Daily Devotion
The Introduction to the Books of Acts
There are two ways of writing history. First, is the way which attempts to trace the course of events from week to week and from day to day. Second, is the way which opens a series of windows and records the great moments and personalities of people of any time. This is the way of acts.
We usually speak of the acts of the apostles. But the book neither gives nor claims to give an exhaustive account of the acts of the apostles. Apart from Paul, only three apostles are mentioned in it. In Acts 12:2 we are told in one brief sentence that James, the brother of John, was executed by Herod. John appears in the narrative, but he never speaks.
It is only about Peter that the book gives any real information, and very soon, as a leading character, he passes from the scene. In the greek, there is no "the" before "acts". The correct title is acts of apostolic men.
What acts aims to do is to give us a series of typical exploits of the heroic figures of the early church.
About the writer of the book: although the book never says so, from the earliest times, Luke has been held to be its writer. We really know very little about Luke. There are only three references to him in the new testament-Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11.
From these, we can say two things for sure. First, Luke was a doctor; second, he was one of Paul's most valued helpers and loyal friends, for he was a companion of his in his last imprisonment.
We can deduce the fact that he was a gentile. So, we have the very interesting fact that Luke is the only Gentile author in the new testament.
Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, I love reading the Bible, both Old, and New Testaments. I love finding out about the writers because I can identify with them. Thank You for such a wide selection of writers and the wide coverage of events and the different people groups. It introduces me to the world of that time and the greatness of Your love for the people of Your choice. Amen!
