It is split in two parts

1. Acts 1-15 is the expansion of the Gospel and acceptance of the Gentiles and Peter is the main focus.
2. Acts 15:35 is the expansion of the Gospel to Imperial Rome and Paul is the main focus. Reason for the name is that the book is primarily a history. The reason why these two men are featured so much might be stated as Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "there is properly no history; only biography."

 Author of the book

• Almost all agree the author is Luke.
• Acts 1:1 Former Treatise.
• Who ever wrote Acts also wrote a former account.
• Acts 1:1 Former treatise O Theophilus
• Luke 1:1-4 Luke wrote for Theophilus

Who was Theophilus?
Basically it is uncertain. The name means "Friend of God or lover of God."

1. Could be a generic term for all Christian readers who thought they were the friend of God or loved Him.
2. Often books intended for the general public were dedicated to friend or patron who contributed to the cost of publishing it.
3. Could have been a Roman official.

   • Called him "KRATISTE" or "most excellent"
   • Acts 23:26 This is used as a title of conspicuous rank.
   • Act 26:25 Also used for Festus.
   • Luke 1:4 Could be a specific Roman official who was being instructed in preparation for baptism.
   • KRATISTE can also be only a friendly greeting no more.
4. He could have been a hostile Roman official. Could Theophilus been a Roman Court official who had heard vague or hostile reports of Christianity as a subversive, troublesome movement and Luke sets out to correct this?
5. It has been suggested that Luke and Acts are trial documents directed to an officer of the court and it is in defense of Paul and Christianity. Much of Acts deals with showing that Christianity is not a threat to Rome.

What we know of Luke

1. Luke is mentioned by name three times in the Bible.
   • Col 4:14 "Luke and Demas greet you..."
   • 2Tim 4:11 "Only Luke is with me..."
   • Phil Vs. 24 "Lucas a fellow laborer..."
   • All of the times are by Paul while in prison
2. Luke was a Gentile
   • Col 4:10-14 (not of the circumcision) He is the only non-Jewish writer of the NT Scriptures. Some scholars think that he may have been a freedman. Names with contractions ending in "as" were particularly common among slaves. (Phi Vs.24)
   • Greek and Roman masters often educated slaves as physicians and later freed them for their services.
3. A romantic tradition of Luke and Theophilus

   • Luke was the slave and doctor of Theophilus who became gravely ill Luke's skill and devotion brought him back to health. In gratitude Theophilus gave Luke his freedom. Luke to show his gratitude gave Theophilus what was the most precious thing he had: the story of Christ and His church.
4. Luke was a physician
   • Col. 4:l4 - Luke the beloved physician.
   • Barkley writes in his commentary The Acts of The Apostles:
     "We could have guessed that Luke was a doctor because of his instinctive use of medical words. In Luke 4:35, in telling of the man who had the spirit of an unclean devil, he says "when the devil had thrown him in the midst" and uses the correct medical word for convulsions. In Luke 9:38 when he draws the picture of the man who asked Jesus, "I beseech thee, look upon my son" he employs the conventional word for a doctor paying a visit to a patient. The most interesting example is in the saying about the camel and the needle's eye. All three synoptic writers give us that saying (Mat 19:24; Mark 1O:25; Luke 18:25).
5. Luke possibly born in Antioch.

   • Many scholars feel that he was probably born in Antioch of a Macedonian family. Acts 6:5 Luke seems to show a special interest in Antioch. Eusibius says in his famous Church History: "Luke, by birth an Antiochene and by profession a physician was for long periods a companion of Paul." P109
6. Luke became a companion to Paul.
7. Luke was not always an eye witness of events
   • Luke 1:1-2 He wrote the Gospel of Luke from documents and facts related to him from the apostles themselves.
8. Luke became an eye witness when he joined Paul.

   • Acts 11:25-26 Luke may have met Paul when he came to Antioch.
   • Acts chapter 1-16 Luke writes in the third person.
   • Acts 16:8 Luke joins Paul. (this about 50 A.D.)
   • Acts 16:7 it says "they"
   • Acts 16:10 Here it changes to "we"
   • Acts 16:6-7 When Paul saw the vision some say it was a vision of Luke. (Many feel that he was a Macedonian)
   • Acts 16:12 They went to Philippi (Named for Alexander's father Philip) Luke stayed in Philippi and served the church 5 1/2 years.
   • Acts 17:1 Back to "they"
   • Acts 20:1-5 Luke rejoined Paul in 55 A.D.
   • Acts 27:1 He was Paul's companion in arrest.
9. Luke was a loyal faithful servant
   • He accepted Paul's leadership without questioning. He did so even after Paul rejected his advice that he not go to Rome and it was proven to be good advice. He probably served Paul in bolstering his frail health. 2Tim 4:11 Luke stayed with him in danger and deprivation.

