Author: Luke
Theme: The Triumphant Spread of the Gospel Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
Date of Writing: 63 AD
Background: The book of Acts is a sequel, or continuation, of the Gospel of Luke and is addressed to the same man named “Theophilus” (1:1; see the introduction to Luke). Although the author is not identified by name in either book, the opinion of the majority of early Christians and the supporting evidence from within the two books point to Luke, “our dear friend … the doctor” (Col 4:14), as the author of both books.
The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write to Theophilus to fill a need in the church–particularly among the first Gentile (i.e., non-Jewish) Christians throughout the middle-eastern and Mediterranean regions of the Roman Empire. Luke’s books provide a full and accurate account of the beginnings of Christianity. (1) His “former book” (Luke) is his Gospel (i.e., his account of the “good news”) about Jesus’ life. (2) His latter book (Acts) is his account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jerusalem (i.e., when God sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower his first followers). Acts also gives account of the growth and development of the early church that followed. It is obvious that Luke was a skilled writer, a careful historian and an inspired theologian (i.e., a student of matters relating to God, particularly the Christian faith and God’s relation to the world).
Acts covers selected portions of the first thirty years of the history of the church (i.e., the broad community of Christ’s followers with the shared purpose of worshiping God and the primary mission of spreading the message of Jesus worldwide; see article on THE CHURCH). As a church historian, Luke traces the spread of the message about Christ from Jerusalem to Rome. In the process, he mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, 9 Mediterranean islands, 95 different persons by name and a variety of government officials by their specific titles. Modern archaeology continues to confirm the amazing accuracy of the details recorded by Luke. In addition to historical details, Luke insightfully describes the meaning and importance of various experiences and events in the church’s early years.
In its first stages, the NT Scriptures were available in two collections: (1) the four Gospels–the accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and (2) the letters of Paul–a pioneer missionary and Christian leader who started many NT churches among Gentiles (those who were not Jews). As the very important connecting link between these two collections, Acts is placed among the writings that are accepted as God’s proven and authoritative Word. Chs. 13–28 provide the historical background necessary for a more complete understanding of Paul’s ministry and letters to various churches. The “we” references found in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5–21:18; 27:1–28:16) reveal that Luke participated personally in Paul’s travels.
(Taken from the, Fire Study Bible)
Acts 1
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
- Convincing proofs more than likely has to do with revealing Scriptures (2 Pet 1:19 & Luke 24:27).
- 40 Days of discussing the Kingdom of God shows the important of focusing on the Kingdom of God coming to earth.
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
- The important of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22)
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a unique experience after salvation evidenced by speaking in unlearned languages
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Follow the signs but don’t be concerned with the exact time.
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is to give power to be a witness for Jesus
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
- The ascension was the last proof of Jesus’ role as the God-Man.
- Jesus will come back like He left- in the clouds, no chance for false-Christs to be legit.
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place [home/habitation] be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
- I do not believe this was sanctioned by God to draw straws.
- I believe Jesus personally chose Paul (Acts 9:15, 1 Cor. 15:7-11 & Eph. 1:1).
