The first transition is from Christ living on this earth to the establishment of the church age.

The second transition is the moving from Israel being the predominate focus to the Gentiles being the focus.

Author: Luke, the beloved physician.

The former treatise mentioned in Acts 1:1 is the Gospel of Luke

Ac 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Luke joined Paul’s party at Troas (Acts 16:8-10, note the change from “they” to “we”)

Luke apparently stayed at Philippi later joining Paul on his third missionary journey.

It is generally believed that Luke was a Gentile.

Written: About 59-61A.D. these dates fit in with Paul’s time imprisoned in Rome.

Ac 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The rest of the book shows the progression of this verse as the Gospel goes forth into the world.

Acts is a book of firsts
1st election of a church officer
1st sermon of the new era
1st conversions
1st persecution
1st deacons
1st sermon by a layman
1st Christian martyr
1st Gentile converts
1st time the name Christian is used
1st missionary journey

Acts follows two primary individuals
Peter in chapters 1-12
Paul in chapters 13-28

General Outline:

Chapters 1-7
This continues the Gospels predominately Jewish theme
The 12th apostle is chosen
The Holy Spirit comes upon believers
The beginnings of the local church, yet still in conjunction with the temple worship.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Peter preaches
Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Stephen is martyred

Chapters 8-12
The Gospel goes from the Jews to the Samaritans
Paul is saved in an amazing fashion
The Gospel goes to the Gentiles
The Holy Spirit comes on the Gentiles
Peter defends the gospel going to the Gentile nations

Chapters 13-28
Paul’s first Missionary journey
Paul defends the Gospel
Paul’s second Missionary journey
Paul’s third Missionary journey
Paul arrest and journey to Rome

THE YOUNG CHURCH
Acts 2:42-47

4 Characteristics of the Young Church
Teaching of Doctrine Vs. 42
Correct instruction
Many Churches today want to preach salvation but avoid doctrine.
Doctrine is our foundation
Fellowship Vs. 42
More than potluck meals, part of it
Things in common
Spiritual encouragement & uplifting
Speaking of spiritual matters
Friendships & desires
Breaking of Bread Vs 42
Most likely they were eating together
Prayer Vs. 42
A vital part of a church
Prayer for one another
Prayer together

The 5 Results of these Characteristics
Fear Vs. 43
Great reverence & awe
Fellowship in Material Goods Vs. 44-45
Took care of one another
Favor of People Vs. 47
A testimony that was appreciated
Joy Vs. 47
They enjoyed being Christians
Furtherance or Growth Vs. 47
God added the increase

Conclusion:
Our goal in analyzing the characteristics of the young church is far more than to gain a historical perspective.
It is for the purpose of laying our current ministry along side of this church to see how we add up.