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“Lessons From Acts 1”
The New Testament book of Acts is the central pivot on which the New Testament turns. It gives us, from the Holy Spirit inspired writer, Luke, our only detailed history of the early church. It leads us through its early growth and trials during its first 30 years of existence. It is like a bridge in that it connects the first 4 books of the New Testament with the remainder of the New Testament books.
In the book of Acts, Luke continues where he left off in the book of Luke, writing to Theophilus who was probably a Roman official whom he held in high respect. He introduces Jesus as having previously risen from the dead to show Himself alive to His apostles by working miracles. Jesus assured His apostles that they would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit which would enable them to preach the gospel to the whole world (Acts 1:1-8).
Acts 1:8 serves as an outline to the entire book. Chapters 1-7 tell about the start of the spreading of the gospel of Christ in Jerusalem. Chapters 8-12 tell about the spread of the gospel of Christ in Judea and Samaria. Chapters 13-28 tells about the spread of the gospel of Christ to the end of the earth.
Jesus ascended to Heaven with His apostles being eye witnesses of it (Acts 1:9-11). Even though they thought in terms of a physical kingdom, Jesus ascended to receive His spiritual kingdom from God (Dan.7:13-14; Jn.18:36).
The apostles returned to Jerusalem to await the fulfillment of the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-14).
The rest of Acts chapter 1 tells about the selection of Matthias as an apostle of Christ to fill the place of Judas Iscariot who had betrayed Christ (v.15-26).
It is interesting to observe that the book of Acts begins and ends with reference to the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3,6;28:31). The word "kingdom" means sovereignty or rule. The phrase "kingdom of God" refers to the rule of Christ in His Son, Jesus Christ.
There are 4 things necessary for a kingdom to exist: a king, subjects, law, and territory. Not even an earthly kingdom could exist without these 4 things. The king of God's kingdom is God or Christ. The subjects of God's kingdom are Christians. The law of God's kingdom is the gospel of Christ. The territory of the kingdom of God is the whole world or within the hearts of men and women who submit to Christ.
The kingdom of God exists and will never be destroyed. Knowing that can help Christians overcome deceit, prejudice, doubt, discouragement, and distractions.
-Scott Vifquain
The lesson on Acts gained me more insight and it was inspiring, encouraging and uplifting. Thank you.
by Scott Vifquain on April 28, 2016 at 11:26am.
Gave me more insight to the Scripture in Acts, Inspiring, uplifting and encouriging. Thank you.
by Arthur Mesman on April 28, 2016 at 10:58am.