the principles in the best possible manner.
  • Gasque, Woodrow Ward. A History of the Criticism of the Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1975. Beginning with E C. Baur and the Tubingen school, Gasque traces the Actaforschung down to the present time. His coverage is remarkably full, and he makes available to students a wealth of material that will guide them in their study of Luke's writings and suggest possible thesis and dissertation topics.
  • Gill, David W., and Conrad Gempf, eds. The Book of Acts in Its Graeco-Roman Setting. Vol. 2: The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994. Describes the regional, social and cultural milieu of the Roman Empire during the first century A.D. Part 1 covers such topics as travel by ship as well as along the Roman roads of Asia Minor; also food shortages, diverse Roman religions, the urban elites, and the emergence of the house church. Part 2 describes in detail the various Roman provinces and the establishment of the early church. A final chapter discusses Luke’s geographic limits and the Jewish and Roman cultures it contained.
  • Gloag, Paton James. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. 2 vols. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1979. H. B. Hackett wrote appreciatively of this work: "I have examined it with special care. For my purposes I have found it unsurpassed by any similar work in the English language. It shows a thorough mastery of the material, philology, history, and literature pertaining to this range of study, and a skill in the use of this knowledge, which places it in the first class of modern expositions:' Warmly recommended.
  • Hackett, Horatio Balch. Commentary on Acts. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1992. Insightful, reliable, and always worth consulting. Reprinted from the revised edition of 1882.
  • *Harrison, Everett Falconer. Acts: The Expanding Church. Chicago: Moody Press, 1976. A very readable, conservative exposition that deserves a place in every home. The treatment is clear, and Harrison presents his resume of apostolic history in a most pleasing and acceptable manner. Recommended.
  • Hengel, Martin. Acts and History of Earliest Christianity. Translated by J. Bowden. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1980. †Asserts the essential reliability of the book of Acts and examines Luke's historical-theological methodology.
  • Hughes, R. Kent. Acts: The Church Afire. Preaching the Word. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996. This sermonic commentary will help fill the vacuum that exists between the practical needs of the pastor/teacher and the critical, exegetical works that are readily available. Hughes captures our imagination and sheds light on a lot of incidents, places, and sayings we have often wondered about. Hard-working pastors will enjoy studying this handy, helpful volume.
  • Johnson, Dennis E. The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption. Phillipsburg, PA: P&R, 1997. Examines the major themes of Acts and links the OT with the NT while explaining the contribution of Acts to the history of redemption. Though not a commentary, this study will enrich each reader’s understanding of the history of the period.
  • Kent, Homer Austin, Jr. Jerusalem to Rome-Studies in Acts. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1972. In recounting the beginning and expansion of the early church, the writer reveals the personal struggles of those who participated in the events recorded by Luke. The inclusion of discussion questions makes this an ideal volume for adult Bible study groups.
  • Krodel, Gerhard A. Acts. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1986. Designed for laypeople. Explains in non-technical language the essential thrust of this portion of the canon.
  • Larkin, William J., Jr. Acts. IVP New Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1995. Historically helpful. Contains some important insights. Critical matters are confined to the footnotes. Oriented toward the pastorate.
  • Laurin, Roy L. Acts: Life in Action. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1985. In this topical commentary Laurin brings out practical applications as he shows how these early Christians were filled with the dynamic power of a new life of faith. The chapter outlines are also suggestive of discourses, and these will be particularly useful to pastors.
  • Marshall, I. Howard. The Acts of the Apostles. Tyndale New Testament Cornmentaries. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981. Replaces Blaiklock's commentary. Emphasizes the theological importance of this Lukan work. A thorough study. Highly recommended.
  • Marshall, I. Howard, and David Peterson, eds. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. Within these covers a distinguished group of scholars provide a comprehensive survey of the theology of the early church as found in the book of Acts. This material is designed to show the current state of scholarship and discuss the main themes (including the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and the relationship of Jews and Gentiles).
  • Mills, Watson E. A Bibliography of the Periodical Literature on the Acts of the Apostles,1962-1984. Leiden, The Netherlands: E. J. Brill, 1986. This volume is intended to supplement the indispensible work of A. J. and M. B. Mattill, A Classified Bibliography of Literature on the Acts of the Apostles (which concluded with entries up to 1962). The material in this volume is arranged alphabetically. The indexing to periodical literature is impressive. It succeeds in bringing within the purview of the student or researcher a wealth of important data. Mills, Watson E., and Richard F. Wilson, eds. Acts and Pauline Writings. Vol. 7: Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1997. Brief comments on 12 NT books (total 291 pages). Each book is introduced, outlined, and explained. Does not deal with controversial issues. Includes bibliographies.
  • Neil, William. Acts. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1981. †Based on the RSV This handy commentary does not provide an exposition of the theme but, rather, furnishes readers with perceptive comments on select words or phrases. 
  • Phillips, John. Exploring Acts. 2 Vols. In 1. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1991. Treats the transitional character of Luke’s second volume while explaining each chapter in keeping with the progress of the early church. Well-outlined and alliterated. The exposition is based on the text of the AV. Contains the kind of material pastors will find suggestive of whole series of sermons.
  • Phillips, John. Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2001 First published in 1986. A simple yet articulate exposition. Useful as a survey for beginning Bible students.
  • *Rackham, Richard Belward. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978. The reissue in an overpriced paperback format of one of the great commentaries on the book of Acts.
  • Rapske, Brian. The Book of Acts and Paul in Roman Custody. Vol. 3: The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994. Utilizing ancient literary sources and archaeological evidence, Rapske uncovers important background material on the custodial system of the Graeco-Roman world. He uses this to give his readers a better understanding of Paul’s person and mission. He also reveals how keenly aware Luke was of the practical and theological threat that imprisonment posed for Paul, and he argues that this understanding was one of Luke’s primary objectives in his writing of Luke--Acts (viz., to defend or justify Paul in the minds of those living in NT times). A scholarly discussion. Rapske, Brian. The Book of Acts and Paul in Roman Custody. Vol. 3: The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994. Fills a long-standing lacuna in Lukan and Pauline studies.... Here is now the most important investigation of the nature and variety of Roman imprisonment practices. This study also offers a substantial argument as to the significance of these narratives for the book of Acts.”--Gordon D. Fee.
  • Scroggie, William Graham. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976. Reprinted from the 1931 edition. This handy volume abounds in helpful outlines and practical insights. Valuable for lay use, and I hope it enjoys widespread circulation.
  • Stedman, Ray C. Acts 21-28. Triumphs of the Body. Santa Ana, Calif: Vision House Publishers, 1981. Brief studies completing the author's trilogy. Recommended.
  • _______, . Birth of the Body. Santa Ana, Calif: Vision House Publishers, 1974. A vibrant recounting of the early church's beginning and witness. The author shows how the power available to the early Christians is available today. The formula is found in Acts 1-12.
  • ______, Growth of the Body. Santa Ana, Calif: Vision House Publishers, 1976. A continuation of the author's exposition of Acts in which he demonstrates from the history of the early church the fallacy of relying solely on man-made programs without making room for the "body life" of believers.
  • Stier, Rudolf Ewald. The Words of the Apostles. Translated by G. H. Venables. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1981. Examines the public ministry of the apostles and expounds each message with insight and skill. A must for every student of the book of Acts.
  • Stott, John Robert Walmsey. The Spirit, the Church, and the World: The Message of Acts. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990. As usual Stott combines impeccable scholarship with a judicious sense of what needs to be included in a commentary. Here is an exposition that can be read with confidence. Highly recommended.
  • Vaughan, Charles John. Studies in the Book of Acts. Minneapolis: Klock & Klock Christian Publishers, 1985. Vaughan achieved justifiable acclaim for his expositional commentaries on Romans, Philippians, and Revelation. C. H. Spurgeon wrote of this work on Acts, "Not only does Dr. Vaughan expound his text in the ablest manner, but he introduces passages of Scripture so aptly that he suggests discourses:' This is a work of rare merit, and it will be appreciated by those who use it wisely.
  • Wiersbe, Warren Wendell. Be Daring. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1989. Continues the author's popular exposition of the Book of Acts. Shows how the power of God is available to work through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes in the Church and in the world. Recommended. (Wiersbe-Commentary-Acts.pdf online)
  • Willimon, William H. Acts. Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1988. Combines the latest findings in Lukan scholarship with the pastoral, educational, and theological concerns of the local church. Bases his comments on the idea that the purpose of Acts was not to make Christianity acceptable to the Roman state but rather to preserve the integrity of the church against the onslaught of classical culture. Exegetical insights are applied with clarity and skill.
  • Winter, Bruce W., and Andrew D. Clarke, eds. The Book of Acts in Its Ancient Literary Setting. Vol. 1: The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1993. “This new generation of scholars exhibits the cultural and historical interests of the series they inaugurate in their wide-ranging canvass of the literary and rhetorical possibilities that must pass under review in a study of Acts. The book makes clear the complexities of the matter and encourages us to expect from the series an avoidance of oversimplification, engagement with current scholarship, independence of judgment, and superb knowledge of the world of ancient Christianity.”--Abraham J. Malherbe

JOURNAL ARTICLES

FOR MORE JOURNAL ARTICLES SEE

MARK ADAMS

BIBLE.ORG

WAYNE BARBER Acts - Life of Paul (through Acts 21)

CYBERHYMNAL

RON DANIEL -SERMONS on Acts 1-13

ARNOLD FRUCHTENBAUM

DON FORTNER

J S HOWSON

MARTYN LLOYD JONES - SERMONS - MP3'S - only on Acts 1-8

P G MATTHEW - sermons

HENRY MORRIS - Scripture links on left side. Study notes on right side below.

