The Way - Day 025 (Acts 1)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Acts 1:1-8
To introduce this writing, Luke points the reader back to his "former account" that he made "of all that Jesus began to do and teach, 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, 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" (1:1-3, see also 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Of course Luke is referring to the gospel which bears his name where he documented the life and teachings of Jesus Christ including His death, burial, and resurrection. Following Jesus' resurrection He spent 40 days speaking about the kingdom of God which is defined as God's rule over all things and is also the "designation for the sphere of salvation" which is entered into at the new birth according to John 3:5-7. When a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, he is allowing God to set up His ways in his heart and have lordship over all things in his life. This kingdom not only has a current application, but also future implications when Christ will return to earth for 1,000 years and reign in righteousness over all things (millennial reign, see Revelation 20:4-6). At the end of this reign, God will destroy all evil and only those things which are a part of His kingdom will remain (Revelation 20:7-21:4).

Jesus was assembled together with His apostles in Jerusalem and commanded them not to leave until the "promise of the Father" had come. The promise spoken of was given by Christ in John 14:16, "And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever...." Upon Christ's departure, God the Holy Spirit would come alongside them and dwell in them to accomplish the work of God (1:4-5). The apostles, still misunderstanding the timing of God's kingdom, asked Jesus if He was going to "restore the kingdom to Israel" to which He responded that they should not concern themselves with the timing (1:6-7). Instead, soon they would receive power from the Holy Spirit who would enable them to "be witnesses...in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (1:8). In essence, Jesus was leaving them with the incredible responsibility of spreading the message that He died on the cross for the sins of all and those who, by faith, believe in His sacrifice will receive eternal life (John 3:36). The events which follow these introductory verses are a record of the apostles carrying out that mission.

Acts 1:9-26
After declaring that the apostles would become witnesses of Him in all the world, Jesus ascended into heaven as they watched. Luke documents the details surrounding Jesus' ascension, "He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven'" (1:9-11). So as Jesus was ascending into heaven, two angels appeared beside the apostles bringing confidence to them that He would also return to them one day to set up His kingdom. Although they were sorrowful about the departure of Jesus, they now would begin their mission to spread the life-changing message of His death, burial, and resurrection for the sins of mankind. I wonder if they recalled Jesus' words to them around the same time He promised the Holy Spirit, "He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:12-13). The time of "greater works" was upon them as they would now be taking the good news about Jesus Christ to all people and establishing the church which has influenced every generation to follow.

After Jesus ascended into heaven at Mount Olivet, the apostles returned to Jerusalem to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled (1:12-13). Luke writes that the apostles stayed in the upper room "continuing with one accord in prayer, and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers" (1:14). During this time of waiting Peter, the leader of the apostles, spoke up to the apostles as well as some of Jesus' other followers who were gathered (120 people) reminding them of Judas' betrayal of Jesus and that Scripture called for a replacement (reference Psalm 69:25 and 109:8). Peter then declared that Judas' replacement should have "accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection" (1:21-22). Peter wisely knew that whoever would represent the message of Jesus Christ must have spent the last three years walking with Jesus and witnessing His death, burial, and resurrection. Without that firsthand knowledge, that person's testimony would not be strong. In response to Peter's words, two men were presented as candidates: Joseph and Matthias (1:23). Those who were gathered prayed that God would reveal which one they should choose (1:24-25) and they also cast lots (Old Testament practice of determining God's will) which "fell on Matthias...and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (1:26).

I find it pretty amazing how the apostles' lives were characterized by obeying God's will. They had received much instruction by Jesus before He left and they were careful to submit to His leadership in order to fulfill His will. Since they were now the sole representatives of Jesus on earth, they needed to be fully surrendered to follow His plans. Spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone would prove to be a difficult task, but the apostles were convinced of God's love for all and were willing to risk everything to declare that message.

Dear God, make me sensitive to Your will in every step I take. May I receive guidance from the word of God and obey it by the power of the Holy Spirit.