Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Original Language Analysis
Τὸν
G3588
Τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
The former
G3303
μὲν
The former
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
λόγον
treatise
G3056
λόγον
treatise
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ποιεῖν
have I made
G4160
ποιεῖν
have I made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
5 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
G3739
ὧν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
that Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
that Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ποιεῖν
have I made
G4160
ποιεῖν
have I made
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Luke 1:3It 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 24:19And 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:Luke 3:23And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:Matthew 11:5The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 62-64, Acts follows Luke's Gospel chronologically and theologically. Theophilus may have been a Roman official or patron who supported Luke's work. The 'former treatise' references Luke's Gospel, establishing continuity in Luke's narrative of salvation history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Acts as a continuation of Jesus' ministry change how you view the church's role?
- What does it mean that Jesus 'began' to do and teach - what is He still doing through His church today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Luke addresses Theophilus (Greek 'lover of God'), connecting Acts to his Gospel as a unified two-volume work. The phrase 'all that Jesus began both to do and teach' implies that Acts continues what Christ started - He now works through His Spirit-empowered church. The word 'began' (Greek erxato) suggests incompleteness; Jesus' earthly ministry was only the beginning, now continued through His people.