Acts 1:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

NIV: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach

NASB: The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

CSB: I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach

NLT: In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach

KJV: The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

NKJV: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

The Acts of the Apostles is Luke's second book to Theophilus, the first being the Gospel of Luke. We don't know exactly who Theophilus is. In Luke 1:3, Luke gives him the title "most excellent," from krastistos in Greek, suggesting he is in the Roman military's equestrian corps. It is from this unit that the procurators of Judea were typically taken (Acts 24:2; 26:25). "Theophilus" means "lover of God." Luke may be using a pseudonym to hide the identity of a Christ-follower who holds high rank in the local government. By the time of Luke's writing—after Paul's first imprisonment (Acts 28:30)—Roman persecution of Christianity is heating up and a government official would not be immune from danger (Acts 28:22).

We know more about Luke than we do Theophilus. Paul calls him a "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). Paul also records that Luke is in Rome during Paul's first (Colossians 4:10, 14) and second (2 Timothy 4:11) imprisonments. Tradition says that Luke is from Syrian Antioch, the headquarters of Paul and Barnabas, and that he is Semitic but Gentile. Scholars examining Luke's writing note that he is educated in Greek rhetoric as well as Jewish history and Scripture. Having followed Paul for years, he would have no choice but to be well-versed in Jesus' native culture.

The Gospel of Luke covers the life and teaching of Jesus. Luke has ample time during Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima (Acts 24—26) to interview the apostles for details of Jesus' ministry. But tradition suggests Luke relies on another, unique, source. The genealogy given in Matthew 1:1–16 differs from that in Luke 3:23–38, splitting at King David's sons. Scholars believe Luke gives Mary's genealogy whereas Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph. Luke also includes details such as Jesus' birth and early childhood, the birth of His cousin John (Luke 1:5–25), John's recognition of Jesus while both are still in the womb (Luke 1:39–45), and Mary's song of praise (Luke 1:46–56). Taken together, it's very possible Luke received much of his information from Mary, herself.

There is no indication that Luke ever met Jesus personally. He did know Paul, however, as well as the leaders of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17–18). What events he does not witness personally, he is in position to easily receive accounts from those who did.

Acts 1:1–11 fulfills Jesus' teaching that for the Holy Spirit to come, He must return to heaven (John 16:7). After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus spent forty days showing Himself to His believers to prove that resurrection and give them instructions. Now, it is time for Jesus' earthly ministry to end and the Holy Spirit's to come into full effect (John 16:8–14). Acts 1:1–11 is an expanded account of Luke 24:50–53; it is also part of a larger section of Acts that describes the ministry of the twelve apostles as they establish the church in Jerusalem (Acts 1—7).

Acts 1 sets the stage for the establishment of the church and the spread of the gospel. Jesus is alive but if the Holy Spirit is to come Jesus must ascend into heaven (John 16:7). The disciples obey His last instructions and wait in Jerusalem. Peter uses Old Testament Scripture to show the group of about 120 they must choose a disciple to replace Judas. The man must have been with them from Jesus' baptism to His ascension. Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias are put forward and, in the last use of the lots found in the Bible, Matthias is chosen.

Acts 1 is the second letter Luke wrote for Theophilus. In it, he narrates the transition between Jesus' ministry as described in the Gospel of Luke and the development and spread of the church. The disciples have received a temporary indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), and Jesus has spent forty days reassuring His faithful followers (Acts 1:3), appearing to over five hundred in that short time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Now, the disciples complete some administrative-like tasks before the Holy Spirit can begin the ministry of the church on Pentecost (Acts 2).

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.