Who is recognized as the author of the Book of Acts?

The Book of Acts is recognized as being authored by Luke, who is also known for writing the Gospel of Luke. This attribution is supported by both early Christian tradition and internal evidence within the text itself. The text of Acts begins with a reference to a prior work, which is understood to be the Gospel of Luke. Furthermore, the writing style and theological themes in both books demonstrate a continuity that suggests a single author.

Luke is one of the few Gospel writers who provides a detailed account of the early church and the spread of the Gospel following the ascension of Jesus Christ. His narrative includes significant events and figures, such as the apostles Peter and Paul, which are central to understanding the development of Christianity after Christ's resurrection.

In scholarly discussions, Luke's background as a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul is often emphasized to understand his perspective and approach in writing both his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. This contributes to the view that Luke intended to provide a structured and comprehensive account of Christian origins, further solidifying his role as the author of Acts.