The Book of Acts is a foundational historical narrative within the New Testament that details the origins and expansion of the early Christian church. It provides the link between the life of Jesus Christ, recorded in the four Gospels, and the theological instruction found in the Epistles of Paul and other apostles. The book begins with the ascension of Jesus and chronicles the power of the Holy Spirit descending on believers at Pentecost in Jerusalem. It then traces the geographic and cultural spread of the Gospel message from its Jewish roots to the wider Gentile world, culminating in the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul in Rome.
Identifying the Traditional Author
The traditionally accepted author of the Book of Acts is Luke, a figure mentioned in several of Paul’s letters. Luke is distinguished as the only Gentile writer in the New Testament canon, originating from Antioch in Syria. He was identified by the Apostle Paul as a physician, suggesting a high level of education. Luke was a companion of Paul, accompanying him on portions of his missionary journeys, which placed him in a unique position to record the events of the nascent Christian movement.
Internal Evidence Supporting Authorship
The Book of Acts offers several internal clues that align with the traditional attribution to Luke. The sophisticated quality of the Greek language suggests an author who was highly educated, consistent with a professional like a physician. The most compelling textual support for Lucan authorship is found in the sections known as the “we” passages, where the narrative switches from the third person to the first-person plural. These passages indicate that the author was an eyewitness traveling alongside Paul during those specific events. The author’s inclusion in the narrative implies he was a member of Paul’s traveling party, and the detailed descriptions of sailing and geographical landmarks further suggest an author who was well-traveled and meticulous.
External Confirmation from Early Sources
The attribution of Acts to Luke is supported by a long-standing tradition from the earliest days of the Christian church. Prominent Patristic writers, such as Irenaeus in the late second century, explicitly named Luke as the author of both the Gospel and the Book of Acts. The Muratorian Fragment, a canonical list dating to the late second century, also affirms that Luke composed the work based on his role as Paul’s companion. This document describes Luke, the physician, as writing the Gospel and the Acts, noting that he did so based on investigation since he was not an original eyewitness to Jesus’s life. The tradition of the early church lends weight to the historical accuracy of this claim.
The Connection to the Gospel of Luke
The Book of Acts is connected to the Gospel of Luke, forming a two-volume work. This literary continuity is established in the opening verses of both books, which share a dedication to the same individual. The Gospel begins with a dedication to “most excellent Theophilus,” and the Book of Acts opens by referring to “the first book, O Theophilus,” which dealt with the life and ministry of Jesus. This direct reference establishes a clear link between the two narratives, confirming they were written by a single author. Acts serves as the continuation of the Gospel, documenting the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles following Jesus’s ascension.