Style of the book of Acts
Luke was well educated As a physician his education level was high. Hebrews is the most eloquent style in the New Testament Acts is the most clear the most literate. Luke is a master storyteller. Acts tells a story better than any others Acts is written in the same style as the Septuagint. The style is changed from Luke to Acts because there was a different audience. Luke's writing is self-effacing he does not mention himself Acts is written in plain chronological order. Luke 1:3 "in order" Luke is written primarily that way too.

E.M. Blaiklock writes in the Zondervan Encyclopedia:
"The book, in short, is the writing of one who had command of his material, who knew what he wished most to say, who could stress with patience and repletion his most significant reports, and could cut and abbreviate ruthlessly when his main purpose was not directly furthered by the narrative. Such decisiveness requires a clarity of mind and a literary ability of no mean order."

When was it written?
There are three possible dates:

1. 115 to 130 - This would eliminate Luke as the author If it was written later than Paul's death the historian would have been remiss for not including the rest of the story of the result of the trial, his later works, his arrest and conviction.
2. 80 to 95 - The book reflects a Rome that is free from the fierce hostility after Nero's fire and the extreme persecution that occurred after 64 A.D. There would be no need to detail Gentiles acceptance into the church if it were this late and the Jews had their nation destroyed and peoples scattered.
3. 64 to 66 - The book has no reference to the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. None of the accounts could have been written much later than when the events occurred for them to have been so clear and accurate. The book ends abruptly with Paul in prison. If it were written any later than this it would probably refer to other earlier church writings. The most logical date is 64-66 

Purpose of the book
Every writing has a purpose. We tend to get out of a book or movie what we expect. We will see in them what others tell us is there. This is why it is so important to read the preface of a book. What was the author's intent? Every writer has a purpose or motive or point of view. There is always a primary message to any book or movie.

What did Luke want to say in the book of Acts?

• Luke was a historian and he wanted to give permanence to these extraordinary events that were taking place and of which he was a part. The events of Acts were something BIG!!!
• He sensed that this movement would change history. He probably felt compelled to commit them to paper.

What did God want to say in the book of Acts?

Luke may not have ever thought that what he was writing was to be a permanent part of the scriptures. God did know and He inspired what was included. So, Luke may have had a purpose but God had His own purposes that are now also evident in the book of Acts.

Seven reasons for the book of Acts

1. To show how the gospel went to the world throuth the power of the Holy Spirit. There are six sections that each end with a progress report.
   • Acts 1-6:7 It grew but was confined primarily to Jerusalem.
   • Acts 6:8-9:31 Then it spread through Palestine and into Samaria.
   • Acts 9:32-12:24 It spread to Antioch and the Gentiles were included.
   • Acts 12:25-16:5 It extended to Asia Minor, Turkey, and Galatia.
   • Acts 16:6-19:20 It's spread encompassed Europe, including cities such as Corinth, and Ephesus.
   • Acts 19:21-28:31 It finally spread to the very capital of Imperial Rome.
   • All this took 30 years to occur
2. To show that Gentiles were accepted into God's Church.
   • The Household of God passed from national to international.
   • Acts 10:28 The 1st Gentile who was not first a Jewish proselyte is baptized.
   • Before this, there were two kinds of converts.
   • The first was "Proselyte of the gate" Circumcised.
   • The second was called a "God fearer." These believed in the God of the Jews and kept the commands, but did not go all the way and be circumcised.
   • 2 Tim 1:11 Paul becomes the apostle to the Gentiles.
   • Acts 15 a major decision from headquarters - what to require of the Gentiles.
3. To expose the beginnings of a false Christianity.
   • Acts 8:9-25 Simon Magus is identified.
   • 2 Kings 17:24 Samaritans were Persian peoples transported to Israel during the Assyrian captivity.
   • Many of these were descendents of Abraham.
   • They mixed the Pentateuch with the Babylonian Mysteries.
   • Simon mixed Babylonian Mysteries with Christian teaching.
   • Simon Magus was teaching up in Rome about 15 Years before Paul arrived.
4. To show that Christianity was a law-abiding religion throughout the empire and not a threat to Rome. Paul and his teachings were made to appear as a threat to Rome.
   • Acts 17:5-7 Envious Jews brought the charge "another king"
   • Acts 18:12 Charged with teaching people to worship contrary to law.
   • Acts 24:5 Charged with sedition.
   • Acts ends with Paul in prison for such charges.
   • Acts in a great part defends Paul the church and teachings.

