New Testament crossword puzzle: Acts of the Apostles

Word puzzle from Sacred Scripture

Draws on material in chapter 22 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, a textbook for Introduction to Biblical Literature

Bible reading for this assignment: Acts 1-28

Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?

ACROSS

2 -- Paul's young helper who guided the church in Ephesus
4 -- A king before whom Paul spoke
6 -- Paul's traveling companion on his first missionary journey. This man's name means "encourager".
8 -- Paul's traveling companion on his second missionary journey. This man was in jail with Paul when an earthquake struck.
9 -- Book of church history that tells of Paul's three missionary journeys

DOWN

1 -- Accused of blasphemy and stoned to death, thus becoming the first Christian martyr
3 -- Author of a gospel and missionary helper to Paul and Barnabas (and about whom they argued)
5 -- An Italian lady who taught Apollos
7 -- A Jew from Alexandria who preached in Corinth with Priscilla and Aquila

This crossword puzzle was created for use in the course Introduction to Biblical Literature. The words and clues come from the textbook Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities edited by Alex Varughese and published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, now called The Foundry.

-- Howard Culbertson,

What's in the Book of Acts?

A newcomer to the Book of Acts can expect to find an exciting narrative that chronicles the early days of the Christian church following the ascension of Jesus Christ. Here are some aspects they might notice:

Historical Context: Acts provides a glimpse into the cultural, religious, and political landscape of the first-century Roman Empire in the eastern part of the Mediterranean

The Holy Spirit's Work: Acts highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the early Christians for ministry and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

The Apostles' Mission: The book follows the journeys and activities of figures such as Peter, Paul, and other apostles as they establish and expand the Christian faith in the Mediterranean world

Miracles and Conversions: Acts is filled with miracles, healings, and supernatural interventions, as well as numerous stories of people coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

Conflict and Persecution: The early Christians faced opposition and persecution from various quarters, including religious authorities and governmental powers. Acts depicts the challenges they encountered and tells how they persevered in the face of adversity.

Expansion of the Church: Acts records the growth and spread of the early Christian community from Jerusalem to other parts of the Roman Empire, including cities like Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome.

Councils and Decision Making: The book describes important gatherings and decisions made by the early church leaders. That includes the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where issues of doctrine and practice were addressed.

In short, a newcomer to Acts can expect a dynamic and inspiring account of the birth and growth of the Christian movement, an account that will be filled with drama, adventure, and spiritual insight.

More for you on the Acts of the Apostles

Oview of the Bible book of Acts
Vision of universal grace -- Acts 10 devotional
Vision of enlarged ministry -- Acts 16 devotional
Bleeding to bless -- Acts 16 devotional
Citations from Acts on this web site

More Bible crossword puzzles in this series

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