Leithart argues why they should be included together:
"Luke and Acts function as a single book, and should be interpreted and studied as one. This is evident from the introduction to the book of Acts in 1:1-2, where Luke addresses Theophilus, the same person whom he addresses in the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke. In Acts 1, Luke refers to the "first account" about the things that "Jesus began to do and to teach." This suggests that Acts also, just as much as Luke, is a book about the works of Jesus; Acts is the continuation of what Jesus began to do and teach." (175)
Leithart goes on to talk about the noticeable role that the Spirit plays in both the gospel and in Acts. The same Spirit who fills John the Baptist, comes upon Mary, moves Elizabeth, Zecharias and Simeon to praise God, who comes upon Jesus at his baptism, also descends upon the disciples at Pentecost. He writes: "The pattern in Luke-Acts is clear: first Jesus, then the church. Jesus receives the Spirit, then the church. Jesus comes with joy; then the church. Jesus preaches in the power of the Spirit; so does the Spirit-filled Peter. In the same way, the ministry of the disciples in Acts matches as it extends the ministry of Jesus." (176-177)
Leithart writes that the clearest sign that the gospel and Acts are structurally similar is the way both books close with long journeys: Jesus makes a long journey to his death in Jerusalem in the gospel, and Paul makes a long journey to his death in Rome, after first journeying to Jerusalem.
Leithart writes:
"The heart of Luke's agenda is to explain and justify the turn from Jews to the Gentiles. Luke shows that the apostles turn from Jews to Gentiles only after the Jews have rejected the gospel and the Spirit twice - once in Jesus, and again in the disciples. Israel has two chances, and they reject Jesus both times. They reject Him when he begins to do and teach; they reject Him when, through the apostles, He continues to do and teach. Only then does Paul turn to the Gentiles." (178)
Drawing from another scholar, Victor Wilson, Leithart suggest this summary of the parallels between Luke and Acts:
Luke Content Acts
1:1-4 Preface, with dedication to Theophilus 1:1-5
1:5-3:21 Time of preparation 1:6-26
3:22 Baptism with Spirit 2:1-4
4:16-30 Inaugural sermon 2:14-40
Local Ministry
4:31-8:56 Galilee/Jerusalem 2:41-8:3
5:17-25 Lame man healed 3:1-10
5:29-6:11 Conflicts with leaders 4:1-8:3
9:9 Martyr: John and Stephen 7:54-8:1
7:1-10 Centurion sends for Jesus/apostle 10:1-48
7:11-17 Widow's son and resurrection 9:36-43
Journey
9:51-53 Resolve to journey to Jerusalem 19:21
9:51-19:27 Missionary journey 13:1
9:31, 51; 12:50 Passion journey 20:3, 22-24
9:45; 18:34 Friends and disciples 21:4, 12-13
13:22 Ready to die in Jerusalem 21:13
Jerusalem, Arrest, Trial
19:37 Joyously received in Jerusalem 21:17-21
19:45-48 Visit to the temple 21:26
20:27-39 Dispute about resurrection 23:6-9
22:14-38 Farewell address 20:17-38
22:14-20 Last meal 27:33-38
22:47-54 Seizure by a mob 21:30
22:63-64 Slapped before high priest 23:2
22-23 Four trials before three courts 24-26
23:4, 14, 22 Declarations of innocence 23:9; 25:25; 26:31
23:6-12 Sent to Herod for questioning 25:13-26:32
23:16, 22 Opportunity for release 26:32
23:18 "Away with this man" 21:36
23:47 Centurion with a favorable opinion 27:3, 43
24 Fulfillment of Scripture 28
24:46-49 Sent to nations/Gentiles 28:28
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