Acts

By Livingstone

The Life Application Bible Commentary: Acts explores every verse in the book of Acts, providing background information and Life Application notes designed to bring the timeless truths of Scripture to bear on real problems. The introduction provides historical and cultural background information, the commentary covers the complete Bible text, and the reference feature makes particular verses and phrases easy to find. The teaching notes, sermon ideas, and coordination with the Life Application Study Bible provide everyone-from pastors to laypersons-the necessary elements to address spiritual needs, answer biblical questions, and provide help for daily living.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: Mar 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781496456458

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

Acts has it all—supernatural intervention, astounding miracles, powerful preaching, breathtaking escapes, harrowing journeys, life-and-death decisions, courtroom dramas, thrilling rescues, action, mystery, and adventure! Acts will grab your attention, trigger your imagination, and tug at your emotions. It’s a terrific story and a great read . . . and it’s true.

As you flip through the pages, however, don’t miss the story behind the stories. Underlying the stimulating sermons and the display of miracles, look for God at work in individuals. In fact, as much as Acts could be called the story of the early church, it could also be titled The Miracle of Changed Lives.

Consider this: When last we saw the disciples, they were running scared and abandoning their Lord (Matthew 26:56). Fleeing, denying, disillusioned, and crying, these men seemed the least likely candidates to be boldly proclaiming the gospel. Yet that’s what happened. Peter, James, John, and the rest had been transformed from cowardly to courageous, argumentative to articulate, and selfish to selfless. Then they were joined by Paul, whom God also miraculously transformed.

What made the difference? Acts reveals the profound answer. This is their story—the history of the early church and the changed men and women who changed the world.

As you read of the Holy Spirit, the gifts, persecution and power, Paul’s dramatic conversion, and the rapid spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem and Judea to the ends of the earth, look for yourself in the stories. Ask God to transform you into the kind of person he can use to change your world.

AUTHOR

Luke: doctor, Gentile Christian, traveling companion of Paul, and writer of the Gospel according to Luke.

Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul. He is listed as the writer of the gospel bearing his name by nearly all the ancient church fathers, including Justin Martyr (

A.D.

100–165), Irenaeus (c.

A.D.

120–200), and Tertullian (

A.D.

160–230); all agree on Luke.

The text of the book of Acts clearly reveals the same author as the Gospel of Luke. Both books are addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:1; Acts 1:1), and this opening sentence in Acts refers to a previous book that sounds very much like the Gospel (In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit—1:1-2

NLT

). It makes sense, as well, in light of Luke’s commitment to writing a careful account of the events that have been fulfilled (Luke 1:3, 1

NLT

), that Acts be seen as a continuation of the story, a second volume detailing what happened subsequent to Christ’s death and resurrection.

Although the writer does not identify himself by name anywhere in the book, he does use the pronoun we beginning with 16:10, thereby indicating that the writer had joined Paul in his journeys in Troas at that point. As such, Luke must have become one of Paul’s coworkers, which is what Paul explicitly acknowledges in Philemon 1:24.

Although Luke had a major role in the formation of the early church through his writing and through his ministry with Paul, he is only mentioned in three of Paul’s letters (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24). It is significant that Luke was not a Jew but a Greek and not one of the original disciples of Christ. Thus he was not a member of the inner circle of Jesus’ followers nor one who saw Jesus as his long-promised Messiah. Luke must have been a convert, convinced of the truth of the gospel message and determined to spread the message to others. Perhaps little is said of Luke because he chose not to give himself a prominent place in the text of his books.

According to Colossians 4:14, Luke was a doctor. The medical references and terminology in Acts, therefore, also point to him as the probable author. For instance, when describing the miraculous healing of the lame man by Peter, Acts doesn’t just say, He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! (3:8

NLT

). Instead, that description is preceded by the medical explanation, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened (3:7

NLT

). And when describing Paul’s snakebite in Malta, the writer took care to explain the possible results: The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead (28:6

NLT

). Both descriptions are what would be expected from a doctor. Although the style and terminology of Acts cannot prove that Luke, the doctor, was the author, the literary style of this book, as with the Gospel, certainly suggests an educated writer.

As a physician and, thus, a scientist, Luke became a meticulous historian, researching the facts and paying attention to detail. The beginning of his Gospel states: Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught (Luke 1:1-4

NLT

).

Luke’s research into what had already been written about Jesus gave him a start. And his close relationship to the apostle Paul (20:5-15; 27:1–28:16) undoubtedly gave him access to an abundance of information concerning Christ, thus helping him write the Gospel. Certainly there also could be no better person to record the history of the early church than an eyewitness of the tremendous spread of the gospel (himself a convert) and a close friend of the church’s greatest missionary.

As mentioned above, Acts implies strongly that Luke had traveled with Paul. Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and 27:1–28:16 use the pronoun we, apparently indicating that the writer was Paul’s traveling companion. Some scholars have considered the use of we merely a literary device to give the impression that the author was an eyewitness, but most understand it as accurately reflecting the time when the author of Acts joined Paul in his travels. A careful study of these we sections of Acts reveals that the author was with Paul when he established the church at Philippi and when he returned to Jerusalem. The writer also accompanied Paul to his trial in Rome.

