The book of Acts contains precisely what its name would indicate “the acts of the apostles.” In other words, the book of Acts contains the actions with which the apostles fulfilled their final commission to be witnesses unto Christ “both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Its account spans a time period of almost forty years, from the ascension of Christ to Paul’s two year house arrest in Rome. Most of the first half of the book chronicles the actions of all of the apostles, mainly Peter (Acts 1-12) and the second half of the book records mainly the work of Paul and those associated with him (Acts 9-28). Its purpose in preserving these accounts is to reveal when and how the church was established and the extent to which it spread into all of the world; first in Jerusalem (Acts 1-7), then to all Judaea and Samaria (Acts 8-9), and finally to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 10-28). The book of Acts is a success story of an “underdog” the world supposed would never amount to anything, but came to be, grew, and impacted the entire world for good (Acts 17:6).
Though the human writer of this book does not name himself, from all accounts and evidences the penman has been concluded to be Luke. From all antiquity Luke has been believed to be the writer of both Acts and the third gospel account referred to by his own name. And when one compares Acts 1:1 with Luke 1:1-4, the exact parallels easily allow one to conclude the same. Luke was a common companion of Paul in his journeys and endeavors for Christ, and was actually imprisoned with him at Rome in the mid A.D. 60s (II Timothy 4:11). It is believed that it was at this time that Luke actually did the writing of the book, inspired of God (II Timothy 3:16).
The value of the book of Acts cannot be adequately expressed. Not only does it provide a vast amount of instruction, examples, implications, and doctrine, but it also serves as a tool of encouragement to every child of God. It is doubtful that a Christian has ever lived and died that did not in some way wonder in fear about the great task assigned to all children of God to teach the lost and build up the kingdom. Especially in the last several decades has doubt arisen to the validity of the church’s task of teaching all nations the truth. But the book of Acts proves it can be done and emphasizes the fact that it must be done. In this book one reads of the primitive methods to which the apostles and first century Christians were limited, and yet their vast success in preaching the word in every place to which they were scattered abroad (Acts 8:1-4). Some might claim the time just is not right for the entire world to hear the gospel, but the book of Acts proves that the time is always right for the world to be taught. The world needs the gospel and this book proves that it can be taken to every one.
Likewise is this book of value to encourage all Christians to stay the course regardless of what may betide. New Testament Christianity is the best life there is, but is also a most difficult life to live. There are, and always have been, pressures in this world trying their best to belittle the blessings of Christianity and disprove the very foundation upon which it rests. With all of the trouble heaped upon the church it is easy to see what appears to be “greener pastures” out in the world. However, the records provided in the book of Acts of those dedicated servants of God in the early church should be a motivation to every child of God to stay the course. Christians risked, and often lost, life and limb in order to have the privilege of serving their God in spirit and truth, and when put to death they often suffered it gladly looking forward to the glory that awaited them. If not for the book of Acts, this great motivation by brethren of ages past would be lost and not be the great tool for good that it currently is. Any Christian who has to sacrifice a little money of their abundant wealth, or give a little of their time for the greatest cause should be ashamed of themselves in view of the extent to which those brethren suffered so many years ago. We, like the apostles, should not be able but to speak the things we have “seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
The book of Acts is such a precious jewel in the treasure chest of the Bible. Most importantly it is of value by its revelation as to how the soul can truly be converted and enjoy the blessed hope for eternity found in Christ Jesus. May we never take for granted all God has done, but instead use His blessings to be a blessing in the life of another as did those recorded in the book of Acts.