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The purpose of Acts has been the subject of much scholarly research and debate.

Since Luke-Acts was originally a single work, it is important to note that the purpose of Acts is normally examined in conjunction with the Book of Luke.

In Luke 1: 3-4, the author states that he decided to “ write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed .” Theophilus is Greek for lover of God and it is suggested that he may either be an individual who recently converted to the faith or a Roman official of whom the church is seeking acceptance from.

“ Acts, then is a continuation of the Lucan Gospel, not in the sense that it relates what Jesus continued to do, but how his followers carried out his commission under the guidance of his Spirit .” Thus, part of the answer to the purpose of Acts is that Luke is writing to Theophilus, who is also mentioned in Luke 1: 3, in order to explain to him the occurrences that take place in the church that fulfill Jesus ’ promise to his disciples that “ you will be baptized with, the Holy Spirit not many days from now ” ( Acts 1: 5 ).

Fitzmyer states that by looking at the prefaces of Luke and Acts together it can be seen “ that Luke-Acts purports to be basically ‘ a work of edification ’.”