Introduction to Acts

Author: Historically, Luke
Date: Around the year 62 AD
Theme: The work of the Holy Spirit in the early history of Christianity
Key Words: Jesus, Spirit, resurrection, apostle, Church

Author: The Book of Acts doesn't specifically mention its author, but many indications point to Luke, the "beloved physician" (Col. 4:14). The author is the same person to whom the third Gospel is due (1:1,2), someone very close to Paul, as is indicated by the use of "we" in several places in the book. It deals with a man of culture, which his literary style reveals; he possesses a universal vision and shows an interest in medical themes. Furthermore, church tradition unanimously declares that Luke was the author of Acts. In conclusion, the weight of evidence, external and internal, supports this theses.

Date:Luke recounts the history of the early Church within a collection of geographical, political, and historical details compatable with the events of the first century. For example, Luke's mention of titles of regional Roman governors, which only someone who lievd in those years could know with such precision, suggests that the book was probably written within the period of which the events are narrated. Moreover, there is no mention of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, nor of the persecution of Christians by Nero, which began in 64 AD. Thus, in accordance with these facts, and taking into account that the book doesn't record Paul's death, but leaves him a prisoner in Rome, it's logical to date the writing of Acts near the end of the apostle's imprisonment, around 62 AD.

Content: The Book of Acts is a continuation of the story of the life of Christ in the Gospels, and registers the expansion of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome. It refers to the beginnings of Jesus' "Great Commission" to make disciples in all the nations (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49).

Acts 1:8 is the key to the book. This verse not only predicts the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and his powerful testimony, but the geographical references present a simple outline of the narration. In general, Acts reflects the Pauline diffusion of Christianity toward the west, from Palestine toward Italy. Thus, the story begins in Jerusalem (chapters 1-7), with Peter assuming the principal role and the Jews as those who receive the Gospel.

Next, the death of Stephen (7:60-8:1) unleashes an amplified persecution against the Church, and the believers disperse, carrying tyhe seed of the Gospel to Samaria and the Gentiles (chapters 8-12). Saul's conversion occurs during this period of history (ch.9), an event of such importance that Luke includes three long descriptions of the incident (chapters 9; 22; 26).

The most extensive sectino of Acts is occupied with the development and expansion of the ministry among the Gentiles, directed by Paul and his copanions (chapters 13-28). It concludes with Paul's arrival in Rome, capital of the empire and representative of "the end of the earth". The book ends in a sufficiently abrupt way because, according to the indications, Luke had updated the story, and no longer had more to write.

Purpose: The key to discovering the purpose of the Book of Acts is in the first verse, where Luke makes it clear that it's a continuation of his Gospel. The Gospel speaks of that which "Jesus began to do and teach" and the Acts, of that which the resurrected LORD continued doing and teaching through the Holy Spirit.

Audience: (HBH) To whom did Luke write this book? Was it one person? Was it a great many people? What were they like? What information about the early Christian church did they need in order to live strong and committed Christian lives in a pagan world?

Acts gives us a place to start. Unlike many other biblical books, Acts addresses a specific person: Theophilus. Significant energy has been spent speculating about the identity of Theophilus. Most people start with the piossibility that Theophilus was a wealthy Roman citizen. Perhaps Luke addressed both of these books to Theophilus in the hope that Theophilus would pay for their publication. Perhaps Theophilus was a Roman official whom Luke was trying to convince that Christianity posed no threat to the Roman Empire. Some have even suggested that Acts was intended to be used for Paul's defense before Caesar.

The word "Theophilus", while a man's name, also means lover of GOD. Many have suggested that Luke addressed not just one man but all those who love GOD. This would explain the inclusive nature of Luke-Acts and Luke's emphasis on Christian faith and its development.