RADIO BIBLE CLASS

 W H GRIFFITH-THOMAS

WARREN WIERSBE

SERMONS, ETC
ON THE BOOK OF ACTS

MIKE ANDRUS -  FEFC Wichita - sermons - audio with excellent transcripts - recommended

W A CRISWELL - Sermon on Acts - 

Note that some of the links have changed - you can still find the sermons by clicking here for list of all Acts sermons

JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

RICH CATHERS - Sermon Notes - frequent illustrations

EXPLORE THE BIBLE - studies

MICHAEL FRONCZAK

GENE GETZ - short videos (~10) emphasizing principles in the text

  • Acts 1:1-11; Video Waiting and Working: Though we should always be prepared for Christ's return, we are to focus on being His witnesses in this world.
  • Acts 1:12-26 Video; Selecting Spiritual Leaders: Spiritual qualifications that reflect godly character are to be used when appointing spiritual leaders.
  • Acts 2:1-13; Video Miraculous Events: To accurately understand God's unfolding revelation throughout biblical history, we are to consider carefully God's miraculous plan for verifying His message.
  • Acts 2:14-40; Video Normative versus Unique Experiences: When interpreting Scripture, we should distinguish between normative experiences for all Christians and unique experiences for believers in the early church.
  • Acts 2:41-47; Video Three Vital Experiences: To become mature in Jesus Christ, as a local church we are to engage in three normative functions.
  • Acts 3:1-4:12;Video  Honoring God: When God uses us to minister to others, we are always to give glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
  • Acts 4:13-22; Video Openness and Honesty: Spiritual leaders must never suppress the truth in order to protect their own religious domain.
  • Acts 4:32-37; Video Generosity: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be godly models of generosity.
  • Acts 5:1-11; Video Honesty and Integrity: When we give material possessions to support God's work, we are to do so with pure motives.
  • Acts 5:12-32; Video Our Dual Citizenship: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be good citizens, but if we are asked to engage in actions that are out of harmony with God's will, we must not violate biblical principles.
  • Acts 5:33-42; Video Resentment and Persecution: Regardless of our efforts to respect government authorities, when we practice Christian values in a hostile environment, we should be prepared for persecution.
  • Acts 6:1-7; Video Leadership Priorities: Spiritual shepherds in the church are to maintain biblical priorities.
  • Acts 6:8-7:60; Video Loving Our Enemies: When we are persecuted for our faith, we are to love and pray for our enemies.
  • Acts 8:1-8;Video Purpose in Persecution: Though persecution is always painful, we should ask God to use our experiences to bring others to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Acts 8:9-25; Video  Authentic Conversion: Though people can only respond to the gospel with sincerity when the Holy Spirit opens their hearts, we should do all we can to help them respond with pure motives.
  • Acts 8:26-40;Video Biblical Evidence: To help people achieve saving faith in Jesus Christ, we should help them understand from Scripture what God says about this experience.
  • Acts 9:1-19; Video God?s Mercy and Grace: Though our conversion experiences vary greatly, all Christians are to praise and thank God continually for His saving grace.
  • Acts 9:19-31; Video Love and Compassion: As those who are saved by grace, we should always be ready to demonstrate God?s mercy by extending grace to others.
  • Acts 9:32-10:48; Video The Sin of Prejudice: We should sincerely ask God to help us evaluate our attitudes and actions in order to make sure we are free from any form of prejudice.
  • Acts 11:1-18;Video Addressing Prejudice: We should never hesitate to share our concerns regarding prejudice.
  • Acts 11:19-26; Video Being an Encourager: When people put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we should respond enthusiastically with words of encouragement.
  • Acts 11:27-30; Video Reciprocal Generosity: We should look for opportunities to minister to those who have ministered to us, both spiritually and materially.
  • Acts 12:1-25; Video Our Sovereign God: When events happen that are difficult to accept and understand, we must remember that God is sovereign and ultimately in control of our lives.
  • Acts 13:1-3; Video Corporate Wisdom: When we want to discover the will of God, we are to be open to receiving wisdom and guidance from other mature believers.
  • Acts 13:4-12;Video  Servant-Leadership: No matter what the role is within the body of Jesus Christ, leaders are to allow others who are more qualified than they are to emerge as the prominent leaders.
  • Acts 14:8-18; Video Glorifying God: Spiritual leaders must never allow people to honor them above God.
  • Acts 14:19-23; Video Qualified Spiritual Leaders: To lead people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ, we must select and appoint qualified spiritual leaders in every local church.
  • Acts 15:1-35; Video Maintaining Sound Doctrine: When any community of faith encounters false teachings, the spiritual leaders should make every effort to clarify biblical truth.
  • Acts 15:36-41;  Video Balanced Convictions: Though we are to have strong biblical convictions, we should attempt to keep these values in proper balance.
  • Acts 16:1-5; Video A Good Reputation: When we are selecting spiritual leaders, we should look for individuals whom people trust.
  • Acts 16:6-34; Video  Unity with Diversity: Regardless of our diverse backgrounds, we are to become a unified family of believers.
  • Acts 17:1-12; Video Cultural Adaptation: To present the gospel adequately, we must use the Scriptures as our final authority while adapting our methodology to various cultural situations.
  • Acts 17:16-34; Video Concern and Compassion: As Christ-followers who are living in a world contaminated by idolatrous activities, we must never lose our sense of grief and compassion.
  • Acts 18:1-28; Video Serving Together: Spiritual leaders should encourage husband and wife teams to look for unique ministry opportunities.
  • Acts 19:8-10; Video In-Depth Evangelism: In developing a church-planting strategy, we should help people understand the redemptive message as it unfolds in the total biblical story.
  • Acts 19:11-41; Video Pagan Resentment: When the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrates a community dominated by evil, Christians should expect persecution.
  • Acts 20:1-6; Video A Supportive Team: To serve God effectively, we should develop a supportive team.
  • Acts 20:7-12; Video The Communion Experience: When we gather together to worship God and to encourage one another, we should plan times to remember Christ's suffering on the cross.
  • Acts  20:17-38;Video  Relationships with One Another: Spiritual leaders are to develop deep, lasting, and loyal relationships with one another.
  • Acts 21:10-14; Video God's Will: As Christ-followers, we are to be committed to living in God's will regardless of our circumstances.
  • Acts 21:26-22:22;Video  Potential Persecution: When ministering in cultural situations where people may be resistant to the gospel, we should be prepared to identify with Christ's sufferings.
  • Acts 22:23-23:11; Video God's Strength: No matter what kind of persecution we encounter, we are to draw on Christ's strength in order to be courageous.
  • Acts 23:12-22; Video Being Courageous: No matter what the circumstances, we are to be available for God to use us to carry out His plans in this world.
  • Acts 24:1-21; Video Self-Defense: When we are falsely accused, there are times we should not hesitate to defend ourselves.
  • Acts 24:22-27;Video The Spirit's Conviction: When we hear the truth and experience conviction because of our sins, we should respond in faith and repentance.
  • Acts 25:1-12; Video Government Authority: Since God has established government authorities to be His servants in administering justice, there may be times as believers when we should appeal to a court of law.
  • Acts 25:13-26:32;Video Distorted Perspectives: We should not be surprised if some unbelievers accuse us of being foolish and out of touch with reality because of our faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Acts 27:1-12; Video Security in Christ: In our spiritual journey, we are guaranteed by God Himself that we will arrive some day at our eternal destination regardless of the uncertainties of life on this earth.
  • Acts 27:13-28:31; Video God's Providential Care: Though we may face difficult and painful circumstances in our spiritual journey, we are to trust God to accomplish His divine purposes in our lives.

