Seven sections of the Acts (1)

The content of the third missionary journey (from spring of 53 AD to spring of 56 AD) is recorded in Acts 18:23-21:17. The central location of the third missionary journey was Ephesus. Paul stayed in Ephesus for about three years, continuing his missionary activities (his ministry in Ephesus represents the culmination of Paul’s missionary work as a free man). We must not overlook the significance of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus in the history of the church. Now, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus is drawing to a close, and from this point, a new section of Acts begins. The content of Acts is divided into seven church growth reports (Acts 2:47, 6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20, 28:30-31). The final church growth report (Acts 28:30-31) reads as follows: “Now Paul stayed two full years in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.” Based on this method of division, the seventh section (Acts 19:21-28:31) can be summarized as “The expansion of the church to Rome.” The account of the Acts of the Apostle ends with this.

Characteristics of the seventh section

The seventh section has the following characteristics: (1) It comprises approximately one-third of the entire Acts of the Apostles. Its length is not due to theological importance alone. We must think of why Luke dedicates so much space to this section. (2) Significant space is devoted to Paul’s defenses. A total of five defenses are recorded, which serve as evidence to demonstrate Paul’s innocence. (3) The “We sections” are prominent (Acts 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-28:16). These are eyewitness accounts, as Luke himself experienced these events. They also serve as evidence supporting Paul’s innocence. Eyewitness accounts are preserved as detailed records, (ref. Paul’s Philippian ministry in Acts 16:11-40). (4) At this stage, Paul begins to focus on Jerusalem and Rome. Beyond Rome, his sights were set on Spain, but Luke does not mention Spain. Luke’s purpose in writing is to document the spread of the gospel as far as Rome. From the seventh section, we must learn the following two points: (1) The risen Jesus Christ is building His church. This remains true today. (2) The apostles were instruments used by Jesus Christ. If we walk faithfully with the Lord, we too can be used by God. Let’s continue to walk faithfully with God today, while discerning between God’s domain and human domain.