The Book of Acts...in the Sacred Scriptures...actually the proper name is: "The Acts of the Apostles", was written by a man who was of Greek origin. He is the only author of the entire New Testament who was not Jewish. He wrote this book it is determined about 30 years after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 4:11 mentions Luke to be a physician...now was he a general practitioner, a heart specialist, or pediatrician?...we don't really know. In fact, there really isn't anything mentioned as to Luke's professional career as a physician.
What we do know about Luke is:
1. Most historians agree Luke is the author of this book we refer to as "The Book of Acts".
2. Luke was not one of "The Original"...the 12 disciples.
3. Luke is confirmed in the Scriptures to have worked and travelled with the Apostle Paul.
What Luke is most noted for by historians, both biblical and secular...is his passion to write the Book of Acts...with accuracy. He attempted to give a careful analysis and accurate descriptions of what events occurred...after the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke's desire or so it seems was to pass on this information to us today...with this thought: "This is what really happened!"
Luke wrote this particular book for at least 3 main reasons:
1. People in that day were already saying false things about those who made the decision to embrace the Christian faith. These false claims included Christians were really wanting to disrupt the lifestyle and customs of the day and hopefully assist in the overthrow of the Roman Empire. Luke's rebuttal to these false claims were Christians were not like that at all...instead they were committed to helping others and support those who genuinely suffer in life.
2. Luke seemed particularly impressed with the miracles that were performed through the Apostles...and gave written details as to some of these events. Two examples are a) Peter's supernatural release from prison and b) the power of God working through the Apostles to cure people of various diseases.
3. Luke gave emphasis to how Christianity was being accepted. He wanted there to be a clear understanding that Christianity was not just another religion...rather, Christianity was the completion of Judaism....because the Messiah had truly come.
Yet, the main reason Luke chose to write this Book of Acts is because with the spreading of the Good News of Christ Jesus, from Jerusalem all the way to Rome, Luke's most adamant desire was to record these events that took place...in the most accurate way. He also wanted to let all those who heard this Good News know...the Gospel of Jesus Christ was available for all...whether he/she be Jewish or Gentile.
An interesting note concerning this book Luke wrote... it was actually a volume 2 of his recordings of the events that took place after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The reason for this is at the beginning of the Book of Acts he starts out: In my former book...".
And here is a thought: some historians think that because of the rather abrupt ending to the Book of Acts, Luke might have been thinking about writing a volume 3 of the Book of Acts...or perhaps it is a "Lost Book".....
So, if you happen to be cleaning your attic one day...and come across a book or two that either starts out with "In my other 2 books..." or "This is the first of the recorded events...", and you notice the author is a guy named Luke...hang on to them!...you might have something!
I would like to focus on chapter one of the Book of Acts of the Apostles, starting in verse one and going through verse 11. Luke is writing to a man named Theophilus, and uses the phrase "most honorable". Normally in that time period this type of title is reserved for governors of the region...such as Governor Felix or Governor Festus as read in other passages of Scripture. I really don't know who Theophilus was...but obviously held some position of authority.
A Gleaning from Acts 1: 1-11
"In my former book, O most honorable Theophilus, I made a continuous report dealing with all things which Jesus began to do and teach, until the very day He was taken up into heaven. Yet, I would like to clarify that...before He said "Good-Bye" to His apostles, who He had chosen Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit...He indeed gave specific and clear instructions as to what they were to do at that specific time.
You see, during the 40 days...following the Crucifixion, Jesus presented Himself to these very apostles....alive! Yes...He is very much alive!
This became apparent because of a series of convincing demonstrations that were without question and inevitable proof...He really has...arose from the dead!
In fact, Christ Jesus had "face to face" meetings with the apostles, speaking to them about things concerning the Kingdom of God. Please be aware all of these meetings took place...after the Crucifixion.
At one of these meeting He was actually partaking of a meal...with them! Here He gave some pertinent instructions as to what the apostles were to do. He spoke to them and said: "Don't leave Jerusalem...not yet! Wait right here until you hear from My Father...for He has a gift for you...and you will certainly be in need of this gift...He is the Holy Spirit! I had mentioned Him to you before, and now the Father is about to give Him to You.
You see, John baptized us with water...yet in a few days...you will be baptized with the "surprise of your life"...the Precious and Powerful...Holy Spirit!"
Yet, the apostles were still not getting who Jesus was referring to...because while this meal was going on, the apostles could be heard repeating a question...and then asked Him: Lord...are You here to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"
Jesus replied: "Look, the timing of events in life...that is strictly the Father's call. Don't get yourselves all wrapped up in things like that."
Then Jesus continued in His former train of thought....
" In a short time, you will receive power...and you can trust Me...when this power comes upon you...you will find yourselves being witness of Me...not only here in Jerusalem....but in Judea...on into Samaria...and into the very remote parts...of the entire earth!"
Those were...the last words He spoke.....
For right after He had finished speaking those very words, with all the apostles watching and Jesus in clear view...Jesus was taken up in a cloud...and this cloud carried Him...completely out of sight!
As this event was happening, with the apostles all straining to see where Jesus was going, suddenly 2 men dressed in white robes appeared before them.
These 2 men then addressed the Apostles and said: " Men of Galilee, why strain your eyes to see where Jesus has gone? He has been taken to heaven...yet!...the day will come...He will be back! And, He will return in the very same manner you have just seen Him go!"
