Acts: The Pattern Church

It is exciting to study the book of Acts. Although we have four biographies of the life of Jesus, we have only one account giving the history of the early church. The Spirit of God wisely inspired and preserved this record.

Acts covers the first thirty-two years of church history, concluding with Paul’s Roman imprisonment. Without this record little would be known of the progress of the gospel under the leadership of the apostles. Acts then is priceless as a record of this period of history. Without it we would know little of Peter’s and Paul’s missionary labors.

But it is more than an interesting document recording as section of ancient history. It is inspirational in character, motivating the current church to do exploits for God. If God could work then in power saving souls can He not do the same today? Is not the church indwelt by the same, might Holy Spirit?

It is the author’s prayer that this study will help illuminate the text for the reader. Understanding must precede action. May it also inspire the one reading to greater love and devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. And may churches be gripped by the simplicity of structure and the power of the early church.

It is still possible today to emulate that pattern. “Mimic me” is the plea of Paul (1 Cor. 11:1). The power and structure of the apostolic church are available to God’s people today.