Acts - Introduction

 Introduction:

The full title of this book is “Acts of the Apostles” which is true because it contains the actions of the Apostles. But this is only true in a “secondary” sense. 

First and foremost, this book is the “Acts of the Holy Spirit”. If these 28 chapters were to record the best that the Apostles could do without the Holy Spirit, it would be a totally different book. It would be very dull and could only be classified as historical. Perhaps we could be encouraged in some backhanded sort of way, recognizing the Apostle's failings were like our own. But such a book would not help us. We can be happy that the Holy Spirit comes and acts in people's lives. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts and calls people to Jesus.  It was the Holy Spirit that made this book possible. Therefore, this book can truly be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit.


Studying through the Gospels, the words of Jesus are repeated to us by His followers. They sat “face-to-face” and listened to Him. But Jesus is no longer physically here to speak with us. So, how does Jesus speak and relate to us today? The book of Acts gives us examples of how He has spoken.


Who wrote Acts of the Apostles? - Dr. Luke. How do we know this? Acts is the companion book to the author's first book - The Gospel of Luke. And it is written to and for the same person - Theophilus.


 “Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed (Luke 1: 1-4).”


Why do we think Luke was a doctor? First, we read these words from Paul in Col. 4:14 - “Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.” 

Also, some point out that the author uses specific Greek words, medical terms that are only found in these two books.1


According to “Tradition”, Luke was a servant to Theophilus and his personal doctor. The medical profession was much different in the first century A.D. At that time, if someone had the money, they could buy a Doctor for their household or pay to have one of their servants trained as one. I only half jokingly think that buying a doctor might be a cheaper option than dealing with some of our healthcare costs today :-/.


The early chapters of Acts must have been compiled by Luke through interviewing eyewitnesses. In the middle of Acts 16, the pronouns change, and he begins using “we”, becoming a companion of Paul. This continues to the end of the book. Paul was probably in Jerusalem when the church was first established (Pentecost in Chapter 2), making it possible that at least some information for the earlier chapters (like Stephen’s trial and martyrdom), came from Paul. 


We know very little about Theophilus, who was the original recipient of the book. His Greek name “Theo - philus”2 which means “lover of God”. 


The Book of Acts can be broadly outlined this way:

Chapters 1-7: The Holy Spirit works through people to reach Jerusalem.

Chapters 8-12: The Holy Spirit works through people to reach Judea and Samaria.

Chapters 13-28: The Holy Spirit works through people to reach the “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) 

One last note before we begin. There is one more section of this outline not written in its pages. 

Chapter 29: The Holy Spirit is working through you and me to reach our generation.  And though some may make excuses saying, “God can’t use someone like me”, yet God has chosen our weaknesses to reveal Himself (2 Cor. 12:9-10). God has saved us through Jesus. We are His witnesses. We have a story to tell of His grace, and we will do this by His power.




1. Smith Bible Dictionary, “Luke”. Also: Hobart, “The Medical Language of St. Luke”; William M. Ramsey, “St. Paul the Traveler”, 9:1; and https://journeyonline.org/luke-the-doctor-is-in/

2. Strongs G2321

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