In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word "began" isn't just a simple marker for the start of Jesus' ministry. It hints that what Jesus started doing and teaching on earth was only the beginning, and that His ongoing work would continue through the events Luke is about to describe in Acts. This emphasizes that Jesus' earthly life was the foundation for the powerful work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author, Luke, is beginning his second book, the Acts of the Apostles, and is addressing it to Theophilus, just as he did with his first book, the Gospel of Luke. In this opening verse, he reminds Theophilus that his previous account covered everything Jesus started to do and teach during His earthly ministry, setting the stage for this new narrative about the continuation of Jesus' work through His followers.
Why does Luke start by referring to a previous book? What does this tell us about his careful approach to sharing the story of Jesus?
Luke doesn't just jump into the story of the early church; he begins by referencing 'the first book.' This 'first book' is, of course, the Gospel of Luke itself. He's writing to Theophilus, a specific person, and wants to connect this new narrative to the one he already wrote.
Luke doesn't say Jesus 'did and taught,' but 'began to do and teach.' What's the significance of that one word, 'began'?
The word 'began' (Greek: 'ērxato') is a subtle but powerful clue to Luke's entire project. It implies that what Jesus accomplished on earth was the of something much bigger.
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Understand the original words
Theophilos · Greek Proper Noun
A formal address or title, literally meaning 'friend of God' or 'loved by God,' used to designate the recipient of Luke and Acts. It likely represents a specific patron, a Christian official, or an archetype of the ideal reader.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun Phrase
The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God in creation, revelation, and the empowering of the Church. He is the divine presence who indwells, guides, and equips believers.
apostolos · Greek Noun
Those 'sent out' or commissioned; specifically, the primary followers chosen by Jesus to be authoritative witnesses of his life, death, and resurrection. Their unique authority is grounded in their direct observation of the risen Christ.
c. AD 60
Luke Writes His Gospel
Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul, completes his Gospel, documenting Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. This serves as the 'former treatise' to Theophilus.
c. AD 62— this verse
Luke Writes the Acts of the Apostles
Following his Gospel, Luke writes the Acts of the Apostles, continuing the narrative of Jesus' work through His apostles and the Holy Spirit after His ascension.
c. AD 64-68
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry in Rome
Luke likely accompanied Paul during his final years in Rome, gathering firsthand accounts for the Acts of the Apostles during periods of house arrest and ministry.
c. AD 170
Muratorian Fragment Mentions the Acts
This early document, a list of accepted New Testament writings, names the Acts of the Apostles and attributes it to Luke, confirming its early circulation and recognition.
c. AD 177
Epistle of the Churches of Lyons and Vienne Quotes Acts
This letter from early Christians in Gaul references the Acts of the Apostles, further demonstrating its widespread acceptance and authoritative status in the late 2nd century.
This passage is the direct precursor to Acts 1:1, as Luke himself states in this introductory section of his Gospel that he is writing a detailed account for Theophilus, laying the groundwork for the continuation found in Acts.
John 20:30-31These verses in John's Gospel speak about the purpose of his writing, stating that he recorded many other signs that Jesus did, implying that the Gospels present a selection of Jesus' acts, just as Luke implies in Acts 1:1 that his Gospel covered 'all that Jesus began to do and teach,' which was not exhaustive but foundational.
Acts 10:38-43This passage summarizes Jesus' ministry of 'doing good and healing,' which aligns perfectly with Luke's description in Acts 1:1 of covering what Jesus 'began to do and teach,' highlighting the emphasis on Jesus' actions and their divine validation.
Hebrews 1:1-3This passage in Hebrews speaks of God speaking through His Son, Jesus, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, underscoring the divine authority and origin of both Jesus' teachings and actions, which Luke began to document in his Gospel.
barnesActs 1:1: "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,"
The former treatise - The former book. The Gospel of Luke is here evidently intended. Greek: the former λόγος logos, meaning "a discourse," or "a narrative." O Theophilus - See the notes on Luke 1:3. Since this book was written to the same individual as the former, it was evidently written with the same design to furnish an authentic and full narrative of events concerning which there woul…
expositorsActs 1:1: "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,"
Chapter 1 THE ORIGIN AND AUTHORITY OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Acts 1:1-2 THESE words constitute the very brief preface which the writer thought sufficient for the earliest ecclesiastical history ever produced in the Church of God. Let us imitate him in his brevity and conciseness, and without further delay enter upon the consideration of a book which raises vital questions and involves all-…
The word "began" isn't just a simple marker for the start of Jesus' ministry. It hints that what Jesus started doing and teaching on earth was only the beginning, and that His ongoing work would continue through the events Luke is about to describe in Acts. This emphasizes that Jesus' earthly life was the foundation for the powerful work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
The author, Luke, is beginning his second book, the Acts of the Apostles, and is addressing it to Theophilus, just as he did with his first book, the Gospel of Luke. In this opening verse, he reminds Theophilus that his previous account covered everything Jesus started to do and teach during His earthly ministry, setting the stage for this new narrative about the continuation of Jesus' work through His followers.
The author, Luke, is beginning his second book, the Acts of the Apostles, and is addressing it to Theophilus, just as he did with his first book, the Gospel of Luke. In this opening verse, he reminds Theophilus that his previous account covered everything Jesus started to do and teach during His earthly ministry, setting the stage for this new narrative about the continuation of Jesus' work through His followers.
"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen." — The word "began" isn't just a simple marker for the start of Jesus' ministry. It hints that what Jesus started doing and teaching on earth was only the beginning, and that His ongoing work would co…
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Last reviewed October 2026