INTRODUCTION: ACTS
It is the second part of a two-volume work written by Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul. Originally the two volumes circulated together as two parts of one complete writing. LUKE and ACTS make up about 30% of the material in the New Testament – more than Paul’s writings and more than John’s writings. This book does not contain all the acts of all the apostles. Could better be titled, “Certain Acts of Certain Apostles.”
Written A.D. 63-64ish, probably during Paul’s first imprisonment. It covers approximately 30 years: - the story of the church from it’s explosive beginning on the Day of Pentecost to the imprisonment at Rome of it’s greatest missionary (Paul). To Theophilus (Theo = God, Philus = lover of), and all who love Jesus Christ.
I believe the purpose of this book is to record the spread of Christianity, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Some of it’s themes include:
Church Beginnings → How Christianity was founded, organized, empowered and how it solved its problems within the community. Began by faith in risen Christ, then empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit → Demonstrated that Christianity is supernatural.
Church Growth → Acts shows a dynamic growing community of believers.
Witnessing → These people shared their faith; by personal testimony, preaching, defense. Strengthens our faith as we are confronted by those who challenge it.
Responses to the Gospel → Some believe, some doubt, others are antagonistic.
Opposition → Imprisonment, beating, plots and riots – YET Christianity grew!
Missionaries → Acts is what real missions work is all about!
THE BOOK OF ACTS PICKS UP WHERE THE GOSPELS END. IT IS THE ‘SO WHAT’ OF THE GOSPELS, THE REAL LIFE APPLICATION OF ALL JESUS TOLD US AND SHOWED US. IT IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE CHURCH (THE BODY OF CHRIST = BELIEVERS = CHRISTIANS), OUGHT TO BE AND OUGHT TO DO. THE ZEAL, THE FAITH, THE JOY, THE COMMITMENT, AND THE OBEDIENCE OF THESE EARLY SAINTS IS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL BELIEVERS.
Acts 1: Witnesses for Jesus
How cool would it be to have a name hat means “lover of God?!” Luke addresses this letter to just that man – Theophilus. Interestingly, Luke says that his first book was about all what Jesus “began” to do. Wait – is Jesus not done? The work of Jesus is both finished and unfinished. Redemption is finished – Jesus paid it all. Letting others know (the Holy Spirit’s work through believers) is unfinished!
The disciples/apostles needed the power of God to do the work of God and here Jesus promises to send that powerful “gift.” Jesus reminds them again of their calling: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." And off to heaven Jesus went…..leaving them watching, at least until two angels show up to remind them He’d be back!
The remainder of the chapter focuses on the disciples replacing Judas. This section gives us some great principles in regards to decision making. They devoted it to prayer (12-14), went to the Bible (15-20), laid out the qualifications (21-22), again sought guidance from God (23-25) and then made a choice (26). Ok…..casting lots was their version of a soveriegn rock-paper-scissors. Regardless, they trusted God with the decision! (See Proverbs 16:33)
SO WHAT?!
*In what way are you & I involved in God’s “unfinished work?” How about taking a 48 hour challenge with me? Let’s ask God to give us an opportunity to talk to someone about Jesus within the next 48 hours. Lets keep asking God to give us these opportunities and then the boldness to take advantage of it! Be a Peter and “stand up among the believers.”
*Got any tough decisions to make? Try out the steps above that the disciples made!
*Lord, please make us “Theophilus’!” May it be said of us that we are lovers of YOU!
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