Three Foundational Issues
Series: Book of Acts #3
Acts 1:1-5
10-16-05
Intro
The book of Acts opens with an amazing account of Jesus interacting with His followers for forty days after His resurrection. Can you imagine what it would be like to have Jesus here in His resurrection body giving us a Bible study? What an experience that would be! We would probably sit with our jaws dropped in amazement.
We have begun a study of Acts and today we will look at the preamble to this second volume of Luke’s writings. Remember that the first few verses in Luke’s Gospel serve as an introduction to both volumes. There we were told Luke’s purpose and method. Luke is not repeating that information here. But in the first eleven verses he clearly reveals the theme of Acts and establishes a bridge with his previous volume. That bridge is found in our text this morning, Acts 1:1-5 (Read).[1]
These first five verses of Acts provide an important summary of Luke’s gospel. He immediately references that “former book.” Verse 1, “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach....” The Gospel of Luke focused upon Jesus’ earthly ministry. And there were two essential ingredients to that ministry. What were they? They were teaching and doing. There may be a few people here that remember the old Frank Sanatra song “Love & Marriage”. One verse says,
Love & marriage, love and marriage
Go together like a horse and carriage
Dad was told by mother
You can’t have one without the other[2]
Some things just go together. Teaching goes with doing and doing goes with teaching.[3] Something important is lost if you leave out either one. Jesus taught and then He demonstrated what He taught. In Luke 24:19 Jesus was described as “...a prophet, powerful in word and deed....” In Acts we will see the Apostles teaching and doing. There is demonstration of power and there is explanation of what it means. For example in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost there are awesome manifestations of the Holy Spirit: wind, fire, and tongues. But what immediately follows that? Peter stands up and explains what God is doing. In Acts 3 the crippled beggar is healed when Peter and John pray for him on their way to the temple. What follows? Peter preaches to the crowd and calls them to personal decision. The pattern we find in Jesus’ ministry and in the early church embraces both teaching and the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit.[4] We want to follow that pattern today, amen?
Look again in verse 1 at Luke’s opening reference to his gospel. “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach...” The Greek word translated “began” is “archoo” which sometimes has little significance. But in this context Luke is emphasizing the continuity of Jesus’ ministry as recorded in the gospels and what he is about to share in Acts.[5] This preamble is a bridge between the two volumes. Jesus began to do something during His earthly ministry and He continues the purposes of God in the book of Acts through His church. In the Gospel of Luke we find that Jesus began to seek and save that which is lost.[6] In the book of Acts as Head of the Church Jesus continues to seek and save that which is lost. The foundation for what we are about to see in Acts is what Jesus has already begun.
In these first 5 verses Luke is establishing the foundation for the continuing work of God in the book of Acts. He does that by addressing three essential issues: (1) the reality of Jesus resurrection (2) the instruction which Jesus gave the disciples and (3) the promise of the Holy Spirit.[7] It is important for Luke that we be anchored in these three truths as he begins his narrative in Acts. Without this revelation the book of Acts can not be properly understood.
I. The Reality of Jesus Resurrection. Everything depends upon this. If Jesus is not risen from the dead then our faith is in vain. Christianity is nothing but another religion among many others. Islam has no resurrection. Buddhism has no resurrection, Confucius was not resurrected. Those religions can suggest a moral code for living in this temporal life but they offer no assurance or hope of resurrection. The book of Romans opens with these words “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God- 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 1:1-4).” Notice the continuity Paul establishes in those verses with the Old Testament. Verse 2 “the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” There is a flow of revelation from Genesis to the book of Revelation that must be recognized. The whole Bible is dealing with God’s work of salvation for fallen humanity. We can only understand its parts in the context of the whole. But the reason I wanted you to look at Romans 1 was the statement in verse 4 concerning Jesus, “and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” The resurrection was God’s declaration that Jesus is everything He claims to be. A major error we are contending with and will be contending with even more in the days ahead is a pluralism that suggests that one religion is as good as another.[8] Buddha didn’t rise from the dead. Mohammad didn’t rise from the dead. Jesus rose from the dead!
