A Book Of The New Testament: Acts


Gary P. Adkins


It is amazing how many people who claim to be Christians know nothing or very little about the book of Acts in the New Testament. Some actually say, “Acts was written during a different time period and doesn’t apply today.”


In Ephesians 4:4-6, the apostle Paul wrote: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” That one body, according to Ephesians 5:23-30, is the same as His church.


All power was given to Jesus in heaven and on earth. He told the apostles “to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you ...” (Matthew 28:18-20).


In Acts chapter 1, Jesus told His apostles to wait in Jerusalem and they would receive the power of the Holy Ghost. In Acts chapter 2, they received this power, and Peter preached the first recorded gospel sermon. About 3000 people believed. They repented and were baptized, and the Lord added them to His church. Acts 2:41, 47. This is the church of the New Testament, and it began on the day of Pentecost, 49 days after Jesus was resurrected from the dead.


This is the church of the New Testament. Its beginning and establishment is recorded in the book of Acts. Most of the remaining books of the New Testament are letters to the churches that were started and organized in the book of Acts. The other books are to or by individuals about their affairs as Christians, dealing with matters concerning the various churches and how to remain faithful Christians.


Now the question is, "If this is the church found within the pages of the New Testament, does this church exist today?" The church started out as one, true church in the book of Acts. It was designed by God and built by Jesus Christ.


If you are a member of a religious organization that seldom refers to the book of Acts or studies this New Testament book, have you stopped to ask yourself why or why not? 


 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. –PO Box 841, Culloden, WV 25510.


Return to West Virginia Christian