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CHURCH AFIRE: The Adventure Begins ACTS (OF THE APOSTLES) • The epic story of the origin and growth of the Christian Church from the time of ’s ascension to heaven to Paul’s first imprisonment. – It is an adventure story with arrests, imprisonments, beatings, riots, narrow escapes, a shipwreck, trials, murders, and miracles.

“The Adventure Begins” THE AUTHOR Neither the of Luke nor the Book of Acts mentions the author’s name ARGUMENT #1 • Luke & Acts were written by the same author – “It seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent , so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:3-4) – “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that began to do and to teach until he was taken up to heaven …” (:1-2)

“The Adventure Begins” ARGUMENT #2 • The author has an exceptional understanding of events and terminology – Had the opportunity to carefully investigate – Participated in some of the events – Demonstrates exceptional familiarity with Roman law and government – Understands the proper titles and political terminology – Very well educated

“The Adventure Begins” ARGUMENT #3 • Acts is written by a companion of Paul – “We” passages (16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1—28:16) • Paul’s traveling companions: –Luke, , Timothy, , Aristarchus, Secundus, , , and . • By process of elimination, using the “we” passages, Luke is the only candidate that remains.

“The Adventure Begins” ARGUMENT #4 • It is the unanimous testimony of the early church (*uncontested) *There are no books of the with stronger corroboration for their authorship than the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts

“The Adventure Begins” THE MAN Surprisingly, Luke’s name is only mentioned three times in Scripture REFERENCES TO LUKE • “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (:11) • “, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke, my fellow workers.” (Philemon 23-24) • “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14)

“The Adventure Begins” WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT LUKE? • Well educated—Dr. Luke

“The Adventure Begins” WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT LUKE? • Well educated—Dr. Luke • Likely a . Not listed with Jewish co- workers, but listed among Gentile co-workers

“The Adventure Begins” WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT LUKE? • Well educated—Dr. Luke • Likely a Gentile • Provides the best Greek in and demonstrates extremely accurate and precise terminology

“The Adventure Begins” THE RECIPIENT “It seemed good … to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus” MOST EXCELLENT (KRATISTOS) • “… To write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.” (Luke 1:3)

• “To His Excellency, Governor Felix” (:26) • “Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix …” (:3) • “I am not insane, most excellent Festus …” (:25)

“The Adventure Begins” THE DATE The last recorded event for us in the Book of Acts is Paul’s imprisonment (A.D. 60-62) WHY FAIL TO MENTION …

• Paul’s trial • Peter’s death • Paul’s subsequent • Death of Jesus’ release from prison brother James • Paul’s further • Destruction of imprisonment (which Luke predicts in Lk 19:43-44; • Paul’s death 21:20-24) • Persecution under • Any event that dates Nero after A.D. 64

THE STORY The Gospel of Jesus Christ goes out in ever- widening circles: from Jerusalem—to Samaria and Judea—and eventually to A CYCLIC PRINCIPLE IN ACTS

Christian Leaders arise & preach the gospel

God intervenes to Listeners are rescue the leader OR converted & added to advance the church the church

Opponents arise to persecute Christian leaders

“The Adventure Begins” THE PURPOSE It is not meant to be dry, dusty, meaningless history PURPOSE • To promote and encourage the evangelistic nature of the Gospel message that began in Jesus

“The Adventure Begins” PURPOSE • To promote and encourage the evangelistic nature of the Gospel message that began in Jesus • To show that the Gospel message was to include both Jew and Gentile

“The Adventure Begins” PURPOSE • To promote and encourage the evangelistic nature of the Gospel message that began in Jesus • To show that the Gospel message was to include both Jew and Gentile • To confirm the faith of the faithful to strengthen and encourage those that follow

“The Adventure Begins” PURPOSE • To promote and encourage the evangelistic nature of the Gospel message that began in Jesus • To show that the Gospel message was to include both Jew and Gentile • To confirm the faith of the faithful to strengthen and encourage those that follow • To affirm that the Holy Spirit fills the gap in the lives of believers caused by Jesus’ absence between the ascension and the 2nd coming

“The Adventure Begins” CHURCH AFIRE: The Adventure Begins