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Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-2:47<\/strong><\/span> Acts:<\/strong> Today we begin the book of Acts! I am sad to be leaving the Gospels behind, but am definitely looking forward to reading Luke\u2019s writings in Acts. (And there is always early next year\u00a0to read the Gospels again! Hint\u2026 hint\u2026 \ud83d\ude42 We\u2019ll soon be introduced to Paul in Acts, and his Epistles will be coming up in the months ahead. It is always so exciting to read about the early church and its genesis. I hope you are ready for Acts!\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Author<\/span>: Luke <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s intriguing to note that Luke begins Acts 1:1 with \u201cDear Theophilus.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 You will recall from Luke\u2019s Gospel in chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 Luke addresses the Gospel to Theophilus as well: \u201cTherefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 So, just who is Theophilus?\u00a0 There is a lot of speculation on this question, and not a lot of certainty.\u00a0 Theophilus\u2019 name means \u201cone who loves God.\u201d\u00a0 Not a bad name, eh?\u00a0 Some speculate that Theolphilus was someone of high position and wealth, and perhaps even a Roman official.\u00a0 Some speculate Theophilus was actually Luke\u2019s publisher, funding his writings distribution!\u00a0 In whatever case, it appears that both Acts and Luke were written for Theophilus\u2019 own instruction, as well as the instruction of those whom these writings would be distributed, which includes you and me!\u00a0 Let us simply thank God for the unknown man Theophilus to whom Luke felt compelled to write the books of instructions for us in Acts & Luke!\u00a0 Below is a painting titled \u201cSaint Luke\u201d from the year 1360 by Master Theodoric:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Verse 8 from Jesus is basically a Cliff Notes version of the book of Acts:\u00a0 \u201cBut when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere\u2013in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 In chapters 1 through 7 the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Judea & Samarian in chapters 8 & 9.\u00a0 And then to the ends of the earth in chapters 10 through 28.\u00a0 Well, ends of the earth in terms of Caesarea, Rome, Greece, Antioch and Asia Minor.\u00a0 But, they wouldn\u2019t begin this witnessing until they are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2.\u00a0 Below is a pretty good map of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria at the time of Acts:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n In verse 9 today we read about the ascension of Jesus into heaven! \u201cIt was not long after Jesus said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 Below is Rembrandt\u2019s painting of the Ascension from the early 17th century:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Acts readings titled \u201cGetting Ahead of God\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Today we read the incredible Acts chapter 2 where the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost!\u00a0 Below is an amazing paintings of this scene in Acts 2 titled \u201cPentecost\u201d by the Hungarian painter Istvan Dorffmaister from the year 1782.\u00a0 Please take a few moments to really meditate on this painting and what the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost meant to the church and means personally to you today\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n We also read in Acts 2 today about how the early church flourishes.\u00a0 You may hear some churches today say that they are \u201cActs 2:42\u201d churches. Today we read these incredible words about the early church in verses 42 through 47 \u2013 \u201cThey devoted themselves to the apostles\u2019 teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 How do these verses speak to you?\u00a0 Do you think this is how church today should be as well?\u00a0 Do you see aspects of these verses in your church today?\u00a0 Do you see aspects of these verses in your life today?\u00a0 Is your church an \u201cActs 2:42\u201d church?\u00a0 Do you think it should be?\u00a0 How will you yourself help it to be an Acts 2:42 church?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org has four commentaries on our readings in Acts today!\u00a0 They are all titled \u201cPutting Pentecost in Perspective\u201d and then diving into the following topics listed below.\u00a0 These are well worth reading!<\/span><\/p>\n The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (Acts 2:1-13)<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings in Acts reminds me of the MercyMe song \u201cMove.\u201d Here\u2019s a great live version of this song!<\/span><\/p>\n
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Date<\/span>: A.D. 65-70
Content<\/span>: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul\u2019s trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul\u2019s release, further travels, arrest, and death.
Theme<\/span>: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers \u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d p. 23)\u00a0 More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links \u2013 <\/em><\/span>https:\/\/bible.org\/page.php?page_id=2122<\/span> & <\/span>https:\/\/bible.org\/page.php?page_id=1793<\/span><\/p>\n
The Holy Spirit in the Gospels (Acts 2:1-13)<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>
Peter\u2019s Interpretation of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-40)<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>
The Firstfruits of Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47)<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span><\/p>\n