Drive Thru History: Bible Backroads – The Book of Acts
Episodes
Background of the Book
The Book of Acts begins where Luke’s Gospel left off. It starts with the 40 days that followed the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the remarkable evidence that he was alive. We might think of the Book of Acts as the story following the challenge given by Jesus Christ in what we know as ‘The Great Commission,’ where Jesus said: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Church Begins in Jerusalem
The Book of Acts begins in Jerusalem. The resurrected Jesus had just left the scene. Stunned and confused, his followers returned to the Upper Room where they were hiding out. Acts tells us the group of about 120 people still included the main figures from the Gospels, including Peter, John, and James.
The Gospel Spreads to Judea and Samaria
The execution of the deacon Stephen unleashed violent persecution against the upstart church, driving many believers out of the city of Jerusalem and into the surrounding countryside. Another deacon named Philip fled north to minister in Samaria.
The First Missionary Journey
Paul’s lifelong mission to the Gentile world is recorded in three, multi-year missionary journeys. Paul’s first missionary journey started from Antioch with his courageous companions, Barnabas and John Mark. Their first stop was the epic island of Cyprus.
Paul's Second & Third Missionary Journeys
Paul’s second missionary journey happened between about 49 and 52 AD. It was a trip that took Paul and his companions from Antioch through Cilicia, Galatia, Phrygia, and Asia Minor. Then it was over the Aegean Sea to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Paul ended the long journey with a year and a half at Corinth, before making his way back to where it all started, Antioch.
Paul on Trial
After three long journeys around the Mediterranean, Paul returned to Jerusalem to give a report to James and the elders about the spread of the Gospel among the nations. Regardless of his success, Paul was promptly accused of drummed-up charges by the Jewish authorities. To avoid a riot and possible execution in Jerusalem, Roman soldiers intervened and took custody of Paul, moving him to the coastal city of Caesarea.