Who Wrote Acts?
Quick Summary
The Book of Acts was written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke. Although Acts is formally anonymous, internal evidence, literary unity, and early church testimony consistently point to Luke, a companion of Paul, as its author. Acts functions as the second volume of a carefully researched historical work, tracing the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.
Introduction
The Book of Acts bridges the life of Jesus and the life of the early church. It narrates the movement of the gospel through the power of the Spirit, from a small group of disciples in Jerusalem to a multi-ethnic church reaching the heart of the Roman Empire.
Because Acts never names its author explicitly, the question of authorship must be answered through internal evidence, comparison with the Gospel of Luke, and early Christian testimony. When these strands are read together, they form one of the strongest authorship cases in the New Testament.
Acts as Volume Two of Luke’s Gospel
The opening line of Acts makes its literary relationship unmistakable: “In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning” (Acts 1:1). This sentence assumes a prior work written to the same recipient, using the same voice, vocabulary, and theological outlook.
That prior work is the Gospel of Luke. Both books are addressed to Theophilus, both emphasize orderly narration, and both frame history as the unfolding work of God. Together they form a two-volume account of Jesus’ ministry and its continuation through the Spirit.
Shared Language and Themes
Luke and Acts share distinctive vocabulary and stylistic features not found elsewhere in the New Testament. Both emphasize prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit, concern for the marginalized, and God’s sovereignty over history.
The speeches in Acts mirror the theological emphases of Luke’s Gospel. Salvation is presented as fulfillment of Scripture, centered on Jesus, and extended to Jews and Gentiles alike. These shared patterns strongly suggest a single author.
The “We” Passages
One of the most compelling pieces of internal evidence comes from the so-called “we” passages in Acts. At several points in the narrative, the author shifts from third person to first person plural, writing “we” instead of “they” (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16).
These passages place the author alongside Paul during portions of his missionary journeys and his voyage to Rome. The natural reading is that the author was a traveling companion of Paul and an eyewitness to these events.
Luke as Paul’s Companion
The New Testament identifies Luke as a close associate of Paul. Paul refers to Luke as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14) and names him as a coworker (Philemon 24). Near the end of his life, Paul writes, “Only Luke is with me” (2 Timothy 4:11).
When these references are set alongside the “we” passages, Luke emerges as a strong candidate. He fits the profile of a Gentile Christian, educated, mobile, and present during key moments of Paul’s ministry.
Early Church Testimony
Early Christian writers consistently attributed Acts to Luke. Irenaeus stated that Luke recorded the preaching of Paul in a book. The Muratorian Fragment likewise names Luke as the author of both the Gospel and Acts.
Eusebius later affirmed this tradition, noting that Luke authored the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. These witnesses come from different regions and generations, yet they agree on authorship without recorded dispute.
Historical Method and Sources
Acts reflects careful historical method. The author demonstrates familiarity with Roman titles, geography, travel routes, and legal procedures. Many details in Acts align closely with what is known from external historical sources.
The author also signals the use of sources. Like the Gospel of Luke, Acts appears to combine eyewitness memory, oral tradition, and earlier accounts into a coherent narrative shaped for theological clarity.
Date and Setting
Most scholars date Acts to around 80–90 CE. The book ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, without describing his death. This ending suggests that the author was less interested in biographical closure than in showing the unhindered advance of the gospel.
Acts reflects a church navigating expansion, persecution, and questions of identity, especially regarding Gentile inclusion.
Inspiration and Historical Writing
Acts offers a model of inspired history. The author does not write as a detached chronicler but as a believing interpreter of events. The Spirit is presented as the primary actor, guiding the church and its witnesses.
This does not undermine historical reliability. Instead, it frames history as the arena of God’s redemptive work.
Conclusion
Although the Book of Acts does not name its author, the evidence is remarkably consistent. Internal links to the Gospel of Luke, the “we” passages, references to Luke as Paul’s companion, and early church testimony all point to Luke as the author.
Acts stands as a carefully researched, theologically shaped account of the early church, bearing witness to how the story of Jesus continued through the Spirit and the apostles.
FAQ
Who wrote the Book of Acts?
The Book of Acts was written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke, traditionally identified as Luke, a companion of Paul.
Is Acts historically reliable?
Acts reflects careful attention to historical detail and aligns well with external sources while interpreting events theologically.
When was Acts written?
Most scholars date Acts to the late first century, around 80–90 CE.
