Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Acts to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
The Book of Acts serves as an important bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles in the New Testament. It chronicles the early church’s formation, growth, and spread of the Gospel, illustrating the truly transformative power of the Blood Atonement of Jesus Christ. Central to this narrative is the message of salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
The overall theme of Acts is the unstoppable advancement of the Gospel, driven by the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and early believers. From Jerusalem to the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire, Acts demonstrates how the Gospel transcends all barriers, fulfilling Jesus’ command to be His witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth” in Acts 1:8. This expansion showcases how all people can use their free will to trust in Christ and partake in the salvation offered by His finished work.
In this guide to the Gospel in Acts, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Jude presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and the necessity of guarding this faith against corruption.
The Gospel in Acts
The Gospel in Acts Showcased in Scripture
- Acts 2:21: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This verse declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, through belief in the Gospel, will be saved.
- Acts 2:38: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
The infamous Acts 2:38 records Peter’s response to the crowd’s question about what they should do. He tells them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 emphasizes that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. It states simply that “there is none other name under heaven given” to humanity by which we must be saved.
- Acts 10:43: “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
This Scripture highlights that all the prophets testify about Jesus, stating that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
- Acts 13:38-39: “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
Acts 13:38-39 proclaims that through Jesus, forgiveness of sins is announced, and by Him, everyone who believes is justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses.
- Acts 15:11: “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
Verse 15:11 affirms that both Jews and Gentiles are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation comes by grace alone and not by adherence to the Old Testament Law.
- Acts 16:31: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
As it is written, salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, assuring that belief in Him leads to salvation for both the individual and potentially their household (because of what occurs in the believer after salvation).
- Acts 20:21: “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This recounts Paul testifying to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Acts 26:18: “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
In Acts 26:18, Paul recounts Jesus’ words to him, saying that he was sent to open the eyes of the Gentiles. This verse portrays the power of the Gospel: offering spiritual sight, freedom from evil, forgiveness, and a share in the inheritance of the sanctified through faith in Christ.
In addition to the spread of the Good News, the Book of Acts also highlights the legitimately transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this way, it becomes evident that the book not only conveys the message of salvation through Jesus Christ but also exemplifies the dynamic and far-reaching impact of the Gospel. It inspires us to carry on the mission of spreading this Good News, assured that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early church is at work in us today.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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