These details about the author’s life fit well with what is known about Luke. His presence with Paul during Paul’s imprisonment is well attested in three of Paul’s prison letters (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24).

Traditionally, Luke has been described as a Greek and, thus, a Gentile. Paul’s final message of greeting in Colossians does not include Luke among the Jews (These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers—Colossians 4:11

NLT

). Instead, Paul wrote, Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas (Colossians 4:14

NLT

), implying strongly that both Luke and Demas were Gentiles.

Acts 1:19 provides another clue to Luke’s Gentile identity. In this passage he took the trouble to translate an Aramaic name, referring to Aramaic as their language. This implies that Aramaic was not Luke’s own language. Also a careful study of the Greek style of both the Gospel and Acts agrees with the conclusion that the author of both books was a Gentile. The text consistently avoids Aramaic expressions, such as rabbi, using in their place words that would be more familiar to Gentiles, such as teacher.

Luke probably met Paul in Troas, after Paul had his vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help (16:8-9), for that is where the we section begins. Undoubtedly the small missionary band was energized with their clear call to preach the Good News to an entirely new group of people, the Greeks in Macedonia.

Philippi provided their first opportunity, and the simple gospel message rocked this affluent Macedonian city. But here the evangelists suffered as well—they were beaten after exorcising a demon from a fortune-teller. Bruised and bloody, Paul and Silas were thrown into the inner dungeon of the Philippian jail. There Luke’s medical expertise may have helped. Perhaps he was allowed into the damp jail to nurse Paul and Silas’s wounds and to pray with them. Whatever the case, Luke would have felt the great earthquake that rocked the entire city that night, leaving the prison in ruins. These miraculous events led to the salvation of the Philippian jailer and his household and to the Philippian judges’ fearful pleading with Paul and Silas to leave town before anything else could happen to disturb the city’s peace. If Luke hadn’t been completely convinced of the power of the gospel before he joined Paul, he would have been by that time.

At this point in the text, we stops being used to describe the missionaries. It is uncertain, therefore, whether Luke continued traveling with Paul on the rest of this journey. The text makes it clear, however, that he joined Paul on the third missionary journey, even accompanying him to Jerusalem, where Paul was arrested. Luke stayed with Paul, now a Roman prisoner, and accompanied him to Rome, where Paul had to await trial. On the journey, Luke courageously faced a hurricane and a shipwreck in order to stay with Paul and serve him. Although not much is known about Luke, it is clear that he was Paul’s faithful and true friend, supporting him as he courageously preached the Good News and then as he sat in prison. Later, when everyone else had deserted Paul, Luke was by his side, still supporting the apostle during his last days (2 Timothy 4:11).

DATE AND SETTING

Written between

A.D.

63 and 65 from an unknown location.

The final event of Acts—Paul’s ministry in Rome—provides a clue to the date and setting of the book. Christianity was recognized by the Roman authorities before

A.D.

65, but then Nero began persecuting followers of the Christian faith. Yet Acts makes no mention of this persecution. It also does not comment on the destruction of Jerusalem in

A.D.

70, something that would surely have been mentioned if Luke had written in the 70s. The Gospel records Jesus’ words regarding the destruction of the temple (Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24), so Luke certainly would have mentioned in Acts the prophecy’s fulfillment. Noting that the gospel account, probably written

A.D.

60–61, was the first of his two books to Theophilus (1:1), the two books probably were written within a short time of each other, possibly during Luke’s stays with Paul while in prison in Caesarea (23:33) and Rome (28:14-16).

Biblical scholars suggest a number of possible places where Luke may have written Acts. Because Luke is traditionally associated with Antioch, some believe that Luke penned the book in that city, where the disciples were first called Christians (11:26

NLT

). Rome is another option held by scholars due to the fact that Acts concludes with Paul’s ministry there. A third option is the city of Ephesus because the book focuses on many events in that Greek city, including Paul’s farewell to the leaders of the church. In summary, there is no consensus among scholars about where Luke actually wrote the follow-up to his gospel account.

AUDIENCE

Theophilus (one who loves God), Gentiles, and people everywhere.

Both the Gospel of Luke and Acts name Theophilus (Luke 1:1; 1:1) as the addressee. Because the literal meaning of Theophilus is lover of God or friend of God, some have thought that the books were addressed generally and written to anyone who loves God, not a specific, first-century individual. Others note that most excellent is attached to Theophilus in Luke 1:3. In that day, this title was used only when addressing a Roman officer, thus leading to the conclusion that Theophilus was a Gentile and possibly someone of high rank in Roman society. Beyond those inferences, little is known—the name Theophilus appears nowhere else in Scripture.

Many biblical scholars think that Theophilus was a new believer who was having some difficulty with the Christian faith. Thus Luke wrote the gospel account in order to provide solid answers to Theophilus’s questions, so he could know the certainty of the things [he had] been taught (Luke 1:4

NIV

). (For more on Theophilus, see the introduction to the Life Application Bible Commentary on the Gospel of Luke.)

