SETTING

It was important for Luke to show that God’s love and mercy reaches out to all people—“God shows no favoritism,” as Peter told Cornelius (Acts 10:34). Christ is the only Savior (Acts 4:12), so all can believe in him for salvation and new life (Acts 16:31). Despite the tendency of Jewish Christians to keep God’s grace to themselves, the church came to the united conclusion that Gentiles are fully included in God’s promises (see Acts 15:1-31). The message of the forgiveness of sins is for all nations.

SUMMARY

The apostles and other people of God were filled with the Spirit and empowered to carry out the Great Commission to all people. Acts highlights the ministries of Peter (Acts 1:1–12:25) and Paul (Acts 13:1–28:31).

Acts follows a geographical outline based on Acts 1:8. The Christian message and community of believers spread in Jerusalem (Acts 1:1–8:3), in Palestine and Syria (Acts 8:4–12:25), and in the Gentile world throughout the Roman empire (Acts 13:1–28:31). The closing word in the Greek text of Acts (akōlutōs, “unhindered,” Acts 28:31) speaks of the unhindered spread of the gospel to Jews (Acts 3:1–5:42), Samaritans (Acts 6:1–8:40), “God-fearers” (Acts 8:26-40; 9:32–11:18), and Gentiles (Acts 11:19-30; 13:1–28:31).

PURPOSES OF ACTS

Geography. Acts shows how the message was taken from Jerusalem to Rome (1:8; 9:15).

Evangelism. Acts gives clear examples of how Christian leaders proclaimed the Good News to different audiences (note the speeches of chs 2–5, 7, 10, 13, 22, 26). Acts shows that the gospel is open to all—not only to Jews but also to Gentiles (including Samaritans, “God-fearers,” and “converts to Judaism”; 2:8-11; 8:4-25; 10:1–11:18), and not only to men but also to women (5:14; 8:12; 16:13-15; 17:4, 12, 34; 18:26; 21:9).

Politics. Acts presents a strong defense of the Christian faith to Jews (4:8-12; 7:2-53) and to Gentiles (e.g., Paul’s defense before Felix, 24:10-21, and before Agrippa, 26:1-23). Luke argued that Christianity was entitled to the same protection Judaism enjoyed as a religio licita (“permitted religion”) and that it represented no danger to the Roman state (18:15; 19:37; 23:29; 25:25; 26:32).

AUTHORSHIP

Luke was Paul’s traveling companion (see 16:10 and note) and was with Paul during his later years (2 Tim 4:11). Several passages in Acts appear in the first person (“we”; 16:10-18; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1–28:16), which suggests that Luke was with Paul for parts of his journeys. In Col 4:14, Luke is referred to as the “beloved doctor” in connection with other non-Jews (cp. Col 4:11) who were working with Paul (see Phlm 1:24). Paul was grateful for Luke’s love and support as a faithful co-worker and friend.

Luke was also apparently the author of the Gospel that bears his name. The theological viewpoint is consistent throughout both works. Each book highlights the historical character of God’s action in redemption, the central role of the Holy Spirit, the central place of prayer, the importance of angels, and the fulfillment of OT promises in the life of Jesus and in the unfolding life of the Christian community. Luke was a theologian of holy history who saw God as governing the course of events for the outworking of the divine purpose.

As a responsible Hellenistic historian, Luke used good historical methods and described his procedures in detail, showing concern to write an accurate and orderly account of the truth of Christian origins (Luke 1:1-4). Where other sources can verify Luke’s writings, he proves to have been careful and accurate in handling historical details. Luke was also a literary artist, a gifted storyteller who perceived and clearly portrayed the hand of God in the development of the Christian mission. He is one of the most important historical writers between Polybius, “the last of the great Greek historians” (100s BC), and Eusebius, the first major church historian (AD 275–339).

DATE AND PLACE OF WRITING

Acts was probably written in Rome, though Greece and Asia Minor are possible locations.

