Introduction to the Book of Acts

Who wrote this book?

Throughout Acts, Luke emphasized the workings of the Holy Ghost on individuals and congregations. Acts 1—2 Jesus Christ ministers to His disciples for 40 days following His Resurrection and then ascends into heaven. The Holy Ghost is poured out on the day of Pentecost. Peter boldly testifies of the resurrected Savior, and about three thousand people are converted. Acts 3—8 Peter and John heal a man who has been lame from birth.

Peter and John are arrested for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus Christ and are delivered from prison.

The Apostles call seven men to assist them in their ministry; one of these men, Stephen, testifies before the Jewish council, and the council members put him to death. Philip preaches throughout Samaria.

Acts 9—12 Saul is converted and begins his ministry. Through a vision, Peter learns that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles.

Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles

Acts 13—15 Saul and Barnabas are called to be missionaries. They encounter opposition from Jews and are accepted by some Gentiles. Church leaders meet in Jerusalem and determine that Gentile converts do not need to be circumcised or continue to observe the law of Moses when they join the Church. Paul as Saul is now called departs on his second missionary journey, along with Silas. Acts 16—20 Paul and Silas strengthen various churches that had been established earlier. Paul concludes his second mission and departs on a third mission throughout Asia Minor.

Paul determines to return to Jerusalem. There is also no indication of oppression in Rome Acts This is an argument from silence and is not determinative.

The Jewish revolt of A. This leads many to date the book no later than A.

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There may also be indirect allusions to the fall of Jerusalem in Luke especially Luke But these cannot be limited to the fall of A. Rather, it is a part of a greater whole--the final judgment upon the nation Luke Many subjects in Acts would have been prominent before A. Gentile admission to church fellowship, coexistence of Jews and Gentiles in the church, food requirements of the apostolic decree. The above evidence leans heavily for a date that is prior to A. Jesus speaks predicatively and Luke understands this. It is certain that Luke used sources in his composition of his double work Luke 1: Therefore, both source and redaction criticism are limited.

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There are many candidates: While all of these play a part in the book, they are not adequate as an overall purpose. Luke-Acts must be approached as a double work with a single purpose that is historical but primarily theological in nature.

They are the stewards of the promises to Israel. The reason it is primarily Gentile in nature is because the Jews rejected the message of Jesus as Messiah, and pushed the church out.

The Book of Acts

Nevertheless, the Jews as a people are not rejected by God or his servant Paul. The promises will yet be consummated for the nation through the resurrected Jesus--the hope of Israel. Handing Off the Baton 2 Timothy 4: Walking the Romans Road. Facing Winter Seasons 2 Timothy 4: You are here Home. Authorship of Acts Luke is the author of the book Acts. He was also the author of its companion work, the Gospel of Luke.