Luke also elaborated in Acts about a subject that he had mentioned in his gospel account—that the Gentiles are heirs of God’s salvation together with the Jews. The Gospel records stories of Jesus healing non-Jewish people and proclaiming his message to them (Luke 7:1-10; 8:26-39). Acts describes the spread of Christianity among the Jews and then well beyond, to the vast Gentile world. Chapter 10 contains a dramatic turning point in the missionary enterprise as Peter preached to Cornelius and Gentiles received the Holy Spirit. When Peter reported this to church leaders in Jerusalem, he was met with skepticism because Jews believed that they alone would know the Messiah. But after Peter shared with them his experience at Cornelius’s home (see 10:9-48), they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, ‘We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sin and receiving eternal life’ (11:18

NLT

). Thus the gospel message spread across the world, to Ephesus, to Rome, and, eventually, to where you (the reader) live.

Clearly, then, Gentile Christians would have been eager readers of this book.

OCCASION AND PURPOSE

To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church.

After reading what Luke had written in his gospel account, Theophilus may have had unanswered questions. So Luke wrote Acts to answer those questions and to underscore the truth of the gospel. By tracing the growth of the Christian church throughout the known world at that time, Luke demonstrated that God’s good news of salvation applies to every person—from the lowliest slave to the most respected nobleman and from the Jews to the Greeks and Romans.

Luke probably had other purposes in mind for writing the book of Acts. These are mentioned below.

Historic. In writing his Gospel, Luke wanted to present a careful account (Luke 1:3

NLT

). Thus, he took great pains to verify the historical accuracy of the events he was recording, because his purpose was to write a careful and accurate account of what he had researched and seen. Evidence of his accuracy can also be seen throughout Acts. For example, the Roman famine prophesied by Agabus is confirmed and dated through a parenthetical note by Luke that the prophecy had come true during Emperor Claudius’s reign (11:28).

These facts, along with the numerous details in Acts, reveal the careful and diligent research of a precise historian. In Acts, Luke was writing history.

Kerygmatic. The Greek word kerygma literally means that which is preached—i.e., the message. An important purpose of the book of Acts is to highlight the kerygma, the core of the gospel message proclaimed by the apostles. The good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, proclaimed fearlessly in streets, synagogues, and prisons, changed thousands of lives and the course of history. Paul’s three missionary journeys and voyage to Rome provide solid evidence that the gospel was being proclaimed to the ends of the earth (1:8).

Apologetic. The word apologetic refers to a rational defense of the faith, a presentation of solid evidence that the gospel is true. Because of the rapid spread of the Way (i.e., Christianity) across the Roman Empire, Luke wanted to assure readers that Christianity was not a political movement or threat but the reality of God becoming flesh and the fulfillment of Israel’s hope of a Messiah.

Roman law defined religions as either licitia (legal) or illicita (illegal). Even though Christianity was the offspring of Judaism, it was having difficulty acquiring licitia status because the Jewish establishment considered it a sect. Thus, Luke may have written this as an apology to the Roman government. Because Luke probably wrote this book while Paul was awaiting trial in Rome, the intended audience may have included Paul’s trial judge. Acts includes several defenses presented both to Jews (see 4:8-12) and Gentiles (see 25:8-11).

Conciliatory. The early church contained two dominant factions—Jewish believers and Gentile believers. Paul had become the champion of reaching the Gentiles, while in many ways Peter had been leading the charge for ministering to the Jews. The council at Jerusalem was held to discuss the issue, and the matter was resolved amicably (15:1-35). But old ways are hard to change, so the same issues were raised again and again. Each time, Paul would write to the church to try to defuse the potential explosion and to keep believers focused on the truth (see, for example, Galatians).

The book of Acts presents a noteworthy parallel between Peter and Paul. Each conceded specific aspects of the church to the other. For example, Peter conferred upon Paul a second mode of apostolic authority as well as approval for reaching out to Gentiles, not on the merits of the law. At the same time, Paul conceded primacy in the church to Peter and apostleship to the Twelve, due to their earthly relationship with Christ.

In many ways, the church struggles today with the same issues: new believers need encouragement and assurance, non-believers need to know that the Christian message is true, and the church needs to avoid petty wranglings and unite around the core of the gospel message.

As you read Acts, recommit to unity in the church, working together with Christian brothers and sisters to spread the gospel throughout the world. And thank God for his grace, which extends salvation to all kinds of people, even you.

MESSAGE

Church beginnings; Holy Spirit; church growth; witnessing; opposition.

Church Beginnings (1:4-8, 12-26; 2:1–8:40). Acts is the history of how the Christian church was founded and organized as well as how the early church solved its problems. Led by outspoken and courageous apostles, the community of believers grew as individuals put their trust in the risen Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they were empowered to witness, to love, and to serve. Although pressured and persecuted, they continued to preach, considering it a privilege to suffer for Christ. And the church thrived.

Importance for today. New churches are continually being founded, but true Christian churches preach the crucified and risen Christ. Although believers continue to be pressured to give up or give in, by faith in Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change.

God wants to work in you and through you. Filled with his Spirit, as a courageous witness, you also can share the Good News with the world—with your world.

