Sermon Central
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The Ascension
Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus knew and suffered due to the reality of sin in the human heart. But when He physically left the earth, His message was not a pessimistic one. Summarizing who he was and what difference this should make for everyone is stated in what is known as the
Please turn to Acts 26
Now, in verse 45, He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, (cf. Luke 24:27, 45; Acts 17:3; cf. also John 12:16). Through Jesus’ interpretation of the Scriptures (Luke 24:27), the disciples came to understand its teaching concerning his death and resurrection. This new understanding contrasts with their earlier lack of understanding (9:45; 18:34). The disciples’ new understanding of the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection was not achieved through their own study of the Scriptures. What was involved was not a new hermeneutic or method of interpretation. Rather this understanding was given them by Jesus. Paul was later commissioned to open people’s eyes (Acts 26:17–18) through preaching and interpreting the Scriptures (17:2–3).
Acts 26:15-18 [15]And I said, ’Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ’I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. (ESV)[17]delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you [18]to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (ESV)
• The reason for preaching the Gospel is to have the Holy Spirit use the words of Scripture to open people’s eyes. We do not share the Gospel merely by praying for the Holy Spirit to act nor in our mere actions. It is the Word of God with the Spirit of God in which the good news (Gospel) or Jesus birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming again is proclaimed.
In verse 46, Jesus now explains elements of the Gospel. "Thus it is written" is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE, which was an idiom for asserting the inspiration of Scripture (Utley, R. J. D. (2004). Vol. Volume 3A: The Gospel According to Luke. Study Guide Commentary Series (Lk 24:46). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.)
It refers to the content that follows, that the Christ should/will suffer. This refers not so much to specific OT passages, which teach that the “Christ” would suffer, but to the entire OT teaching on this. The early church frequently referred to Ps 22 and Isa 53 [cf. Acts 8:26–40] as proof that the Christ must suffer. The “Christ” is the anointed one of God, as the reader of the Gospel knows, Jesus of Nazareth. Earlier passages in Luke spoke of the Son of Man suffering: 9:22, 44; 17:25; 18:32. Secondly, the Christ on the third day would rise from the dead. (cf. 9:22; 18:33; 24:7, 21; Acts 10:40; 1 Cor 15:3–4). Luke did not specify where these references are to be found. (Cf., however, Ps 16:10; Acts 2:3; 13:35.) Since the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus’ passion and resurrection, this serves as a proof for Luke that Jesus is the Messiah.
• Part of explaining the Gospel is showing how Christ specifically fulfilled prophecy and thereby validated His claims. Since He was correct in what He said He would do, this naturally leads to the realization and message that He will do in the future, exactly what He has promised to do.
