Author : Keith Sharp
TitleThe book we will study bears the title “The Acts of the Apostles.” Actually, this book only records a few of the acts of a few of the apostles, with emphasis upon the work of Peter and Paul. The book also discusses some of the work of several evangelists and prophets.
AuthorActs was undoubtedly written by Luke the beloved physician, Paul’s traveling companion (cf. Colossians 4:14). The introduction to Acts identifies the writer as the author of Luke’s gospel (1:1; cf. Luke 1:1-4). Luke and Acts are written in similar style, that of a Greek history. The “we sections” of Acts (passages where the author includes himself among Paul’s traveling companions by using the pronoun “we” of the company; cf. 16:10-17; 20:5 – 21:18; 27:1 – 28:16) identify the author as Paul’s coworker. All other long time companions except Titus are eliminated in 20:4-6. The technical medical language of Acts both rules out Titus and points to Luke. The early Christian writers unanimously named Luke as the author of both the third gospel account and the book of Acts.
To Whom WrittenLuke wrote
to Theophilus (1:1; cf. Luke 1:3). “Theophilus” means “friend of God” Whether this was the name of a real person or a figurative designation of Christians (cf. James 2:23) is a matter of conjecture.
DateAD 63 is almost certainly the date when Luke composed Acts. The book comes to an abrupt close while Paul is still in prison in Rome and before he has been brought to trial before Nero. Nero reigned AD 54-68. Events within Acts lead up to the date AD 63.
Festus was sent to Judea in the fall of 60,…. Paul’s arrest two years previous was at Pentecost 58;…. his departure to Rome was in the fall of 60;…. he reached Rome in the spring of 61; and … the narrative closes in the spring of 63. (J.W. McGarvey, New Commentary on Acts of Apostles. xxvii). (cf. 24:27; 27:1-12; 28:11,30).
DivisionsActs is naturally divided into halves. In chapters one through twelve the apostle Peter is the chief character, whereas chapters thirteen through twenty-eight primarily discuss the work of Paul.
The composition may also be divided into thirds, with 1:8 providing the framework of the entire history. Chapters one through seven show the gospel in Jerusalem, chapters eight through twelve see it spread to Judea and Samaria, and chapters thirteen through twenty-eight record the spread of the gospel of Christ “to the ends of the earth.”
ThemeThe general theme of Acts is the fulfillment of the Great Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:44-49) in the spread of the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” (1:8; cf. Mark 16:15; Colossians 1:5-6,23). In developing this overall theme, five sub-themes are pursued. Three are the forces by which the gospel was spread: the work of the Holy Spirit, the work of the apostles, and the preaching of the gospel. The other two are the results of the spread of the gospel: the examples of conversion and the growth of the church.
General Outline – Acts 1:8.I. General History of the Spread of the Gospel Until the Death of Herod. Chapters 1 – 12.
A. in Jerusalem – 1:1 – 8:4.
B. in Judea, Samaria and Surrounding Countries – 8:5 – 12:25.
II. Spread of the Gospel “to the Ends of the Earth.” Chapters 13 – 28.
A. Paul’s Journeys to the Gentiles. 13:1 – 21:16.
B. Paul Goes to Rome as a Prisoner. 21:17 – 28:31.
