Luke may also have been writing in general to all those who loved God. Saul’s Conversion - Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. The work also constructs a link between the Gospels and the Epistles. The apostle Paul spent his life proclaiming the risen Christ Jesus throughout the Roman world, often at great personal peril (2 Corinthians 11:24–27). This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Acts-of-the-Apostles-New-Testament, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Acts of the Apostles, Early Christian Writings - Acts of the Apostles. Acts says nothing of Paul the letter writer, and he is not called an apostle except in one instance (Acts 14:4, Acts 14:14). Historians are not sure who this Theophilus (mentioned in Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1) was, although most likely, he was a Roman with an intense interest in the newly forming Christian faith. The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of God's promised Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Another overriding theme in the book of Acts is opposition. It's important to recognize that the church did not begin or grow through its own power or initiative. For instance, the letters narrate conflict between Paul and people in his communities—rather than between Paul and Jewish and Gentile authorities, as we see in Acts. The Gospel According to Luke concludes where Acts begins, namely, with Christ’s Ascension into heaven. He was a Greek and the only Gentile Christian writer of the New Testament. The book ends quite abruptly, suggesting to some scholars that Luke may have planned to write a third book to continue the story. First, we learn that God can … Acts is written to Theophilus, meaning "the one who loves God." Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. The book of Acts details the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church from Jerusalem to Rome. Most notable is the incongruity between Paul’s gospel message in Acts and the message we see in his letters, especially … Acts of the Apostles, abbreviation Acts, fifth book of the New Testament, a valuable history of the early Christian church. Acts was apparently written in Rome, perhaps between 70 and 90 ce, though some think a slightly earlier date is also possible. We know that Luke was a faithful friend and travel companion of Paul. The witness spreads beyond Jerusalem - Acts 6:1-12:25. Its narrative supplies a bridge connecting the life and ministry of Jesus to the life of the church and the witness of the earliest believers. The witness reaches Rome - Acts 27:1-28:31. The opening of Acts discloses a primary theme throughout the book. Premium Membership is now 50% off! In chapter nine of Acts, Luke tells us the famous story of Paul's conversion. Corrections? The book ends quite abruptly, suggesting to some scholars that Luke may have planned to write a third book to continue the story. As a result, the preaching of the gospel and the witness of the newly formed church sparks a flame that spreads across the Roman Empire. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. As believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit they bear witness to the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. In Acts, as Luke describes the spread of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles, he focuses primarily on two, Peter and Paul. He was an educated man, and we learn in Colossians 4:14 that he was a physician. As indicated by both its introduction and its theological plan (see The Gospel According to Luke), Acts is the second of a two-volume... As indicated by both its introduction and its theological plan (. (NIV), Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry. In Acts, as Luke describes the spread of the gospel and the ministry of the apostles , he focuses primarily on two, Peter and Paul . ", Peter the Apostle - Member of Jesus' Inner Circle, What It Means to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit, Explaining the Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. It is an important book in understanding how we can be directed by the Holy Spirit and the role of Jesus' lessons in our lives. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. This is the story of Christianity's beginnings and how evangelism played a role in the spread of faith around the world. (The focus shifts here from Peter's ministry to Paul's.). The conversion of St. Paul and his subsequent missionary journeys are given a prominent place because this close associate of Luke was the preeminent Apostle to the Gentiles. The preparation of the church for ministry - Acts 1:1-2:13. Christ's work, both in the church and in the world, is supernatural, born of his Spirit. Although discouraging, resistance to our witness for Christ is to be expected. It is assumed that Paul died a martyr’s death in the mid-to-late AD 60s in Rome. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Acts 1:8"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Authorship of the book of Acts is attributed to Luke. Rejection of the gospel and persecution of its messengers, however, worked to accelerate the church's growth. We read about imprisonments, beatings, stonings and plots to kill the apostles. The book of Acts is an important book for understanding the actions of the apostles, mostly Paul and Peter, after Jesus's ascension into Heaven.