GOSPEL COALITION

GOTQUESTIONS - questions related to the book of Acts

LOWELL JOHNSON - Sermons - click here for the sermons below

1. The Adventure Begins Acts 1:1-3
2. The Promise of the Father Acts 1:4-5
3. God's Job Description for every Christian Acts 1:6-8
4. A Conversation with the Angels Acts 1:9-11
5. The Church on its Knees Acts 1:12-14
6. The Church's First Business Meeting Acts 1:15-26
7. The Miracle of Pentecost Acts 2:1-13
8. The Sermon That Brought 3,000 to Christ Acts 2:14-41
9. Build According to Pattern Acts 2:40-47
10. The Cripple who Danced in Church Acts 3:1-26
11. The First Persecution of the Church Acts 4:1-12
12. Men Who Have Been with Jesus Acts 4:13-22
13. Refreshing Christians Acts 4:32-37
14. They Lied and Died Acts 5:1-16
15. How to Handle Persecution Acts 5:17-42
16. Needed: Men who will be Problem Solvers Acts 6:1-7
17. The Face of an Angel Acts 6:8-15
18. The Stoning of Stephen Acts 7:51-8:1
19. Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:1-25
20. Stop the Chariot! Acts 8:26-40
21. The Conversion of Saul Acts 9:1-19
22. Shaping the Vessel Acts 9:20-30
23. Some Ministries of the Church Acts 9:31-43
24. Cornelius: Gentile Salvation Acts 10:1-11:18
25. When is a Church Christian Acts 11:1-30
26. Glory Unto God: In Death and Deliverance Acts12:1-24
27. Paul's First Missionary Journey Acts 13:1-52
28. The Advancement of the Gospel Acts 14:1-28
29. The Man Who Wanted to Quit – and Did Acts 13:13; 15:36-38
30. The Jerusalem Council Acts 15:1-35
31. God Leads Us Alone Acts 15:36-16:10
32. The Deliverance of Two Women Acts 16:9-18
33. Revival at Midnight Acts 16:19-40
34. Responding to the Word Acts 17:1-15
35. The Unknown (Known) God Acts 17:14-34
36. Too Soon to Quit Acts 18:1-22
37. The Missing Ingredient in the Modern Church Acts 18:23-19:7
38. Opportunity in the Midst of Adversity Acts 19:8-41
39. A Portrait of the Undershepherd Acts 20:1-38
40. Courage Under Fire Acts 21:1-22:1
41. How to Give Your Testimony Acts 22:1-30
42. Paul the Prisoner Acts 23:1-35
43. Foolish Felix Acts 24:1-27
44. Falsely Accused Acts 25:1-27
45. The Tragedy of Almost Acts 26:24-32
46. The Voyage of Life Acts 27:1-44
47. Rome at Last Acts 28:1-21

STEVE KRELOFF

BRYN MACPHAIL

Click list of his sermons and scroll down to Acts to select individual sermons

  • What Jesus Continues To Do (Acts 1:1-11)
  • The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Acts 2:22-36)
  • The First Mega Church and Their Habits (Acts 2:37-47)
  • What Does The Lord Expect From His Church? (Acts 2:42-47)
  • Preach Jesus (Acts 4:1-12)
  • Godly Audacity (Acts 4:1-20)
  • Not To Be Trifled With (Acts 4:32-5:16)
  • Prerequisites For Christian Leadership & Church Growth (Acts 6:1-7)
  • Suffering and the Sovereignty of God (Acts 8:1-8)
  • Persevere Through Suffering (Acts 8:1-8)
  • When Sovereign Grace Leads to Treasuring Jesus (Acts 9 / Phil. 3)
  • "Not Now God, We're Praying" (Acts 12:1-17)
  • Pray Earnestly (Acts 12:1-14)
  • Examine The Scriptures Daily (Acts 17:10-15)
  • A Scripture-Examining Church (Acts 17:10-15)
  • (Sermon#2: What Kind of Church Must We Be?)
  • Be Provoked (Acts 17:16-21)
  • The Provoked Church (Acts 17:16-20)
  • Be Desperate (Acts 17:22-31)
  • The Needy Church (Acts 17:22-31)
  • Be Fervent (Acts 18:23-28)
  • The Fervent Church (Acts 18:23-28)
  • Stay The Course (Acts 20:17-32)
  • The Courageous Church (Acts 20:17-32)
  • An Alert Church (Acts 20:27-32)
  • (Sermon#3: What Kind of Church Must We Be?)

MAPS - related to Acts

JAMES MCCULLEN - frequent illustrations

Click here for sermons below...

  • Acts 1:6-8 Faith Witnesses
  • Acts 1:8 Essential Witnessing Tools
  • Acts 2:41-47 Be  Steadfast
  • Acts 2:44-47 The Church at Her Best "The Church at Her Best!"
  • ACTS 4:1-12 Defense Is a Good Offense.
  • Acts 4:12 Because Jesus Is the Only Savior
  • Acts 4:12 There "Is" Salvation
  • Acts 5:11-16 A Shadow Of Fear.
  • Acts 5:33-47 Worldly Wisdom and Obedience to God.
  • Acts 6:1-7 The Office of Deacon
  • Acts 8:1-12  The Church Scattered but Together
  • Acts 8:4 Witnessing for Christ 1900 Years Ago.
  • Acts 9:1-6 Is Jesus Lord?
  • Acts 9:17-23 Learning Some Basics of Christianity
  • Acts 9:22-23 -- Proof of the Resurrection
  • Acts 16:13-16 How about Your Heart
  • Acts 16:2-13, How Is Your Heart -2
  • Acts 19:1-6 Have You Heard About The Holy Spirit? 
  • Acts 19:9-10 The Calls To Witness.
  • Acts 20:18-26 -- 20-20 Vision with Spiritual Eyes 
  • Acts 20:22-32 When Paul Left A Church
  • Acts 24:22-27 Issues 
  • Acts 26:11-29 If the Apostle Paul Were My Father
  • Acts 26:14-19 Three Steps to Salvation Open, Turn, Receive

F B MEYER

MONERGISM

D L MOODY - click link for all of Moody's "Notes from My Bible" - below are Moody's notes on select verses in the Book of Acts

The acts of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4   “Wait for the promise of the Father.” Tarry at a promise till God meets you there. He always returns by the way of His promises.
The promises of God are the moulds into which we pour our prayers.

Acts 1:11  “In like manner.” Hence we may expect that Jesus will come—
             (1.) Personally.
             (2.) Visibly.
             (3.) In the clouds.

Acts 2:1. Pentecost was the birthday of the Holy Spirit whose dispensation will close at Christ’s second coming. The Holy Spirit was present before, but not incarnate in the Church, just as Christ was ever present, but not incarnate.

Acts 2:3. “Fire.” Fill the cup with incense, and load the altar with odorous wood, but fire is still needed to send out fragrance. So the preacher’s talent, genius, and other gifts need fire from above, before they can achieve results.

Acts 2:8. When God set forth his fiery law (Deut. 33:2), He proclaimed it in one tongue; but the story of grace was told in the language of every nation under heaven.

Acts 2:21.  “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” It is remarkable that though more than a million Jews perished during the siege of Jerusalem, no Christians perished; for they withdrew to Pella, on the approach of the Roman army.

Acts 2:23.   The Jews nailed Jesus on the cross and so sent Him to heaven, and now they go about the streets selling old clothes.

Acts 2:37.  Threefold result of being filled with the Spirit:—

  1. Pricked in their heart. Acts 2:37.
  2. Cut to the heart. Acts 7:54.
  3. Turned the world upside down. Acts 17:6.

Acts 2:41. The first time the law was preached three thousand were killed. Ex. 32:28. The first time grace was preached three thousand were saved.

Acts 2:47.“Added to the Church.” See Acts 5:14; 11:24. “Added to the Lord,” because the Church is the body of Christ.

Acts 3:2.Almost all the alms of the world are administered at the gates of the temple, by them that go up to the temple at the hour of prayer.

Acts 3:21.  “The times of restitution of all things.”
         The earth restored to man by re-genesis.
         The body restored to the soul by resurrection.
         The soul restored to God by regeneration.

Acts 4:  The Name of Jesus:—

  • Acts 4:7. By what name have ye done this?
  • Acts 4:10. By the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Acts 4:12. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Acts 31. Hugh Latimer was ordered by Henry VIII to apologize for a too plain sermon he preached. But he was sent by a higher King and repeated the sermon.

Acts 5:31 As a Prince, Jesus gives repentance;
                As a Saviour, He gives remission of sins.

Acts 6:5. Six good things about Stephen:—
             (1.) Full of faith. Acts 6:5.
             (2.) Full of the Holy Ghost. Acts 6:5.
             (3.) Full of power. Acts 6:8.
             (4.) Full of irresistible wisdom and energy. Acts 6:10.
             (5.) Full of sunshine. Acts 6:15.
             (6.) An intrepid witness for God. Acts 7.

Acts 6:15.  Three men in the Bible whose faces shone: Moses, Jesus, and Stephen.

Dr. Bonar once said: “Did you ever notice, Brother Whittle, that when the Jews accused Stephen of blasphemous words against Moses (v. 11), the Lord lit up his face with the same glory with which Moses’s face shone?”

Acts 7:2.      Stephen only preached this one sermon that we know of, but out of his death came Paul, the greatest preacher since Christ. 

Acts 7:23–36.      Eighty years of training for forty years of service.
Acts 7:50.      There are few death-bed scenes in the Bible.
Acts 7::60.      Augustine says the Church owes Paul to the prayers of Stephen.

Acts 8:1      

Acts 8:27.      The story of a man who was wrong and knew it; who was set right; and gave evidence of being right (36, 39, rejoicing).

Acts 9:3.  Four recorded visions to Paul:—

  1. For his conversion. Acts 9:3, 4.
  2. For his work. Acts 16:9.
  3. For his strengthening. Acts 18:9.
  4. For his preservation. Acts 27:23, 24.

