Walking Where the Apostles Trod: A 28-Week Reading Plan

It would be my pleasure to help you structure this journey; I will certainly provide both a comprehensive 28-part sermon series outline and a corresponding reading plan that bridges Acts and the rest of the Bible for your congregation. I’ll get to work on tailoring this 28-week plan to ensure your series through Acts remains engaging and well-supported by your supplementary readings.

📖 Walking Where the Apostles Trod: A 28-Week Journey

Beloved, the science of salvation is the greatest theme that can ever occupy the human mind John 17:3AA 531.1. As we embark on this 28-week journey through the book of Acts, we are not merely studying history; we are seeking that same bestowal of spiritual power that marked the beginning of the gospel workAA vi.1. The work is to close with a display of the Holy Spirit's power even greater than that of PentecostAA vi.1. To prepare for this, we must have a living connection with the Source of all growthAA 55.2.

🎈 Children’s Story: The Shining Face

Boys and girls, did you know that when we spend time with Jesus, it shows on our faces? A long time ago, there was a man named Stephen who loved Jesus very muchAA 97. When people were mean to him, he didn't get angry. Instead, he looked up to heaven, and his face started to shine just like an angel's face Acts 6:15! Even a man named Saul, who was watching, could never forget how happy and brave Stephen looked because Jesus was in his heartAA 116.2. Just like Stephen, when we let Jesus live in us, we can show His love to everyone around usAA 560.1!

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📅 The 28-Week Reading Plan

This plan is designed to harmonize the biblical narrative of Acts with the inspired insights of "The Acts of the Apostles" (AA).

Part 1: The Promise and the Power Acts 1-7

• Week 1: Acts 1 – Read AA Chapters 1-4. Witness the great missionary charter of Christ's kingdom and the hope of His returnAA 28.1+1.

• Week 2: Acts 2 – Read AA Chapters 5-7. Experience the heavenly illumination of Pentecost where the disciples were endued with power from on highAA 45.3+1.

• Week 3: Acts 3 – Read AA Chapter 8. See the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth bring healing to the hopelessAA 58.1.

• Week 4: Acts 4 – Read AA Chapter 9. Understand that when human laws conflict with God's claims, we must obey God rather than men Acts 4:31AA 68.2.

• Week 5: Acts 5 – Read AA Chapter 10. Learn from the dark stain of Ananias and Sapphira that we must not keep back from God what is His ownAA 71.2+1.

• Week 6: Acts 6 – Read AA Chapter 11. See how the appointment of deacons was a blessing to the united interests of the churchAA 89.2.

• Week 7: Acts 7 – Read AA Chapter 12. Follow Stephen to his final testimony, where he saw the resistance of hearts but stayed faithful unto deathAA 100.1.

Part 2: The Gospel Spreads Acts 8-14

• Week 8: Acts 8 – Read AA Chapters 13-15. Witness the gospel in Samaria and the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuchAA 103+1.

• Week 9: Acts 9 – Read AA Chapters 16-18. Observe the transformation of Saul, the "chosen vessel" who went from persecutor to preacherAA 121.3+1.

• Week 10: Acts 10 – Read AA Chapter 19. See the door thrown open to the Gentiles as Cornelius receives the light of truthAA 140.2+1.

• Week 11: Acts 11 – Read AA Chapter 20. Learn how the church in Antioch became a center for missionary effortAA 155.2.

• Week 12: Acts 12 – Read AA Chapter 21. See the power of prayer as an angel delivers Peter from Herod's prison Acts 12:1-23AA 145.3+1.

• Week 13: Acts 13 – Read AA Chapter 22. Follow Paul and Barnabas as they turn to the Gentiles, being set as a light to the ends of the earthAA 173.3.

• Week 14: Acts 14 – Read AA Chapter 23. Witness the courage of the apostles in Lystra, preaching that the Living God is the Creator of allAA 180.3.

Part 13: The Great Missionary Journeys Acts 15-21

• Week 15: Acts 15 – Read AA Chapters 24-25. See the church council at Jerusalem settle the obligation of the law through the Spirit's guidanceAA 197.1.

• Week 16: Acts 16 – Read AA Chapters 26-27. Hear the songs of praise in the Philippian dungeon and the conversion of the jailerAA 213.4+1.

• Week 17: Acts 17 – Read AA Chapters 28-29. Search the Scriptures with the Bereans and witness the message to the "Unknown God" in AthensAA 232.1+1.

• Week 18: Acts 18 – Read AA Chapters 30-32. Labor with Paul in Corinth and see the training of Apollos Acts 18:18-28AA 243.

• Week 19: Acts 19 – Read AA Chapters 33-35. Witness the victory over superstition in Ephesus and the burning of the magic books Acts 19:1-20AA 289.1.

• Week 20: Acts 20 – Read AA Chapter 36. Hear Paul’s touching farewell to the Ephesian elders, counting not his life dear to himselfAA 393.2.

• Week 21: Acts 21 – Read AA Chapters 37-38. See Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and his willingness to make reasonable concessions for the sake of unityAA 405.1+1.

Part 21: The Prisoner of Christ Acts 22-28

• Week 22: Acts 22 – Read AA Chapter 39. Witness Paul’s defense before the shouting mob, staying calm in the strength of GodAA 408.1.

• Week 23: Acts 23 – Read AA Chapter 40. See the Lord stand by Paul in the night, encouraging him that he must bear witness in RomeAA 415.2.

• Week 24: Acts 24 – Read AA Chapter 41. Watch Felix tremble as Paul reasons of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to comeAA 423.3.

• Week 25: Acts 25 – Read AA Chapter 42. Observe Paul appealing to Caesar to escape the intrigue of his enemiesAA 429.3.

• Week 26: Acts 26 – Read AA Chapter 43. Hear the "almost" persuaded King Agrippa as Paul tells his story of the light from heavenAA 438.1+1.

• Week 27: Acts 27 – Read AA Chapter 44. Trust in God’s protection during the shipwreck, knowing He is at the helmAA 442.1+1.

• Week 28: Acts 28 – Read AA Chapters 45-58. Conclude with Paul in his own hired house in Rome, where the word of God remains unchained 2 Timothy 2:9AA 450.2+1.

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⚓ Building on the Rock

We must remember that no other foundation can be laid than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 3:11AA 596.2. As you read, notice that the disciples were but humble men, yet in Christ’s strength they triumphed over all oppositionAA 77.1. Every true believer today can bear witness to the power of Christ in their own lifeAA 556.1. The standard for our character is the royal law, but the sinner is constantly drawn to Jesus by His wonderful loveAA 519.2.

📢 The Final Appeal

Today, the same Holy Spirit that empowered the early church is waiting to be poured out upon youAA 37.3. God is just as ready to give power to His servants now as He was to Paul and PeterAA 278.3. But I ask you: Are you ready for the time of reapingAA 55.2? Have you surrendered your heart, your intellect, and your means to the One who bought you with a price 1 Corinthians 6:19-20AA 566.1?

Do not neglect your present privileges, for this life is your only time of preparationAA 423.3. Will you choose today to follow the Lamb wherever He goes Revelation 14:4AA 591.1? Yield your will to His, and let Him fashion you in the divine likenessAA 49.3. What are you going to do with this message of mercyAA 31.2? Turn to Christ now, and find in Him that perfect peace that passes all understanding Isaiah 26:3AA 510.1.