The Old Testament had laid deep foundational layers in its seventeen books of history. The New Testament completed the historical foundation with its first five books—cementing faith in realities certified by eyewitnesses. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John report on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Matthew’s content suggests that he wrote to Jews, showing Jesus to be the prophesied Messiah or Christ. Mark’s style matched Roman emphasis on power and action. Luke was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14). He wrote an “orderly account” in two parts, Luke and Acts, to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-3; Acts 1:1), and likely anticipated a wider audience of fellow-Gentiles. John seems to have written after the others. He took a different approach but had the same basic purpose:
Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:30-31)
Acts shows how Jesus established and grew His “church” (His assembly or gathering). After Jewish beginnings in Jerusalem, the church spread to many Gentiles, even to Rome (and to Ethiopia), in its first 30 years. Acts gives examples of the apostles’ bold messaging, shows how the Lord added them to His church, and how they endured severe persecutions. “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).