Book excerpt: These study guides, part of a 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, The MacArthur Bible Studies are invaluable tools for Bible students of all ages. The book of Acts is the first volume of church history. It records the story of the church from its explosive beginning on the Day of Pentecost to the imprisonment at Rome of its greatest missionary. During those three decades, the church expanded from a small group of Jewish believers gathered in Jerusalem to embrace thousands in dozens of congregations throughout the Roman world. Acts describes how the Spirit of God superintended, controlled, and empowered the expansion of the church. Although a work of history, not theology, Acts nevertheless emphasizes the doctrinal truths concerning salvation, the work and person of the Holy Spirit, and other theological issues. Join John MacArthur as he searches the pages of the book of Acts to uncover the intricacies of God's Word spoken to His people.