Luke, the physician-historian, wrote two books of the Bible, Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, to tell the truth about Jesus.  Both documents were addressed to Theophilus who may have been a high ranking Roman official - perhaps indicated by the words ‘most excellent’ (Luke 1:3) - possibly a lawyer involved in the Apostle Paul’s trial in Rome.  He had already heard a lot about Jesus but wanted detailed evidence so that he could be certain (Luke 1:4).  Luke carefully collected eye witness accounts from people who had been with Jesus (Luke 1:2) for his gospel, and then from his travels with Paul (Acts 16:10).  

Luke’s gospel described what Jesus did and taught before He returned to heaven.  After His resurrection, Jesus continued to instruct and guide the apostles whenever He met them.  But that was only the start.  Jesus also commanded them to welcome the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), who would continue teaching them how to follow Jesus.  Those men were entrusted to define 'sound doctrine', spread the gospel message and help build His church – all under the Holy Spirit's guidance.  The Acts of the Apostles is the true story of how the Apostles started to spread the gospel.  

The resurrection is the key to the gospel.  Jesus, who had been crucified for our sins, is alive.  It shows His divinity (John 20:28), and His power to be King of kings (Revelation 17:14).  So many people met the risen Jesus, talked and even ate with Him.  There was no doubt that He is alive.  Acts describes how, despite increasing persecution, the church grew because Jesus was still at work.  It is a unique message which intrigues seekers and frightens power-hungry religious leaders (Acts 4:1-2): sceptics ridicule Jesus, but the evidence of His resurrection is impossible to avoid (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).  

Jesus continues to be at work within us too, shaping our characters and giving us new, godly desires - and the power to fulfil them.  He continues to be our Advocate in heaven (1 John 2:1-2), interceding on our behalf with Father God and preparing our place in His Kingdom.  Meanwhile, He is in command of everything and is the Master of everybody.  He seeks out sinners and makes them His special saints.  He loves people who hate Him … and when they repent, He uses them to show the world what a wonderful Saviour He is.  What happened in the Book of Acts will excite and encourage you to keep on trusting Jesus, because He is now at work in your life too.