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Acts of the Apostles



Outline
  • The Book of Acts is a historical account of the early Church that was written in the late 1st century AD.
  • It has been carefully preserved, translated, and transmitted over the centuries and was early and universally accepted into the New Testament canon.
  • The Book of Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. It is considered the second volume in a two-part work, the first being the Gospel of Luke.
  • Acts is generally considered to have been written shortly after the Gospel of Luke, usually dated around 85-95 AD.
    • The Book of Acts is generally dated to around 85-95 AD, although some scholars propose earlier or later dates.
  • Acts is written in a period when the Christian Church is expanding beyond its Jewish roots and is starting to spread throughout the Roman Empire. The writings aim to provide a cohesive narrative of Christian origins and mission.
    • Luke is often praised for the historical accuracy of his writings. He provides detailed geographical and cultural background, especially in the Book of Acts.
  • Given its detailed explanations of Jewish customs and its focus on the universality of the Christian message, Luke-Acts is considered to have been written for a predominantly Gentile audience.
  • Like the Gospel of Luke, the Book of Acts is addressed to “Theophilus,” whose identity is uncertain but may represent educated Gentile Christians.
  • Acts serves as a historical narrative that outlines the birth and expansion of the early Christian Church. It covers events from the Ascension of Jesus to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, chronicling the missions and activities of key figures like Peter and Paul.
  • Acts takes place in a variety of locations across the Eastern Mediterranean, including Jerusalem, Antioch, and various cities in Asia Minor and Europe. The narrative unfolds in a multi-cultural context, with the Roman Empire serving as the overarching political structure.
  • The Book of Acts focuses on the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles, the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church, and the spreading of the Gospel through missionary work.
  • Acts was originally written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the 1st century AD.
  • The earliest surviving manuscripts of Acts are part of larger collections of New Testament texts. The Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, dating from the 4th century AD, are among the most important.
  • Acts has been translated into numerous languages over the centuries. The Latin Vulgate translation, completed by Jerome in the late 4th century, was significant for Western Christianity. In the modern era, it has been translated into virtually every language as part of the complete Bible.
  • Acts was widely accepted and cited by early Church Fathers like Clement of Rome, Ignatius, and Polycarp, indicating its early acceptance as authoritative.
  • The Book of Acts is included in early canonical lists, such as the Muratorian Canon (late 2nd century) and was affirmed in councils like the Council of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD).
  • Texts included in the New Testament canon had to be apostolic in origin, widely accepted by the Church, and consistent with accepted doctrine. Acts met these criteria as an account of apostolic actions and teachings.
  • By the end of the 4th century, the canon of the New Testament was largely settled in both the Eastern and Western Church, with Acts universally accepted as a part of it.