Luke/Acts for Beginners

This first lesson introduces the author of the both the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. In it, Mike provides background information about Luke's life and ministry as well as the way this book is organized and the theme about Christ it proposes.

This lesson will trace the parallel stories of John and Jesus' birth to their start in ministry. (Luke 1:1-3:38)

Luke focuses on Jesus' time in Galilee and the two main components of His ministry. (Luke 4:1-6:16)

Luke continues to focus on Jesus' time in Galilee and the two main components of His ministry. (Luke 6:17-8:3)

In this final part of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, Luke continues to describe Jesus' miracles but adds a section explaining how He prepared and sent out disciples on their first missionary journey. (Luke 8:4-9:50)

Luke turns his attention to Jesus' preparation for His journey south to Jerusalem and the opposition that awaits Him there. (Luke 9:51-12:12)

Now that Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He is met with stiff opposition from the Pharisees and Priests who question both His teachings and legitimacy to teach. (Luke 12:1-14:6)

In this section, Jesus relays several parables in response to those who questioned His authority and mission, and as a way of teaching His disciples on the unseen reality of the Kingdom of God. (Luke 14:7-17:10)

Jesus heals 10 lepers and makes a prophecy concerning the coming judgment on the city of Jerusalem for having rejected it's divine Messiah. (Luke 17:11-18:30)

Luke describes three key events during Jesus' time in the city of Jerusalem: Prophecy concerning His death and resurrection; healing of a blind man; His triumphal entry into the city riding a donkey. (Luke 18:31-19:48)

Here Jesus confronts and rebukes the religious leaders (who should have been first to recognize and accept Him) for rejecting Him and blocking people from going to Him.

The first of a two-part lesson describing the early events leading to Jesus' death on the cross. (Luke 22:1-23:25)

Luke describes the final scene of Jesus' death and burial as well as the glorious aftermath of His resurrection on the 3rd day following His crucifixion. (Luke 23:26-24:53)

In the first lesson of Acts, Mike explains the difference between the empowering and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The class will also review the events surrounding the day of Pentecost and begin to follow the ministry of Peter the Apostle.

The amazing success of Peter's Pentecost sermon is quickly followed by another miracle, a subsequent arrest and Peter's defense of the Gospel.

Luke describes the amazing case of Ananias and Sapphira's sudden death and the continued persecution of the Apostles by the Jewish leadership. (Acts 3:1-4:37)

Luke describes the events taking place and the people who were part of the first congregation of the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:1-7:60)

Luke continues to describe the events taking place and the people who were part of the first congregation of the church in Jerusalem. (Acts 8:1-9:43)

In this lesson, Luke describes the important breakthrough for the early church as Peter begins to proclaim the gospel to non-Jews for the first time. (Acts 10:1-12:25)

Mike traces out the beginning and completion of Paul's first missionary journey with the many interesting and challenging stops along the way. (Acts 13:1-15:35)

Mike continues the section describing Paul's second missionary journey and an important meeting at the church in Jerusalem to decide the future of Paul's work among the Gentiles. (Acts 15:36-18:22)

Luke describes Paul's final journey as a free man working primarily in Ephesus establishing the church that would eventually spread the gospel throughout Asia Minor.

Paul returns to Jerusalem where he is arrested and a long period of confinement in various locations begins. (Acts 21:15-23:11)

In this lesson, Luke presents Paul's response to the charges brought against him before King Felix. (Acts 23:12-25:12)