Introductory Information

Acts

Author

  • No author for the book of Acts is mentioned in the book itself. Obviously, the books of the Gospel of Luke and Acts are both addressed to the same recipient, "Theophilus." Both the Gospel of Luke and Acts: Luke as author is convincing because of the extra-biblical evidence. Luke is mentioned by Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11). But he is one in a whole litany of individuals referenced by Paul as companions, and his position in the NT is insignificant by comparison. Therefore, unanimity around Lukan authorship among the earliest church traditions would be surprising if it were untrue. Why would someone randomly name Luke if they are guessing at who the author might be? Or why would the early church ascribe authorship to a relatively unknown figure, for this does not lend credibility to the writing? 
  • The idea that Luke is writing as a companion to Paul is largely substantiated by the use of "we" at certain points in the book (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16). In addition to these instances we do have Paul referencing the Gospel of Luke in 1 Timothy 5:18 "Laborer deserves his wages" (Luke 10:7). Therefore, we can gain some understanding of Luke's involvement and eyewitness account by tracing the activity of Paul. 

Map of paul's missionary journeys

  • Luke, based on historical records provided by Eusebius and Jerome, is understood to be a native of Syrian Antioch. Luke is described as a physician (Colossians 4:14); this description, however, does not tell us much about Luke or his background. For the term physician at that time differed significantly from place to place. His use of language and ability to research tell us more about Luke's upbringing than his occupation. The books of the Gospel of Luke and Acts are both written in a more sophisticated form of Koine Greek than most other New Testament books.

Date

  • Luke most likely wrote Acts around A.D. 62 if not before, for Four reasons. 2 Timothy 4 and Clement 5:5-7 both allude to Paul being released from prison, and Acts ends with Paul in prison, his release was in A.D. 62. Second, Acts does describe the Christians living in Jerusalem, without any mention of the revolt by the Jews in Jerusalem in A.D. 66. Third, Luke does not mention Nero's persecution of Christians which began about A.D. 64-67. Fourth, there is not mention of the execution of Peter or Paul, both of which have been attested to historically. Therefore, Luke writes the Acts account probably before A.D. 62, very close to the time of the events.  

Purpose


  • The purpose for writing is stated rather clearly in Acts 1:1-5 when compared with Luke 1:1-4. Luke is recording an orderly account for Theophilus of the acts of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, and the acts of Jesus as carried out by the Holy Spirit through the Book of Acts. Therefore, a more accurate title for the book might be "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." Darrell Bock summarizes this idea well when he writes: "At the core of the activity and preaching stands the work of God through the now exalted Jesus, who in turn distributes the Spirit as a sign that the new era and salvation have come to both Jews and Gentiles. Acts is a testimony about the early church’s witness and God’s role in bringing it to pass" (Acts, page 24).

Audience

  • Luke is writing Acts to people who are not Jews and have already understood who Jesus is from his gospel account. Luke believes readers of his work want to know how the Holy Spirit is applying the work of Jesus to the world through the church.


  • These claims are based upon inferences about the most direct audience is Theophilus. Virtually nothing is known directly about him, although a handful of things can be inferred. He has a Greek name, so probably not a Jew. Despite the Greek name, he apparently is familiar with the Old Testament, for Luke, in his Gospel account and Acts, includes several Bible references or concepts with no explanation. The idea that Theophilus is familiar with the Old Testament is also a possible implication of the phrase about him in Luke 1:4, "things that you have been taught." This may also mean that he is already a Christian or at least a "God-fearer" who already has an understanding of the gospel (evidenced by his receiving the Gospel of Luke). 

Themes

  • The Holy Spirit is applying the saving work of Jesus to people of all nations.

  • Non-Jews (Gentiles) can feel assured of their inclusion in God's plan of salvation through a Jewish Messiah. 

  • The church is the institution God is establishing to be his agent of grace to the world. 

Acts Series Outline

  • 1:1-5 Jesus's ministry was only the beginning

  • 1:6-11 Go as witnesses of the ascended Jesus.

  • 1:12-26 Apostolic authority.

  • 2:1-13 Coming of the Holy Spirit

  • 2:14-36 Promised Messiah and Promised Holy Spirit

  • 2:37-41 Responding to the Gospel

  • 2:42-47 Origin story of the church

  • 3:1-26 The Lame walk

  • 4:1-22 Must preach 

  • 4:12 No other name under heaven

  • 4:23-31 Speak with boldness

  • 4:32-37 Marked by brotherly affection

  • 5:1-16 No Christian pretense.

  • 5:17-42 Obey God rather than man and share the gospel.

  • 6:1-7 Honor to serve as Deacon

  • 6:8-7:60 Stephen's Message

  • 8:1-25 Salvation isn't for Sale

  • 8:26-40 Baptism

  • 9:1-19 Scales fall 

  • 9:20-31 Saul preaches

  • 9:32-43 Dead raised

  • 10:1-33 Law is rendered obsolete 

  • 10:34-48 Gentiles baptized in the Holy Spirit

  • 11:1-18 Second Baptism in a Second Age

  • 11:19-30 First "Christians" 

  • 12:1-5 Martyrs for the faith

  • 12:6-25 Jailbreak

  • 13:1-12 Sending out Missionaries

  • 13:13-41 Proclaiming the Forgiveness of Sins

  • 13:42-52 Appointed to Eternal life

  • 14:1-7 City divided 

  • 14:8-23 Enter the kingdom of heaven through many tribulations (did you think you would dodge the tribulations?)

  • 14:24-28 Function of Open Doors 

  • 15:1-21 Fighting Legalism with Grace

  • 15:22-35 Defining Legalism

  • 15:36-41 Frenemies 

  • Acts 16-28 TBD...