Bible Study Snacks: Introduction to The Book of Acts

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I'd like to thank you for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I do hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I'd like to share some background information about the Book of Acts. This will serve to set the stage for our further study of Acts in the coming weeks!

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's begin with prayer...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

The Book of Acts was written by Luke (Luke's Gospel is addressed to Theophilus - Luke 1:3 - and Acts 1:1 alludes to being a continuation of that writing to Theophilus). This is confirmed by Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius and Jerome who were early church Fathers).

The key verse of Acts is Chapter 1 verse 8 (Acts 1:8) which gives the game plan for evangelizing - first in Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, and finally the utmost parts of the world.

The focus in the Book of Acts is clearly on some of the acts or deeds of mostly Peter (the key figure in the first half) and Paul (the key figure in the second). It might also be called "The Acts Of The Holy Spirit", as that Person of the Godhead is very much an active participant throughout the book.

Though he does not mention himself by name, the author is undoubtedly Luke, physician and frequent traveling companion of the apostle Paul. From Acts 1:1-3, we learn Acts is the second historical account to Theophilus (see below), the first being the gospel universally attributed to Luke (cf. Luke 1:1-4).

Luke is described as "the beloved Physician" (Col 4:14), and the vocabulary of both the gospel and Acts shows evidence of a medical mind. Mentioned as a "fellow laborer" (Philemon 24) who was with Paul in his last days (2 Timothy 4:11), Luke often accompanied Paul on his travels beginning with his second journey.

By carefully noting the use of "we" and "they" in the book of Acts, we glean that Luke joined Paul at Troas (Acts 16:10-11), and remained at Philippi (Acts 17:1) until Paul later picked him up on his way to Troas (Acts 20:1-6). The book ends with Luke accompanying Paul to his imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16).

Both the gospel and Acts were written to one man: Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), whose name means "God lover". It is has been suggested that the use of "most excellent" (Luke 1:3) was a title like "Your Excellency" (cf. Acts 23:26; 26:25) and that Theophilus was a government official of high rank. It is not used in Acts (1:1), and one intriguing possibility is that he became a believer in between receiving the gospel and Acts.

Interestingly, some have entertained the possibility that Theophilus was a Roman official in charge of administering Paul's case before Caesar, and that the gospel and Acts were written to help him understand the facts of Jesus Christ and Paul's role in the history of the church.

The book ends abruptly with Paul under house arrest awaiting trial in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30-31). This may indicate that the book was written before Paul's trial and eventual release. The dates for Paul's first imprisonment in Rome are 60-62 A.D.

If the book was just before or after Paul's release, then it was likely written around 63 A.D. from Rome. The value of Acts is also seen in that it provides the historical framework for the epistles found in the New Testament.

As indicated previously, the original purpose of both the gospel and Acts may have been to assist Theophilus in some official capacity in learning about Jesus and His apostles. Yet the inspiration and preservation of the book would indicate an important future role in the providence of God. Based on its content, I would offer the following purpose of this book:

* To record the establishment and early growth of the church

Other reasons could be given for why this book was written. The detail given to conversions and the involvement of the Holy Spirit would certainly suggest the book is designed to reveal:

* Examples of conversions to the gospel of Christ

* The ministry of the Holy Spirit in the apostles and the early
church

The value of Acts is also seen in that it provides the historical framework for the epistles found in the New Testament. From Romans to Revelation, names, places, and events are mentioned upon which light is shown by the historical account of Acts. Without Acts, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John would be left without a satisfying answer to the question, "What happened next?"

Now, as to the theme of the book, Acts begins in Jerusalem and ends at Rome. It describes the establishment and growth of the Lord's church throughout the Mediterranean world through the work of the apostles and other Christians under the direction of the Holy Spirit. We read their sermons and see the conversions which resulted as they carried out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

We also learn how local churches were established, and much of their work, worship and organization. But mostly what we see as the theme of Acts, is the faith and efforts of those charged to be witnesses of the Lord and of His resurrection from the dead.

REVIEW QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE INTRODUCTION:

1) Who is the author of the book of Acts? What was his profession?
2) To whom was this book written? What other book is addressed to this person? (Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3)
3) What might indicate that this person was an official of high rank? (Luke 1:3)
4) When was this book likely written? From where? What may be indicative of this? (Acts 28:30-31).
5) What is proposed as the primary purpose of the book of Acts?
6) Based on content, what else does the book appear designed to reveal?
7) What is offered as the theme of the book of Acts?
8) What is the key verse? (Acts 1:8)
9) What are the main divisions of the book as suggested by the key verse and the outline in the introduction? (Acts 1:1-8:3) (Acts 8:4-12:25) (Acts 13:1-28:31)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri