Study Acts: Bible Journaling Guide
Acts at a Glance
Testament
New Testament
Chapters
28
Author
Luke
Genre
Narrative
Overview
The book of Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel, picking up where the story of Jesus leaves off. After the resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost and the early church explodes into existence. Acts traces the gospel's spread from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth — exactly as Jesus promised in the opening chapter.
Acts is a book of action, courage, and the unstoppable power of the Holy Spirit. It follows Peter's early leadership, Paul's dramatic conversion and missionary journeys, and the growth of a movement that transformed the Roman world. For Bible journalers, Acts provides inspiring stories of boldness, prayer, community, and the faithfulness of God to fulfill His mission through ordinary, Spirit-empowered people.
Key Themes in Acts
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the main character of Acts — empowering, guiding, comforting, and emboldening believers to carry out God's mission.
Church Growth
Acts documents the birth and explosive growth of the early church, from 120 believers in an upper room to communities across the Roman Empire.
Mission
The Great Commission drives the narrative of Acts. The gospel is for every nation, tongue, and people — and nothing can stop its advance.
Boldness
The disciples who once hid in fear now stand before rulers and crowds, proclaiming the risen Christ with boldness that comes from the Spirit.
Popular Verses to Journal
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Journaling idea: This verse is the outline for the entire book of Acts. Journal about where you are called to be a witness — in your 'Jerusalem' (home), 'Judea' (community), and beyond.
Acts 2:42
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Journaling idea: The early church devoted themselves to four things: teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Which of these four is strongest and weakest in your life?
Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Journaling idea: The disciples prayed and God shook the room. Write a bold prayer asking God for courage to share your faith this week.
Journaling Prompts for Acts
- Read Acts 2:1-13. What happened at Pentecost? How does the Holy Spirit empower you in your daily life?
- Study the early church community in Acts 2:42-47. What attracts you about their way of life? What challenges you?
- Paul's conversion (Acts 9) is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. Write your own conversion story — how did you come to faith?
- Acts is full of prayers. Find one prayer in Acts and use it as a model for your own prayer today.
- The gospel crossed cultural barriers throughout Acts. Where are you called to cross boundaries with the message of Christ?
Study Tips
- Follow the geographic outline from Acts 1:8: Jerusalem (1-7), Judea and Samaria (8-12), and the ends of the earth (13-28).
- Use character study to trace Peter's journey (chapters 1-12) and then Paul's journey (chapters 13-28).
- Map Paul's missionary journeys on a physical map — understanding the geography makes the narrative come alive.
- Pay attention to the sermons in Acts (Peter in chapter 2, Stephen in chapter 7, Paul in chapter 17) — they reveal how the early church communicated the gospel.
How to Study Acts in Digible
Digible makes it easy to study Acts with purpose-built Bible journaling tools on your iPad. Open any chapter, use Apple Pencil to highlight key verses, write notes directly on the page, and build a consistent study habit with streaks. Whether you prefer Character Study Bible, Color Coding Bible, or Topical Bible Study, Digible gives you the canvas to engage with Acts your way. Start with one of the free translations — WEB, ASV, or BSB — and begin journaling through Acts today.
Related Books
Guides and Resources
Want to go deeper? Read our beginner's guide to Bible journaling, explore creative journaling ideas, or find the best Bible apps with Apple Pencil support for studying Acts on your iPad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Acts primarily about Peter or Paul?
- Both. Acts naturally divides into two sections: Peter's ministry and the early Jerusalem church (chapters 1-12), and Paul's conversion and missionary journeys (chapters 13-28). Together they show how the gospel spread from Jewish beginnings to the Gentile world.
- How should I journal through the longer narrative sections of Acts?
- Use character study to follow one person at a time — Peter, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, or Lydia. Or trace a single theme like prayer, the Holy Spirit, or boldness through the entire book. This gives your journaling focus without getting lost in the narrative.
- What can I learn from Acts for my own faith?
- Acts shows what happens when ordinary people are empowered by the Holy Spirit: they pray boldly, share generously, suffer joyfully, and spread the gospel unstoppably. Journal about where you see these same patterns — or want to see them — in your own life.
Study Acts in Digible
Download the free Bible journaling app for iPad with Apple Pencil support.