Acts Introduction

18. August 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

In our study today, I will begin with an introduction to the Book of Acts.

Though the author of Acts is not mentioned by name, it is undoubtedly Luke.  Luke was referred to in the scriptures as the “beloved physician.”  You can see evidence of his medical mind and his attention to detail in both books Luke and Acts.   Though Luke was not one of the original disciples, he was a frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and the book of Acts records it as the second treatise that was written to Theopolis, the first being the book of Luke. 

It is evident Luke was very careful to provide a historically accurate account in both the gospel and Acts.  Sir William Ramsay, an archaeologist who started his career to prove Luke to be in error, offered this testimony as a result of his research:  “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy, he is possessed of the true historic sense… in short, this author should be placed along with the greatest of historians.” In fact, Luke provides the only record of the first thirty years of the early church. 

Source: (http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/acts/acts_00.htm)

Both Acts and Luke were written to one man  Theopolis, whose name means “Lover of God.”   While no one is clear as to the identity of this person, Most scholars believe that he is a Roman official  because of the reference that Luke makes to him as “most excellent” which was a common title for dignitaries. 

The purpose of the book is to assist Theopolis in some official capacity in him learning about Jesus and his apostles.  The books are historical reviews of the life of Jesus and the Acts of the Apostles.

The book begins in Jerusalem and ends in Rome and reveals the history of the beginning of the church through the work of the Holy Spirit.  In it, you will find sermons, miracle stories, martyrdom, and the many conversions as they carried out the great commission. 

Tomorrow, we will start the individual verses…

Our Proverbs for the day is: 

Proverbs 17: 1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. 2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. 3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. 4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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