Introduction to Acts

Of all the New Testament writings, the book of Acts has the most unique title. All the other books in the NT are named primarily based on their author or the one receiving the writing. However, this book has been referred to as “Acts” and “Acts of the Apostles” meaning that it is a record of all the amazing works which took place by the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Specifically, Acts is a documentation by Luke (also wrote the gospel which bears his name) of the early church and its carrying out of the great commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20. Following His resurrection, Jesus had commanded the disciples (and those who would follow them) to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you….”

The writing of Acts covers three decades of ministry (AD30-late AD60′s) highlighting both the ministry of Peter (Acts 1-12) and Paul (Acts 13-28) as well as their spreading of the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Although Peter and Paul are the primary stories of the book of Acts, the church is really the focus as the Holy Spirit fills the apostles and they in turn entrust the gospel into the hands of local churches in dozens of cities. The reader is able to see firsthand the rapid spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the explosive growth of the church throughout all these regions. On the negative side, Luke also documents the hardships of the church as they face severe persecution for spreading this radical message of Jesus Christ (see Acts 4-8, 11-12). Peter boldly declared this message saying, “there is no other name [other than Jesus Christ] under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Luke’s writing serves as an accurate, historical record of God’s commissioning of the church to take His message to all people. Reading Acts should cause the reader to closely examine what made the early church great and to use those things as guidelines for the modern-day church. In the end, I believe we will find the book of Acts to be one of challenge, inspiration, and motivation to become the church God has called us to be.