Holy Spirit (1:5, 8; 2:1-13, 17-18, 33, 38-39; 4:8, 25, 31; 5:3, 9, 32; 6:3, 5; 7:51, 55; 8:15-24, 29, 39; 9:17, 31; 10:19, 38, 44-47; 11:12-18, 24, 28; 13:2-12, 52; 15:8, 28-29; 16:6-7; 19:2-6, 21; 20:22-28; 21:4, 10-12; 28:25). The church did not start or grow by its own power and enthusiasm. The disciples were empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. He was the Comforter and Guide promised by Jesus and sent when Jesus went to heaven. The Holy Spirit came upon the assembled believers at Pentecost and continued to fill those who trusted in Christ as Savior. Through the Spirit’s power, the gospel was preached, and people were healed.

Importance for today. The filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. As a result, the church became more Holy Spirit-conscious than problem-conscious. Then, led and empowered by the Spirit, they changed the world. Everyone who trusts in Christ as Savior receives the Holy Spirit. By faith, therefore, any believer can claim the Holy Spirit’s power to do Christ’s work.

Allow God to fill you with his Spirit; then follow the Spirit’s leading as you live and minister in this world.

Church Growth (2:37-47; 4:1-4, 32-37; 5:12-16, 42; 6:1-7; 8:12, 40; 9:31-35, 39-42; 10:44-48; 11:19-21, 24; 12:24; 13:42-43, 44-49; 14:1, 21-28; 16:4-5, 13-15, 29-34; 17:1-4, 10-12, 32-34; 18:7-8; 19:17-20; 28:23-31). Jesus had told his disciples to take the gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:19-20). He also had said that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts shows the fulfillment of this prediction, presenting the history of a dynamic, growing community of believers from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century, it spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in thirty-nine cities and thirty countries, islands, or provinces.

Importance for today. The Holy Spirit brings movement, excitement, and growth. He gives believers the motivation, energy, and ability to spread the gospel. God still loves the world (John 3:16)—the whole world. And he wants men and women everywhere to hear his wonderful, life-changing message.

Consider how you are part of God’s plan to expand the Christian gospel.

Witnessing (1:8; 2:4-40; 3:12-26; 4:8-15; 5:29-32, 42; 6:7; 7:1-56; 8:4-40; 9:20-22, 28-29; 10:34-43; 11:4-17, 20-21; 13:4-6, 16-47; 14:1, 6-7, 14-17, 21; 16:9-15, 25-34; 17:2-4, 22-34; 18:4-11, 19-20, 24-28; 19:8-10; 20:7, 20-27; 22:1-21; 23:1, 6; 24:10-21, 24-26; 26:1-23, 28-29; 28:17-31). Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more witnessed to their new faith in Christ. By personal testimony, preaching, or defense before authorities, they told the story with boldness and courage to groups of all sizes. Paul, in particular, took every opportunity to tell others about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and Paul told how God had changed his life. Whether in a synagogue (17:10) or lecture hall (19:9), on a riverbank (16:13) or in prison (16:31-32), in the public square (17:17) or on Mars Hill (17:22), in front of a mob (21:40) or in front of rulers (24:10), Paul courageously spoke the truth.

Importance for today. We are God’s people, chosen to be part of his plan to reach the world. We have the truth, the good news about the only way to God, and the message of eternal life. Like the apostles and early believers, we must share this message with boldness and love. And God has promised that the Holy Spirit will help us as we witness or preach. Witnessing is also beneficial to us because it strengthens our faith as we confront those who challenge it.

To whom has God called you to share his message of forgiveness and hope? Who needs to hear from you about Christ? What can you do to take the Good News to the world?

Opposition (4:1-22, 29-30; 5:17-42; 6:8-14; 7:54-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-2, 22-30; 12:1-19; 13:50-52; 14:1-7, 19-20; 16:16-39; 17:5-9, 13-15; 18:12-17; 19:9, 23-41; 21:26-36; 22:22-29; 23:2, 7-10, 12-21; 24:1-9; 25:2-7). Through imprisonment, beatings, plots, and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. Countless numbers suffered financial loss and physical and emotional pain, and many died. Although Christ’s message focused on love and forgiveness, it threatened the pagan establishment and brought furious opposition. But this opposition became a catalyst for the spread of Christianity as believers, convinced of the truth of the gospel, courageously continued to hold on to the faith and to share it with others. This showed that the Christian movement was not the work of humans but of God.

Importance for today. Christ still threatens the establishment because he identifies sin and calls people to repent and to turn to him. And Jesus’ claim to be the only way (see John 14:6) is said to be impossibly narrow and politically incorrect. So believers continue to be threatened and persecuted for believing in Christ and telling others about him. But God can work through any opposition, and persecution can help spread his Word.

When severe treatment from hostile unbelievers comes, realize that it is because you have been a faithful witness. Then look for the opportunity to present the Good News. Stay focused on Christ, and seize the opportunities that opposition brings.

VITAL STATISTICS

Purpose: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church

Author: Luke (a Gentile physician)

To Whom Written: Theophilus and all lovers of God

Date Written: Between

A.D.

63 and 65

Setting: Acts is the connecting link between Christ’s life and the life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters.

Key Verse: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8

NLT

).

Key People: Peter, John, James, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, Cornelius, James (Jesus’ brother), Timothy, Lydia, Silas, Titus, Apollos, Agabus, Ananias, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Luke

Key Places: Jerusalem, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Caesarea, Malta, Rome

Special Features: Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Because Acts ends so abruptly, Luke may have planned to write a third book, continuing the story.

OUTLINE

A. PETER’S MINISTRY (1:1–12:25)

1. Establishment of the church

2. Expansion of the church

B. PAUL’S MINISTRY (13:1–28:31)

1. First missionary journey

2. The council at Jerusalem

3. Second missionary journey

4. Third missionary journey

5. Paul on trial

Acts 1

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1:1-5

The book of Acts, written by Luke, picks up where Luke’s Gospel left off, providing details of the birth and early years of the church that Jesus had promised to build. Together the two books, Luke and Acts, form a seamless account of how the followers of Jesus turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6

NKJV

) by taking the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8

NLT

).

Before documenting this rapid spread of the gospel, however, Luke asserted two important truths in what serves as an introduction to the book of Acts: (1) the indisputable fact of Christ’s resurrection; and (2) the indispensable presence of the Holy Spirit. Apart from these two strong foundations, the church would be without hope and without power. What was true in the first century is still true today.

1:1-2

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit.NLT Luke’s opening statement ties this volume to his first book, the Gospel of Luke. That book was also addressed to Theophilus, whose name means one who loves God. While some scholars have argued that this is a general term for all believers, it is more likely a proper name. When addressing Theophilus in Luke 1:3, Luke called him most excellent. A proper name with a title indicates that this was probably a real person, someone who belonged to the nobility, possibly as a high-ranking Roman official. Theophilus may have been Luke’s patron who helped to finance the writing of both the Gospel and Acts. More likely Theophilus was a Roman acquaintance of Luke’s with a strong interest in the new Christian religion.

Whether or not Theophilus was a believer, he had apparently learned some of the facts, but he may have needed further clarification. Luke set out to explain the entire gospel story to Theophilus, telling him about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. The translation began to do and teach shows that the books of Luke and Acts give the accurate account of the beginning of all that Christ was to do on earth. The book of Acts would show the continuation of his work on earth through his church, his body.

The following verses provide a bridge between the events recorded in Luke’s Gospel and the events marking the beginning of the church. Before he ascended to heaven, the resurrected Christ taught his disciples for forty days. In that short period, he gave those chosen apostles the instruction that would radically change their lives and, through them, the world. The fact that the apostles had been chosen by Christ (Luke 6:12-16) is an extremely important point. With that choosing came apostolic authority to preach, teach, direct the church, and preserve the record of his life and teaching. (For more on the Holy Spirit, see 1:8.)

1:3

The early Christians did not believe in the resurrection of Christ because they could not find his dead body; they believed because they did find a living Christ.

C. T. Craig

After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.NIV After his suffering refers to Jesus’ crucifixion. During the days after Christ rose from the dead, he showed himself to many of his followers (see the chart, Jesus’ Appearances after His Resurrection on page 3). Christ showed himself and (as if more were needed) also gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. The word proofs (tekmeriois) refers to demonstrated, decisive evidence. Jesus’ resurrection had not been sleight of hand or illusion, with Jesus being merely a ghostly presence. Instead, these were solid, visible, and undeniable proofs of the fact that Jesus was alive.

These proofs would form the heart and soul of the forthcoming witness of the church (from Acts 1:8 forward). The apostles, and the church behind them, would spread the truth of Christ because they had seen him after he rose from the grave! If Jesus had not truly risen from the dead, then nothing that proceeds from this point on in the book of Acts (or the New Testament for that matter) would make any sense or make any difference in people’s lives. (See Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 15:13-14.)

JESUS’ APPEARANCES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION

Studying and using convincing proofs for the defense of Christianity (apologetics) is a valuable tool today. Not only does it help confirm the faith of Christians, but it also functions to help unbelievers come to faith. Many Christians today owe their conversion, humanly speaking, to the work of C. S. Lewis, whose apologetic arguments in Mere Christianity led them to believe. C. S. Lewis himself was converted by means of these kinds of arguments.

FIVE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION

1. The Resurrection demonstrates that what Jesus predicted about his being raised was true (Mark 8:31; 9:9, 31; 10:34; John 2:19).

2. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

3. The Resurrection testifies to the success of Christ’s mission of salvation (Romans 4:25).

4. The Resurrection entitles Jesus to a position of glory (1 Peter 1:11).

5. The Resurrection proclaims that Jesus is Lord (Acts 2:36).

During Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances, the main subject of Jesus’ remarks was the kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospels the kingdom was always on Jesus’ lips, for this unified his teachings and activities (see, for example, Luke 13:18-21; 17:20-37). When Christ came to earth, he brought God’s kingdom, but it was not an earthly kingdom. The promised kingdom is present now only in part. The New Testament writers confirmed that through his death and resurrection, Christ bound Satan (Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22), provided forgiveness and holiness to sinners (Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 9:11-12; 10:10), and is now enthroned as Lord over all (Acts 2:33-36; 5:31; Ephesians 1:20-22). Believers become participants of this kingdom through God’s power (Matthew 19:24-26; John 3:3), by repentance and trust in Jesus (Matthew 4:17; John 14:6; Acts 8:12). His kingdom began in the hearts of his followers. When Christ returned to heaven, God’s kingdom remained in the hearts of all believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit. God promised, however, that he would ultimately reign over all and bring about the end of all death and disease. The ultimate culmination of the kingdom of God will not be fully realized until Jesus Christ comes again to rule, defeat his enemies, and consummate the kingdom (Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-46; John 14:1-3). Before that time believers are to work to spread God’s kingdom across the world. Often the term kingdom, at least in Acts, is used almost synonymously with the gospel message—see 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23, 31.

NO LEAP IN THE DARK

Jesus gave many proofs to the early followers. Today many people doubt Jesus’ resurrection. But history records that Jesus appeared in bodily form to his disciples on many occasions after his resurrection, proving that he was alive. Note the change that occurred in the disciples’ lives. At Jesus’ death, they scattered; they were disillusioned and fearful. After seeing the resurrected Christ, they were fearless and risked everything to spread the good news about him around the world. They faced imprisonment, beatings, rejection, and martyrdom, yet they never compromised their mission. These men would not have risked their lives for something they knew was a fraud. They knew that Jesus had been raised from the dead, and the early church members were fired with their enthusiasm to tell others. We can have confidence in their testimony. Twenty centuries later we can know that our faith is based on solid, historical fact.

So we have the two aspects of Christianity that would soon spread like wildfire from the temple porticoes in Jerusalem: (1) convinced witnesses who had been with the resurrected Christ; and (2) a clear message of Christ’s desire to rule in people’s hearts and of his promise to return (1:3-10).

1:4-5

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.NLT As the risen Christ met with his disciples, here eating with them (yet another of the convincing proofs mentioned in 1:3), he surely told them many things. Luke records only a handful of sentences from those forty days of instruction, so they certainly are important words. These statements of Jesus are loaded with significance, giving us not only the outline of the book of Acts, but the general outline of church history.

Christ first told his followers to stay in Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised. This points back to Luke 24:49. He had spoken about this before, at the Last Supper: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17

NLT

; see also John 14:26).

This would be a new kind of baptism. John baptized with water, said Jesus, but these believers would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist had baptized people as a sign of repentance. They had confessed their sins and had determined to live as God wanted them to live. Baptism was an outward sign of commitment. To be effective, it had to be accompanied by an inward change of attitude leading to a changed life. John’s baptism did not give salvation; it prepared a person to welcome the coming Messiah and receive his message and his baptism. John himself had said, I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming. . . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11

NRSV

).

The one who was coming was Jesus, the promised Messiah. The coming of the Spirit had been prophesied as part of the Messiah’s arrival:

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. (Isaiah 44:3

NIV

)

The time is coming. . . . I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. . . . For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Jeremiah 31:31-34

NIV

)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezekiel 36:26-27

NIV

)

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29

NIV

)

The Old Testament promised a time when God would demonstrate his purifying power among people (Isaiah 32:15; Ezekiel 39:29). The prophets also looked forward to a purifying fire (Isaiah 4:4; Malachi 3:2). This looked ahead to Pentecost (Acts 2:1-6), when the Holy Spirit would be sent by Jesus in the form of tongues of fire, empowering his followers to preach the gospel. All believers, those who would later come to Jesus Christ for salvation, would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the fire of purification (in the Greek one article precedes these words, indicating that they were not two separate baptisms). This baptism would purify and refine each believer. When Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit, the entire person would be transformed by the Spirit’s power.

If Jesus had stayed on earth, his physical presence would have limited the spread of the gospel because physically he could be in only one place at a time. After Christ was taken up into heaven, he would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within his followers after Christ returned to heaven. The Spirit would comfort them, guide them to know his truth, remind them of Jesus’ words, give them the right words to say, and fill them with power. As promised by Christ in the upper room (John 13–17) and by the Father (see Peter’s speech in Acts 2:17 and following), the Holy Spirit would be the next great event in the life of the church. Many believe it to be the very birth of the church.

BELIEVERS HAVE PRIVILEGES

In a series of meetings with the living, resurrected Christ, the disciples had many questions answered. They became convinced of the Resurrection, learned about the kingdom of God, and discovered the truth about their power source—the Holy Spirit. By reading the Bible, we can sit with the resurrected Christ in his school of discipleship. By believing in him, we can receive his power through the Holy Spirit to be new people. By joining with other Christians in Christ’s church, we can take part in doing his work on earth.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS / 1:6-11

When would the risen Lord set up his kingdom? This was the question uppermost in the apostles’ minds. They were eagerly hoping for a glorious earthly kingdom free from Roman rule. Christ, however, sidestepped these questions about earthly kingdoms and divine timetables. Instead, he reminded his followers of their calling to be Spirit-filled witnesses who would take the gospel message everywhere. A spiritual revolution needed first to take place in the hearts and minds of people.

