DAY #180: Acts 1:1-11

Luke’s opening statement ties this volume to his first book, the Gospel of Luke. That book was also addressed to Theophilus, whose name means “one who loves God.” Most likely Theophilus was a Roman acquaintance of Luke’s with a strong interest in the new Christian religion.

During the days after Christ rose from the dead, he appeared to the apostles from time to time. The word proved refers to demonstrated, decisive evidence. Jesus’ resurrection had not been sleight of hand or illusion, with Jesus being merely a ghostly presence. Instead, these were solid, visible, and undeniable proofs of the fact that Jesus was alive.

When Christ returned to heaven, God’s Kingdom remained in the hearts of all believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit. God promised, however, that he would ultimately reign over all and bring about the end of all death and disease. The ultimate culmination of the Kingdom of God will not be fully realized until Jesus Christ comes again to rule, defeat his enemies, and consummate the Kingdom.

When would the risen Lord set up his Kingdom? This was the question uppermost in the apostles’ minds. They were eagerly hoping for a glorious earthly kingdom free from Roman rule.

Acts 1:8 is the last recorded statement of Christ on earth. It is thus final, authoritative, and of utmost importance. The Holy Spirit is a major theme in Luke and Acts and is the major point of continuity between the life of Jesus and the ministry of the church.

Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among mankind.

When the Spirit comes, he told his followers, you will receive power. To do what? To tell people about him. They were to start right there in Jerusalem. Judea was the region surrounding Jerusalem (possibly including Galilee). Samaria was Judea’s hostile next-door neighbor, a more difficult but equally important place to take the gospel. The ends of the earth may have referred to Rome or the Roman Empire, the world power at that time.

The direction was of primary importance: Beginning from where you are at this moment, take the message of Christ outward, like ripples caused by a pebble thrown into a pond, not stopping at just your city or state but moving on beyond regional influence to the very “ends” of the earth. In other words, reach it all!

The disciples took Jesus at his word and went about their task exactly as he directed: they began in Jerusalem, spread to Judea and Samaria, then filtered out across the world to the imperial capital, Rome.

After giving this important charge, Jesus was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud. The disciples needed to see Jesus make this transition. The Ascension confirmed for them that Jesus truly was God. In addition, they witnessed the fact that he had physically left earth and had returned to his heavenly home; thus, the remaining work would be done by the witnesses he had left behind, operating in the power of the promised Holy Spirit.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

His last command - Acts 1:8 - must be my first concern. I have often said, the only reason that God left us here, after receiving Christ, was to to tell others about Him. To share the Good News. I have had many Christians debate this point with me, saying things like, We are left here to worship or to pray. These are good things, high things to be sure. But let me ask you, where could you pray or worship better? Here or in heaven? The answer is clear.

There are only two things you can't do in heaven. Sin and share the good news with unbelievers. Let me ask you, which has God left us here to do?

Lord, fill my heart daily with Your spirit and give me boldness and courage and power to share the news of Your love, Your sacrifice and Your forgiveness. Give this same courage and boldness and power to the people of COV.