Acts 1:3, concerning Jesus, “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.” The word Luke uses (tekmeerion) means decisive proof or proof that removes the doubt. In legal language it is proof that is irrefutable and indisputable.[9] Everything we are about to see happen in the book of Acts is based upon the reality of Jesus’ victory on the cross demonstrated by His resurrection.
During the forty days between His resurrection and ascension Jesus made many appearances to a great number of eye witnesses. Although his list is not exhaustive Paul gives a good summary of those appearances in 1 Cor 15:3-8 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” Can you imagine a prosecutor going into court with five hundred eye witnesses who are all testify to seeing the same thing? There is more than enough proof of the resurrection of Jesus, not to mention the millions of lives transformed during the last two thousand years. Notice in verse 3, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance....” Is the resurrection of Jesus “of first importance” to you? If we’re not careful we develop an ego-centric mentality that hinders our understanding of the Bible. The resurrection of Jesus is more important than whether you get that promotion at work or meet that special someone or pay all your bills this week. God cares about all those things in our lives but first things first. Are you rejoicing this morning that Jesus conquered death and hell and rose from the dead? All your future depends upon that. Your hope of glory depends upon that? Your power for victorious living depends upon that. It is the risen, ascended Christ Who has sent the Holy Spirit to empower us to live for God and fulfill His will in our lives.
In the last chapter of his gospel (Luke 24) and in the first chapter of Acts Luke tells about Jesus’ ascension and final instructions. This clip from “The Jesus Film” portrays the last few verses of Luke’s gospel.
Show “The Jesus Film” (01:51:12) to (01:54:00)[10]
So the Gospel of Luke takes us up to Jesus’ ascension. The first eleven verses of Acts recap that Gospel and rehearse the ascension. When you read Luke 24 it seems like all these appearances happened in one day. But Acts one makes it clear that there were forty days between Jesus resurrection and His ascension into heaven.[11]
In this preamble to Acts Luke also talks about
II. The Instruction Jesus Gave to His followers during this time.
Verse 3 says He “spoke about the kingdom of God.” I counted at least 30 times where the kingdom of God is referenced in Luke’s Gospel. Here are a few examples. In Luke 4:43 Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God....” In Luke 6:20 he said “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 11:20 Jesus said “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.” In Luke 17:20 Jesus is asked when the kingdom of God would come. His answer was, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, ’Here it is,’ or ’There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” The kingdom of God has to do with the rulership of God. In Jesus’ ministry that rulership was expressed when He cast out demons and healed the sick. In Acts we will see that rulership expressed through Spirit-filled followers of Christ.
Turn with me to Luke 24 and we will see a couple of examples of Jesus instruction during that forty day period. Do you remember the story of the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ death? They are discouraged and depressed over the murder of Jesus. While they are walking along the resurrected Christ joins them but they do not recognize Him. In Luke 24:25 Jesus says to them “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Then in verse 27 Luke tells us, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” In other words Jesus instructed them concerning the kingdom of God. Notice the way He explained to them “continuity” in God’s program—continuity from Moses and the Prophets through the life of Jesus. And that continuity continues into Acts and beloved, into our lives as well. Even at that point these two disciples did not realize it was Jesus. They go on and arrive at Emmaus and it is when Jesus blesses the food at the supper table that they recognize Who He is. Listen to what they said to each other in verse 32 “They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” What was Jesus teaching them? He was teaching them about the kingdom of God and He was using OT Scripture to teach from.
We get a little more insight on His instruction when He appears to the disciples in verses 36-49. Verse 44 “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” I hope you see the importance of teaching in all this. Think about it. These people are experiencing the physical presence of the resurrected Christ. If experience alone were the whole ball of wax why would Jesus in that setting take time to open the Scripture and explain it to them? We must have genuine experiences with God; but we must also have sound biblical teaching to make sense of those experiences. It’s not teaching alone and it’s not experiences alone; but we need both.
