Acts 1:1

KJV

¶ The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

KJV (with Strong's)

The former {G3303}{G4413} treatise {G3056} have I made {G4160}, O {G5599} Theophilus {G2321}, of {G4012} all {G3956} that {G3739} Jesus {G2424} began {G756} both {G5037} to do {G4160} and {G2532} teach {G1321},

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear Theophilos:

In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach,

Berean Standard Bible

In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach,

American Standard Version

The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:1 serves as the pivotal opening of Luke's second volume, the Book of Acts, seamlessly bridging the narrative from his Gospel. It reintroduces Theophilus, the initial recipient, and succinctly summarizes the scope of Jesus' earthly ministry, highlighting that His work involved both tangible actions ("to do") and verbal instruction ("to teach"). This verse sets the stage for understanding the Book of Acts not as a new beginning, but as the continuation of Jesus' ongoing work through His Spirit and the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:1 functions as a direct literary bridge from the Gospel of Luke to the Book of Acts. Luke, the author of both volumes, explicitly refers to his "former treatise," clearly indicating that Acts is the second part of a single, continuous historical and theological narrative. Just as Luke's Gospel meticulously detailed "all that Jesus began both to do and teach" during His earthly ministry, Acts will now recount what Jesus *continues* to do and teach through His Spirit and His disciples after His ascension. This intentional literary connection underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan, moving from the person and work of Christ to the establishment and expansion of His church. The prologue of Luke's Gospel, found in [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke's Purpose in Writing"), sets the precedent for this orderly and accurate historical account, a commitment that continues into Acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The address to "O Theophilus" places this work within the Greco-Roman tradition of dedicating literary works to patrons or individuals of significant standing. While Theophilus's exact identity remains debated (possibly a high-ranking Roman official, a wealthy benefactor, or even a symbolic "lover of God"), Luke's formal address suggests a desire for his account to be read, understood, and perhaps even defended in a public, potentially skeptical, environment. Luke's meticulous historical methodology, evident in his use of eyewitness accounts and careful research (as implied in [Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke's Careful Investigation")), aligns with the standards of serious historical writing in the ancient world. This commitment to historical accuracy would have lent credibility to the nascent Christian movement in a society that valued reliable testimony and documented history.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that permeate both Luke-Acts. Firstly, it establishes the **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan**, emphasizing that the church's mission in Acts is not a new, disconnected endeavor but a direct outgrowth and continuation of Jesus' own ministry. The phrase "began both to do and teach" subtly foreshadows the empowering of the disciples by the Holy Spirit in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit") to continue this very work. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Comprehensive Nature of Jesus' Ministry**, which involved both active deeds (miracles, healing, compassion) and verbal proclamation (teaching, parables, sermons). This dual emphasis on "doing and teaching" becomes the model for the apostolic ministry throughout Acts, as seen in passages like [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "Boldness in Speaking and Doing") and [Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "The Word of God Spreading"). Finally, the dedication to Theophilus, a name meaning "friend of God," subtly points to the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**, suggesting Luke's intention to present Christianity as a legitimate and divinely ordained movement for all people, not just for a select few.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **treatise (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, *lógos* refers to "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation." In this context, it signifies a carefully constructed and comprehensive account or narrative. Luke's use of *lógos* here underscores the deliberate and systematic nature of his Gospel, presenting it as a well-reasoned and detailed historical record of Jesus' life and ministry, rather than a mere collection of anecdotes.
* **Theophilus (Greek, _Theóphilos'_):** From G2321, *Theóphilos* means "friend of God" or "beloved of God." This name carries theological significance, suggesting that Luke's message is addressed not only to a specific individual but also, by extension, to all who genuinely love God. The dedication implies a personal connection and a desire to provide a reliable foundation for the faith of this "friend of God," and by extension, for all believers.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō'_):** From G1321, *didáskō* means "to teach (in the same broad application)." This word, paired with "to do" (*poiéō*), emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus' ministry. It highlights that Jesus' impact was not solely through His miraculous deeds but equally through His authoritative instruction and revelation of divine truth. This combination of action and word serves as the paradigm for the apostles' ministry in Acts and for the church's mission throughout history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the literary connection between the Book of Acts and Luke's Gospel. The "former treatise" (Luke's Gospel) is presented as a completed work by the same author, addressed to the same recipient, Theophilus. This sets the stage for Acts as a continuation, not a standalone work, indicating a unified theological and historical purpose spanning two volumes.
* **"of all that Jesus began"**: This phrase is crucial for understanding the continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the subsequent work of the early church. "All" signifies the comprehensive scope of Jesus' life and ministry, as recorded in Luke's Gospel. The word "began" is particularly significant, implying that Jesus' work did not conclude with His ascension but rather initiated an ongoing process. It foreshadows the continuation of His work through the Holy Spirit and the apostles, which will be the central theme of the Book of Acts.
* **"both to do and teach,"**: This final clause succinctly summarizes the essence of Jesus' earthly ministry. It highlights the inseparable nature of His actions (miracles, healings, acts of compassion, His death and resurrection) and His words (sermons, parables, ethical instructions, theological revelations). Jesus' identity and mission were revealed through both His deeds and His doctrines, providing a holistic model for His followers. This dual emphasis will be mirrored in the ministry of the apostles throughout the book, as they too "do" (perform signs, healings) and "teach" (proclaim the Gospel, instruct believers).