Whether Luke addressed one prominent Roman or all those who loved and followed GOD, one must assume that Luke-Acts was meant to be read by a number of people. We know little about these readrs. We do know that they were able to read a form of Greek that is more difficult than most of the New Testament. They also seem to be more familiar with the Roman Empire and Asia Minor than with Palestine. Luke had to give them information about places in Palestine; they appear to have known the places elsewhere in the Empire. Luke's emphasis on women and wealth has led some to conclude that many of his readrs were either wealthy, women, or both. Mostof all, Luke's readers were in need of information about the gospel and the church.

Themes: (HBH) Two major themes run through Acts. The first of these themes is that of the universl, undindered spread of the gospel. With the constant aid of the Holy Spirit, the gospel grew from a small group of followers in Jerusalem to encompass the "ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Along the way the Spirit removed barriers to the spread of the gospal. Religion, race, physical handicaps, philosophy, and magic fell before the power of the Spirit manifest through the apostles. Luke highlighted this theme throughout the book. The last word in the Greek text is "unhindered", as Luke described Paul's preaching in Rome. The gospel is teriumphant in Acts; nothing could stop its spread.

The second theme of Acts concerns the separation of Christianity from the Jews. Luke took great care to insert some distance between the church and the Jews. At crucial points Paul rejected the Jewish people - just as they had rejected the gospel. Even though the beginning of Acts portrays the church as continuing to worship in the temple and synagogue, Acts chronicles an increasing separation between the two groups. Luke also makes clear that the Jews had rejected Christ; Christians had not rejected Jews. A significant part of this theme is the portrayal of Christianity as the true heir of Israel rather than as a heretical sect. Christians are the "true Israel". This theme also assures Luke's Roman readers that the conflict that involves the Christians is religious (with the Jews) rather than political (with Rome).

Literary Form: (HBH) Acts is narrative. It has a beginning and an end. It has characters and plot. Acts tells a story.

Much of the discussion of the form of Acts concerns the question of Luke's historical accuracy. Such questions are difficult to answer conclusively, since Acts is unique within the New Testament. Some people use parts of Acts to prove Luke's historical accuracy; others use the same material to attack Luke's historical accuracy.

Perhaps the most important sections of Acts in this regard are those known as the "we" sections (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1-28:16). The author's use of the pronoun "we" in narrating these sections suggests that Luke was a traveling companion of Paul, who used the pronoun to indicate those times in which he was part of Paul's entourage. These sections have also been interpreted as evidence that Luke used a diary of one of Paul's companions as the source for his narrative concerning Paul's missionary journals. Perhaps these passages were an attempt by the author to give himself eye-witness authority through the strategic placement of pronouns.

Another difficult question has been Luke's use of sources in general. Unlike the Gospels, wer have no way to compare Acts with any other similar material. Therefore we can only conjecture as to which sources, if any, luke used in writing Acts.

The question of Luke's historical reliability cannot be answered solely on the basis of one's conclusions about the "we" sections or his use of sources. Acts, especially in comparison with other ancient historical narratives, consistently proves itself to be reliable by ancient standards.

We do not have enough information to know for sure what sources Luke used or how he used them. Within GOD's providential oversight and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke was able to bring together a variety of sources to communicate the important events in the life of the early church. The recent focus on Acts as a literary work, however, has affirmed the literary unity of the work. Acts can and should be read as a whole.

Purpose and Theology: (HBH) Luke's prologue to Acts suggests his reason for writing. He specifically related this second volume to the first, noting that in his "former book" he "wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach" (Acts 1:1). With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the disciples continued to do and to teach as Jesus had done. Luke narrated their activity with a number of purposes in mind.

His first purpose was to inform. The prologue to Luke's Gospel clearly states his intention to present "an orderly account" (Luke 1:3). Luke was a historian. He had researched the events and written them down for the benefit of his readrs. This purpose became even more vital with Acts. Luke's history of the formation and spread of the early church provided important information to this readers.

