Historical context of Acts

Who wrote Acts, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Luke

Date written

c. AD 62

Original audience

Theophilus and the church.

Genre

History

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

28

Background and setting

AD 30-62 across the Roman Empire.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Acts was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Acts or jump into chapter 1.