Acts 11:1. Israel is God’s first-born, but the Gentiles are his second-born.

Acts 11:26.   “Called Christians.” Not in derision, but by God’s providence. The Church is Christ’s body, and the body of a man goes by the same name as the head. Col. 1:18, 24.

A dead church is like a dwarf with fine, large head but crippled body.

Acts 15:11.

  1. Saved by grace. Acts 15:11.
  2. Stand in grace. Rom. 5:2.
  3. Grow in grace. 2 Peter 3:18.

Acts 16:9.  Dr. Bonar used to say that the “man of Macedonia” turned out to be a woman; see v. 15.

Suppose Paul and Silas had been ordered east instead of west, these lands of ours would have been what India and Africa now are, and missionaries from there would be bringing us the gospel.

Acts 16:13. Paul was not a man who was a devout worshiper in Jerusalem, but who, when he came to Philippi, spent his Sabbaths as the Philippians did. Out of Paul’s steady-going habits came this story of grace and salvation.

Acts 16:14. Attention, humanly speaking, is the avenue by which the Lord Jesus enters into the soul. If you had listened with attention and intention for five minutes to the poorest preacher you ever heard, you would have been converted.

Acts 16:15. First the heart, then the home. “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.”

Acts 16:31. Believing on Jesus or in Jesus is a great deal more than believing about Jesus.

Acts 17:22.  Paul’s sermon on Mars’ Hill:—
God is Creator, Ruler (Acts 17:24); independent Acts 17:25); approachable (Acts 17:27); immanent (Acts 17:28).

  • True worship (Acts 17:25).
  • God’s bounties to man (Acts 17:25).
  • Gracious privilege or command (Acts 17:27).
  • Wrong views of God (Acts 17:29).
  • Repentance commanded (Acts 17:30).
  • Universality of sin (Acts 17:30).
  • Day of judgment (Acts 17:31).

Idolatry is falsely directed worship, yet it bears witness to the ineradicable needs of humanity.

Acts 17:28. “For we are also His offspring.” A poet’s sentiment—a preacher’s theme.

Men talk of “universal brotherhood” and reject the God and Father of us all.

Acts 17:30. The more a man is troubled about sin now, the less he will be troubled by sin hereafter.
Acts 17:31. The world is redeemed by believing on the Son of man, and hereafter the world will be judged by the Son of man.

A sad conclusion:—

  • Some mocked, Acts 17:32;
  • some procrastinated, Acts 17:32;
  • but some believed, Acts 17:34.

Acts 18:9.The Lord sees and knows you, especially if you are weak and fainting.

Acts 19:18, 19. Fruits of the revival: “Many that believed came and confessed and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men.”

Acts 19:25.Demetrius cried up the goddess Diana, but it was her silver shrines, not her temple, he so much adored.

Acts 20:

  • Tears of personal suffering. Acts 20:19.
  • Tears of pastoral solicitude. Acts 20:31.
  • Tears of friendly sympathy. Acts 20:37.

Acts 26:18. God first forgives; then He gives.

A perfect man has three eyes:—

  1. The eye of sense.
  2. The eye of reason.
  3. The eye of faith.

Every animal has the first; every man has the second and third; but only the regenerate man uses the third to see the things of God.

The gospel gives sight, light, liberty, pardon, heaven.

The sinner is disinherited, but Christ restores him.

Acts 28.  “Almost.”

  • Almost hot is lukewarm. Rev. 3:16.
  • Almost a child is a bastard.
  • Almost sweet is unsavory.

Acts 28:30. The Bible has little to say about the endings of its heroes, but much about their beginnings. Cf. Moses, Paul, Peter. We know nothing of the end of Jeremiah, etc., etc.

End of notes from Moody's "Notes from My Bible"


PASTOR LIFE - sermons

The Resurrection - Hoax or History? Acts  1:1-11 Resurrection; Easter Denis Lyle
Who Should Pray Acts  1:12-15 Prayer; Prayer Meeting Donald Cantrell
Something Happens When Churches Pray Acts  1:14-26 Prayer; Prayer Meeting Donald Cantrell
Missions - A New Perspective Acts  1:6-8 Missions; Soul Winning; Evangelism J. Robert White
Promised Power Acts  1:8 Spirit, Power of; Holy Spirit; Missions Ron Hale
The Right Stuff Acts  2 Church; Christian Living; Evangelism; Church Growth J. Mike Minnix
Go On Back! Acts  2 Church; Homecoming J. Mike Minnix
Heavenly Power Acts  2:1-13 Holy Spirit, Power of David Cook
Power For Our Mission Acts  2:1-4 Holy Spirit Johnny Hunt
The Holy Spirit and Prayer Acts  2:1-4 Prayer; Prayer Meeting; Holy Spirit and Prayer Donald Cantrell
The Empowered at Pentecost Acts  2:1-47 Pentecost; Power in the Church; Holy Spirit Philip Cooper
Rejoicing in the Risen Savior Acts  2:22-41 Resurrection; Easter; Life in Christ; Salvation; Invitation, God's J. Mike Minnix
Those Were The Days Acts  2:22-42 Church Denis Lyle
A Picture of Revival Acts  2:40-47 Revival; Church Life Mark Wood
Prayer and the New Christian Acts  2:41-42 Prayer; Christian, New; Prayer Meeting Donald Cantrell
And They Continued Acts  2:42 Steadfastness; Faithfulness; Salvation, True Paul E. Brown
God's Order for Revival Acts  2:42-47 Revival; Awakening Andy Hammack
The Partnership of the Triumphant Church Acts  2:42-47 Church Life; Unity; Partnership in Church; Church Fellowship J. Mike Minnix
The Fundamentals of the First Church Acts  2:42-47 Doctrine; Fundamentals Terry Trivette
Healing of the Lame Acts  3:1-11 God, Might Power of; Healing; Miracles; Salvation William R. Shively
The Power of a Prayer Meeting Acts  4:23-31 Prayer Terry Trivette
When The Church Prays Acts  4:23-33 Prayer; Church, A Praying Ron Dunn
Persecution, Prayer and Purpose Equals Unity Acts  4:23-33 Church; Church Life; Dedication; Commitment; Unity, Church David Nance
WhenThe Church Prays Acts  4:23-35 Prayer; Church Life; Power in the Church; Growth in the Church Denis Lyle
The Crisis of Prayer Acts  4:23-35 Prayer; Praying Stephen F. Olford
The Cross I Bear Acts  4:31-37 Cross; Cross Bearing; Christian Living Johnny L. Sanders
What Makes A Great Church? Acts  4:32-34 Church Kenneth Hendricks
The Church as a Community Acts  4:32-35 Church Terry Trivette
How To Rub People The Right Way Acts  4:36-37 Encouragement; Encourager James Merritt
Failures in our Relationship to the Holy Spirit Acts  5:1-11 Holy Spirit; Commitment; Surrender Denis Lyle
You Can't Fool God Acts  5:1-11 Hypocrisy; Stewardship; Giving; Lying Mark Adams
The Gates of Jail Shall Not Prevail Acts  5:12-25 God, Power of; Victory Terry Trivette
Obedience is our Obligation Acts  5:29 Obedience; Christian Living Donnie L. Martin
Adequate For Anything Acts  6:13 Holy Spirit Michael A. Guido
Christian Conflict Acts  6:1-7 Conflict, Christian Terry Trivette
The Difference Your Service Makes Acts  6:1-7 Service Johnny Hunt
The Word of God and Prayer Must be a Priority Acts   :1-7 Prayer; Deacons; Leadership and Prayer; Ministry and Prayer Donald Cantrell
Leadership in the Fellowship Acts  6:3 Leadership, Church Terry Trivette
A Sermon To Die For Acts  7 Bible; Witness Terry Trivette
Murder By Consent Acts  8:1 Souls, Responsibility for; Witness; Evangelism; Burden for Souls Sam Wolfe
The Original Outreach Acts  8:1-4 Evangelism; Outreach; Witnessing Terry Trivette
The Holy Spirit's Guidance To Go Acts  8:26 Evangelism; Witnessing; Outreach Johnny Hunt
What is The Mission of the Holy Spirit? Acts  8:26-40 Soul Winning; Witnessing; Evangelism; Holy Spirit, Work of Denis Lyle
World Evangelism 101: Wherever He Leads Acts  8:26-40 Evangelism; Missions Franklin L. Kirksey
Attitudes Essential to Evangelism Acts  8:26-40 Evangelism; Soul Winning Mark Adams
To The Jews First Acts  9 Cross; Paul, The Apostle Johnny L. Sanders
To The Cross Acts  9 Cross; Paul, The Apostle; Christian Living Johnny L. Sanders
At The Cross Acts  9 Cross Johnny L. Sanders
Salvation of the Terrorist Acts  9:1-22 Salvation; Grace of God; Terrorism Terry Trivette
World Evangelism 101: Whatever It Takes Acts  9:1-30 Evangelism; World Evangelism; Missions; Witnessing Franklin L. Kirksey
Bearing The Cross Before Kings Acts  9:15 Cross; Witnessing; Testimony; Paul, The Apostle Johnny L. Sanders
Putting Out The Welcome Mat Acts  9:19-25 Church Membership; Hospitality Terry Trivette
Taking Up The Cross Acts  9:8-30 Cross; Christian Living; Paul, The Apostle Johnny L. Sanders
Religious But Lost Acts  10 Conversion; Salvation; Lostness Paul E. Brown
Prayer and Open Doors Acts  10 Prayer Donald Cantrell
Reshaping our World View Acts  10:1-35 Missions; Evangelism J. Gerald Harris
Lord of All Acts  10:36 Christ is Lord; Lord; Lord Jesus Franklin L. Kirksey
Prayer and the Key Christian Acts  11:1-12 Prayer; Christian Prayer Life Donald Cantrell
The Antioch Project Acts  11:19-20 Ministry; Church; Christian Living David Hammonds
Is There Determination in our Giving? Acts  11:19-30 Giving; Stewardship; Determination David E. Owen
How to BECOME a Christian and How to KNOW One Acts  11:19-30   Paul E. Brown
To Be A Christian Acts  11:26 Christian, Victorious Franklin L. Kirksey
Miracles in the Night Acts  12 Depression; God, Faithfulness of; Prayer Paul E. Brown
God Can Handle Herod Acts  12 Politics and Jesus; King Jesus; Prayer and Power; Herod is Dead Terry Trivette
The Partnership of Prayer Acts  12 Prayer; Church, Prayer in the Stephen F. Olford
Prayer and Closed Doors Acts  12:1-18 Prayer Donald Cantrell
How the Church Deals with a Crisis Acts  12:5 Church Crisis; Church Terry Trivette
Our Chief Weapon Acts  12:5 Prayer for America; Prayer; Power of Prayer Alan Stewart
Prayer and a Lost World Acts  13 Prayer; Lost, Prayering for Donald Cantrell
What It Means To Be Forgiven Acts  13:38-39 Forgiveness Sammy Burgess
To God Be The Glory Acts  15:12-21 Praise; Christian Living Denis Lyle
God Knows What He's About Acts  15:18 God, Sovereignty of; Foreknowldge of God; Omniscient God Franklin L. Kirksey
Our Real Mission Acts  15:26 Missions H. Lee White
Honoring Women On Mother's Day Acts  16:13-15 Mother's Day; Mothers; Women, Godly William R. Shively
Jailer Captured by the Gospel Acts  16 :25-34 Salvation; Witnessing Everywhere Dr. William R. Shively
A Call For Help Acts  16 :6-10 Missions J. Mike Minnix
The Call from Without Acts  16:6-10 Evangelism; Outreach; Soul Winning; Missions Jimmy Draper
Engaging Your Culture Acts  17:16-34 Culture; Witnessing; Soul Winning Jared Moore
The Gospel Among The Gods Acts  17:16-34 Witnessing; Lostness; Pantheism; Evangelism Terry Trivette
Facing Fear Acts  18:9-10 Fear, Overcoming; Faith; Trust; Peace Mark Adams
Acts for a New Year - Peace in Fearful Times Acts  18:9-10 New Year; Fear; Peace Mark Adams
I Want To Be Known In Hell Acts  19:13-16 Witness; Commitment; Testimony Frank Page
It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive Acts  20:32-35 Christmas; Stewardship; Giving Mark Adams
The Ninth Beatitude Acts  20:35 Stewardship; Giving Paul E. Brown
No Convenient Season Acts  24:1-26 Convenience; Laziness; Procrastination Johnny L. Sanders
The Word of the Cross Acts  26 Cross; Gospel, The; Paul, The Apostle Johnny L. Sanders
The Almost Christian Acts  26:13-32 Salvation; Procrastination Denis Lyle
Almost Persuaded Acts  26:24-29 Salvation; Procrastination; Opportunity Lost Sammy Burgess
The Resurrection Credible Acts  26:8 Resurrection; Easter Franklin L. Kirksey
Evidences of the Resurrection Acts  26:8-29 Resurrection; Easter Paul E. Brown
Being Cheerful In A Storm Acts  27 Joy in Adversity; God, Peace of; Peace Paul E. Brown
A Storm and a Story of a Sustaining Faith Acts  27:1-38 Faith David E. Owen
Anchors Of The Soul Acts  27:18-29 Peace; Hope; Assurance J. Robert White

