Acts of Apostles in the Early Church 

Accurate historical details 

The account in Acts covers about 30 years and reaches across lands from Jerusalem to Rome.

Luke describes a variety of people and cultures, and of governmental administrations; he also describes court scenes in Caesarea, and dramatic events involving centers such as Antioch, Ephesus, Athens, Corinth and Rome.

Archaeological findings reveal that Luke used the proper terms for the time and place being described. Criticism has not disproved the accuracy of Luke's political and geographical designations.

Dramatic description

Luke's use of speeches contributes to the drama of his narrative. Not only are they carefully spaced and balanced between Peter and Paul, but the speeches of a number of other individuals add variety to the account.

Luke's use of details brings the action to life. Nowhere in ancient literature is there an account of a shipwreck superior to Luke's with its nautical details. The book is vivid and fast-moving throughout.

Literary excellence

Luke employs a large vocabulary compared with other New Testament writers, and he uses these words in literary styles that mesh well with the cultural settings of the events being recorded.

Luke uses good, classical Greek, but also the Palestinian Aramaic of the first century.

This indicates his careful practice of using language that fits the time and place being described.

Objective account

Luke's arrangement of material does not detract from the accuracy of his record.

He demonstrates objectivity by recording the failures as well as the successes, the bad and the good in the early church.

Not only is the discontent between Grecian Jews and Hebraic Jews recorded, but also the discord between Paul and Barnabas.

Major Themes of Acts

Church Beginnings:  Acts is the history of how Christianity was founded and organized and solved its problems. The community of believers began by faith in the risen Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to witness, to love and to serve.

New churches are continually being founded. By faith in Christ and the power of the Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change. As we face new problems, Acts gives important remedies for solving them.

Holy Spirit:  The church didn't start or grow by its own power or enthusiasm. The disciples were empowered by God's Holy Spirit. He was the promised Comforter and Guide sent when Jesus went to heaven.

The Holy Spirit's work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. Thus the church became more conscious of the Spirit's unique way of solving man's problems. By faith, any believer can claim the Spirit's power to do Christ's work.

Church Growth:  Acts presents the history of a dynamic, growing community of believers from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century it spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries, islands, or provinces.

When the Holy Spirit works, there is movement, excitement, and growth. He gives us the motivation, energy and ability to get the gospel to the whole world. How are you fitting into God's plan for expanding the gospel? What is your place in this movement?

Witnessing: Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more witnessed to their new faith in Christ. By personal testimony, preaching, or defense before authorities, they told the story with boldness and courage to groups of all sizes.

We are God's people, chosen to be part of his plan to reach the world. In love and by faith, we can have the Holy Spirit's help as we witness or preach. Witnessing is also beneficial to us because it strengthens our faith as we confront those who challenge it.

Opposition: Through imprisonment, beatings, plots, and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. But the opposition became a catalyst for the spread of Christianity. This showed it was not the work of man, but of God.

God can work through any opposition. When severe treatment from hostile unbelievers comes, realize that it has come because you have been a faithful witness. Look for the opportunity to present the Good News about Christ. Seize the opportunities that opposition brings.

(Source: Life Application Bible)

Recipient of Acts: Theophilus

Luke wrote both his gospel and Acts to a man called Theophilus. Luke calls him "most excellent Theophilus." The phrase means "your excellency," and indicates someone high in the service of the Roman government. 

It's possible Theophilus is not a real name at all. In those days it could be dangerous to be a Christian. Theophilus comes from two Greek words, theos which means God and philein which means to love. It may be that Luke wrote to a lover of God whose real name he did not mention for safety's sake.

If Theophilus was a real person, then he must have been a high government official. Perhaps Luke wrote to show him that Christianity was a lovely thing and that Christians were good people. Maybe his writing was an attempt to persuade an official not to persecute the Christians. 

There is a more romantic theory than either of these based on the fact that Luke was a doctor and that doctors in ancient days were often slaves. It's been conjectured that Luke was the doctor of Theophilus, who had been gravely ill, and that by Luke's skill and devotion Theophilus was brought back to health. And in gratitude he gave Luke his freedom. Then, it may be, Luke wished to show how grateful he was for this gift; and since the most precious thing he had was the story of Jesus, he wrote it down and sent it to his benefactor.

(Source: The Acts of the Apostles by William Barclay)