   Church members were shown to be good citizens.

   • Acts 18:13-14 There was found no wickedness in them.
   • Acts 19:37 Paul did not rob temples or blaspheme others.
   • Acts 23:29 They did nothing worthy of bonds.

   Paul had a good relationship with Rome.

   • Acts 13:12 Sergius the governor becomes a Christian.
   • Acts 18:12 Gallio was indifferent to accusations against the church.
   • Acts 16:35 Officials had to apologize for wrongs against the church.
   • Acts 19:31 Many chief officials were Paul's friends.
   • Acts 28:28-31 He taught 2 yrs and no one forbid him.
   • This showed that the church and it's teaching were not a threat to anyone.

   Some have suggested that Acts is a trial document.

   • So much of it contains a defense of Christianity and the church that it might be just that in its main purpose.
   • The book ends abruptly with Paul waiting for trial.
   • The fact that it never goes on to show the result or any other works may indicate that it had served its purpose of defense of Paul and that was all it was intended to do.
5. To show how God handled many first time events
   • Acts 2 1st time the Holy Spirit given.
   • Acts 2 1st time tongues given.
   • Acts 6 1st time Deacons ordained.
   • Acts 8 1st time persecution is experienced.
   • Acts 8 1st time heresy develops.
   • Acts 15:37 1st time conflict of personalities occurs.
   • Acts 14:23 1st time field churches raised up.
   • Acts 15 1st conference to decide matters.
6. To link the gospels to the epistles.
   • Without Acts the epistles of Paul would not be accepted by the Church.
   • Acts 1:1 Takes up where the Gospel leaves off.
   • Shows the beginning of the Church and Peter's Primacy.

   a. Act 2:14:40 the first sermon.
   b. Act 3:122-26 Peter heals publicly.
   c. Act 4:8-12 Peter the spokesman to the Jews.

   • Acts 8-13 shows Paul's conversion and the authority of his Apostleship.
   • Acts 15 Shows Paul subject to church government and his link to Peter and the rest in Jerusalem.
   • Acts 17:1, 18:1, 19:1 Show Paul establishing the churches that the later epistles would be written to.
7. To set and example for the succeeding eras of the Church of the tremendous faith and courage of the Apostle Paul.

   • Acts 9:15 He was a chosen vessel of God.
   • Acts 9:6 Once he knew God's will he was in complete submission to it.
   • Paul showed great boldness when facing opposition.

   a. 2 Cor 11:23-27 Suffered great physical abuse for his faith.
   b. Acts 16:23 Paul endured beatings.
   c. Acts 14:19-20 Suffered stoning and perhaps died.
   d. Acts 13:50 Thrown out of the city by the Jews.
   e. Acts 14:5 Attacked by the Gentiles and countrymen.

   • Acts 20:17-35 In the face of possible death, his concern was not for himself but for the churches.

The world had to be prepared for the events of the book of Acts
The story of the book of Acts is the spread of Christianity within the confines of the Roman Empire

Luke wanted to write down what he experienced because he felt that he was part of something very big. He probably did not realize just how big however. In a similar way we probably don't realize fully today the importance of what we are doing.

It took over 30 years to spread through the empire.

It took about 50 to go worldwide in our time. 

It took over 4000 years to set the stage.

Gal 4:4 God waited until everything was ready

Why not have Jesus appear 10 minutes after Adam sinned? Why not give the Holy Spirit instead of the law at Sinai? Why not start the church then and go out to the world?

It all had to happen at the right time.

God controlled everything so that all factors were in place before He sent His son. All was in place before He sent the Holy Spirit started His church and preached the gospel to the civilized world.

Daniel's dream helps us to understand.

Dan 2: 32-45 there was to be four successive kingdoms

Each kingdom contributed something necessary to what had to be in place first before Christ could come and the gospel go out.

• BABYLON: Was the head of gold
• PERSIA: Was the chest of silver
• GREECE: Was the belly of brass
• ROME: Was the legs of iron and clay

Notice that there is a descending order. It is as if the character of kingdoms has been decreasing each era. Certainly the best quality is given to Babylon. The rest are inferior in quality but stronger militarily. 

