A Transition Of Power (Part 2) Series

A Transition Of Power - Part 2

Acts 1:1-4

(an introduction to the Book of Acts)

The book of Acts records the most important transition of power in the history of the world. For some 33 years Jesus Christ had walked the earth, and for the last 3 years He was involved in His amazing earthly ministry. He traveled the region teaching, performing miracles, demonstrating His awesome power and changing countless lives. Now, His work on earth was complete. He had gone to the cross, laid down His life and victoriously risen from the grave. Before His death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus promised His followers that He would not leave them alone. He told them about the impending arrival of the Holy Spirit. It was almost time for this amazing transition of power. No longer would Jesus walk with His followers, soon He would live in them.

Throughout Acts, we will see many amazing things that were done at the hands of the Apostles; however, it is important for us to remember that they were just human vessels under the control of the Holy Spirit of God. It is also important for us to realize that we have the same opportunity that they had, for the Holy Spirit indwells all genuine followers of Christ.

- As we look at the first few verses of this chapter, I would like to continue to examine the subject "A Transition Of Power”.

The Holy Spirit used Luke to write the book of Acts. Luke was Paul’s close friend, traveling companion, and co-laborer in the Gospel ministry. Some of the information Luke records in the book of Acts was from his own first-hand account as he traveled with Paul. The other information in this book came from interviewing eyewitnesses such as Peter, John, and others in the Jerusalem church.

Though Luke was the man who put pen to paper, the divine author of Acts is the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit used Luke to give us a history of the establishment and growth of the Christian Church. The Church is truly blessed to possess this account of the works of the Holy Spirit and we were given it by the Holy Spirit Himself. Originally, this Book was a letter written by Luke to a man named Theophilus. However, God had a far greater plan in mind for this information than the instruction of one man; for He has used this Book to bless Christians for two millennia.

In the first couple of verses of this chapter Luke gives a brief review of the life of Jesus.

- He begins with A Review Concerning Jesus’ Resurrection.

v1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

By this time, Jesus had suffered, been crucified, died, was buried and after three days He rose from the grave. He presented Himself to the Apostles and others and they were witnesses of His resurrection.

- Luke went on to share A Review Concerning Jesus’ Instructions.

During the time that Jesus spent with the Disciples after His resurrection, He taught them many things, especially concerning their future ministry and the Kingdom of God. They were told what to do and where to do it, furthermore they were assured that they would be empowered to accomplish this task.

- After giving a review of Jesus’ resurrection and instructions to His Disciples, Luke gives A Review Concerning Jesus’ Ascension.

After a period of time teaching and instructing the Disciples, Jesus was taken up into Heaven. His work on earth was complete and He took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. After reviewing certain truths concerning Jesus’ resurrection, His instructions to His Disciples and His ascension, Luke goes on to tell Theophilus about certain truths that Jesus revealed before His departure. In His final words to His most faithful followers, Jesus gives a preview of certain things that were to come in the future; specifically the coming Kingdom of God and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Let’s take some time and consider:

II. THE PREVIEW THAT IS GIVEN

- Notice that:

A. THERE IS A PREVIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

v3 speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

The Disciples had often asked Jesus about the establishment of His Kingdom. The Kingdom was on their minds and a topic of conversation just moments before Christ ascended.