I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  ~ Acts 1:1-2

Luke, the author of the gospel of Luke is also the author of the book of Acts. Acts is actually the sequel to Luke’s gospel, written as a second edition to what Luke had previously written in his gospel.

The footnotes of the NET Bible translation says the following regarding the uses of the word former in verse 1.

tn Or “first.” The translation “former” is preferred because “first” could imply to the modern English reader that the author means that his previous account was the first one to be written down. The Greek term πρῶτος (prōtos) does not necessarily mean “first” in an absolute sense, but can refer to the first in a set or series. That is what is intended here—the first account (known as the Gospel of Luke) as compared to the second one (known as Acts).

The gospel of Luke is the first in the series, and Acts follows in the series as it relates to the events regarding Christ and the gospel. In one sense of the word, each need the other to get the full picture.

Imagine watching a movie and only seeing the sequel. You may really enjoy the movie and get a lot out of it, but if you haven’t seen the first one, you are missing out on a lot. When we think of Acts as the continuation of the story Luke is telling us in his gospel, it takes on a whole new dimension.

When Luke wrote his gospel, it was written specifically to a person named Theophilus. Theophilus is for all intents and purposes historically unknown, but Luke’s respect for him comes through in his address to him.

In Luke 1:3, he refers to him as, most excellent Theophilus. His name means friend of God.

Since there is no historical evidence (yet) as to who Theophilus was, it is possible that this name is symbolic for all true believers who are friends of God. Imagine for a moment if that is the case, then that would mean that Luke intended to write these editions with all of God’s people in mind, including you and me.

It is possible that Theophilus was simply an honorable Christian, businessman, or politician, but whoever he was, he was well respected by Luke.

Theophilus is the receipt of both editions written by Luke.

Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.  So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed  all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know for certain the things you were taught. ~ Luke 1:1- 4

I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.  ~ Acts 1:1-2

I would be remiss if I did not point out that Luke makes a point that many had labored to compile an account of the testimony of Jesus, namely those who were eyewitnesses of his ministry. Likewise, Luke had carefully taken the time to write of these events in order. That is something of major importance as we consider Luke’s gospel and the book of Acts.

As pointed out, Acts is the continuation of the account that Luke began with his first edition to Theophilus, which we know as the Gospel of Luke. Luke and Acts run together as one continuous story. And that just fills my heart with joy and excitement!

We’ll see more regarding Luke throughout the study as Luke was a companion of Paul in the ministry.