 

RAY PRITCHARD - well-done and practical sermons

NOTE: This site keeps changing their links making it almost impossible to keep them up to date! Therefore if some of the links below do not work (and chances are high there are some!) here is a link to all the sermons by Scripture (and here is a link to the sermons in Acts) - scroll down to the book and chapter you want to study to find the sermon 

JAMES SMITH - Handfuls on Purpose - expanded sermon outlines

  • Click this page for all the topics below
  • THE INFANT CHURCH. Acts 1
  • THE EMPOWERED CHURCH. Acts 2:1-13
  • THE WITNESSING CHURCH. Acts 2:14-36
  • THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL. Acts 2:37-47
  • A WORK OF POWER. Acts 3:1-26
  • THE CHALLENGE AND THE DEFENSE. Acts 4:5-23
  • THE APPEAL TO GOD. Acts 4:23-31
  • TESTING TIMES. Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-16.
  • APOSTOLIC BOLDNESS. Acts 5:17-42
  • SERVING AND SHINING. Acts 6:1-15
  • APOSTOLIC CHARACTER. Acts 7:51-60
  • THE CITY'S AND THE CHURCH'S NEED. Acts 8:1-25
  • SOUL-WINNING. Acts 8:26-40
  • SAUL'S CONVERSION. Acts 9:1-19
  • SAUL'S TESTIMONY. Acts 9:20-31
  • THE VICTORY OF FAITH. Acts 9:32-43
  • DIVINE PREPARATION. Acts 10:1-23
  • THE APOSTOLIC GOSPEL. Acts 10:38-44
  • PETER'S TESTIMONY. Acts 11:1-18
  • THE REVIVAL IN ANTIOCH. Acts 11:19-26
  • PERSECUTION AND DELIVERANCE. Acts 12:1-17
  • THE CALL OF BARNABAS AND SAUL. Acts 13:1-12
  • THE GOODNESS OF GOD. Acts 13:13-43
  • RESULTS OF PAUL'S PREACHING. Acts 13:42-52
  • MISSIONARY EXPERIENCE. Acts 14:1-20
  • HELPING THE SAINTS. Acts 14:19-28
  • THE DISPUTE ABOUT WORKS. Acts 15:1-35
  • THE CRY OF THE HELPLESS. Acts 16:9-15
  • THE JAILOR'S CONVERSION. Acts 16:16-40
  • SPECIAL MISSIONS. Acts 17:1-14
  • PAUL AT ATHENS. Acts 17:15-34
  • PAUL AT CORINTH. Acts 18:1-17
  • PAUL AT EPHESUS. Acts 19:1-20
  • WORLDLY WISDOM. Acts 19:21-41
  • A MIDNIGHT MEETING. Acts 20:2-12
  • A PERSONAL TESTIMONY. Acts 20:13-27
  • FAITH AND FAILURE. Acts 21:1-36
  • PAUL'S DEFENSE. Acts 22:1-21
  • A DAY OF TRIAL AND A NIGHT OF CHEER. Acts 23:1-24
  • PAUL BEFORE FELIX. Acts 24:1-27
  • PAUL'S APPEAL UNTO CAESAR. Acts 25:1-12
  • PAUL AS A WITNESS FOR GOD. Acts 26:1-32
  • PAUL'S SHIPWRECK, OR THE POWER OF FAITH. Acts 27:1-44.
  • PAUL AMONG THE BARBARIANS. Acts 28:1-10
  • PAUL'S MINISTRY IN ROME. Acts 28:11-31

GEOFF THOMAS - Acts 2 Pentecost Series

GEOFF THOMAS - Acts 17 Paul in Athens

WARREN WIERSBE - 88 page commentary

MULTIPLE COMMENTARIES
ON ACTS

Alphabetized by Author

JOHANN A BENGEL

JOSEPH BENSON

BRIDGEWAY

W F BURNSIDE

JOHN DARBY

JOHN DUMMELOW

ESV GLOBAL STUDY BIBLE

INSTRUCTIONS - The link below will open to Acts 1. If you desire notes on a different chapter you will need to go to the address bar at the top of the page (The current address looks like this = "https://www.esv.org/Acts+1"). So let's say you are studying Acts 13. All you need to do is change the address to that chapter ("https://www.esv.org/Acts+13"), and follow the same procedure for other chapters. One more thing you will need to do - In the right panel click the picture of the Global Study Bible for resources related to that specific chapter, including charts, maps, and several short but reasonably informative notes on individual verses in that chapter.