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:1 masterfully employs several literary techniques. The most prominent is **Transition** and **Continuity**, as the verse serves as an explicit bridge between Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts, framing them as a single, two-volume work. This creates a sense of seamless narrative flow, emphasizing that the events of Acts are a direct continuation of Jesus' ministry. The use of the term "former treatise" acts as a form of **Anaphora** or **Recapitulation**, drawing the reader back to the previously established narrative and purpose. Furthermore, the word "began" functions as **Prolepsis** or **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the ongoing nature of Jesus' work through the Holy Spirit and the church, which will be the central theme developed throughout Acts. The concise summary of Jesus' ministry as "both to do and teach" is an example of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to express a totality, effectively encompassing the entire scope of His earthly activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:1 lays the theological groundwork for the entire Book of Acts, asserting the profound continuity of God's redemptive plan. It underscores that the mission of the early church is not a new, independent venture, but the direct extension of Jesus Christ's own ministry, empowered by His Spirit. This verse affirms Jesus' comprehensive Lordship, demonstrating that His influence did not cease with His ascension but continued through His chosen instruments. The "doing and teaching" of Jesus provides the enduring paradigm for the church's mission: a holistic ministry that integrates compassionate action with faithful proclamation of the truth. This continuity ensures that the church's work is always rooted in Christ's authority and purpose, fulfilling His initial commission to make disciples of all nations.

* [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke's Dedication and Purpose")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Jesus Promises Greater Works")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:1 offers a profound invitation to consider our role in God's ongoing redemptive story. By establishing a direct link between Jesus' earthly ministry and the subsequent work of the church, Luke reminds us that our faith is not merely a set of abstract beliefs but a dynamic continuation of Christ's active presence in the world. We are called to embody the same "doing and teaching" that characterized Jesus' life. This means our faith must be practical, expressed through acts of love, compassion, and justice that reflect the heart of Christ. Simultaneously, it must be articulate, expressed through clear and courageous proclamation of the Gospel message. Just as Jesus' work was comprehensive, so too should our witness be holistic, integrating our actions with our words. This verse challenges us to ask: In what ways are we truly continuing what Jesus "began" in our communities, workplaces, and families? Are our lives marked by both compassionate deeds and faithful declarations of His truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Acts 1:1 as a bridge from Luke's Gospel shape your view of the church's mission today?**
* **In what ways are you, as a follower of Christ, continuing what Jesus "began" both to do and to teach in your daily life?**
* **How can we ensure our "doing" (actions) and "teaching" (words) are authentically rooted in Christ's example and empowered by His Spirit?**

### FAQ

**Who was Theophilus, and why is he addressed?**

Answer: Theophilus was the recipient of both Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts. His identity is not definitively known, but he was likely a patron who funded Luke's work, or a high-ranking Roman official interested in Christianity, or perhaps a new convert for whom Luke was providing a thorough and reliable account of the Christian faith. His name, meaning "friend of God" or "beloved of God," may also carry symbolic significance, implying that Luke's message is intended for all who genuinely seek God. Addressing him formally, as seen in [Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke's Dedication to Theophilus"), suggests Luke's intention for his work to be taken seriously as a historical and theological record, providing a firm foundation for Theophilus's faith and, by extension, for a wider audience.

**What is the significance of "began" in this verse?**

Answer: The word "began" (Greek: *árchomai*) is profoundly significant because it implies that Jesus' work did not *end* with His ascension but rather *continued* through the Holy Spirit and the early church. It sets the stage for the entire narrative of Acts, which details how Jesus, though physically absent, remained the active agent, empowering His disciples to extend His "doing and teaching" throughout the world. This word establishes the theological continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the ongoing mission of the church, highlighting that the church's activities are a direct extension of Christ's own work, as He promised in [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "Jesus Promises Greater Works").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:1, by stating "all that Jesus began both to do and teach," powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered narrative of the Book of Acts. While Jesus' earthly ministry concluded with His ascension, this verse underscores that His work was merely the *beginning* of an ongoing redemptive plan. The fulfillment of this "beginning" is seen in the continued, Spirit-empowered ministry of Christ through His body, the church. Jesus, now ascended and enthroned at the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Jesus Exalted to God's Right Hand"), [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Christ's Supremacy")), continues to "do and teach" through the Holy Spirit whom He sent ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Helper"), [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Coming of the Holy Spirit")). The Book of Acts, therefore, is not merely the story of the apostles, but the continuing acts of the risen Christ, who is actively building His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Jesus' Promise to Build His Church")) and extending His kingdom through the faithful witness of His followers. Every miracle, sermon, and conversion recorded in Acts is a testament to the living Christ, who remains "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")), fulfilling His mission to redeem a lost world through His ongoing work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:3

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Luke 24:19

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Luke 3:23

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was [the son] of Heli,

John 10:32

Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

John 10:38

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father [is] in me, and I in him.