From Biblical Perspective: Why the Book of Acts Has No Ending?

 

From Biblical Perspective: Why the Book of Acts Has No Ending?

"He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" (Acts 28:31)

"Jesus said to them, 'My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.'" (John 5:17) 

Aspect	Why the Book of Acts Has No Ending?
Significance	The unfinished nature of Acts symbolizes God's continuous work, with church history being the continuation of Acts. This is not a literary deficiency but a theological intent, indicating that the expansion of God's kingdom and the spreading of the gospel continues until the Lord's return.
Reasons	1. The ending of Acts (Acts 28:31) describes Paul "boldly and without hindrance preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ," suggesting the gospel work would continue 2. Jesus said: "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working" (John 5:17), showing God's work never stops 3. The conclusions of major apostles' lives (Peter, Paul, John) are not recorded in the book 4. Acts records God's work rather than simply being one person's biography, and God's work is continuous
Examples	1. Paul's experiences after his two-year imprisonment in Rome (including his martyrdom) are not recorded 2. The later ministries and conclusions of Peter and John are also not recorded 3. Early church history continues from the first century until today 4. Spiritual revival movements throughout history (like those of Martin Luther and John Wesley) are continuations of Acts
Application	1. Believers should recognize that every era is part of God's work, rather than thinking their own time is "the worst period" 2. We should seek to become God's vessels for this age, working with God ("I too am working") 3. The church should continue spreading the gospel and expanding God's kingdom, continuing to write "chapter 29" 4. Believers should maintain hope, as God's work doesn't stop but continues forward until the new heaven and new earth
Related Scripture	"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)

 

Conclusion:

The Book of Acts continues to be written through the faithful work of God's people throughout history. Each generation of believers participates in this divine narrative, advancing God's kingdom and fulfilling the Great Commission until Christ returns.

 

*Please refer to the April 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training General Topic: Oneness and the Vital Aspects of Acts Chapter 1 The Continuation of Acts - The Continuation of the Christian Community