1. The Story of the Bible Old Testament History Adam 4000 BC Moses 1400 BC Malachi 400 BC David – 1000 BC Abraham 2000 BC JESUS - 30 Years APOSTLES - 30 Years You & Me - CHURCH AGE 2000+ Years New Testament History 4 Gospels Acts Genesis to Esther BC AD

2. Luke, author of the book of Acts Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). Luke was a missionary (with Paul 6+ years in Acts – the “we” sections – 16:10, 20:5). Luke was perhaps a pastor/church leader (seemingly left in Philippi for 5-6 years – the non-“we” sections Acts 16:17, 40 to Acts 20: 5,6). Luke was a historian who wrote both the Gospel of Luke (life of Christ) and Acts (history of the church).

3. Luke, historian, researcher, friend Intro to Luke (Luke 1:3-4) Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Intro to Acts (Acts 1:1) In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…

4. Ready… (1 Peter 3:15) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

5. Outline of Acts (1:8) 1. JERUSALEM - The Beginning of the Church (Acts 1-7) 2. JUDEA & SAMARIA – The Early Growth of the Church (Acts 8-12) 3. ENDS OF THE EARTH – The Missionary Journeys of Paul (Acts 13-28)

6. Judea Jerusalem Samaria Ends of the Earth

7. Our Task (Acts 1:8) Jerusalem – We must tell the good news of Jesus to the people we already know locally. Judea – We must reach out to our whole community, not just the people we already know. Samaria – We are responsible to tell people who are different than us racially and culturally. The ends of the earth – We must help take the good news to people around the world.