Acts 1:1

The former treatise. made,. Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,

'FORMER'-The first.

'TREATISE'-narrative. 'The use of "logos" (word) for treatise or historical narrative is common in ancient Greek..' (Robertson p. 3) 'In my first book' (Phi) Thus this verse admits the existence of the Gospel of Luke. It is interesting to note how the various New Testament books admit the existence of and actually endorse the inspiration of other books (see 2 Peter 3:15; and 1 Timothy 5:18. which contains. quotation of Luke 10:7).

'I MADE'-Luke was actually written by Luke.

'O THEOPHILUS'-(thih AHF uh luhs) (lover of God or friend of God).

Points to Note:

In the Gospel of Luke, this individual is addressed by the title "most excellent" (Luke 1:3). The title "most excellent" could be used in. technical sense, indicating rank, or given by way of courtesy. From Luke 1:4 we learn that Theophilus was an individual who had been taught about Christ. The name Theophilus was. common name among both Jews and Gentiles from the third century B.C. onwards. Various theories concerning this man exist: (a) He was the defense lawyer for the hearing of Paul's appeal to Caesar. (b) He was. high Roman official who had converted to Christianity. (c) Reese notes, 'A more likely suggestion is that Theophilus was the patron of the book. He would see to the circulation of. large number of exact copies. He would pay for the publication of the book. It was. very common thing to name the patron who was sponsoring the book in the prologue.' (p. 2)

'ALL THAT JESUS BEGAN BOTH TO DO AND TO TEACH'-Reese says concerning the word "began", 'This is. Hebrew form of expression, meaning the same thing as "what Jesus did and taught".' (p. 2) Stott says the word "began" is significant, 'It is no exaggeration to say that they set Christianity apart from all other religions. These regard their founder as having completed his ministry during his lifetime; Luke says Jesus only began his.' (p. 34) All would agree that the book of Acts is. continuation of the work that Jesus started. And it is. record of Jesus working through and speaking through His apostles (Hebrews 1:2; 1 Corinthians 14:37).

'TO DO'-i.e. His miracles, His acts of kindness and self-sacrifice. (Acts 10:38 'who went about doing good').

'AND TO TEACH'-People forget that Jesus "taught", He revealed definite doctrines that one must believe if they truly accept Him (Luke 6:46; John 12:48; John 14:15).

Point to Note:

For Luke to keep on writing concerning events that happened after the ascension of Jesus Christ, is proof that all the information Christians need, isn't found in the Gospels. Luke didn't believe in the theory which says, 'Emphasize the Gospels, and downplay or ignore the rest of the New Testament.'