EXPOSITOR'S DICTIONARY OF TEXTS

WILLIAM M FURNEAUX

A C GAEBELEIN

GEORGE GILBERT

JOHN GILL

GLOAG, PATON J - exegetical commentary - helps to know some Greek

GRACE NOTES - Expositional Study by Warren Doud

L M GRANT

JAMES GRAY

RICHARD HAWKER

F B HOLE

BARRY HORNER

WILLIAM KELLY

ANOTHER SOURCE of Kelly's Commentary

LANGE'S COMMENTARY

J VERNON MCGEE

HEINRICH A. W. MEYER

JAMES NISBET - Church Pulpit Commentary

T E PAGE

ARTHUR PEAKE

PETER PETT

F N PELOUBET

E A PLUMPTRE

AREND REMMERS

JOHNNY SANDERS

PHILLIP SCHAFF

JOHN SCHULTZ

SPEAKER'S COMMENTARY

R C SPROUL - Devotionals

JOSEPH SUTCLIFFE

JOHN TRAPP

BOB UTLEY - Acts Commentary

DANIEL WHEDON

ACTS 1

ON SITE

BIBLE.ORG

GREG ALLEN

ADRIAN ROGERS

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

RAY PRITCHARD

DAVID LEGGE

J R MILLER

WIL POUNDS - sermons

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

LIFEWAY SERMONS

ACTS 2

LEHMAN STRAUSS

BRIAN BILL

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY SERMONS

WIL POUNDS - sermons

ALFRED EDERSHEIM

GREG ALLEN

J R MILLER

RAY PRITCHARD

GREG HERRICK

W FERGUSON

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

DAVID THOMPSON - Sermons, well-done

SERMONS BY VERSE - multiple sermons from older expositors

ACTS 3

J R MILLER

GREG ALLEN

ADRIAN ROGERS

W FERGUSON

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

DAVID THOMPSON - Sermons, well-done

SERMONS BY VERSE - multiple sermons from older expositors

ACTS 4

J R MILLER

GREG ALLEN

RAY PRITCHARD

MICHAEL ANDRUS

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J C RYLE

ADRIAN ROGERS

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 5

RICHARD STRAUSS

GREG ALLEN

ADRIAN ROGERS

J R MILLER

DAVID LEGGE

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 6

HAMPTON KEATHLEY, III

BRIAN BILL

LIFEWAY SERMONS

LAURENCE VEINOTT

RAY PRITCHARD

GREG ALLEN

J R MILLER

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 7

BRIAN BILL

J R MILLER

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 8

RAY PRITCHARD

GREG ALLEN

ADRIAN ROGERS

WIL POUNDS - sermons

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J R MILLER

J C RYLE

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 9

ADRIAN ROGERS

GREG ALLEN

BRIAN BILL

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J R MILLER

GEORGE WHITFIELD

ROB SALVATO 

ACTS 10

J R MILLER

GREG ALLEN

LIFEWAY SERMONS

DAVID LEGGE

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 11

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

J R MILLER

GREG ALLEN

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 12

ADRIAN ROGERS

BRIAN BILL

BIBLE.ORG

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J R MILLER

GREG ALLEN

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 13

GREG ALLEN

GREG HERRICK

J R MILLER

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY SERMONS

W FERGUSON

ROB SALVATO 

ACTS 14

GREG ALLEN

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 15

GREG ALLEN

GREG HERRICK

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J R MILLER

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

RAY PRITCHARD

J C RYLE

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 16

ON SITE

GREG ALLEN

BRIAN BILL

BOB DEFFINBAUGH

LIFEWAY SERMONS

WIL POUNDS - sermons

RAY PRITCHARD

JONATHAN EDWARDS

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 17

ON SITE

GREG ALLEN

BRIAN BILL

BIBLE.ORG

VINCENT CHENUNG - 83 page study

LIFEWAY SERMONS

RONALD GOETZ

J C RYLE

JOURNAL ARTICLES

W FERGUSON

J C RYLE

JONATHAN EDWARDS

ROB SALVATO

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 18

RICHARD STRAUSS

GREG ALLEN

DAVID LEGGE

ROB SALVATO 

JOHN STEVENSON

ACTS 19

GREG ALLEN

BIBLE.ORG

DAVID LEGGE

LIFEWAY SERMONS

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 20

ON SITE

GREG ALLEN

LIFEWAY SERMONS

RAY PRITCHARD

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 21

GREG ALLEN

BIBLE.ORG

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 22

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 23

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 24

DAVID LEGGE

JOHN MACARTHUR

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 25

RAY PRITCHARD

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 26

ADRIAN ROGERS

J R MILLER

WIL POUNDS - sermons

RAY PRITCHARD

J C RYLE

GEORGE WHITFIELD

BENJAMIN B WARFIELD

ACTS 27

ADRIAN ROGERS

GREG ALLEN

LIFEWAY SERMONS

J R MILLER

ROB SALVATO

ACTS 28

ROB SALVATO

ALEXANDER MACLAREN
Sermons on Acts
Recommended

J VERNON MCGEE
Thru the Bible
The Acts of the Apostles

G CAMPBELL MORGAN
The Acts of the Apostles: Commentary

Rosscup writes that this 1947 work is "one of Morgan’s better commentaries and one which the student can profitably consult." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works).

Ajith Fernando - Expositions with keen devotional insight.

D Edmond Hiebert - Expository messages on Acts by a noted Bible teacher-preacher. His exposition aims at setting forth the spiritual force and method of early Christianity. Stress is placed on the variety of ways in which the Spirit is seen at work in Acts. Offers many illuminating insights.



NET BIBLE NOTES
Commentary

Comment: These are more technical notes on the New English Translation, but often yield some very useful insights.

ROBERT NEIGHBOUR
Wells of Living Water Commentary

PHIL NEWTON
Sermons on Acts
Recommended

OUR DAILY BREAD
Devotional Illustrations
Radio Bible Class

Updated August 6, 2017 

Acts Devotionals - multiple devotionals on each chapter of Acts. ~400 pages 


INDIVIDUAL DEVOTIONALS - SOME DUPLICATION

ACTS 1

ACTS 2

ACTS 3

ACTS 4

ACTS 5

ACTS 6

ACTS 7

ACTS 8

ACTS 9

ACTS 10

ACTS 11

ACTS 12

ACTS 13

ACTS 14

ACTS 15

ACTS 16

ACTS 17

ACTS 18

ACTS 19

ACTS 20

ACTS 21

ACTS 22

ACTS 24

ACTS 25

ACTS 26

ACTS 27

ACTS 28

JOSEPH PARKER
Commentary on the Book of Acts
The People's Bible

THE DISPENSATION OF THE SPIRIT
Joseph Parker

Parker writes: This may be a proper point from which to look back upon the great event which glorifies the Acts of the Apostles, name, the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT, and to connect that event with the Ministry of Jesus Christ as well as with the development and sanctification of His Church. On considering how to conduct this part of my task I have decided to reprint the portion of my book entitled "The Paraclete", which specially deals with this sublime section of sacred history, and I feel the less hesitation about this course as the book is out of print and is frequently inquired for.


JOHN PIPER
Sermons on Acts

ACTS 1

ACTS 2

ACTS 3

ACTS 4

ACTS 5

ACTS 6

ACTS 7

ACTS 8

ACTS 9

ACTS 10

ACTS 11

ACTS 12

ACTS 13

ACTS 15

ACTS 16-26

MATTHEW POOLE COMMENTARY
The Acts of the Apostles

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY
The Acts of the Apostles

Explanatory Notes, Homilies, Various Authors 1896

PULPIT COMMENTARY
The Acts of the Apostles
Exposition and Homilies

Acts 1 Pulpit Commentary Homiletics - click arrow to go to next chapter

Rosscup - "Many authors contributed to this work that had the aim of giving preachers material on introduction, verse by verse exposition, a section on homiletics, and a section of collected homilies (outlines, etc.) by various preachers, which can stimulate thought. It moves through one small section of Bible verses after another." (Rosscup, J. Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)

RICHARD RACKHAM
The Acts of the Apostles: An Exposition
1904 

Rosscup writes "This is a very good though at times terse commentary from the standpoint of Greek and, historical background. Rackham was conservative but amillennial. Verse by verse he often offers good help, and he has addenda on topics such as breaking of bread, Sadducees and Pharisees, etc." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors)

D Edmond Hiebert - A thorough (513-page), informative exposition by a conservative Anglican scholar. Full treatment of introductory problems. Has a full index. One of the standard older commentaries on Acts.

Gerald Cowen -  Older works which one should obtain if the opportunity arises include R. B. Rackham, The Acts of the Apostles (Baker, 1978; reprint of the 1901 edition). This is considered by many to be a classic on Acts, and was called by W. Smith the greatest of all the commentaries on Acts (in Profitable Bible Study). This work includes an extensive introduction, including articles on the theology of Acts, and a verse by verse commentary. (Commenting on Commentaries on Acts)

ROBERT RAYBURN
SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE
STUDY NOTES
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

RON RITCHIE
SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

You Shall Be My Witnesses

A. T. ROBERTSON
Word Pictures on Acts
Notes on original Greek text

DON ROBINSON
Sermons on Acts (51)
Plus a 27 Part Study Series on Acts

Study of the Book of Acts

ADRIAN ROGERS
SERMONS ON ACTS

Click here to access the 96 titles listed below - the Pdf has over 1133 pages of sermons. Rogers is conservative, pithy and practical! He is one of the stellar expositors of the twentieth century. Highly recommended to aid your sermon and teaching preparation. 

