“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.“
Acts 1:1-3
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AUGUST 19, 2024
We start a journey together this Sunday, a journey through the book of Acts. As you reflect on the scriptures through our daily devotions (which are written to anticipate the upcoming sermon), I encourage you to use the journals the church provides to read and take notes on the text. The journals have a “how to use” page to direct your study of this wonderful book. If you haven’t picked one up, you can get one in the atrium on Sunday morning.
This week, we will examine the first 11 verses of Acts. Right at the beginning the author, Luke, refers to his previous book, the Gospel of Luke. Luke tells Theophilus that the first book focused on the actions and teachings of Jesus while He was on earth; now, in Acts, the emphasis is on what Jesus (through the Spirit, the apostles, and the Church) did after He was taken up into Heaven.
Christ’s work did not cease with His ascension but continues through His people. In Luke 24:49, Jesus told the apostles, And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Just a few verses earlier, He told them that the gospel would start in Jerusalem then be taken to all nations.
The divine plan we see in Luke continues unfolding in Acts. It’s fascinating to realize that even as we read this book today, we are personally connected to it. As disciples of Jesus, this beginning is our foundation. The gospel did indeed spread from Jerusalem, and through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit has come all the way to us. Now we are the instruments to take it further.
What is our confidence in this? Well, the reality is that you and I get to serve King Jesus. Acts 1:3 reminds us that King Jesus rose from the grave, presented Himself in human body, defeated death, and proclaimed new life for 40 days after the crucifixion. Luke reminds his friend, and us today, that what comes next comes because of a powerful, sovereign God. May we take joy in that truth and worship Him through our lives.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What must you remember from Jesus’ life and death today?
- How can you be a faithful witness of the gospel today?
- The books of Luke and Acts reveal that we are part of a long line of Jesus followers. How does that give you confidence in your faith?
Church Reading Plan: Jeremiah 48; Psalm 25