Acts: Introduction

Author

Luke: doctor, Gentile Christian, traveling companion of Paul, and writer of the Gospel according to Luke.

Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul. He is listed as the writer of the gospel bearing his name by nearly all the ancient church fathers

Other clues that point to Luke:

Compare Acts 1:1 to Luke 1:1-4

Acts 1:1 greets Theophilus and mentions a “first book”.

Luke 1:1-4 is an explanation of why Luke is writing the book, and verse 3 clearly names who Luke is writing to.

Why is it important who wrote it?

Look again at Luke 1:1-4.

Luke 1:1–4 ESV

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke and Acts were written years after Jesus had returned to heaven. Over the years, stories about Jesus’ ministry and miracles got passed around and distorted. Some people started making up stories. It was confusing. So Luke, who was a doctor and very much rooted in facts, set out to research the life of Jesus and get the facts straight. He compiled his research on Jesus and the rise of the Church into two books that he sent to Theophilus. Luke did all this work so that he could confidently tell Theophilus, “I did the work. I interviewed everyone who was around at the time. I verified every story. What is written here is the true story, and it lines up with everything you were already taught about Jesus.”

Also, Luke and Theophilus were both gentiles. A book written by a Christian gentile to a gentile reader about Jesus and the church shows that Jesus wasn’t just the Jewish savior. The gospel is truly for everyone.

Purpose

To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church.

Luke’s research means that what he presented is historically accurate.

He also wanted to clearly communicate the message that the apostles preached.

Christianity was rapidly spreading throughout the Roman empire. Luke wanted to reassure readers that Christianity was not a political movement.

Christianity was still an illegal religion in Rome. Paul and other apostles were on trial.

Theme Verse

Take a moment and read Acts 1 again. Jot down any verses that seem important, that you would call the theme verse.

(About 5 minutes)

The one that stands out to me as the theme verse is Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This verse doesn’t just define chapter 1, it defines the entire book of Acts.