INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ACTS

‘ACTS’ is considered to have been written around 67 AD. It is the second letter written by Luke to a man named ‘Theophilus’ (believed to have been a Roman Government Officer). Luke’s first letter is the book we know today as ‘The Gospel of Luke’.

Luke 1:1-4 / Acts 1:1-2

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught…In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up to heaven after giving His chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.

Acts tells us about the outpouring of God’s Spirit on the followers of Jesus after His ascension to Heaven (Acts 1-2), and how His Spirit empowered the believers to spread God’s Message about Christ. In Acts chapters 1-7 we see the Apostle Peter and his fellow believers begin to preach to Jewish people in and around Jerusalem. In chapters 8-12 we see the Apostle Philip and his fellow believers take the Good News of Jesus to Judea and Samaria. In chapters 13-28 we see The Apostle Paul take the Gospel to the Gentiles as he takes ‘Missionary Trips’ to other nations, which ultimately is still spreading the message to the world today.

The final chapter of Acts records an account of Paul being under arrest in Rome and awaiting trial (Acts 28:17-31). With this in mind, there is a compelling belief that Luke’s writing was to provide a background history to Theophilus, the Governmental Official who represented Paul at his trial. The aim of Luke’s letters appear to be to inform Theophilus of events prior to Paul’s arrest, to help give evidence in support of Paul’s innocence under Roman law. Today, the Book of Acts offers the reader a special insight into how The Church began.

A group of frightened believers (who were in prayer but hiding from the authorities) became bold witnesses for Jesus, when the promised Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28 / Acts 1:8) came upon them at Pentecost (Acts 2). Empowered by God’s Spirit, these people (often weak and uneducated) went on to preach with miraculous signs and wonders following them. Despite desperate trials and persecution, the believers grew in great numbers. And they continued to speak His ‘Message of Reconciliation’ to all who would listen (2 Cor 5:17-21). This message continues to go out today to ALL people, in ALL nations,  ‘to the ends of the earth’  (Acts 1:8)

So many people are looking for God, all over the world, in many different ways. ‘Acts’ tells us that Jesus came for everyone, both Jew and Gentile (non-Jew) everywhere, across all time. And God’s Holy Spirit has been given to help, guide and teach us. All of this is by God’s Grace and Mercy, given freely, as we look to His Son.

Word of encouragement from The Father’s Heart

I promised from ancient times to pour out My Spirit on all mankind, and to give My blessing to every man, woman, and child in all nations across the earth. My Promise is being fulfilled ~ My Spirit descended on The Day of Pentecost and He is present today. He lives within the hearts of all who trust in Jesus. I sent forth My Spirit to comfort and guide people into all truth. Therefore, take heart all you who hope in God. I have not forgotten you. I have fulfilled My Promise, and through My Spirit I will work all things together for good, as you pray and seek Me first in your life. I AM with you, always. I dwell in your heart by the power of My Spirit, and in the Love of My Son. I will never leave you.

For Bible Study (if desired) ~ Ps 27:14 / Is 44:3 / Joel 2:28-29 / Matt 28:19-20  / John 3:16-17 / John 14:16 / John 16:13-14 / Acts 2:1-4 / Acts 2:17+39 / Acts 10:45 / Rom 8:28 / 2 Cor 1:20-22  / Gal 4:6 / Heb 6:10 / Heb 10:10 / Heb 13:5  / Eph 1:13-14 / / Eph 2:18-22 / 1 John 2:2

Taken from His Story Volume 3, an easy to read book that offers a simple storyline of The Book of ACTS and briefly outlines each of The New Testament Letters. As always, the focus is on God’s Love and Grace throughout. Find in the Amazon bookstore