The only Gentile author in all of Scripture is the gospel writer and educated physician, Luke. He wrote this book with a level of Greek style (classical), using a methodical approach with plenty of research. He notes his presence with Paul in Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:16. Few scholars have denied his authorship, though some claim that others wrote in the early second century, using Luke’s name and copying the format of his gospel. Every reliable early church Father, however, acknowledges Luke as the author. Luke wrote the book prior to his own death, obviously, which we known little about. It appears to end rather abruptly, as if a third volume (in addition to this and his gospel) was anticipated. Paul likely died in 68 AD, at the hands of Roman Emperor Nero, but was likely released from house arrest in 64 AD (the year of Nero’s fire). Acts carries to Paul’s house arrest but not beyond. Therefore, it was likely written between 62-65 AD.
The work is usually called “The Acts of the Apostles,” though it actually follows only Peter (1-12) and Paul (13-28) with any significant detail and duration. Luke addressed both Acts and his gospel account to Theophilus, which means “lover of God,” and who certainly could have been a real person – Luke’s benefactor or patron, supporting his research – but who could also represent the church as a whole, as one man, as, indeed, a lover of God.
I offer the following outline, in line with my Reformation Study Bible:
Chapter one serves as an introduction, including Jesus’ ascension and the naming of a disciple (Matthias) to take the place of Judas, who had committed suicide.
Chapters 2-7 explain the founding of the Church in Jerusalem, including Peter’s first sermon, the fellowship of the believers, Peter’s second sermon and the healing miracle of he and John, the persecution of the leadership at the hands of the Sanhedrin, community issues and church discipline, continued persecution, the choosing of deacons, and finally Stephen’s martyrdom.
Chapters 8-12 explain how the Church expanded beyond Jerusalem, namely as persecution stepped up. Philip went to Samaria and then converted the Ethiopian Eunuch. We learn of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, later to be the apostle Paul. Peter works in Lydda and Joppa and then in Caesarea with Gentiles. We learn of the success of the Church in Syrian Antioch. Finally, Herod Agrippa persecutes the Church and then dies when receiving worship.
Chapter 13-14 describe Paul’s first mission trip to Cyprus and Asia Minor.
Chapter 15 reveals the dealings at the Jerusalem council.
Chapters 16-18 reveal Paul’s second mission trip back through Asia Minor into Greece.
Chapters 19-21 detail Paul’s third mission trip, again strengthening established churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and Macedonia.
Chapters 21-26 describe Paul’s Palestinian imprisonment.
Chapters 27-28 detail Paul’s voyage to Rome.
And finally, in chapter 28, we learn of Paul’s two years of house arrest in Rome.
Let’s work through this book to see the challenges and successes the first followers of the risen Lord Jesus experienced.