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ACT 1:1-5

Prologue

1The first account I composed, Theophilus, concerning all things Jesus began both to do and to teach, [1:2] until the day on which he was taken up — having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the commissioned ones he had chosen — [1:3] to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering, by many irrefutable proofs, appearing to them over forty days and speaking things concerning the kingdom of God. [1:4] And while staying with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to await the announcement of the Father — 'which you heard from me,' [1:5] 'for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'

In the world it was spoken into

Theophilus, likely a patron or high-status individual, would have recognized the formal tone and structure of this prologue as typical of Greco-Roman historical or biographical works, which often began with dedications to influential figures. The mention of Jesus’ actions and teachings, followed by His resurrection appearances, would have resonated with Jewish and Gentile audiences familiar with claims of divine intervention and prophetic fulfillment. The reference to Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances over forty days, supported by (irrefutable proofs), would have been crucial in a culture where eyewitness testimony and tangible evidence were highly valued. The instruction to await the (promise) of the Father aligns with Jewish expectations of divine promises, particularly the outpouring of the Spirit prophesied in texts like Joel. The contrast between John’s baptism with water and the coming baptism with the Spirit would have underscored the transformative nature of this new covenant, appealing to both Jewish and Gentile listeners anticipating spiritual renewal.

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How other translations render this

ACT 1:1

KJV
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
BSB
In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach,
Koinōnos
The first account I composed, Theophilus, concerning all things Jesus began both to do and to teach,

ACT 1:2

KJV
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
BSB
until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
Koinōnos
until the day on which he was taken up — having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the commissioned ones he had chosen —

ACT 1:3

KJV
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
BSB
After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Koinōnos
to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering, by many irrefutable proofs, appearing to them over forty days and speaking things concerning the kingdom of God.

ACT 1:4

KJV
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
BSB
And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss.
Koinōnos
And while staying with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to await the announcement of the Father — 'which you heard from me,

ACT 1:5

KJV
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
BSB
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Koinōnos
for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Where the historical framing draws from

  • Josephus, AntiquitiesAntiquities 18.3.3
›Josephus, Antiquities Antiquities 18.3.3

“He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, 9 those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; 10 as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him.”

Cited to ground: The mention of Jesus’ actions and teachings, followed by His resurrection appearances, would have resonated with Jewish and Gentile audiences familiar with claims of divine intervention and prophetic fulfillment.

Translator's notes

ACT 1:1

  • account:The word translated 'account' here refers to a narrative or story, but it also carries the sense of a reasoned explanation or a logical presentation of facts.

ACT 1:2

  • apostles:The term translated 'apostles' literally means 'one who is sent out' or 'a messenger.' It implies being commissioned with a specific task or message, often with the authority of the sender.

ACT 1:3

  • proofs,:The word translated 'proofs' signifies a sure sign or token, something that provides undeniable evidence and leads to a certain conclusion, not just a suggestion of truth.

ACT 1:4

  • promise:The word translated 'promise' can also carry the meaning of an announcement or a proclamation, especially one that is officially declared or commanded, not just a personal pledge.