Read the Bible - Acts, Chapter 1 - Ministry Videos

Both the book of Acts and the Gospel of Luke were written to a man named Theophilus. The author, Luke, was very obviously an educated Gentile, as attested by the style and the high level of Greek used in both the Gospel of Luke and Acts. His Greek is often fully classical. The author's methodical approach to writing and his interest in research reveal an educated, highly trained man.

Possible dates suggested for Acts are A.D. 70, A.D. 80-85 and A.D. 105 - 130.

Theophilus may, quite possibly have been Luke's benefactor. Certainly he was a Gentile who received Christian instruction. As Luke's patron. Theophilus would have provided a living for Luke to enable him to do research and to write his two books. Luke collected material from his own experience and from Semitic sources inside and outside Palestine. He mentions the names of several people who might have helped him. He could have talked to Mary, Jesus' mother, in addition to others who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word.

Acts is a careful history of the development of the early church. Luke's description of geographical and provincial details, of governmental officials and their actions, of imperial procedure, of a sea voyage to Italy, replete with accurate nautical terms - all of these come from a careful researcher who was himself an eyewitness of many of the events he records.

In Chapter 1 we read of:
1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven after His earthly ministry.
3. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus.