Opening: Think back to a time when you had to wait for something. Maybe it was
to go to grandma’s for Christmas or on a vacation. Name as many emotions as you
can think of that you experienced. Now think about a time when you were going
somewhere or doing something that you really didn’t to go or do. Maybe it was a
surgery or a court date or a parent-teacher conference. What were those emotions?
Scripture: Today we start our readings in the Book of Acts. Read Acts 1:1-8.
Insights:
- Luke wrote both his Gospel, and now this book of Acts. Look back at Luke 1:1-4. What was Luke’s purpose in writing?
- This book is in some places called “The Acts of the Apostles.” A case could be made that it should be called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.”
- It has been suggested that Theophilus is merely a generic term for all Christians (the name means “loved of God”), but the epithet “most excellent” implies Luke was writing to a definite person, probably a Roman official, whom Luke held in high respect.
- In the Gospels, the Twelve are called the disciples. Now in Acts, the term “apostles” is used to refer to those original members, while the term “disciples” refers to the ever expanding group of Christ followers. Disciple means “follower or learner,” and apostle means “messenger or missionary.” The apostles now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Jesus clearly commands the apostles to remain in Jerusalem. Why?
Life
Questions:
- How would the apostles recognize the coming “gift of God”, the Holy Spirit? How have you recognized the Holy Spirit?
- Jesus told the apostles to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes, then be witnesses “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Has there been a time you stayed? Have you been willing then to go?
Prayer
Focus: For a fresh coming of the Holy Spirit, and the
power to be Christ’s witnesses.