1. The kingdom  of Babylon developed over a vast period.
   a. Civilization started on the Tigres and Euphrates River.
   b. A major step was food production rather than gathering.
   • This led to a settled life
   • This led to building cities

   c. A system of writing (Cuneiform) developed.
   d. Babylon first became important about 2000 B.C.

   • Hammurabi forged a civilization in Babylon
   • This civilization produced the first forms of writing, a set of laws, studies in mathematics, astronomy and other sciences.

   • Developed 360 degree circle.
   • Developed 60 Minute hour.
   • Understood fractions squares square roots and could predict eclipses of the sun an moon.
   • They built networks of canals to carry water from the river.
   • Industry and trade developed

2. The Assyrians contributed in shaping Babylon
   a. They were a war-making machine
   • 1. They were the first power to have a standing army.
   • 2. Tiglath-Pileser III 744-727 BC and Sargon II 721-705 were mighty warriors that subdued the smaller loose kingdoms to forge an empire.

   b. They had the first system set up to administer a vast empire

   • The closer provinces were governed by Assyrian Officials.
   • The outlying areas became dependent states.
   • They had Royal roads and mounted messengers to bring immediate word of any unrest or rebellion.
     
3. The strategy of the Assyrian Empire.
   a. They conquered the state.
   • They set up a vassal state.
   • They then set up a subject king.
   • They exacted tribute.
   • They would pull out their troops.

   b. If the vassal rebelled?

   • Set up a new king.
   • Seized some of the territory.
   • Deported some of the people.

   c. If the vassal rebels again?

   • They took over all the territory.
   • They deported all the people except a few to teach the new settlers about the land.
   • They resettled different people in the land.
     
4. This world worked very well
   a. Could not coordinate a revolt again.
   b. Residents concerned with survival in new land.
   c. No longer a purpose in revolt because land not yours.
   d. Could not go back to homeland if occupied by others.
   
5. Bible records this strategy
   a. God used the Assyrians to punish Israel.
   b. 2Kin 15:19-20 an example of stage one.
   c. 2Kin 15:28-29 an example of stage two.
   d. 2Kin 17:4-6 an example of stage three.
   e. 2Kin 17:24 Brought in others to replace deported ones.
6. Why is Assyria not mentioned in Daniel's dream?
   a. Perhaps because they were simply before his time.
   b. That Babylon was gold indicates that God did not rank Assyria higher.
   c. It may be that God did not mention them because they were such a brutal and barbaric people.
   d. They kept the empire in line by fear through atrocity and terrorism.

   • If anyone rebelled the area suffered brutal retaliation
   • There were bloody sieges that ended in disease and starvation
   • Surrender only resulted in systematic torture and slaughter.
   • They would leave forests of impaled prisoners or piles of severed heads to signal their victories.

An account of how Ashurbanipal dealt with the Babylonian people gives a good example of this point.

"I tore out the tongues of these whose slanderous mouths had uttered blasphemies against my god Ashur and had plotted against me, his god-fearing prince; I defeated them completely. The others I smashed alive with the very same statues of protective deities... I fed their corpses, cut into small pieces, to dogs, pigs, zibubirds, vultures, the birds of the sky and also to the fish of the ocean. After I had performed this...I removed the corpses of those whom the pestilence had felled, whose leftovers after the dogs and pigs had fed on them were obstructing the streets."

Babylon-539

• Nabopolassar and the Medes marched against Nineveh captured it and burned it to the ground.
• In 605 he defeated the Egyptians and took Carchemish.
• Nabopolassar died in this year and his son Nebuchadnezzar took over
• He initiated several attacks on Judah and sent many more captives to Babylon.

Babylonian strategy

1. They copied the Assyrian technique.
2. They improved the system by selecting talented foreigners and used them in their government and naturalized them.

   • Dan 1:1-7
   • They given naturalized name Chaldean.
   • They given positions in the palace.
   • Daniel able to rise to 2nd in power.
3. Babylon greatly expanded the size of the Empire.
4. The Empire was not so brutal under Nebuchadnezzar.

   • Dan 7:4
   • Lion with wings = Assyrian influence
   • Man = more humane
   Once he felt secure he devoted much time to cultural pursuits and reconstruction. He made his capital the most notable capital in the world. He constructed new canals and navigate able waterways. He erected magnificent buildings and extensive parks. The city occupied an area of about 200 square miles. It is famous for the seventh wonder of the world the hanging gardens of Babylon.

Contribution:

The Babylonian and Assyrian civilization was the first real world ruling civilization. It had a standing army and a means to administer the empire. It had a system of communication and record keeping.

The second empire was the Persian Empire