Colossians 4:11 mentions Luke to be a physician...now was he a general practitioner, a heart specialist, or pediatrician?...we don't really know. In fact, there really isn't anything mentioned as to Luke's professional career as a physician.
What we do know about Luke is:
1. Most historians agree Luke is the author of this book we refer to as "The Book of Acts".
2. Luke was not one of "The Original"...the 12 disciples.
3. Luke is confirmed in the Scriptures to have worked and travelled with the Apostle Paul.
What Luke is most noted for by historians, both biblical and secular...is his passion to write the Book of Acts...with accuracy. He attempted to give a careful analysis and accurate descriptions of what events occurred...after the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke's desire or so it seems was to pass on this information to us today...with this thought: "This is what really happened!"
Luke wrote this particular book for at least 3 main reasons:
1. People in that day were already saying false things about those who made the decision to embrace the Christian faith. These false claims included Christians were really wanting to disrupt the lifestyle and customs of the day and hopefully assist in the overthrow of the Roman Empire. Luke's rebuttal to these false claims were Christians were not like that at all...instead they were committed to helping others and support those who genuinely suffer in life.
2. Luke seemed particularly impressed with the miracles that were performed through the Apostles...and gave written details as to some of these events. Two examples are a) Peter's supernatural release from prison and b) the power of God working through the Apostles to cure people of various diseases.
3. Luke gave emphasis to how Christianity was being accepted. He wanted there to be a clear understanding that Christianity was not just another religion...rather, Christianity was the completion of Judaism....because the Messiah had truly come.
Yet, the main reason Luke chose to write this Book of Acts is because with the spreading of the Good News of Christ Jesus, from Jerusalem all the way to Rome, Luke's most adamant desire was to record these events that took place...in the most accurate way. He also wanted to let all those who heard this Good News know...the Gospel of Jesus Christ was available for all...whether he/she be Jewish or Gentile.
An interesting note concerning this book Luke wrote... it was actually a volume 2 of his recordings of the events that took place after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The reason for this is at the beginning of the Book of Acts he starts out: In my former book...".
And here is a thought: some historians think that because of the rather abrupt ending to the Book of Acts, Luke might have been thinking about writing a volume 3 of the Book of Acts...or perhaps it is a "Lost Book".....
So, if you happen to be cleaning your attic one day...and come across a book or two that either starts out with "In my other 2 books..." or "This is the first of the recorded events...", and you notice the author is a guy named Luke...hang on to them!...you might have something!
I would like to focus on chapter one of the Book of Acts of the Apostles, starting in verse one and going through verse 11. Luke is writing to a man named Theophilus, and uses the phrase "most honorable". Normally in that time period this type of title is reserved for governors of the region...such as Governor Felix or Governor Festus as read in other passages of Scripture. I really don't know who Theophilus was...but obviously held some position of authority.
A Gleaning from Acts 1: 1-11
"In my former book, O most honorable Theophilus, I made a continuous report dealing with all things which Jesus began to do and teach, until the very day He was taken up into heaven. Yet, I would like to clarify that...before He said "Good-Bye" to His apostles, who He had chosen Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit...He indeed gave specific and clear instructions as to what they were to do at that specific time.
You see, during the 40 days...following the Crucifixion, Jesus presented Himself to these very apostles....alive! Yes...He is very much alive!
This became apparent because of a series of convincing demonstrations that were without question and inevitable proof...He really has...arose from the dead!
In fact, Christ Jesus had "face to face" meetings with the apostles, speaking to them about things concerning the Kingdom of God. Please be aware all of these meetings took place...after the Crucifixion.
At one of these meeting He was actually partaking of a meal...with them! Here He gave some pertinent instructions as to what the apostles were to do. He spoke to them and said: "Don't leave Jerusalem...not yet! Wait right here until you hear from My Father...for He has a gift for you...and you will certainly be in need of this gift...He is the Holy Spirit! I had mentioned Him to you before, and now the Father is about to give Him to You.
You see, John baptized us with water...yet in a few days...you will be baptized with the "surprise of your life"...the Precious and Powerful...Holy Spirit!"
Yet, the apostles were still not getting who Jesus was referring to...because while this meal was going on, the apostles could be heard repeating a question...and then asked Him: Lord...are You here to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"
Jesus replied: "Look, the timing of events in life...that is strictly the Father's call. Don't get yourselves all wrapped up in things like that."
Then Jesus continued in His former train of thought....
" In a short time, you will receive power...and you can trust Me...when this power comes upon you...you will find yourselves being witness of Me...not only here in Jerusalem....but in Judea...on into Samaria...and into the very remote parts...of the entire earth!"
Those were...the last words He spoke.....
For right after He had finished speaking those very words, with all the apostles watching and Jesus in clear view...Jesus was taken up in a cloud...and this cloud carried Him...completely out of sight!
As this event was happening, with the apostles all straining to see where Jesus was going, suddenly 2 men dressed in white robes appeared before them.
These 2 men then addressed the Apostles and said: " Men of Galilee, why strain your eyes to see where Jesus has gone? He has been taken to heaven...yet!...the day will come...He will be back! And, He will return in the very same manner you have just seen Him go!"
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