This is my first blog in my Introduction to the Book of Acts authored by Luke, the physician.
The Acts of the Apostles is a continuation of the material Luke presented in the gospel bearing his name (Acts 1:1). Luke is the only Gentile writer in the Bible. He wrote one of the four gospels and the only history of the early church.
Luke wrote more words in the New Testament than any other single person. Paul looms large in the book of Acts. It was certainly God-ordained that Luke was one of Paul’s best friends.
God Ordains Certain Friendships
There are some people the Bible warns us to stay clear of. Probably, Luke made Paul a stronger missionary and Paul made Luke a stronger historian. These two would have been as “iron sharpening iron.” Their shared passion for the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel put them on common ground.
The friends we let near will be part of shaping our life. They will shape us for good or bad.
Luke’s Background
Luke was a medical doctor; thus, Luke was well-qualified to keep a historical account of Paul’s travels. Luke was accustomed to writing notes. With this, Luke’s inspired descriptive accounts enable a reader to mentally accompany Paul on his memorable journeys.
At times in Acts, the text uses the pronoun “we.” The word “we” means Luke had been an eyewitness to what is described.
Christianity is For All
Some have an idea that Christianity is for the illiterate or those of poor emotional stability. Luke and Paul both show that idea to be a lie. I have been pastor to people who were medical doctors, psychologists, etc.
Some people get a “small” mentality. The “small mentality” has us thinking the only people who would want the Holy Ghost are those who have done nothing significant with their life.
Such thinking does not limit God, but it does limit the person who thinks in this way. In some instances, such thinking limits an entire church from being able to reach the educated or well-to-do.
Do not limit Jesus! Do not limit salvation! The up and out are just as “out” as the down and out.
Objective of Acts
The gospel of Luke tells what Jesus began to do and teach (Acts 1:1); Acts continues in the same vein. The difference is the “teaching” and “doing” in Acts was done by the followers of Jesus.
The next blog in my Introduction to the Book of Acts will post tomorrow. I’ll discuss various ways of looking at Acts.
Recommended books for additional study:
Acts of the Apostles by G. Campbell Morgan
Exploring Acts by John Phillips
Acts: The Amazing History of the Early Church by Jet Witherspoon
Other books for helps:
**If you purchase any book via clicking a link, the author of the blog receives a small affiliate marketing fee from Amazon.
Do you know someone encountering depression? Read and/or share my previous blog Encountering Pandemic Inspired Depression Turn Off the Toxic.
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God bless Bishop. I think this work is awsome. I am working on a apostolic commentary as well. I don’t have the education or Greek experience either but I am doing my best to stay true to the text. I am commenting on 1-3 John and I am almost done with 1 john. I pray it will be a blessing for those who do read it. Maybe I can send it to you when I am done. God bless.
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