With this final charge on the top of the Mount of Olives, Christ ascended into heaven. Moments later divine messengers appeared and assured the apostles that the Lord would one day return in similar fashion.

1:6

So when they met together, they asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?NIV The average Jew of Jesus’ day was looking forward with great anticipation to the literal coming of the Messiah’s earthly kingdom and with it the restoration of the fortunes and military might that the nation had enjoyed under King David. Jesus had certainly taught a great deal about his coming kingdom in his ministry with the disciples. During this forty-day instruction period, the disciples had questions about the promised kingdom, for their anticipation had been heightened with their Master’s resurrection from the dead. Fully expecting Jesus to bring in his kingdom on earth at that moment, the disciples asked: Are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?

The coming of the kingdom was closely associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit (as implied in passages such as Isaiah 32:15-20; 44:3-5; Ezekiel 39:28-29; Joel 2:28–3:1; Zechariah 12:8-10). When Christ told the disciples of the imminent coming of the Spirit, therefore, they were even more likely to assume the coming of the kingdom would also be at hand. During the years of Jesus’ ministry on earth, the disciples continually had wondered about the coming of the kingdom and what their roles would be in it. In the traditional view, the Messiah would be an earthly conqueror who would free Israel from Rome. But the kingdom about which Jesus spoke was first of all a spiritual kingdom established in the hearts and lives of believers (Luke 17:21); behind it was the earthly kingdom that Christ promised to institute at his return.

Jesus’ answer, disappointing to the disciples, was a rebuke and a gentle reminder that the apostles’ role (like the role he had modeled on earth) was to desire to be in God’s presence in prayer and worship and to faithfully follow the Father’s sovereign lead.

TRUSTING THE FATHER’S PLAN

The disciples wanted to know Jesus’ timetable for the restoration of the kingdom. Like other Jews, the disciples chafed under their Roman rulers. They wanted Jesus to free Israel from Roman power and then become their king. Jesus replied that God the Father sets the timetable for all events—worldwide, national, and personal. If you want changes that God isn’t making immediately, don’t become impatient. Instead, trust God’s timetable. Remember that he is wise, good, and all-powerful. Even when things seem chaotic, he is in control. His perfect will ultimately will prevail.

1:7

He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.NIV Neither the times (chronous—referring purely to chronology) nor the dates (kaipous—more the character or circumstances of the era) were really any of the disciples’ business. These are set by the Father’s authority, and as far as the disciples were concerned, it was out of their jurisdiction. Later revelation through Paul and others would help clarify the issue (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). What should concern and consume the disciples, however (notice the contrastive word but that begins 1:8), was the loaded statement that follows.

1:8

There is no believer whom the Son of God does not require to be his witness. In what place, at what time, with what degree of frequency, in what manner, and to what extent, we ought to profess our faith, cannot easily be determined by a fixed rule: but we must consider the occasion, that not one of us may fail to discharge his duty at the proper time.

John Calvin

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.NIV This is the last recorded statement of Christ on earth. It is thus final, authoritative, and of utmost importance. The Holy Spirit is a major theme in Luke and Acts and is the major point of continuity between the life of Jesus and the ministry of the church.

Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual renewal and rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so that his spiritual presence would still be among mankind (see Luke 24:49). The Holy Spirit first became available to all believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Whereas in Old Testament days the Holy Spirit empowered specific individuals for specific purposes, now all believers have the power of the Holy Spirit available to them. For more on the Holy Spirit, read John 14:16-28; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; and 2 Corinthians 1:22.

THE CHURCH’S VISION STATEMENT

The people for the task: you—those who know Christ, who listen to him

The power for the task: the Holy Spirit

The philosophy of approach to the task: my witnesses—say what you saw

The plan for the task: to Jerusalem, Judea, to the ends—begin where you are and move outward from there

Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Christ. Luke continued that emphasis here as he focused on the Holy Spirit’s role in the early days of the church. The term spirit (pneuma) occurs nineteen times in Matthew, twenty-three times in Mark, thirty-six times in Luke, twenty-four times in John, and seventy times in Acts. Christ had just reminded his followers that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit (1:5). When the Spirit comes, he told his followers, you will receive power. To do what? To be my witnesses. Power from the Holy Spirit is not limited to strength beyond the ordinary; that power also involves courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The disciples would need all these gifts to fulfill their mission.

POWER SOURCE

Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive power to witness after they received the Holy Spirit. Notice the progression:

1. They would receive the Holy Spirit.

2. The Holy Spirit would give them power.

3. They would witness with extraordinary results.

Often we try to reverse the order and witness by our own power and authority. Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God. It is showing and telling others what God has done for us. When you tell others about Christ, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. You can be a powerful witness.

The term witnesses (martures) provides remarkable insight into the nature of the disciples’ task. A witness gives testimony based on what the witness knows, what he or she has seen—not hearsay, not rumor, not something someone else saw, but what he or she has experienced, seen, or heard. This witnessing theme is a repeated emphasis of the apostles’ work—for example, see 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39; 13:31; 22:15. In effect, Jesus was saying to his followers: There is going to be a period of witnessing by you about me between my two visits to your planet. Go out and tell people what you know—what you’ve seen, experienced, and learned. I’ll be back.

