Scripture focus – Acts 1

Acts is a sequel to the gospel of Luke. Luke wrote both books to “Theophilus”, which means “lover of God”. This was probably Luke’s patron. Acts chronicles the rise of the church, from Jesus’ ascension to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman empire. It tells of the struggles that faced early Christians, as well as their victories.

One of the questions facing the second and third generations of Christians was “Did Jesus really physically arise from the dead, or was it just His spirit?”. Luke makes it very clear in Acts 1 that Jesus spent 40 days (remember – the period of testing) giving His followers “convincing proofs” that He was indeed alive, including eating food with them. Jesus spent His time with the disciples teaching about the Kingdom, so it was natural for the disciples to ask “when?”. Jesus instructs them to wait for the power God will give to them, rather than try to know things only God can know.

We have record of two statements spoken by Jesus in this story. One was a command – “Stay in Jerusalem.” This was a scary command for followers of the One who had recently been crucified there! Would they be safe? The other statement was an instruction – “You will receive power.” By remaining in Jerusalem, the disciples would be perfectly positioned to serve as witnesses when God’s promise to them was fulfilled during the feast of Pentecost.

Acts 1 gives us the only really detailed account in scripture of the Ascension, though it’s mentioned at other places. This event almost serves as a semi-colon, or pause, between the two great exclamation points of Easter and Pentecost. This story shares some similarities with the Transfiguration. Both took place on a mountain, both involved Jesus being enveloped by a cloud, and both had two heavenly witnesses.

Christians today often struggle with the same questions as the earliest ones. Is the story we celebrate real, or is it just symbolic? When is Jesus going to come back? First, we have the witness of those early apostles. Second, we have the witness of our own hearts. As back then, we can’t spend our time trying to understand things that are beyond us. Instead, we must focus on remaining at the place where God would have us until His promises to us have been fulfilled. Then we’ll have all the power we need to serve as His witnesses, through our word and life.

CrossGroup Discussion Questions

1. What’s the most exciting thing that happened in your life last week?
2. What is the Kingdom of God? Is it here now?
3. When you are in a situation that requires patience, how do you cope with it?

Today’s Sermon

Text – Acts 1:1-14

Theme – Jesus gave instructions

Doctrine – “I believe…in the Holy Ghost”

Key need – When will we see revival?

Key truths –

• The disciples had questions.
• We have questions.
• Jesus gave instructions to the disciples
• Jesus gives instructions to us