I always find it interesting when I find the names of the people in the Bible. In this case, the author (who most identify as Luke), seems to be writing to Theophilus. Who this person, I have no idea, and I don't think he's ever mentioned in any other book of the Bible. But, many times, you can deduce a lot of meaning by breaking the name down to the roots. Theo in Greek means God. Phil or philo means Love. Combining these two, it seems as though Luke is writing to those who Love God. Very appropriate!
I was telling somone that I really like the book of Acts. I think the reason is that it is more or less a continuation of the Gospels. The formal name of the book is the "Acts of the Apostles" and in many ways, this is very true. The majority of Acts is documenting the actions and adventures of the apostles after Jesus ascends. However, when I dig deeper, I really think that it's much more than that. There's an invisible hand that is pushing and guiding the apostles even from the very start. It's even evident in this first chapter when they try to decide who should take Judas's spot. It's really the Holy Spirit that is guiding the apostles and His church. Looking at the gospels, they more or less could be called the Acts of Jesus. Then the book of Acts can really be renamed the Acts of the Holy Spirit. I feel like Acts shows us how the Holy Spirit builds His church on Earth and just as important, what purpose the Holy Spirit has for the church. With this perspective, then the book of Acts shouldn't end at chapter 28 (with Paul under house arrest in Rome). We are continuing to write the Book of Acts today and with every day, we add another chapter!
Don't forget to add yours today!
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