1. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Jerusalem To
Rome
THE BOOK OF ACTS
Introduction
To the
Book of Acts

2. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Literary classification of the New Testament (see course handout)
Gospels
History
Letters of Paul
General Epistles
Prophecy

3. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Writer
Luke, the doctor, Col 4:14
Accompanied Paul on parts of missionary journey's
We sections: 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:16
Luke was with Paul in Rome (see Acts 27:2; Col. 4:14; Phil. 24)
Luke mention in:
Ireanaeus (~ A.D. 170) knew Polycarp who was alive with some of the apostles notes Luke as the writer
Other ancient references: Muratorian Canon
Source of information for Acts
Present for part of it
Paul, Philip and others
Holy Spirit

4. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Destination
Theophilus (lover of God)- non-Jew, Gentile, 2nd treatise (see also Luke 1:1-2)
Most excellent = Your Excellency
Not real name
High government official
Doctor who was a slave to Theophilus and set free so wrote Luke and Acts as a gift
“so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Lk. 1:4)
Possible defense of Christianity and historical account for non-believers

5. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Date of writing
A.D. 62; before Paul appeared before the emperor Nero
If after, it is strange that Luke would not record the results
The Book of Acts covers from Jesus resurrection A.D. 30 to A.D. 62 when Paul is under house arrest in Rome

6. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Purpose of writing
Title: Acts of Apostles - some of the acts of some of the apostles are recorded. The title was probably not put on it by the author.
Content: Brief account of the growth of the church from Jerusalem to Rome
Possible defense of Gospel to Romans
Purpose: To show the continued mission of Jesus being carried out by His followers to fulfill the great commission; to bring all peoples to salvation (Acts 1:8)
Note the emphasis on preaching, faith, and baptism, and being faithful

7. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Important reasons for writing Acts
Show the history of evangelism and salvation
Christianity is the spiritual Israel
Defense of Christianity to show it is not a political threat
Christ innocent before Pilate (Lk. 23:4, 14, 20, 22)
Magistrates apologize to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:39)
Gallio finds no crime (18:14-16)
Declared innocent by Claudius Lysias (23:29)
Innocent before Festus (25:25)
Innocent before Agrippa (26:32)

8. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Special Areas of Interest
Holy Spirit is seen actively involved in the proclaim of the gospel and growth of the church (over 50 passages)
Early disciples fulfillment of the Great Commission
Historical information about the early followers of Christ and the regions they lived
Theology – contains a lot of theological teaching on Christ being in a right relationship with God
Prayer – show power of prayer in early church
Sermons – comprises one-third of Acts and teaches a great amount of theology
Faith, repentance, and baptism
Church Planting – insights into how church grew

9. Introduction To the Book of Acts
Broad outline (Acts 1:8)
Jerusalem (1:1-7:60)
Judea and Samaria (8:1-12:25)
All the world (13:1-28:31)
Two main sections
Peter and the beginning of the church (1:1-12:25)
Paul and the spread of the church (13:1-28:31)

10. Introduction To the Book of Acts
God initiates the church (Acts 1-2)
Church in Jerusalem (Acts 3-7)
Mission to Samaritans (Acts 8-12)
First mission to Gentiles (Acts 13-14)
Jerusalem Counsel (Acts 15:1-35)
Second mission to Gentiles (Acts 15:36-18:22)
Third mission to Gentiles (Acts 18:23-21:14)
Paul’s imprisonment & Arrival in Rome (Acts 21:15-28:31)