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The Book of Acts and the Book of Luke were written by Luke. Some historians have called the Book of Acts “Acts of the Apostles”. Luke addresses both of his books to a person whom we only know as Theophilus (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). The Gospel of Luke records the ministry of Jesus before His ascension, while the Acts gospel records the events after Jesus’ ascension “…and all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to Heaven” (Acts 1:2-2).
Acts is a continuation of Luke’s gospel. The writing of these two books covers a span of 30 years from the time of our Lord’s death to the covering of the church AD 33 to AD 63. Some commentators have outlined acts geographically using the formula Jesus gave His disciples “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now although Luke begins his story in Jerusalem, he does not stick to a precise geographical sequence. He moves back and forth from Antioch to Jerusalem, from Europe back to Asia, back to Jerusalem etc. Geography is important to Luke, yet he also has an ethnic interest – he wants to explain how Christianity moves from its Jewish foundation and spread to the Gentile world.
Though there are many people of interest in Acts, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul are more pronounced. Luke was a companion of Paul throughout his ministry. This is indicated by the “we” section of his writings (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-37, 28:16). Luke records information he personally witnessed, from other eyewitnesses account, and by the Holy Spirit (all Scripture is given by inspiration (1 Tim. 3:16).
Some highlights of the Book of Acts:
• Jesus' ascension
• The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth Apostle (not Paul)
• Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost
• The establishment of the early church
• Signs and wonders by Peter
• Opposition from the Sanhedrin
• Appointment of the seven deacons
• Stoning of Stephen
• Persecution against the church
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
• Etc.
Acts closes with Paul imprisoned in Rome.
Questions/Answers:
1. What does the name Theophilus mean?
The name means “One who loves God”
2. What was Luke’s profession?
Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14)
3. Were the eleven apostles correct in wanting a twelfth apostle to replace Judas?
Yes! First they prayed (something we must always do when seeking guidance) Second, twelve apostles must sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30, Matthew 19:28). Twelve is symbolic of the people of God.
Acts is a continuation of Luke’s gospel. The writing of these two books covers a span of 30 years from the time of our Lord’s death to the covering of the church AD 33 to AD 63. Some commentators have outlined acts geographically using the formula Jesus gave His disciples “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now although Luke begins his story in Jerusalem, he does not stick to a precise geographical sequence. He moves back and forth from Antioch to Jerusalem, from Europe back to Asia, back to Jerusalem etc. Geography is important to Luke, yet he also has an ethnic interest – he wants to explain how Christianity moves from its Jewish foundation and spread to the Gentile world.
Though there are many people of interest in Acts, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul are more pronounced. Luke was a companion of Paul throughout his ministry. This is indicated by the “we” section of his writings (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-37, 28:16). Luke records information he personally witnessed, from other eyewitnesses account, and by the Holy Spirit (all Scripture is given by inspiration (1 Tim. 3:16).
Some highlights of the Book of Acts:
• Jesus' ascension
• The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth Apostle (not Paul)
• Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost
• The establishment of the early church
• Signs and wonders by Peter
• Opposition from the Sanhedrin
• Appointment of the seven deacons
• Stoning of Stephen
• Persecution against the church
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
• Etc.
Acts closes with Paul imprisoned in Rome.
Questions/Answers:
1. What does the name Theophilus mean?
The name means “One who loves God”
2. What was Luke’s profession?
Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14)
3. Were the eleven apostles correct in wanting a twelfth apostle to replace Judas?
Yes! First they prayed (something we must always do when seeking guidance) Second, twelve apostles must sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30, Matthew 19:28). Twelve is symbolic of the people of God.
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