• Author: Luke • Recipients: Theophilus• Date: 61-62 A.D.• Theme: The origin, establishment and spread of New

Testament Christianity• Key Words: “church,” “beginning,” “Christian,” “Spirit,”

“believe,” “baptized”• Key Verses: 1:8; 2:36-47; 4:12; 10:34-35; 11:26; 20:28• Key Phrase: “What must I do to be saved?” (2:37; 9:6;

16:30; 22:10)

Characteristics & Features of the Book:1. Close correlation to the gospel of Luke2. The “we” sections in the book3. The Hub of the Bible4. Bridge from the old to the new5. The Holy Spirit6. Detailed Accuracy7. Christianity is a spiritual movement, not a political one.

Main Emphasis of the Book:The primary theme of the book of Acts is the historical record (the Divine record) of the origin, establishment and spread of New Testament Christianity in the first-century world during its first three decades of existence (approx. 33-62 A.D.).

I. Luke Records the Growth and Spread of Christianity Geographically.A. Acts 1:8B. Jerusalem Judea, Samaria Uttermost parts of the earthC. Three main cities (Jerusalem, Antioch, Rome)D. From the Jews to the GentilesE. Two central personalities (Peter and Paul)F. Luke portrays the diligent execution of the Great Commission in

only thirty years.

II. Luke Records the Growth and Spread of Christianity Numerically.A. 120 disciples (1:5)B. Added 3,000 (2:41)C. Continued growth and spread of God’s WordD. Estimated over 500,000 Christians at end of first century

III.Luke’s Main Purpose Was to Detail Accounts of Conversions to Christ.A. Luke’s theme (what he wrote) is developed to emphasize his

main purpose (reason he wrote).B. The primary purpose/reason the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to

write the book of Acts was to give readers multiple cases of conversion.

C. The book of Acts was strategically placed in the New Testament D. “God’s vivid illustrations of men being saved” is a great

summary of the book of Acts.E. The book of Acts portrays the compliance of Jesus’ disciples in

carrying out His Commission.F. The book of Acts records multiple examples of conversion.G. The conversion accounts show “how” and “who” can be saved.

IV. Luke Records God’s Revelation of Spiritual Beginnings.A. It was a time of “new beginnings” = numerous spiritual

beginningsB. It was the beginning of the “last days”C. …of the new covenantD. …of the work of the Holy Spirit as promised by JesusE. …of gospel preaching in its fullnessF. …of true, complete remission of sinsG. …of the churchH. …of the unshakeable kingdomI. …of the reign of Christ as King over His kingdom, the churchJ. …of God’s people wearing the name “Christian”K. …of the unity of all nations under one gospelL. …of the persecution of ChristiansM. …of local and worldwide mission work

V. Luke Records, With Great Interest and Emphasis, the Conversion and Labors of the Apostle Paul.A. The reader learns about the apostle Paul’s early life and

training.B. The reader learns about the apostle Paul’s religious zeal.C. The reader learns about the apostle Paul’s conversion to Christ

and early labors.D. The reader learns about the apostle Paul’s missionary journeys.E. The reader learns about the Apostle Paul’s arrest,

imprisonments and trials.F. The reader learns some historical background to the epistles of

the apostle Paul.

Period of Writing

Books Description Date Theme

Second Missionary Journey

1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians

The First Epistles

51-52 A.D. Eschatology:Last Things

Third Missionary Journey

Galatians1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansRomans

The Impregnable Quartet

53-57 A.D. Soteriology:Salvation

First Roman Imprisonment

ColossiansPhilemonEphesiansPhilippians

The Prison Epistles

60-62 A.D. Christology:Christ

Release & Second Roman Imprisonment

1 TimothyTitus2 Timothy

The Evangelist Epistles

62-68 A.D. Ecclesiology:The Church