Introduction to Acts

As the second book Luke addressed to Theophilus (see Luke 1:3), Acts may originally have had no title. The Greek manuscripts title the book "Acts," and many add "of the Apostles." The Greek word translated "Acts" (praxeis) was often used to decribe the achievements of great people. Acts does feature the notable figures in the early years of the church, especially Peter (chapters 1-12) and Paul (chapters 13-28). But the book could more properly be called "The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles," since His sovereign, superintending work was far more significant than that of any human being. The Spirit directed, controlled, and empowered the church and caused it to grow in numbers, spiritual power, and influence.

AUTHOR AND DATE
Since Luke's Gospel was the first book addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:3), it is logical to conclude that Luke is also the author of Acts, although he is not named in either book. The writings of the early church fathers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome affirm Luke's authorship, and so does the Muratorian Canon (ca. AD 170). Because he is a relatively obscure figure, mentioned only three times in the New Testament (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon v. 24), it is unlikely that anyone would have forged a work to make it appear to be Luke's. A forger surely would have attributed the work to a more prominent person.

Luke was Paul's close friend, travelling companion, and personal physician (Colossians 4:14). He was a careful researcher (Luke 1:1-4) and an accurate historian, displaying an intimate knowledge of Roman laws and customs, as well as the geography of Palestine, Asia Minor, and Italy. In writing Acts, Luke drew on written sources (15:23-29; 23:26-30), and he also, no doubt, interviewed key figures, such as Peter, John, and others in the Jerusalem church. Paul's two-year imprisonment at Caesarea (24:27) gave Luke ample opportunity to interview Philip and his daughters (who were considered important sources of information on the early days of the church). Finally, Luke's frequent use of the first-person plural pronouns "we" and "us" (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16) reveals that he was an eyewitness to many of the events recorded in Acts.

Some believe Luke wrote Acts after the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70; his death was probably in the mid-eighties). It is more likely, however, that he wrote much earlier, before the end of Paul's first Roman imprisonment (ca. AD 60-62). That date is the most natural explanation for the abrupt ending of Acts, which leaves Paul awaiting trial before Caesar. Surely Luke, who devoted more than half of Acts to Paul's ministry, would have stated the outcome of that trial and described Paul's subsequent ministry, second imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11), and death, if those events had happened before he wrote Acts. Luke's silence about such notable events as the martyrdom of James, head of the Jerusalem church (AD 62, according to the Jewish historian Josephus), the persecution under Nero (AD 64), and the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70) also suggests he wrote Acts before those events transpired.

Background and Setting
As Luke makes clear in the prologue to his Gospel, he wrote to give Theophilus (and the others who would read his work) "a declaration of those things" (Luke 1:1) that Jesus had accomplished during His earthly ministry. Accordingly, Luke wrote in his Gospel "unto thee in order" (Luke 1:3) of those momentous events. Acts continues that record, noting what Jesus accomplished through the early church. Beginning with Jesus' ascension, through the [empowering] of the church on the Day of Pentecost, to Paul's preaching at Rome, Acts chronicles the spread of the gospel (the good news of Jesus) and the growth of the church. It also records the mounting opposition to the gospel.

Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God," is unknown to history apart from his mention in Luke and Acts. Whether he was a believer whom Luke was instructing or a pagan whom Luke sought to convert is not known. Luke's address of him as "most excellent Theophilus" (Luke 1:3) suggests that he was a Roman official of some importance (24:3; 26:25).

Historical and Theological Themes
Acts records the initial response to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It provides information on the first three decades of the church's existence - material found nowhere else in the New Testament. Though not primarily a doctrinal work, Acts nonetheless emphasizes that Jesus of Nazareth was Israel's long-awaited Messiah, shows that the gospel is offered to all people (not merely the Jews), and stresses the work of the Holy Spirit (mentioned more than fifty times). Acts also makes frequent use of the Old Testament: for example, 2:17-21 (Joel 2:28-32); 2:25-28 (Psalm 16:8-11); 2:35 (Psalm 110:1); 4:11 (Psalm 118:22); 4:25-26 (Psalm 2:1-2); 7:49-50 (Isaiah 66:1-2); 8:32-33 (Isaiah 53:7-8); 28:26-27 (Isaiah 6:9-10).

Acts abounds with transitions: from the ministry of Jesus to that of the apostles; from the old covenant to the new covenant; from Israel as God's witness nation to the church (composed of both Jews and Gentiles) as God's witness people. The book of Hebrews sets forth the theology of the transition from the old covenant to the new; Acts depicts the new covenant's practical outworking in the life of the church.