Jesus’ last recorded words have come to be known as the Great Commission: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The book of Acts, written by Luke, is the story of the men and women who took that commission seriously and began to spread the news of a risen Savior to the most remote corners of the known world.
Who Wrote Acts?
Acts 1:1 refers Theophilus to “the former accounts,” that is, the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s source for the “we” sections in this book (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-21:18) was his own memory if not some kind of diary. For the remainder of this book, Luke no doubt followed the same careful investigative procedures he used in writing his Gospel.
As a close traveling companion of Paul, Luke had access to the principle eyewitness for chapters 13-28. It is also likely that he had opportunities to interview such key witnesses in Jerusalem as Peter and John for the information in chapters 1-12. Acts 15:23-29 and 23:26-30 indicate that Luke may have used written documents as well.
Jesus in Acts
The resurrected Savior is the central theme of the sermons and defenses in Acts. The Old Testament Scriptures, the historical resurrection, the apostolic testimony, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit all bear witness that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
The Keys to Acts
Key Theme: The Growth of the Church
While there are four accounts of the life of Jesus, this is the only book that carries on the story from His ascension to the period of the New Testament epistles. Thus, Acts is the historical link between the Gospels and the Epistles. Because of Luke’s strong emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, this book could be regarded as “the Acts of the Holy Spirit working in and through the Apostles.” As a missionary himself, Luke’s interest in the progressive spread of the gospel is obviously reflected in this apostolic history. Luke was personally involved as a participant in this story, so it was not written from a detached point of view.
From a theological standpoint, Acts was written to trace the development of the body of Christ over the one-generation transition from a primarily Jewish to a predominantly Gentile membership. This apologetic work presents Christianity as distinct from Judaism but also as its fulfillment.
Key Verse: Acts 1:8; 2:42-47
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [d]to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
Key Chapter: Acts 2
Chapter 2 records the earth-changing events of the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit comes, fulfilling Christ’s promise to wait until the Holy Spirit arrives to empower and direct the witness. The Spirit transforms a small group of fearful believers into a thriving, worldwide church that is ever moving forward and fulfilling the Great Commission.
The Open Bible
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