1: 01-11 Introduction to Acts of the Apostles
1: 1-03 Connection between Gospel and Acts
1: 4-08 Connection between Christ and Disciples
1: 9-11 Connectivity between Present and Future Church
1: 1-03 Connection between Gospel and Acts
This chapter starts with Luke’s address to Theophilus. He brings out the connection between the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. The acts of Lord Jesus Christ recorded in the earlier book, and the latter one is an act of the Holy Spirit through the Acts of the Apostles. Bible books interconnected in theology, coherence thoughts. Jesus left an immortal name, influence on Jewish society. Theophilus means the lover of God. Spiritually all those who love him are the addressee.
Luke 1 narrates the birth of the Messiah, and the first chapter of the book of Acts of the Apostles expresses the Birth of the Church. The first book of Luke portrays Jesus with a story of miraculous events in birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension in world history (Luke 1-24). The reader welcomed into this narrative with spectacular events, rebirths, and prophecies that transformed individuals and communities.
1: 4-08 Connection between Christ and Disciples
The connector between Christ and the Disciples was the Holy Spirit. Jesus foretold them that he would come and rest upon them to equip for ministry. He will indwell them. He will be a seal for their redemption in Christ. They are no more orphans but under the care and guidance of the Trinity. Remember the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28:20 and wait for the strength of the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). The Kingdom of God is the main focus of all (Mark 1:14). Jesus already promised the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in John 7:38,39 and Chapters of John 14 through 16. As Mark 1:8 says, Jesus is going to baptize with the Holy Spirit. The real witness is not of the words but the deeds. Their witness refers to the martyr. The question of signs of second coming connected with the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Dunamis is power and promised.
1: 9-11 Connectivity between Present and Future Church
The Acts of the apostles play a vital role and a model for the future church. The early church existed without building, as casteless and with no boundaries on earth. They had multi-linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The early Christian is the role model for the generations to come. The connectivity lies in the ascension of Christ and the second coming. The church expands with the help of the Holy Spirit took Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and the ends of the earth.
Ascension has two main reasons: to know the state of the resurrected body and to assure the transport of all believers after death or in the second coming (Mark 13:32). Traditionally the ascension of Jesus Christ is being observed on Thursday after the 40 days of Easter. Yet, most of the denominations observing on the following Sunday after 40 days from Easter as Ascension Sunday. Cloud is not the heavenly elevator but the presence of God.
Discussions:
1. Keywords in this passage and how they relate to you.
2. The role of Angels in our day to day life.
3. Overall learning through reading this passage
4. What does it mean witnessing for Christ?
(Dear Reader please refer the series for the continuation...)