  1.   Making Jesus Known—Acts 1:1–3
  2.   Making Jesus Known—Acts 1:1–3
  3.   The Pathway to Power—Acts 1:1–9
  4.   Missions—Acts 1:8
  5.   Pentecostal Fire—Acts 2:1–3
  6.   How to Keep Your Spiritual Fire Burning—Acts 2:1–4
  7.   The Principles of Power—Acts 2:1–4
  8.   How to Have a Church Aflame—Acts 2:1–5
  9.   The Person of Pentecost—Acts 2:1–5, 12–19, 38
  10.   The Principles of Pentecost—Acts 2:1–6, 12–18, 38
  11.   The Ingredients of a Church Aflame—Acts 2:1–13
  12.   Finding God’s Vision for Our Lives—Acts 2:17
  13.   The Amazing First-Century Church—Acts 2:22–26
  14.   The Church Triumphant—Acts 2:22–26, 36–42, 46–47
  15.   In the Name of Jesus, Rise and Walk—Acts 3:1–6
  16.   The Key to a Beautiful Life—Acts 3:1–20
  17.   Holy Boldness—Acts 4
  18.   The Secret of Holy Boldness—Acts 4:1–4, 13
  19.   The Conquest—Acts 4:1–20
  20.   Why We Witness—Acts 4:1–20
  21.   How to Put Power in Your Prayer—Acts 4:23–33
  22.   Earthshaking Prayer—Acts 4:31
  23.   Earthshaking Prayer—Acts 4:31
  24.   What Is a Great Church?—Acts 4:33
  25.   The Church Member of My Dreams—Acts 4:34–37; 11:20–26; 15:37–40
  26.   The Gift of Encouragement—Acts 4:34–37
  27.   Five Ways You Can Encourage Others—Acts 4:36–37
  28.   The Church Member of My Dreams—Acts 4:36–37
  29.   Don’t Lie to the Holy Spirit—Acts 5
  30.   Living Supernaturally or Superficially—Acts 5:1–11
  31.   The Danger of Spiritual Pretense—Acts 5:1–11
  32.   Lifestyle Evangelism—Acts 5:19–20
  33.   We Ought to Obey God—Acts 5:27–29
  34.   The Expedience of Obedience—Acts 5:27–32
  35.   Trust and Obedience—Acts 5:27–32, 41–6:1
  36.   The Golden Key of Obedience—Acts 5:27–33, 41–6:1
  37.   The Expedience of Obedience—Acts 5:27–33, 41–6:1
  38.   The Ecology of a Church—Acts 5:42–6:7
  39.   Called Out to Serve—Acts 6:1–7
  40.   How to Turn Your Problems into Possibilities—Acts 6:1–7
  41.   Problems of the Early Church—Acts 6:1–7
  42.   Growing Pains—Acts 6:1–8
  43.   The Mathematics of a Growing Church—Acts 6:1–8
  44.   Stephen—Acts 6:1–10
  45.   Learning to Stand Alone—Acts 6:3–15; 7:51–60
  46.   How to Practice the Presence of God—Acts 7:47–49
  47.   How to Practice the Presence of God—Acts 7:47–49
  48.   Counterfeit Christianity—Acts 8
  49.   The Devil’s Religion—Acts 8:5–24
  50.   The Devil’s Religion—Acts 8:5–25
  51.   Don’t Go to Heaven Alone—Acts 8:26–35
  52.   Wherever He Leads—Acts 8:26–37
  53.   Every Christian, an Evangelist—Acts 8:26–39
  54.   Believer’s Baptism—Acts 8:35–39
  55.   Start Right: Believer’s Baptism—Acts 8:35–39
  56.   Doors to the World—Acts 8
  57.   A Blueprint for Success—Acts 9:1–6
  58.   How Jesus Changes People—Acts 9:1–6, 17–20
  59.   Hearing and Doing the Will of God—Acts 9:1–27
  60.   How to Know the Will of God—Acts 9:1–22
  61.   All Things New—Acts 9:17–22
  62.   Who Is the Man Jesus Christ?—Acts 10:34–43
  63.   Sharing the Light—Acts 10:34–45
  64.   Learning to Share Your Faith—Acts 10:34–48
  65.   Learning to Share Your Faith—Acts 10:34–48
  66.   How You Can Be Sure—Acts 10:38–48
  67.   The Christ of the Old Testament—Acts 10:43
  68.   Christ of Every Crisis—Acts 12:1–10
  69.   Victory Through Prayer—Acts 12:1–11
  70.   Operation Discovery—Acts 15:8, 28; 16:4–10
  71.   The New World Order—Acts 15:13–18
  72.   The Simplicity of Salvation—Acts 16:16–34
  73.   The Simplicity of Salvation—Acts 16:23–31
  74.   Challenges to the Cross—Acts 17:16–34
  75.   Standing Firm in a Pagan World—Acts 17:16–34
  76.   Standing Firm in a Pagan World—Acts 17:16–34
  77.   Three Challenges to the Cross—Acts 17:16–34
  78.   What’s Wrong with Gambling?—Acts 19:21–29
  79.   What’s Wrong with Gambling?—Acts 19:21–32
  80.   The Secret of True Greatness—Acts 20:17–35
  81.   Things That Really Matter—Acts 20:17–37
  82.   How to Measure a Man—Acts 20:17–38
  83.   The Church of God—Acts 20:27–28
  84.   Bountiful Living Through Bountiful Giving—Acts 20:32–38
  85.   How to Measure a Man—Acts 20:35–38
  86.   How to Have a Good Conscience—Acts 23:1
  87.   Facing the Trials of Life—Acts 23:1–11
  88.   How to Cope with Criticism—Acts 23:1–11
  89.   The Danger of Delay—Acts 24:24–27
  90.   The Problem of Procrastination—Acts 24:24–27
  91.   The Problem with Procrastination—Acts 24:24–27
  92.   The Sin of Procrastination—Acts 24:24–27
  93.   The Marks of a Christian—Acts 11:19–26; 26:22–28
  94.   How to Survive a Shipwreck—Acts 27:9–31
  95.   How to Weather the Storms of Life—Acts 27:9–31
  96.   Riding Out the Storm—Acts 27:9–31

