The Book of Acts, penned by the physician Luke, serves as a historical cornerstone for the early Christian church after the ascension of Jesus Christ. It documents the spread of the Gospel, the workings of the Holy Spirit, and the lives of the apostles who were instrumental in shaping Christianity as we know it today. Embark on a spiritual and historical journey as we delve into selected verses from the Book of Acts, showcasing the transformative power of faith, community, and divine intervention.
Bible Verses From Acts
1. Acts 1:8 – The Promise of the Holy Spirit
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Cross-References
Luke 24:49 – “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Joel 2:28 – “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
2. Acts 2:4 – Filled with the Spirit
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” – Acts 2:4
Cross-References
Acts 10:44-46 – “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Romans 8:26 – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
3. Acts 2:38 – Repentance and Baptism
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38
Cross-References
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
John 3:5 – “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
4. Acts 3:6 – Healing in Jesus’ Name
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” – Acts 3:6
Cross-References
Luke 9:1 – “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.”
Mark 16:17-18 – “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
John 14:13 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
5. Acts 4:12 – Salvation Through Christ
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Cross-References
John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
6. Acts 5:29 – Obeying God Rather Than Men
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'” – Acts 5:29
Cross-References
Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Daniel 3:16-18 – “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'”
7. Acts 7:55 – Stephen’s Vision
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” – Acts 7:55
Cross-References
Colossians 3:1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Revelation 1:7 – “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”
8. Acts 8:14-15 – Peter and John’s Visit to Samaria
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 8:14-15
Cross-References
Acts 2:17 – “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.'”
John 20:22 – “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'”
9. Acts 9:15 – God’s Chosen Instrument
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.'” – Acts 9:15
Cross-References
Galatians 1:15-16 – “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”
1 Timothy 2:7 – “And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.”
Ephesians 3:7-8 – “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.”
10. Acts 10:34-35 – God Does Not Show Favoritism
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'” – Acts 10:34-35
Cross-References
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 2:11 – “For God does not show favoritism.”
James 2:8-9 – “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
11. Acts 11:26 – Called Christians First at Antioch
“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” – Acts 11:26
Cross-References
1 Peter 4:16 – “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
Acts 26:28 – “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'”
Matthew 5:11 – “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
12. Acts 12:5 – Constant Prayer for Peter
“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” – Acts 12:5
Cross-References
Philippians 1:19 – “For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
13. Acts 13:2 – Called by the Holy Spirit
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” – Acts 13:2
Cross-References
Acts 16:6 – “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.”
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Galatians 2:8 – “For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.”
14. Acts 14:22 – Strengthening the Disciples
“Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” – Acts 14:22
Cross-References
2 Timothy 3:12 – “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
15. Acts 15:9 – Purification by Faith
“He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.” – Acts 15:9
Cross-References
1 Peter 1:22 – “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
Jeremiah 31:34 – “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the Lord. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'”
Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
16. Acts 16:31 – Believe and Be Saved
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'” – Acts 16:31
Cross-References
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
17. Acts 17:28 – In Him We Live and Move
“For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” – Acts 17:28
Cross-References
Job 12:10 – “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Colossians 1:17 – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
18. Acts 18:9 – Do Not Be Afraid
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.'” – Acts 18:9
Cross-References
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Matthew 10:19-20 – “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
19. Acts 19:6 – Reception of the Holy Spirit
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” – Acts 19:6
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 12:10 – “To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
Mark 16:17 – “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.”
20. Acts 20:24 – Finishing the Race
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” – Acts 20:24
Cross-References
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
21. Acts 21:13 – Paul’s Willingness to Suffer
“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” – Acts 21:13
Cross-References
Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Romans 8:35-38 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 – “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
22. Acts 22:16 – Call on His Name
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” – Acts 22:16
Cross-References
Romans 10:13 – “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
1 Peter 3:21 – “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Acts 2:21 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
23. Acts 23:11 – Take Courage
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'” – Acts 23:11
Cross-References
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 14:27 – “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'”
24. Acts 24:15 – The Resurrection of the Dead
“And I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” – Acts 24:15
Cross-References
Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
John 5:28-29 – “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
1 Corinthians 15:42 – “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.”
25. Acts 25:19 – Dispute on Jesus
“Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” – Acts 25:19
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 15:12 – “But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?”
John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'”
2 Timothy 2:8 – “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.”
26. Acts 26:18 – Opening Their Eyes
“To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”” – Acts 26:18
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 4:6 – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
Colossians 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
27. Acts 27:25 – Keeping Faith in God
“So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” – Acts 27:25
Cross-References
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Matthew 8:26 – “He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.”
Romans 4:20 – “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”
28. Acts 28:28 – Salvation Sent to the Gentiles
“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” – Acts 28:28
Cross-References
Isaiah 49:6 – “‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'”
Romans 11:11 – “Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.”
Acts 13:47 – “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'”
29. Acts 1:14 – United in Prayer
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
Cross-References
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Matthew 18:19-20 – “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
30. Acts 4:13 – Peter and John’s Boldness
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
2 Corinthians 3:12 – “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”
Ephesians 6:19 – “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
31. Acts 5:32 – Witnesses of the Spirit
“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” – Acts 5:32
Cross-References
John 15:26-27 – “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”
Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
1 John 5:7 – “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”
32. Acts 6:7 – Growth of the Word
“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” – Acts 6:7
Cross-References
Colossians 1:6 – “In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”
Matthew 13:31-32 – “He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'”
Acts 12:24 – “But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”
Final Thoughts
The Book of Acts serves as a bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles, highlighting the remarkable works of God through the apostles and early Christians. It illustrates the expansion of the early church through the power of the Holy Spirit, underscoring the belief that the message of Jesus is not limited by geographic, cultural, or linguistic barriers. Each verse selected from Acts reflects a moment of transformation, challenges, and victories that early Christians faced in spreading the Gospel.
The power of prayer, the courage to speak the truth, and the unifying force of the Holy Spirit are recurring themes that resonate with believers even today. The journey through Acts inspires readers to witness boldly, stand firm in faith, and continue the mission that the apostles began. As the written record of the early church’s growth, Acts is a testament to the unstoppable nature of God’s word and encourages all believers to participate in its continued mission.