ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (3) | AUTHOR

1. Author

a) Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, written by the same author. Even though the Gospel of Luke and Acts are both anonymous, they are both addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-2). 

b) The title, "most excellent" indicates Theophilus was probably a Roman of high rank, but nothing else is known about him, and he is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. There are also great similarities in the theology, writing style and vocabulary of the two books. 

c) Luke, a companion of Paul (Philemon 1:24) and a physician (Colossians 4:14), is traditionally believed to be the author of both books. This seems to be a good fit because someone who had traveled with Paul would know all the details of Paul's journeys that are told in Acts. Also, both books show an interest in medical matters that would be characteristic of a physician (Luke 8:43-44, Acts 28:3-6, 28:8). However, there is no way to be sure Luke was the author.