About Acts
Purpose
To record the birth and growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.
Author
Luke, the beloved physician and Paul's traveling companion, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. As an eyewitness to many events and careful historian, Luke provides the authoritative account of the early church.
Historical Context
Written: 62-64 AD. The continuation of Luke's Gospel, showing how Jesus' work continued through His disciples.
Significance
The only record of early church history, showing how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Key Themes
Holy Spirit, Church Growth, Missions, Persecution, God's Sovereignty
Interesting Facts
- Acts is volume 2 of Luke's two-part work (Luke-Acts makes up 27% of the New Testament)
- The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times - more than any other book
- Records the conversion of 3,000 people in one day (Pentecost)
Prophecies
- Jesus' promise that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Fulfilled: Ongoing fulfillment as the gospel spreads worldwide (2000 years later)


