Book of Acts — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 28 · Written by: Luke (physician) · Approximate date: c. AD 62 · Theme: Jehovah's Spirit & Congregation Growth

Summary of the Book of Acts

Acts traces the spread of the good news from Jerusalem to Rome through the power of Jehovah's holy spirit, following the apostles Peter and Paul as the Christian congregation grew and expanded to all nations.

The book of Acts is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 28 chapters. It was written by Luke (physician) approximately c. AD 62. The central theme running throughout Acts is jehovah's spirit & congregation growth — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Acts

  • Acts 1:8
  • Acts 2:42
  • Acts 17:11

Notable Passages in Acts

Acts 1:8

Jesus' commission to be witnesses 'to the most distant part of the earth' defines the scope of the preaching work Jehovah intended for the early congregation and continues today.

Acts 2:42

The early Christians' devotion to 'teaching, sharing of information, meals, and prayers' describes the pattern of congregational life that Jehovah values.

Acts 17:11

The Beroeans 'carefully examining the Scriptures daily' to verify what they heard sets the gold standard for personal Bible study and doctrinal verification.

Study Questions for Acts

As you read the book of Acts, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. How did the outpouring of Jehovah's holy spirit at Pentecost 33 CE (chapter 2) mark the beginning of the new covenant congregation, and what were the immediate results?
  2. What does the pattern of early congregation growth in Acts — despite intense persecution — teach about the unstoppable nature of Jehovah's purpose?
  3. How did Peter and Paul's example of boldness before courts and councils (chapters 4–5; 22–26) model the attitude Jehovah's Witnesses can have when defending the good news?
  4. What does Acts 17:11 say about the Beroeans, and what quality does their example highlight for personal Bible study?
  5. How does the expansion of the preaching work from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:8) show the fulfillment of Jesus' commission and how Jehovah's spirit directed the work?

How to Study Acts with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 28 chapters of Acts in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Acts as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Acts

The book of Acts is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

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