Acts is generally dated between the early 60s AD and the end of the expected life span of Paul’s co-workers and traveling companions (mid-80s AD). Many scholars have opted for a date after AD 70, arguing that Luke used Mark as one of his sources and dating Mark in the late 60s. However, Acts makes no mention of the outcome of Paul’s trial (about AD 62); the death of James, the Lord’s brother (early 60s AD); the persecution of Christians carried out by Nero following the fire of Rome in AD 64; the deaths of Peter and Paul (about AD 64~65) and Nero (AD 68); the Jewish revolt (AD 66); or the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70). Acts ends with Paul under house arrest (AD 60–62). Therefore, it seems more likely that Luke wrote Acts before AD 64. Those who date Acts after AD 70 would answer that Luke omits these events because they were not pertinent to his purpose (see 1:8; 9:15; 28:31).

RECIPIENTS AND DESTINATION

The book of Acts is the second volume of a two-part work (see 1:1-2; Luke 1:1-4). The prime recipient of Luke’s Gospel and the book of Acts was Theophilus (1:1; Luke 1:3), whose name means “one who loves God.” Theophilus is described by the title, “most honorable” (Luke 1:3), which is used elsewhere for Roman governors such as Felix and Festus (23:26; 24:2-3; 26:25). Theophilus may have been Luke’s patron and benefactor. He was a Gentile who had received Christian instruction (Luke 1:4). Luke wanted him and others to have an accurate understanding of the Christian faith and of its spread into the Mediterranean world so they could be “certain of the truth” concerning Christianity (Luke 1:4).

LITERARY CHARACTERISTICS

The material of Acts is presented carefully and accurately (e.g., 11:28; 18:2), and this precision has often been affirmed by archaeology, geography, and related studies. Luke has combined historical accuracy and detail with a gift for vivid and dramatic descriptions (e.g., 5:17-32; 12:1-17; 14:8-20; 16:11-40; 27:1-44).

Acts is punctuated by powerful speeches of Peter, Stephen, James, and Paul (2:14-40; 7:2-53; 15:13-21; 22:3-21). The varied literary styles in Acts fit the cultural settings in a remarkable way. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost has a strongly Jewish character (2:14-40), while Paul’s preaching before the cultured Greek philosophers in Athens uses the forms of Greek oratory (17:22-31). These characteristics all support the historical authenticity of the book.

MEANING AND MESSAGE

Acts shows that the Christian faith truly fulfills God’s promises in the Hebrew Scriptures (2:16-36; 4:11-12; 10:42-43; 13:16-41; 17:30-31; see Luke 24:25-27, 44-47). Christ brought salvation (8:35; 10:36; 16:17, 30-31). Prayer advances God’s Kingdom (1:12-15; 2:1-4; 4:24-31; 12:5) while the Holy Spirit energizes and equips God’s people to carry out their mission (1:8; 4:8, 31; 6:3, 5, 10; 7:55; 11:24; 13:9, 52).

Acts shows the importance of the individuals that God has chosen to carry his message and testify about Christ. At the beginning the apostles testified about the life and ministry of Jesus (1:22; 10:39-41; see Luke 1:2) and explained Jesus’ significance in God’s plan to redeem humanity (2:40; 3:15; 4:33; 10:42). Matthias was chosen to replace Judas in the company of the twelve apostles (1:12-26). Later, other Christian leaders shared in the task of testifying for their Lord; Stephen and Philip are two outstanding examples of bold witness to their faith (7:2-53; 8:4-40). Other Christians simply shared their faith as they had opportunity (e.g., 8:1-4; 11:19-21). Later, God called Paul to participate in this enterprise as his “chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel” (9:15; 22:1-21; 26:2-23). Paul, like Peter, occupies a central role in Acts as a major witness for Christ.

The apostles proclaimed that the death and resurrection of Jesus was God’s plan fulfilling Scripture (2:22-36; 3:15; 4:27-28, 33; 7:52; 8:32-35; 10:38-43; 13:26-39). Jesus was the one appointed to redeem humankind, so the apostles’ message was, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (16:31). God offers his grace and forgiveness to all. “There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (10:36).