Though the Book of Acts does not specifically name the physician Luke as its author, Christian history is solid in that belief. The literary style of both the third Gospel (Luke) and this fifth New Testament Book (Acts) is quite compatible. In ways, nearly identical!
In fact, Luke addresses both his divinely inspired Works to a man named “Theophilus!” (Meaning “Lover of God!”) See both Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1 to see what I mean. And both Luke and Acts are (obviously) meticulously researched, a fact one would have suspected from an educated man (of that day), from “the beloved physician.” (Paul’s name for Luke in Colossians 4:14.)
And his method of research is even detailed of us: “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth IN ORDER a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and MINISTERS OF THE WORD; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee IN ORDER, most excellent Theophilus.” Luke 1:1-3, things listed “in order.” Consultation with “eyewitnesses!” Then interviews with “ministers of the Word,” no doubt the very Apostles being among them! (I personally believe Luke interviewed Mary the Mother of Jesus! His Report of the Virgin Birth being as precise as it is. Luke tells his Nativity Story from Mary’s point-of-view in reality.)
Wow, I am learning as I write this morning!
The Lord laid this thought on my heart as I read (before sunrise) these words from the final chapter of Acts … “And after THREE MONTHS we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there THREE DAYS. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them SEVEN DAYS: and so we went toward Rome.” Acts 28:11-14.
Watch the “time markers” here in this short Text. “Three months” on the Island of Malta! “Three days” in a City called Syracuse.” Then “seven days” in Puteoli.
See how chronologically accurate Luke is?
And that’s a “mark” of his whole New Testament Corpus!
Acts 18:11 is another (precious) example. Where we learn Paul preached in Corinth “eighteen months!”
Christianity is not a “sham” faith, folks. It is based on solid (numerical in ways) evidence! Enough so that I can confidently (this adverb employing the Latin word for “faith”) say … “I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him.” 2 Timothy 1:12, without a doubt!
Thank God today for the Bible, His Holy (Inspired, Inerrant) Word!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
.