The author of the book of Acts is the same as the author of the Gospel According to Luke (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). Luke has been generally accepted as the author of Luke for centuries. The “we” passages of Acts show the author was a companion of Paul (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). Luke was with Paul when he wrote Colossians (4:14) and Philemon (24). The author had a special interest in diseases (Luke 4:38; 5:12; 6:6; 8:43-44, 55; 9:38ff.; 22:50-51), which might be explained because he was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Luke’s loyalty to Paul can be seen as he stayed with the apostle during very trying times (2 Timothy 4:9-12).
The recipient of the book was a man named Theophilus, meaning “one who loves God.” He was addressed as “most excellent” in Luke. This was a title used for some in service of the Roman government (Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25). One author suggested Theophilus was Luke’s benefactor. He may have become a Christian between the writing of Luke and Acts since the title is dropped in the latter.
Acts could be described as a continuation of the story of “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (1:1). The church is, after all, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). McGarvey wrote, “Much the greater part of Acts may be resolved into a detailed history of cases of conversion, and of unsuccessful attempts at the conversion of sinners” (4). Such a statement of purpose fits nicely with the Lord’s marching orders.
He told the apostles, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (1:7-8 NKJV).
Works Cited
McGarvey, J.W. A Commentary on Acts of the Apostles. Seventh Edition. Nashville: Gospel Advocate, n.d.