Historical BackgroundThe Book of Acts, or sometimes known as the Acts of the Apostles, was written between 62 and 70 AD. To better understand the meaning of Acts, one must examine the history and what led up to the writing of this book. It was written as the second half of a two-part series, with Luke being the first half. Without mentioning himself in any of his writings, Luke, a traveling companion of Paul, as mentioned in Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, and Philemon verse 24, is believed to have been the author of both Luke and of Acts. We are told that Luke wrote or dedicated both works to Theophilus (i.e. a friend of God). In the Gospel of Luke chapter 1, Theophilus is also called "most excellent", which in Greek is Kratistos, to show an expression of honor. The social scale of the Roman Empire was divided into four groups; 1) Phelps (common people), 2) Knights (wealthy, worthy people, of high social status) and 3) Senators (the highest honors in government). "Kratistos is the epithet used for Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, later found to describe Theophilus." It is believed that Theophilus was a converted Christian, the master of a Greek slave/servant named Luke, who also happened to be a doctor. Luke was then freed or freed, and with Theophilus' gratitude he wrote his gospel. Luke wrote the Book of Acts to continue the story of Jesus. This was considered a draft of the Lord's, like John when he wrote the book of Revelation. When Luke wrote the book of Acts, the Roman Empire had already conquered the Mediterranean world and extended to present-day Britain, North Africa, and part of Asia. Thus, during the early Church the empire would still have been growing and would have had influences from middle of paper......e that unity of spirit and purpose essential for effective testimony. , William. The Acts of the Apostles. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1976. 29-31. Print.Buttrick, George Arthur. The Bible Interpreter's Dictionary: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Flight. 1. New York: Abingdon, 1962. Print. Criswell, WA “Great Godly Expectations.” Proceedings, an exhibition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Pub. House, 1978. 13-18. Print. Drane, John William. The first Christians. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1982. Print. Harrison, Everett Falconer. Proceedings: The Expanding Church. Chicago: Moody, 1975. 64. Print. Marshall, I. Howard. "Introduction." Introduction. The Book of Acts: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2007. 17-53. Print.Polhill, John B. The New American Commentary - PROCEEDINGS. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1992. 118-22. Print.