Acts 1:1

Luke referred to his Gospel as "the first account." The Greek word proton means "first," but it does not imply that Luke intended to write more than two books. This has been the unnecessary conclusion of some scholars. [Note: E.g., E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49.] It simply means that Luke was the first of these two books that he wrote.

"Theophilus" means lover of God. Some interpreters have suggested that Theophilus was not an actual person and that Luke was writing to all lovers of God whom he personified by using this name (cf. Luke 1:3). All things considered it seems more likely that Theophilus was a real person. There is no reason he could not have been. Such is the implication of the address, and Theophilus was a fairly common Greek proper name.

Luke wanted his readers to be careful to note that the remarkable supernatural events he was to unfold were ultimately the work of Jesus Christ. They were not just those of His enthusiastic followers.

"The order of the words ’doing’ and ’teaching’ is noteworthy. Deeds first; then words. The same order is found in Luke 24:19 (contrast Acts 7:22). The ’doing’ comes first, for Christianity is primarily life. The teaching follows afterwards, for ’the life is the light of men.’" [Note: Thomas, pp. 18-19. Cf. Ezra 7:10.]