His second purpose was to convince. History rarely records mere facts. The process of deciding which facts to record reflects a desire to convince on the part of the historian. In Luke's case this desire is, again, made evident in the prologue to the Gospel. Luke stated that his reason for writing this orderly account was that his reader or readers might "know the certainty" of that which they had been "taught" about the Christian faith (Luke 1:4). This is a theological purpose. Luke wanted his readers to be confirmed in their faith. His readers probably knew enough about the message of Christ to have become Christians. Their need was for confirmation. Luke's information is designed to convince them of the truth of the gospel they had accepted, to strengthen their faith. He might also have written to correct their misunderstandings about the things Jesus did and taught. Certainly Luke's history has a theological message. Not only that, Luke's history conveys a social and religious message. One of the results of Luke's writing is the defense of the Christian way of life. On the one hand, Luke defended the church against the Jewish accusation that Christianity was anti-Caesar. On the other hand, Luke countered the suggestion that Christianity was merely a Jewish sect.

A book can be informative and convincing without being readable. It will not, however, be widely read. Acts is historically and theologically accurate; it is also extremely interesting literature. This is due in great part to the nature of Luke's subject. One must give credit as well to the literary artistry of Luke, who narrated the spread of the gospel in an exciting manner.

The Acts of the Apostles may be divided into two major sections. The first section narrates the spread of the Gospel from Christ's ascension and Pentecost to Cornelius' conversion and the commissioning of Saul and Barnabas to preach to the Gentiles. The major apostolic figure in this first section is Peter, the one responsible for the church's mission to the Jews.

Theological Contribution: (IBD) The Acts of the Apostles could justly be entitled, "The Acts of the Holy Spirit", for the Spirit is mentioned nearly 60 times in the book. In His parting words, Jesus reminds the disciples of the promise of the Father (1:4-8); ten days lter the power of the Spirit descends at Pentecost (2:1-4). Persons "from every nation under heaven" (2:5) are enabled by the Holy Spirit to hear "the wonderful works of GOD" (2:11), and so the Christian church was born.

Pentecost was a reversal of the Tower of Babel, where language became confused and nations were separated by misunderstanding (Gen. 11:1-9). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gathered persons from every nation into one united fellowship. From Pentecost onward, the Holy Spirit directs the unfolding drama of the growth of church.

Acts contains portraits of many outstanding Christians of the early church. Barnabas exemplifies generosity (4:36-37). Stephen's forgiveness (7:60), Philip's and Paul's obedience, Cornelius' piety (10:2), and the witness of the early church vibrates with boldness (2:29; 4:13,29,31; 28:31). Ordinary people are empowered to perform extraordinary feats. A faltering apostle is empowered to address multitudes (2:14) or make a defense before rulers (4:8). A prayer fellowship is shaken (4:31); a deacon defends his faith by martyrdom (7:58). The despised Samaritans receive the Spirit (8:4-8), as does a Gentile soldier (10:1-48). A staunch persecutor of the gospel is converted (9:1-19), and through him the gospel reaches the capitalof the world!

Paul reaches Rome in chains. Circumstances, to, may be adverse: persecutions (8:3-4; 11:19), famines (11:27-30), opposition (13:45), or violent storms (27:1-44). Through it all, however, the Holy Spirit directs the drama so that "all things work tog ether for good" (Rom. 8:28) to further the cause of Christ.

Special Considerations: (IBD) Nearly one fifth of Acts consists of speeches, primarily from Peter, Stephen and Paul. Common to each of the speechesis a basic framework of gospel proclamation. This proclamation can be outlined as follows:

The promises of GOD in the Old Testament are now fulfilled.
The Messiah has come in Jesus of Nazareth.
1. He did good and mighty works by the power of GOD.
2. He was crucified according to the purpose of GOD.
3. He was raised from the dead by the power of GOD.
4. He now reigns by the power of GOD.
5. He will come again to judge and restore all things for the purpose of GOD.
All who hear should repent and be baptized.

This outline is our earliest example of the gospel proclaimed by the early church. It is the "foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Eph. 2:20), upon which the church is built. In this sense, the Book of Acts is not yet completed, for each generation is enabled by the Holy Spirit to add its chapters by proclaiming the "wonderful works of GOD" (2:11).

