Articles
Many Have Written - Acts
Many Have Written - Acts
Luke was a companion of Paul and a trusted worker. In Acts 16:10 we notice the first 'we' section indicating (?) that Luke joins Paul in Troas. Such 'we' statements continue on and off in the book of Acts: 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; and 27:1–28:16. He had much time to talk and learn from Paul. He apparently is a gentile and was said to be a physician (Col. 4:14). According to 2Tim. 4:11, Luke was with Paul while he was imprisoned by Rome.
Luke made careful study of these things. He noted that many had already written various accounts of the life of Jesus. He had collected and read and studied them. Luke then wrote his conclusions with the express purpose that the reader might "know assuredly the things believed…" (Luke 1:1-4).
He states that in the 'first book… I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach…" (Acts 1:1). Of course, this first book is what we know as the gospel of Luke. Thus, Acts is the 2nd book to show what Jesus 'continued to do' through His apostles. Mark recorded that the apostles "went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs" (Mark 16:20).
As you read through Acts, do not forget that you are learning what the early disciples understood / believed / preached concerning Jesus as the son of God. Of these things Luke says we can 'have certainty concerning the things you have been taught' (Luke 1:4).
The heart of the message is that Jesus, by being raised from the dead, is now Christ and Lord over all. Those that are his disciples are thus 'devoted to' following His teaching as revealed by His apostles (Acts 2:41).
Hugh DeLong
