Acts: The Spread of the Gospel

MacArthur Bible Studies

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

These study guides, part of a 16-volume set from noted Bible scholar John MacArthur, take readers on a journey through biblical texts to discover what lies beneath the surface, focusing on meaning and context, and then reflecting on the explored passage or concept. With probing questions that guide the reader toward application, as well as ample space for journaling, The MacArthur Bible Studies are an invaluable tool for Bible Students of all ages.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this Bible Study Book as part of my year-long study on the book of Acts. I've been reading a commentary by a Pentecostal Missiologist, a great book that told the book as a story set in our modern day and now this book by one of the great (decidedly, and contrastingly not pentecostal) Bible teachers of our day, John MacArthur. The diversity of these views has allowed me to see the book from a lot of different angles, which has been really helpful. I enjoyed this little book thoroughly. It divides the book of Acts into sections and after giving an overview of the section, plunges right into the text itself, giving insights as you read along. These insights are really helpful. Each chapter also has some really thought provoking questions at the end. My only regret with my purchase of this book was that I bought the Kindle version, making it a little clunky to answer the study-guide questions. I have no doubt I will return to this book for more intensive study before my "year of Acts" is out.

[Mischka Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The semester we used this book in study of the book of Acts, remains one of my favorites.

The Acts of the Apostles in and of itself is an explosive read. It outlines the birth and establishment of the early church. It speaks to a church birthed in fire, in power, in strength, and in unity - the model of how the church as always intended to look, and ideally, how it should function.

John MacArthur did a great job of asking probing questions to cause the reader to venture beyond surface-level analysis of the scripture. I found that the questions at the end of the scripture-reading were also conducive to rich group discussion and feedback.

I would recommend looking into the theology that John MacArthur held, and making sure that you are well-informed of how his theology affects the vantage point of his study guides, even if you are not, yourself, a Calvinist, as many of us are not.

[Lisa Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable resource for those who study the Acts of the Apostles, MacArthur's guide offers insights and asks convicting questions of serious students. Each chapter invites Christians to "Draw Near," "Go Deeper," "Explore the Meaning" and "Reflect on the Text," and includes a "Truth for Today."

What I like about the book: (1) It includes the ESV biblical text, so everyone is working from the same translation; (2) the margin notes offer a bit of insight to the text; (3) it asks salient, important reflection questions that will convict the reader. (I went from thinking that I was "vocal about the things of God" to realizing how very timid I have actually been about proclaiming the gospel within the span of 128 pages.)

My only complaint is that the paper is inexpensive rather than good quality. For those of us who like to hang on to our study guides, I doubt this one will hold up well over the years. (But in trying to meet a low-cost price-point, this is understandable.)

Highly recommended for those who are interested in studying Acts.

[lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great small-group study! I enjoyed the format of having the scripture included in the book as well as commentary and discussion questions. Not as in depth as I would have liked, on its own, but it was very thought provoking, leading us each to do additional study, using study Bibles as well as other commentaries for more information. The discussion questions gave us a TON to talk about.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. It's true with no funny business so you can trust it as a study... but I take away points for being unimaginative. The only vibrant parts are the actual quoting of scripture... which I guess is good if that's what you are going for.

[Virginia T. Winkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul's Life In Christ

Saul, a Roman citizens by birth and education but God captures his heart and changes his name to Paul. He becomes God,'s faithful servant to travel the world and tell the Gentiles of Christ Jesus death and resurrection.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the author's information and insights. It really helps to understand and apply the verses. I did no care for the format of the book. It is intended for a group Bible study, which is not what I needed. But that is my fault, nothing wrong with the book at all.

[Glen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study Book on Acts provides a thoughtful overview and follow-up questions suitable for almost any study. Zi used this book as a base for my preparations for Sunday School. I read and reflected on Acts like I had never done before.