Personal Application: Acts is a record of Christianity carried out under the power of the Holy Spirit. It teaches believers how to live within a meaningful Christian brotherhood, freely sharing with each other (2:42; 4:32-35).

In an opposite sense, Acts also shows that, inevitably, Christians will have disagreements (6:1; 11:1-3; 15:2,7; 15:36-39), but that GOD gives wisdom and grace to overcome them (15:6-14).

Probably, the most prominent characteristic of the first Christians was their spiritual power. They fasted and prayed fervently (2:42; 6:4; 13:3), and their faith opened a channel to the miraculous power of GOD (3:16). Acts speaks of common people who did extraordinary things. Signs accompanied those who believed! (see Mark 16:17,18.)

Christ Revealed: The Book of Acts records several examples of the early apostolic proclamations of the gospel of Jesus christ, and the model is consistent. First, Jesus is presented as an historical figure, a man with the power to realize signs and miracles (2:22; 10:38). Later, Jesus' death is equally attributed to man's iniquity and GOD's purposes. One one hand, the Jews crucified him "by wicked hands" (2:23; see, furthermore, 3:13-15; 4:10; 5:30; 7:52; 10:39; 13:28). And on the otehr hand, Jesus was "delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD" (2:23; see 17:3). Then, the resurrection of Jesus is emphasized, particularly as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy, and as the divine reversal of the human verdict on Jesus (1:3; 2:24-32; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40,41; 13:30-37; 17:31). The apostles declare that Jesus has been exalted to a position of unique and universal dominion (2:33-36; 3:21; 5:31). From this place of supreme honor and executive power, Jesus has poured out the promised Holy Spirit (2:33), who gives testimony of Christ (5:32) and fills the believers with power (1:8). Jesus is "he whom GOD has placed as Judge of the lving and dead" (10:42) and will return in triumph at the end of time (1:11). As such, those who believe in Him will receive forgiveness for their sins (2:21; 3:19; 4:12; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38,39) and the "gift of the Holy Spirit" (2:38). Those who don't believe, await terrible things (3:23).

The Holy Spirit in Action: The most impressive of the Acts is the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the Church. The book has been called The Acts of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Spirit in Acts, however, can't be understood without taking into account its connection with the Gospels, which exhibits an essential link of continuity. The public ministry of Jesus, as well as that of the Church, according to the Book of Acts, began with a transforming encounter with the Spirit; both are fundamental relations about the consequences of that event.

The power of the Spirit in Jersus' life authorized him to preach the kingdom of GOD and to demonstrate his pwoer healing the sick, casting out demons and liberating the captives (Luke 4:14-19; Matt. 4:23). The same power of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the story of Acts 2, handed similar authority over to the disciples. Jesus is the prototype of the life filled with the power of the Spirit (10:38). The Book of Acts is the history of the disciples receiving that which Jesus erceived to do that which Jesus did.

Luke's terminology in describing people's experiences with the Holy Spirit in Acts is fluid.He is more interested in transmitting the dynamics of the events than in delineating a theology with rpecise words. He says that all were "filled with the Holy Spirit" (2:4; 9:17), "received the Holy Spirit" (8:17), "the Holy Spirit fell on all" (10:44), "the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out" (10:45), and "the Holy Spirit came upon them" (19:6). These things are essentially equivalent to Jesus' promise that the Church would be baptized "with the Holy Spirit" (1:5; see especially its immediate fulfillment in 2:4, which Luke describes as a filling).

Three of these five examples recognize special manifestations of the Spirit, in which the people who were there were taking an active part. Those who were present on the day of Pentecost, as well as the Gentiles in Cornelius' house, spoke in other tongues (2:4; 10:46); the Ephesians "spoke in tongues and prophesied" (19:6). Although it's not specified, it's generally accepted that there was also some type of manifestation in which the Samaritans participated, because Luke says that, "when Simon saw that...the Holy Spirit was given" (8:18).