## The former book I wrote ##

The former book is the Gospel of Luke.

## O Theophilus ##

Luke wrote this book to a man named Theophilus. The word “O” is used because Luke was addressing him. Some translations follow their own culture's way of addressing a letter and write "Dear Theophilus" at the beginning of the sentence. Theophilus means "friend of God." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

## until the day that he was received up ##

This refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven.

## command through the Holy Spirit ##

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to instruct his apostles on certain things.

## after his suffering ##

This refers to Jesus' suffering and death on the cross.

## appearing to many others ##

Jesus appeared to many of his disciples beyond the original 12 apostles.