The Acts of the Apostles

Authorship, Date and Place

Luke, the beloved physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, was the author of both the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles (compare Acts 1:1-3 with Luke 1:1-4). Perhaps this first-century missionary kept a travel diary which he developed later, through conversations with the other Apostles and early companions of Jesus, into Acts of the Apostles (21:8,16).

As Acts is chiefly an historical document, it is fairly easy to date. There are no details in Acts of events between around 60-70AD (no record of Peter or Paul’s death, or the destruction of Jerusalem) which means a date of writing before that period would seem sensible. Luke/Acts was possibly one document at first and later separated into two parts by the early church when they established the New Testament canon. The document was probably written in Antioch or Rome (Acts concludes with both Paul and Luke in Rome). See notes on The Gospel of Luke for further information about the dating of Acts of the Apostles. 
 

The Purpose of Acts 

Scholars have suggested three possible reasons for the writing of Acts:

1. Luke is seeking to provide Theophilus, and those associated with him, with a trustworthy account for the origin of the Gospel and its spread throughout the Roman Empire. The message of Jesus Christ is clearly for both the Jew and the Gentile.

2. Luke is demonstrating that Christianity is not a menace to Imperial law and order. He could also be seeking to defend Paul against his enemies, both inside and outside of the church.

3. Luke, the theologian and teacher, is presenting models which could be followed in the future; e.g. church government, mission, the Gospel message, Spirit baptism, etc.

The theme of the book is missionary endeavour. Its key verse is: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The author follows Acts 1:8 as a literary outline: the disciples become dynamic witnesses of Christ and, after the Spirit has come upon them, demonstrate His power. Throughout the text, the Gospel and its messengers move from Jerusalem into all Judea and Samaria, to the Gentiles, and ultimately to Rome, centre of the Imperial world. 
 

Special Features of Acts

Personalities. The book focuses on the activities of two men: Peter (Chapters 1-12), the Apostle to the Jews; and Paul (Chapters 13-28), the Apostle to the Gentiles. Both Peter and Paul have similar lives and ministries to the Lord Jesus. For example, each had a time of preparation; were anointed by the Spirit; proclaimed the word with miracles; raised the dead; encountered opposition; and were rescued from peril by God. Both operated in Christ’s power in dramatic ways (5:15-16 and 19:11-12). Alongside these Apostles, Luke also notes the powerful ministries of Barnabas (14:1-20), Stephen (6:8) and Philip (8:5-8, 26-40).

 
The Church. Although a methodical historian, it must be said that Acts is a selective account of events, perhaps intended to be a manual (note 2:42-47). Luke chooses to highlight the churches of Jerusalem, Antioch and Ephesus. The ministries of Ephesians 4:11 are featured in the book. Along with Apostles, Luke features Prophets (11:27-30; 13:1; 15:32; 21:10-12); Evangelists (8:26-40; 21:8); and Pastors and Teachers (13:1; 18:19,24-28). He is keen to record the numerical growth of the early church (2:41,47; 5:14; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20).
 
The Holy Spirit. Acts is sometimes called ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit’ – the characters receive the Spirit’s empowerment before beginning their ministry (even the ‘servants’ in 6:3-6). Joel’s prophecy (2:16-21) is key: the Spirit is poured out on ‘all flesh’ – first the Jews (2:1-4) and then the Gentiles (10:44-48). The model in Acts is that new believers are baptised immediately and then receive prayer for the baptism with the Spirit (2:38-39; 8:14-17). Luke has an interest in Spirit baptism phenomena and charismatic gifts (2:4; 10:46; 19:6). Note the deity of the Holy Spirit in Acts 5:3-4 and the Holy Spirit as one of the Trinity in 16:6-10.
 
The Lord Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus Christ is continuing His work by the agency of His Holy Spirit (1:1). We see ‘high Christology’ in prayer (1:24); the Apostles’ sermons (2:36; 3:15); the account of Paul’s conversion (9:1-19); Stephen’s death (7:54-60); Cornelius’ house (10:33-36; 11:16-17); and in Paul’s trials (23:11). As with his Gospel, Luke uses the designation Kurios (Lord) to refer to Jesus frequently (for example 9:1 and 26:1).

The Gospel. There are seven main Gospel sermons in Acts of the Apostles:
Acts 2:14-40
Acts 3:12-26
Acts 5:29-32
Acts 10:34-48
Acts 13:26-41
Acts 17:24-32
Acts 26:2-29

By studying these carefully, we can summarise the basic content of the early Gospel message. The following is taken from A.M. Hunter’s Introducing New Testament Theology, pp.65-68.

1. The prophecies have been fulfilled and the new age has dawned
2. The Messiah, born of David’s seed, has appeared
3. He is Jesus of Nazareth, God’s Servant
4. He went about doing good and healing by God’s power
5. He was crucified according to God’s purpose
6. He was raised from the dead on the third day
7. He is now exalted to God’s right hand
8. He will come again in glory to perform the judgement
9. Let all repent, believe and be baptised for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit

It is interesting to note the following:

(a) Christ’s death and resurrection appear every time, followed frequently by the Old Testament promise of His coming and the need for repentance.

(b) There is a difference in the preaching content to religious and non-religious people (contrast the sermon in Acts 17:24-32 with all of the others).

(c) ‘Justification by faith’ first appears in Acts 13:38-39.

(d) The message of the Apostles found in Acts is very close to the very first piece of New Testament kerygma found in 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.