2. THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK. The Book of Acts is divided into two distinct sections.

In chapters 1-12, Peter is the main character, Jerusalem is the center of activity and ministry and the Gospel is presented primarily to the Jews. In chapters 13-28, Paul is the main character, Antioch is the center of missionary work and the Gospel is primarily preached to the Gentiles.

3. THE RECEPIENT OF THE BOOK Theophilus.

Introduction to the Book of Acts Acts 1:1

By Dr. Brad Whitt

Theophilus means lover of God or God-lover or Godbeloved.

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach Acts 1:1

4. THE INTENT/PURPOSE OF THE BOOK. The Book of Acts is a unique book in your Bible. It is unique in its authorship, timing, setting, miracles, teaching and message. Lukes primary purpose in writing Acts was the show how the church, empowered and unleashed by the Holy Spirit, spread throughout the Roman world. That same Spirit, and that same Freedom is available to you today!

Acts is a book that will transform your life and the life of this church if you can just get a handle on this book and allow the Spirit of this book to get a handle on you.

Live in that book, I exhort you: it is a tonic, the greatest tonic I know of in the realm of the Spirit. Martin Lloyd- Jones

It is the chronicle of the spreading flame of the Holy Spirit. - R. Kent Hughes The Book of the Acts of the Apostles is possibly the most important document ever written; its value to the Christian is beyond calculationThroughout the centuries is has been the only authentic history book of the early church. - Ivor Powell

Henry J.Cadbury pointed out that Luke didnt regard the Acts as an appendix nor an afterthought, but as forming with his gospel a single continuous work. He went on to add that in order to emphasize the historic unity of the two volumesthe expression Luke-Acts is perhaps justifiable.

John R.W. Stott, in his commentary on Acts, says that Luke had a three-fold role in his writing.

1. THE WRITER OF THE BOOK Luke.

A. He wrote as a Christian historian. B. He wrote as a diplomat. C. He wrote as a theologian-evangelist.

What do we know about Luke?

Lukeis an evangelist whose concern is to always point us to Jesus Christ and show the way of salvation. Derek Kidner

He was a Greek-speaking Gentile. He was a physician - Colossians 4:14. He was evidently very educated, articulate and thorough - Luke 1:3. He traveled with Paul - Acts 16:12, Acts 20:5, Philemon 24. He was with Paul in Rome - 2nd Tim. 4:11. He wrote Luke and Acts which form one complete work in two volumes.

Lukes theology: Salvation has been prepared by God. (Luke 2:30-31) Salvation is bestowed by Christ. (Luke 2:11) Salvation is offered to all peoples. (Luke 2:31-32)