1. Acts 1:1–28:31 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Structure and outline of the book of Acts

Acts 1:1–28:31 (ESV)

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

There are several different ways in which the book can be outlined. The most common one is a three-part outline based on Acts 1:8. With this outline the book is divided geographically: Jerusalem (Acts 1:1 – 7:60), Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1 – 12:25), and the ends of the earth (Acts 13:1 – 28:31). A second division sees an introduction (Acts 1:1 – 2:41), followed by the mission to the Jews (Acts 2:42 – 12:24), and the mission to the Gentiles (Acts 12:25 – 28:31). A third division focuses on the ministry of Peter (Acts 1:1 – 12:25) and Paul (Acts 13:1 – 28:31).1

Whichever outline is followed, the main movements of the book are given below:2

  • Prologue, Foundations for the Church, and Its Mission (Acts 1:1 – 2:41)

  • The Church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42 – 6:7)

  • The Church Expands to Samaria and Elsewhere (Acts 6:8 – 9:31)

  • Peter and the First Gentile Converts (Acts 9:32 – 12:24)

  • Paul Turns to the Gentiles (Acts 12:25 – 16:5)

  • Further Penetration Into the Gentile World (Acts 16:6 – 19:20)

  • On to Rome (Acts 19:21 – 28:31)