Acts 1:1-11 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today we begin the book of Acts. Written by a Christian physician called Luke in approximately 60-70 A.D. as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke, Acts is such an important book in that: (1) it gives us a detailed account of what happened to Jesus’ followers after Jesus ascended to heaven; (2) it gives us a historical backdrop for understanding the letters of Paul, which would make up much of the New Testament; (3) it shows us what the early church looked like and the incredible faith, courage and perseverance they displayed in the face of great uncertainty and persecution; and (4) it takes us on a tour from Jerusalem to the various nations where the church spread. Even more, the book of Acts is filled with powerful lessons for us today.
Today’s passage is Acts 1:1-11. As usual, I encourage you to read the passage yourself first and see what you can glean with the Holy Spirit’s help, then read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Acts 1:1 (NIV)
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
On verse 1: The “former book” Luke is referring to is the Gospel of Luke, which Luke also wrote to Theophilus. Little is known about Theophilus. The name “Theophilus” (meaning “lover of God”) was a common name both among Jews and Gentiles living in the region. However, the fact that Luke refers to Theophilus as “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3) suggests that Theophilus may have been a person of wealth and high social status, and possibly someone who helped to finance and publish Luke’s writings.
Acts 1:2-4a (NIV)
2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them…
On verses 2-4: Here Luke speaks of Jesus as having physically risen from death, giving “many convincing proofs that he was alive” (v3) and appearing to people for 40 days, including eating with them on various occasions (see also Luke 24:30-31; Luke 24:40-43). For the earliest followers of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus was never a legend, a myth or a figure of speech, but a historical fact. So strong was the disciples’ belief in Jesus’ resurrection that they would each sacrifice their lives for it. In fact, the entire Christian faith stands upon Jesus Christ actually living, dying for our sins and physically rising again. If you have questions about the validity of Christianity, a good place to start is the resurrection of Jesus. To examine the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, check out this message called “Resurrection: Fact or Fiction”: https://www.
Acts 1:4b-5 (NIV)
4…he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
On verses 4-5: Jesus told his disciples something similar in Luke 24:49: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Whether Acts 1:4-5 is referring to the same or a different incident, it is clear that Jesus wanted his disciples to stay and wait in Jerusalem at least until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit that his Father had promised.
What can we learn from this? Jesus didn’t want to leave his disciples unequipped for their mission. His intent was that they would live in this world empowered by His Holy Spirit. Like Jesus’ earliest disciples, you and I were not made to run on our own power, but to live this life and represent Jesus in this world while relying on a power source much greater than us: the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit just as much today as the earliest disciples did. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless to do anything of value in God’s kingdom.
Acts 1:6-8 (NIV)
6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
On verses 6-8: Being Jewish themselves, the disciples were looking forward to Jesus “restoring the kingdom to Israel” (v6), that is, restoring the nation of Israel to a place of prominence and political independence after years of being under Roman rule. The disciples wanted to know when Jesus was going to do that. But based on Jesus’ response, Jesus and the Father had different plans. Rather than focusing on the political restoration of Israel as a nation, Jesus and the Father planned to use the disciples to bring the message of Jesus to all nations. In fact the story that progresses in Acts can be summarized by this one statement in verse 8: “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (v8).
What can we learn from this? God’s agenda is not just to set up a political kingdom in one place on earth, but for the church to tell of Jesus in every place to every person on the planet and to every nation.
Acts 1:9-11 (NIV)
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
On verses 9-11: When Jesus had risen from the grave, at his empty tomb some female followers of Jesus met two men in gleaming clothes who announced Jesus’ resurrection. They asked the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:4-8) Now here at Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Jesus’ followers are once again met by two men dressed in white who ask them, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” Then they announce that Jesus, who has ascended to heaven, will return one day.
What can we learn from this? If you want to make the most of your time on earth, don’t keep standing there looking at the sky, but get moving with the purposes Jesus has for your life: to worship Him, to grow more like Him, to serve Him, to lead others to Him, and to love His church. Until we die and go to heaven or until Jesus returns, whichever comes first, may we spend ourselves on the purposes Jesus has called us to.
Father, thank You for the way Your heart beats for every person on this planet, and for every nation. Thank You for how You want to involve us in Your mission to reach the entire world with the message that Jesus died for us and rose again. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit whom You have given us to be our power source. Holy Spirit, I surrender to You and ask You to please fill me today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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