Mapping the Acts of the Apostles
The Book of Acts, often called the Acts of the Apostles, details the spread of Christianity following Jesus’s ascension. Its narrative is fundamentally geographical, tracing the movement of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Understanding this geographical progression is crucial for grasping the development of the early Church and the context of its missionary efforts.
Acts begins in Jerusalem (Acts 1-7). This is the birthplace of the Church, marked by the Pentecost event and the early ministry of the apostles, primarily Peter. Witnessing, preaching, and performing miracles in the Temple and surrounding areas, they quickly gain converts. However, this success attracts persecution, initially from Jewish leaders. The stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, signals a significant turning point, triggering a wider scattering of believers.
The persecution in Jerusalem leads to the next phase: Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-12). Philip, one of the first deacons, ministers effectively in Samaria, a region considered by many Jews as religiously impure. This demonstrates the Gospel’s expanding reach beyond the confines of traditional Jewish communities. Peter also plays a significant role in this region, encountering Simon the Sorcerer and receiving a vision that expands his understanding of who is welcomed into the Church.
Antioch (Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3) emerges as a pivotal hub. Located in Syria, it becomes a center for Gentile converts and the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys. It is in Antioch that the disciples are first called “Christians.” The vibrant church in Antioch commissions Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey.
Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14) takes him across Cyprus and into the southern part of Galatia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He preaches in synagogues, encountering both acceptance and fierce opposition. Key locations include Paphos, Perga, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. He establishes churches throughout these regions.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) addresses the crucial question of whether Gentile converts need to adhere to Jewish law. The decision, guided by the Holy Spirit, affirms that Gentiles are saved through faith in Christ, not through adherence to Mosaic Law. This decision solidifies the expansion of the Gospel beyond a purely Jewish context.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22) expands the Gospel’s reach into Europe. He travels through Galatia again, revisiting churches established on the first journey. He then receives a vision calling him to Macedonia. He preaches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, facing both conversions and persecution. He then moves south to Athens, preaching to philosophers in the Areopagus, and eventually settles in Corinth for an extended period.
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-21:16) focuses primarily on Ephesus in Asia Minor, where he spends over two years, establishing a thriving church and facing opposition from those whose livelihood depended on the worship of Artemis. He revisits Macedonia and Greece before returning to Jerusalem.
Finally, Paul’s journey concludes in Rome (Acts 28). Arrested in Jerusalem, he appeals to Caesar and is transported to Rome as a prisoner. Even under house arrest, he continues to proclaim the Gospel, demonstrating the book’s ultimate purpose: the unstoppable spread of the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.
