Acts marks the transition from the work of God provincially among the Jews to His establishment of the universal church. In a real sense the reader goes from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world in these 28 chapters.

INTRODUCTION Among the New Testament writings, Acts stands out as singular and unique. This claim is made on the basis of several considerations. For one, it is the only historical sequel to the four Gospels in the canonical writings. No other narrative in the New Testament continues the accounts given by the four evangelists. Furthermore, this book forms a background and setting for most of Paul’s writings. Bruce writes, “But it is Luke that we have to thank for the coherent record of Paul’s apostolic activity. Without [Acts], we should be incalculably poorer. Even with it, there is much in Paul’s letters that we have difficulty in understanding; how much more there would be if we had no Book of Acts” (F.F. Bruce, Commentary on the Book of the Acts, p. 27). The Book of Acts gives today’s Christians basic information and insights into the early church. Luke portrays the tensions, persecutions, frustrations, theological problems, and hopes confronting the neophyte bride of Christ. How great would be the church’s lack without the material in Acts! In addition, Acts marks the transition from the work of God provincially among the Jews to His establishment of the universal church. In a real sense the reader goes from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world in these 28 chapters. Besides all these, Acts presents a stimulating challenge to every Christian today. The zeal, the faith, the joy, the commitment, and the obedience of those early saints is an example to all believers. It is crucial for followers of Jesus Christ to be as intimately acquainted with this book as possible. As Rackham affirms, “We can hardly overestimate the importance of the Acts of the Apostles” (Richard Belward Rackham, The Acts of the Apostles, p. xiii). Title of the Book The earliest extant evidence for the name “Acts” is found in an anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Gospel of Luke, a work dated between A.D. 150 and 180. How or why it received this title is open to speculation. It must be conceded that “Acts” is not an accurate title because the book by no means contains all the acts of all the apostles. Only Peter and Paul are emphasized. The great Apostle John is mentioned, but none of his words are recorded. The death of John’s brother James is given in one brief sentence (Acts 12:2). The work more accurately could be titled “Certain Acts of Certain Apostles.” However, the title “The Acts of the Apostles” is so well established it identifies this work of Luke very well. Miracles by Peter and Paul Peter Acts 3:1–11 Healed a man lame from birth 5:15–16 Peter’s shadow healed people 5:17 Success caused Jewish jealousy 8:9–24 Dealt with Simon, a sorcerer 9:33–34 Healed Aeneas, a paralytic 9:36–41 Raised Dorcas to Life Paul 14:8–18 Healed a man lame from birth 19:11–12 Handkerchiefs and aprons from Paul healed people 13:45 Success caused Jewish jealousy 13:6–11 Dealt with Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer 20:9–12 Raised Eutychus to life Purpose of Acts Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Luke certainly had a purpose in writing. What was he intending to accomplish? To put it another way, why did he select the materials he chose for the book? To this question there are two answers. On the one hand some say the primary purpose is a historical one; on the other hand some say the goal is apologetic, that is, it is a written defense. All acknowledge there are subsidiary ends, but the question revolves around its primary purpose. The view that the purpose of Acts is a Pauline apologetic is buttressed by the amazing set of parallels between Peter and Paul (see chart “Miracles by Peter and Paul”). Perhaps Luke intended in this way to defend Paul’s apostleship; Paul certainly did not rate behind Peter in power and authority. This may also account for the three accounts of Paul’s conversion (chaps. 9; 22; 26). But though there are striking parallels between Peter’s and Paul’s ministries, the vindication of Paul’s apostleship can hardly be the book’s primary purpose. There is just too much in the book that would be extraneous to this goal. How does the appointment of the Seven in Acts or the detailed description of the shipwreck in Acts 27 further that end? Most recognize that Acts shows the universality of Christianity. Is this its primary purpose? The gospel goes to Samaritans, the Ethiopian eunuch, Cornelius, Gentiles at Antioch, poor and wealthy, educated and uneducated, women and men, the high and Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 349–350). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.