What does "Acts" stand for?

As we begin the book of Acts for our church bible reading...I would first like you to think about what you think about "Acts". Is Acts about the acts of the apostles for you? Or is Acts about the acts of the Holy Spirit? Or is Acts really about the acts of Jesus? (Of course, we all know that the New Testament is all about Jesus right!!!) I ask this question to get us started thinking about the book of Acts. In the ancient world, the word "Acts" usually denoted books that described great deeds/history of remarkable people or even cities and countries. (Random fact #1: In theater or drama, the word "Acts" denotes a scene in a play like in Shakespeare plays.)

So now that we have started thinking about "Acts", maybe the next question is to ask what is the main theme or purpose of Act? Scholars throughout history have put deep thought into this question. Some say "Acts" provides some of the only early historical records of early Christians. (Random fact #2: The "Histories" of Herodotus is considered the founding work of history in Western literature, I've actually read parts of it...not recommended unless you are a huge history buff.) Some other scholars say "Acts" is an "apology" which is basically a defense of one's beliefs that is usually aimed to convince or pursued an audience for a particular viewpoint. Still others say that "Acts" is more about equipping or strengthening the church.

Today, I just want to spend time on what the Bible says in the first chapter of Acts. Perhaps, the main purpose is much larger, grander, and more complex than anyone has ever conceived...Perhaps, the book of Acts would took one man a lifetime to begin discovering the ultimate purpose. In Acts 1:1-4, the author writes, "In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."

From the first four verses, we can draw a few thoughts: First, the book of Acts is addressed to a man named Theophilus. (Random fact #3: Actually this fact is probably not so random but is probably an important to note that Theophilus is Greek for lover of God. This could mean that Theophilus might possibly have been recently converted to Christianity) Second, we do not know who the author is but that this author did write a former book about the life of Jesus. (The author is traditionally defined as Luke although there is no specific reference, the author must have been close enough to be eyewitness of the teachings of Jesus) Third, the author felt it was important (or actually a better word might be VITAL) to quote the importance of waiting for the Holy Spirit because he mentions a direct quote from Jesus not once but twice in just the first chapter! So that is really about all that I can draw from the first four verses at this time. Although, I bet there is a lot more in just those four verses than I could discover at this time. Thanks for reading and the next time, I will be continuing more discussion on the book of Acts!