SERMONS
Acts Verse by Verse

Example of Sermons related to Acts 1:8 

A Good Man Seeks to Make Others Good   Acts 1:8
Apostolic Missions: Their Evidential Value Archdeacon Farrar. Acts 1:8
Apostolic Missions: Their Order R. Besser, D. D. Acts 1:8
Christian Witness   Acts 1:8
Christianity a Living Witness D. Thomas. Acts 1:8
Christianity Diffused by the Apostles H. Melvill. Acts 1:8
Christ's Witnesses W. Landels, D. D. Acts 1:8
Divine Power to be Carefully Transmitted A. Maclaren, D. D Acts 1:8
Evangelism a Law of Self-Preservation C. H. Fowler. Acts 1:8
Experimental Witness-Bearing   Acts 1:8
Kingdom of Christ: More Permanent than Earthly Kingdoms Napoleon I Acts 1:8
Latent Power in the Church T. Guthrie. Acts 1:8
Love First to Fall on Objects Near and Then to Diffuse Itself W. Arnot, D. D. Acts 1:8
Missionary Work Commanded   Acts 1:8
Natural Gift no Substitute for Spiritual Power M. G. Pearse. Acts 1:8
Necessary Variety Among the Apostles J. Culross. Acts 1:8
Noble Witnesses for Christ   Acts 1:8
Our Sphere Bp. Huntington. Acts 1:8
Our Vocation J. P. Lunge, D. D. Acts 1:8
Power S. S. Times Acts 1:8
Power O. P. Gifford. Acts 1:8
Power from on High J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D. Acts 1:8
Power from on High W. M. Punshon, LL. D. Acts 1:8
Power from on High G. McMichael, B. A. Acts 1:8
Power in Excess of Organisation   Acts 1:8
Power Indescribable But Appreciable W. Arthur, M. A. Acts 1:8
Power not in Mechanism But in Fire W. Arthur, M. A. Acts 1:8
Prayer the Means of Obtaining Spiritual Power W. Arthur, M. A. Acts 1:8
Religion an Effective Witness   Acts 1:8
Spiritual Power for Missionary Work Griffith John. Acts 1:8
Spiritual Power Recognised C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 1:8
The Call to Apostleship C. H. Parkhurst, D. D. Acts 1:8
The Church Engaged in the Renovation of the World Bishop Simpson. Acts 1:8
The Church's Work and Power James Cameron, M. A. Acts 1:8
The Gift of Power J. Le Huray. Acts 1:8
The Heathen May Reach Heaven Without the Gospel C. H. Fowler. Acts 1:8
The Holy Ghost Awakens Ability as Well as Communicates a Power S. Martin. Acts 1:8
The Life the Best Sermon C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 1:8
The Lord's Last Promise to the Apostles W. Hudson. Acts 1:8
The Might of the Gospel T. Adams. Acts 1:8
The Old Gospel Preached with New Spiritual Power D. L. Moody. Acts 1:8
The Pleasure of Realised Power S. Martin. Acts 1:8
The Reception of Spiritual Power M. G. Pearse. Acts 1:8
The Witness of a Good Life   Acts 1:8
The Witness of the Church, its Importance H. Pedley, M. A. Acts 1:8
The Witness-Bearing Injured by Inconsistencies C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 1:8
Witnesses W. Arnot, D. D. Acts 1:8
Witnesses for Christ C. Stanford, D. D. Acts 1:8
Witnesses for Christ Canon Liddon. Acts 1:8
Witnessing for Christ Archdeacon Farrar. Acts 1:8
Witnessing for Christ   Acts 1:8
Witnessing for Christ T. Gibbon. Acts 1:8
Witnessing for Christ R.A. Redford Acts 1:8
Witnessing in Jerusalem W. Arthur, M. A. Acts 1:8
Christ's Mission and Ours S. Conway Acts 1:1-8
A True Commencement Must have Respect to What has Gone Before H. C. Trumbull, D. D. Acts 1:1-12
Aspects of Christ on the Earth   Acts 1:1-12
Christ Directs Thought to Heaven   Acts 1:1-12
Christ Preceding His Apostles to Heaven A. Maclaren, D. D Acts 1:1-12
Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work A. Maclaren, D. D Acts 1:1-12
Jesus Lives J. Stoughton. Acts 1:1-12
Literary Histories W. R. Campbell. Acts 1:1-12
St. Luke a Model for the Bible Student R. Burgess, B. D. Acts 1:1-12
Teaching to be Combined with Doing Gf. Pentecost. Acts 1:1-12
The Ascending Lord Monday Club Acts 1:1-12
The Ascension of Christ J W. Hamilton. Acts 1:1-12
The Ascension: its Central Position Nesselmann. Acts 1:1-12
The Beginning of Apostolicity (1 J. Parker, D. D. Acts 1:1-12
The Beginning of Apostolicity (2 J. Parker, D. D. Acts 1:1-12
The Coronation of Christ W. B. Campbell. Acts 1:1-12
The Ever-Active Christ A. Verran. Acts 1:1-12
The Gospels and the Acts W. Arnot, D. D. Acts 1:1-12
The Gospels the Living Picture of Christ Little's "Historical Lights." Acts 1:1-12
The Last Days of the Gospel Period W. Hudson. Acts 1:1-12
The Memorabilia of Christ   Acts 1:1-12
The Ministry of Jesus a Beginning W. Hudson. Acts 1:1-12
The Permanence of Christ in History A. Maclaren, D. D Acts 1:1-12
The Pre-Eminence of the Doctrine of Christ Incarnate Evangelical Magazine Acts 1:1-12
The Resurrection and Ascension of Christ D. Jennings. Acts 1:1-12
The Unchanged Plan W. R. Campbell. Acts 1:1-12
The Uniqueness of Christ's Earthly Ministry D. Thomas, D. D. Acts 1:1-12
Theophilus Bp. Jacobsen. Acts 1:1-12
A Witnessing Church G. Smeaton, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
Last Words J. R. Thomson, M. A. Acts 1:4-8
No Better for the Baptism of Fire W. M. Punshon. Acts 1:4-8
Our Need of the Holy Spirit H. W. Beecher. Acts 1:4-8
The Ascension of Christ D. J. Burrell, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost T. W. Jenkyn, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
The Disciples Waiting At Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father W. Cousin. Acts 1:4-8
The Gospel First Tested At Jerusalem Williams of Wern. Acts 1:4-8
The Lord's Last Command to His Disciples W. Hudson. Acts 1:4-8
The Need of Waiting W. E. Chadwick, M. A. Acts 1:4-8
The Power of the Holy Spirit   Acts 1:4-8
The Promise of the Father S. S. Times Acts 1:4-8
The Promise of the Spirit C. Hodge, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
The Saviour's Last Charge W. Halls. Acts 1:4-8
The Spirit Essential to the Establishment of the Christian Church J. Morgan, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
True Baptism Preacher's Analyst Acts 1:4-8
Waiting for the Promise of the Father C. J. Brown, D. D. Acts 1:4-8
Waiting Upon God in His Ordinances   Acts 1:4-8
Before the Ascension T. H. Barnett. Acts 1:6-8
Christ's Last Instruction to His Apostles W. Hudson. Acts 1:6-8
Christ's Last Words to His Disciples D. Thomas, D. D. Acts 1:6-8
Craving for Forbidden Knowledge P.C. Barker Acts 1:6-8
Ensnared by Inquisitiveness Scientific Illustrations Acts 1:6-8
God has His Own Plans H. W. Beecher. Acts 1:6-8
God's Decisions Unknown Lyman Abbott, D. D. Acts 1:6-8
God's Plans are in His Own Keeping Phillips Brooks. Acts 1:6-8
Human Knowledge Limited F. N. Peloubet. Acts 1:6-8
Last Words E. Johnson Acts 1:6-8
Limitation of Human Knowledge T. De Witt Talmage. Acts 1:6-8
Mysteries in Nature Prof. C. A. Young. Acts 1:6-8
Prophecy: Fantastic Interpretation Of C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 1:6-8
Prophecy: Purpose Of H. W. Beecher. Acts 1:6-8
Speculations Versus Duty C. H. Spurgeon. Acts 1:6-8
The Benefits to Character of Ignorance of the Future T. D. Woolsey, D. D. Acts 1:6-8
The Disciples' Question J. P. Lunge, D. D. Acts 1:6-8
The Sufficiency of Human Knowledge T. Carlyle. Acts 1:6-8
Times and Seasons F. W. Brown. Acts 1:6-8
Times and Seasons not to be Known by the Best of Men T. Horton, D. D. Acts 1:6-8
Times Misinterpreted J. Jacox, B. A. Acts 1:6-8
The Ascension. Heaven and Earth Visibly United R.A. Redford Acts 1:6-11

CHARLES SIMEON
Sermons on Acts
Horae Homileticae

John Piper says that Horae Homileticae "is the best place to go for researching Simeon's theology. You can find his views on almost every key text in the Bible. He did not want to be labeled a Calvinist or an Arminian. He wanted to be Biblical through and through and give every text its due proportion, whether it sounded Arminian as it stands or Calvinistic. But he was known as an evangelical Calvinist, and rightly so. As I have read portions of his sermons on texts concerning election and effectual calling and perseverance he is uninhibited in his affirmation of what we would call the doctrines of grace… What Simeon experienced in the word was remarkable. And it is so utterly different from the counsel that we receive today that it is worth looking at." (See his short discussion on Simeon's life = Brothers, We Must Not Mind a Little Suffering) (Bolding added)


CHUCK SMITH
Commentary and Sermons
Book of Acts


C H SPURGEON
All of His Sermons on Acts

C H SPURGEON
Sermon Notes on Acts

C H SPURGEON
Devotionals on Acts
Morning and Evening
Faith's Checkbook

RAY STEDMAN
Sermon Series - Expository Studies in Acts:

Where the Action Is/The Church Under Pressure/The Pattern Setters/The Prisoner of the Lord. Recommended resource.

Cyril Barber - 

Birth of the Body.  1974. A vibrant recounting of the early church's beginning and witness. The author shows how the power available to the early Christians is available today. The formula is found in Acts 1-12.

Growth of the Body. 1976. A continuation of the author's exposition of Acts in which he demonstrates from the history of the early church the fallacy of relying solely on man-made programs without making room for the "body life" of believers.

Acts 21-28. Triumphs of the Body. Santa Ana, Calif: Vision House Publishers, 1981. Brief studies completing the author's trilogy. Recommended.

DEREK THOMAS
SERMONS
BOOK OF ACTS

Note: Other speakers are included in this series preached at First Presbyterian, Jackson, Miss.

THIRD MILLENNIUM
STUDY NOTES

DAVID THOMPSON
Book of Acts
Expositions 

TODAY IN THE WORD
DEVOTIONALS
Book of Acts

Moody Bible Institute - Dozens of Devotionals Arranged by Chapter. Click Chapters Below

MARVIN VINCENT
New Testament Word Studies
On the Book of Acts

STEVE ZEISLER
SERMON ON ACTS


SERIES - THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY - this is order in which they were preached

Book

chapter
1
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DISCLAIMER: Before you "go to the commentaries" go to the Scriptures and study them inductively (Click 3 part overview of how to do Inductive Bible Study) in dependence on your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus promised would guide us into all the truth (John 16:13). Remember that Scripture is always the best commentary on Scripture. Any commentary, even those by the most conservative and orthodox teacher/preachers cannot help but have at least some bias of the expositor based upon his training and experience. Therefore the inclusion of specific links does not indicate that we agree with every comment. We have made a sincere effort to select only the most conservative, "bibliocentric" commentaries. Should you discover some commentary or sermon you feel may not be orthodox, please email your concern. I have removed several links in response to concerns by discerning readers. I recommend that your priority be a steady intake of solid Biblical food so that with practice you will have your spiritual senses trained to discern good from evil (Heb 5:14-note).