ACTS
The Acts of the Apostles
Name / Title
Acts – meaning the activity, the actions
NOT Acts – as laws and ordinances
Titles of books are not inspired, given by men to identify them
It is in facts – Some of the acts of a few of the apostles
The first 10 chapters – the focus is on Peter
The rest of the book – the focus in on Paul
Author
Acts 1:1 and Luke 1:1-4 – Luke is the author
Luke was a medical doctor – physician
Traveled with Paul on parts of 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys
Not the “they” and “we” passages in the book.
Luke and Acts – same style, same vocabulary
Acts picks up where Luke ended
Addressed to
Theophilus – A Greek name meaning “Lover of God”
Both Luke and Acts are written to the Greek world
Probably a Roman soldier or government official
“Most Excellent” (Luke 1:3) is a term used to address high ranking officers or government officials.
Date
Tells about Paul in Rome – 62
But does not tell about the death of Paul – about 64
Most believe it was written about 63
Where Written
Probably from Rome – with Paul
See Acts 28:16
Purpose
To tell the events that resulted from the life of Christ
To record the establishment, growth and spread of Christianity
ACTS - CHAPTER CONTENTS
Ascension; Selection of Mathias
Pentecost
Lame man healed
Before the council
Ananias and Sapphira
Grecian Widows
Stoning of Stephen
Samaria; Ethiopian
Saul
Cornelius
Acceptance of Gentiles
Peter escapes prison
First journey
Paul stoned at Lystra
Jerusalem conference
Second journey
Mars’ Hill
Corinth
Twelve men at Ephesus
Meeting with Ephesus’ elders
Ceasarea and Jerusalem
Paul’s defense
Plot to kill Paul
Felix
Moved to Caesarea
King Agrippa
Shipwrecked
Arrives in Rome