Acts 1:1-5
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Anyone who has ever read a history textbook appreciates Luke[1] as a writer. Most history textbooks are written by men who are really into history, but secretly think they are John Steinbeck. Everything you actually need to learn is scattered throughout pages of alliterations, metaphors, and fancy introductions that provide no purpose[2]. Luke just doesn’t care. He states the purpose of his writings and then just dives right into the story (Luke), or simply acknowledges to the reader that this is part two and continues with the story (Acts). So then, what is the purpose behind Luke writing the books of Luke and more importantly for our study, the book of Acts?
Both the book of Luke and the book of Acts are directed toward “Theophilus”. While there are many theories as to whom Theophilus was[3], it is extremely likely that he was not, at the moment of the writings, a follower of Christ. Luke seems to acknowledge this, and then just jump right into the story. He seems to be writing to provide an overview of Christianity, from the birth of Christ, through his death on the cross, and the continuation of his work through the church. As reading Luke and Acts will show you, Luke does not see any need to sugarcoat who Christ is, or to make any apologies for what a non-Christian would probably view as extreme. Even in this intro to Acts, he mentions being baptized in the Holy Spirit[4] and doesn’t pause for a second to consider how that sounds to a non-Christian. It’s a powerful example for us in our post-modern world, as we attempt to describe our Christian experience in a way that often minimizes the impact Christ has had on our lives. I believe that we will have a more powerful witness when we are open and proud of who are God is, not attempting to describe the god you think the world wants.
Acts serves another very unique purpose as well. It openly admits to being merely a continuation of the gospel of Luke. More importantly, it is a continuation of the story of Christ. None of the gospels continue the story after the ascension, but Luke realizes that the story does not end there. The story of Christ is continued through the acts of the Church, both recorded in Acts and those that continue today. Luke writes Acts to show us our place in the story. It shows historical backing to Christ stating he will always be with us, the Holy Spirit is coming, and we will do greater things than he did[5]. Acts doesn’t allow us to sit around and wonder what’s next, it shows us what it looks like to go into the world and be the body of Christ.
1. The author of Acts
2. Don’t say it.
3. This starts with debate over whether Theophilus was someone’s actual name or just an expression for “friend of God”. Regardless, the way Luke describes him makes him seem important, and the phrase “most honorable” (used to describe him in Luke) is often used for a Roman official. Of all the theories, the belief that Theophilus was Paul’s defense attorney in his trial in Rome may make the most sense, as Luke seems to keep trying to say that Christianity is in no way a threat against Rome.
4. We will very carefully cover this when we get to Pentecost.
5. John 14:12. I get what he’s saying, but no matter what I do I’m never going be an atonement for the sins of mankind. Although I one upped his water-into-wine thing by turning water into “delicious Kool-Aid, so there is that.
