Introduction to the Book of Acts:

INTRODUCTION:
It is the second part of a two-volume work written by Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul. Originally the two volumes circulated together as two parts of one complete writing. LUKE and ACTS make up about 30% of the material in the New Testament – more than Paul’s writings and more than John’s writings. This book does not contain all the acts of all the apostles. Could better be titled, “Certain Acts of Certain Apostles.”

Written A.D. 63-64ish, probably during Paul’s first imprisonment. It covers approximately 30 years: - the story of the church from it’s explosive beginning on the Day of Pentecost to the imprisonment at Rome of it’s greatest missionary (Paul). To Theophilus (Theo = God, Philus = lover of), and all who love Jesus Christ.

I believe the purpose of this book is to record the spread of Christianity, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Some of it’s themes include:

Church Beginnings → How Christianity was founded, organized, empowered and how it solved its problems within the community. Began by faith in risen Christ, then empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit → Demonstrated that Christianity is supernatural.

Church Growth → Acts shows a dynamic growing community of believers.

Witnessing → These people shared their faith; by personal testimony, preaching, defense. Strengthens our faith as we are confronted by those who challenge it.

Responses to the Gospel → Some believe, some doubt, others are antagonistic.

Opposition → Imprisonment, beating, plots and riots – YET Christianity grew!

Missionaries → Acts is what real missions work is all about!

THE BOOK OF ACTS PICKS UP WHERE THE GOSPELS END. IT IS THE ‘SO WHAT’ OF THE GOSPELS, THE REAL LIFE APPLICATION OF ALL JESUS TOLD US AND SHOWED US. IT IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE CHURCH (THE BODY OF CHRIST = BELIEVERS = CHRISTIANS), OUGHT TO BE AND OUGHT TO DO. THE ZEAL, THE FAITH, THE JOY, THE COMMITMENT, AND THE OBEDIENCE OF THESE EARLY SAINTS IS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL BELIEVERS.