They were to start right there in Jerusalem (1:4). Judea was the region surrounding Jerusalem (possibly including Galilee). Samaria was Judea’s hostile next-door neighbor, a more difficult but equally important place to take the gospel. The ends of the earth is actually a singular form in Greek (eschatou), suggesting that perhaps the reference is to Rome or the Roman empire, the world power at that time. The direction was of primary importance: Beginning from where you are at this moment, take the message of Christ outward, like ripples caused by a pebble thrown into a pond, not stopping at just your city or state but moving on beyond regional influence to the very ends of the earth. In other words, reach it all!

The disciples took Jesus at his word and went about their task exactly as he directed: they began in Jerusalem (1–7), spread to Judea and Samaria (8–12), then filtered out across the world to the imperial capital, Rome (13–28).

AN EVER EXPANDING WITNESS

Acts 1:8 describes the manner in which the gospel would spread geographically, from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria, and finally to the whole world. It would begin with devout Jews in Jerusalem and Judea, spread to the mixed race in Samaria, and finally be offered to Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. God’s gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community hasn’t heard about Jesus Christ. How are you contributing to the ever expanding testimony of God’s mercy and grace?

1:9

When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.NRSV After giving this important charge, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. This cloud symbolized the glory of God. In the Old Testament, we read that a cloud led the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22) and that God made his presence known to the people by appearing in a cloud (Exodus 16:10; 19:9, 16; 24:15-18; 33:9-10; 34:5; 40:34-35). A cloud also enveloped Jesus and three of his disciples at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:34-35) as a visible symbol of God’s presence. So when Jesus returned to glory, he returned in a cloud that took him out of their sight.

The disciples needed to see Jesus make this transition. The Ascension confirmed for them that Jesus truly was God. In addition, they witnessed the fact that he had physically left earth and had returned to his heavenly home; thus, the remaining work would be done by the witnesses he had left behind, operating in the power of the promised Holy Spirit.

1:10-11

The great thing is to be found at one’s post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.

C. S. Lewis

As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. Men of Galilee, they said, why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!NLT While the disciples strained to see him, staring into the sky, two angelic messengers appeared among them. The angels confirmed what had just happened: indeed, Jesus had been taken . . . into heaven. They also reminded the disciples of Jesus’ promise: Someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go! The question, of course, is what part of Jesus’ departure will be reproduced upon his return: The cloud? The arrival on the Mount of Olives (see 1:12 and Zechariah 14:4)? Most likely, it refers to Jesus’ coming in a cloud to show his glory. In the Olivet discourse, Jesus had described his return: At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory (Luke 21:27

NIV

; see also Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26). At his trial Jesus had told Caiaphas, In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven (Matthew 26:64

NIV

).

WORKING HARD UNTIL THE END

After forty days with his disciples (1:3), Jesus returned to heaven. The two men dressed in white (these were angels who appear to people in a humanlike form) proclaimed to the disciples that one day Jesus would return in the same way he had left—bodily and visibly. History is not haphazard or cyclical; it is moving toward a specific point—the return of Jesus to judge and rule over the earth. We should be ready for his sudden return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), not by standing around staring at the sky but by working hard to spread the Good News and help build Christ’s church so that others will be able to share in God’s great blessings.

There is no disputing the promise—Jesus is coming back, in a fashion similar to the way he departed that day. His followers would work in the power of the Spirit. They would walk out into the lost world, telling all they had seen and heard of the one whom they had watched ascend. Surely their attitude about the sky and clouds from that day on was never the same. Every tilt of their head upward would recall the poignant moment of his ascent and remind them of the angelic promise of his return: He will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!

MATTHIAS REPLACES JUDAS / 1:12-26

What an exhausting, exhilarating six weeks! The disciples had witnessed the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of their Master, then his powerful and undeniable resurrection, and finally his awesome ascension into heaven. Surely they were reeling from all that they had seen, heard, and felt.

Having been instructed to wait for the coming of the Hoyly Spirit, the disciples withdrew to an upstairs room in Jerusalem. There they wisely spent time praying (and surely sharing and reflecting). It was during this lull that the apostles, under Peter’s leadership, filled the vacancy in their ranks created by the defection of Judas. It was important for them to have twelve apostles, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, to position the church as the fulfillment of the righteous remnant (see 1:21). Practical and simple steps in organization often play an important part in God’s kingdom plan.

1:12-13

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James).NLT Following the instructions of Christ (1:4), the disciples stayed in Jerusalem. The upstairs room seems to have been a specific and well-known place (the noun has the definite Greek article). In that day an upstairs room was the larger room of a house, since the downstairs rooms needed more walls to support the weight of the second story. This may have been the same room in which they had eaten the Last Supper with Christ (Luke 22:12), as well as the location of many of the post-Resurrection appearances. At this time it became the first meeting place of the church.

IN THE UPSTAIRS ROOM