We must understand the continuity of God’s plan as we approach the book of Acts. We must not miss the importance of our spiritual experiences being rooted and grounded in scriptural truth. In the book of Acts Luke is going to share with us some awesome spiritual experiences. Those experiences are founded upon the victorious resurrection of Jesus, His teaching and His commandments. Spirituality without that bedrock of truth is bound to go astray. There is a reason Luke emphasizes these things in his preamble to Acts.
The instruction that Jesus is giving here in verses 47-49 are essential to everything we will encounter in the book of Acts. It is reiterated in Acts 1:8 and we will deal with it extensively there. Two essentials: first is the mission of the church. Luke 24:47-48 “and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.” This is Luke’s expression of the Great Commission. Repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be preached in the name of Jesus to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. The Great Commission drives the activity of the book of Acts. Listen to the Great Commission as described by the other gospel writers. John 20:21-23 “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’” John is emphasizing the aspect of being sent, of receiving the Holy Spirit, and of bringing forgiveness to sinners. Mark 16:15-18 “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.’” Mark is emphasizing the responsibility to go, the importance of faith, and the empowerment of the Spirit for accomplishing the mission. Probably best known is Matthew’s version. Matt 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” We are sent with authority. We are not alone for He promises to be with us always. We are to do more than get people to say a prayer. We are to make disciples and teach them to obey His commandments.
I take time to read these versions of the Great Commission because Acts is about fulfilling the Great Commission. In Isaiah 49:6 it was prophesied that Jesus would be “a light for the Gentiles” and bring “salvation to the ends of the earth.” That has not been fully realized by the end of Luke’s gospel. But it is in process and it will continue to unfold in the book of Acts.
The second essential in Luke 24:47-49 is the method for fulfilling the mission. God’s method has to do with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
III. The Promise of the Holy Spirit is foundational to the book of Acts.
We saw that promise explicitly stated in the OT. Joel speaks of it. It is also foreshadowed in Moses, Saul, Elijah and Elisha, and others.[12] John the Baptist’s prophecy in Luke 3:16 is reflected in Acts 1:5 as an assurance of the coming of the Holy Spirit “For John baptized with water but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Last week we showed some of the ways the Gospel of Luke points toward the Day of Pentecost. Now in Luke 24:49 right before Jesus’ ascension the promise is stated with a command. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:4-5 “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”
Even though these disciples had been under Jesus’ personal training for three years—even though they had been taught from the Bible by the resurrected Christ—before they were ready to fulfill the Great Commission they needed something else. They needed to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. They needed to be clothed with power from on high. Nothing short of that would get the job done. One thing we must understand from Jesus command in Luke 24 and Acts 1 is that without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit we are not fit to do the mission God has given us to do. It’s not a matter of more information. It’s not a matter of more teamwork or of trying harder. It’s the necessity of a power beyond our own. People of Grace Chapel, what we need today is the same thing they needed and got in the early church. We need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our lives. We need to be clothed with power from on high. If we miss that point we have missed a major theme in the book of Acts.
Now how do we receive that? We receive the power of the Spirit in the same way those disciples received. We wait before the Lord with an open and obedient heart. During the Charismatic Movement we were very careful to tell people that the Holy Spirit has already been poured out and that we don’t have to wait ten days to receive. There is truth in that statement. The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 was unique in that it marked the initiation of a whole new phase in God’s program. But that teaching needs to be balanced with this truth: prepare the way of the Lord. We may need to spend some time waiting upon God to prepare our hearts to receive. God is ready. But are we ready? Have we repented of sin and devoted ourselves to prayer the way the early church did?
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” We’re prone to rush out rather than wait. Will you hear Jesus’ instruction for your own life today? Will you wait before the Lord so that He can speak to your heart and prepare you to receive? Will you invest the time to be available to God? You may have never experienced the power of God on your life? You may have experienced that many times. But are you currently full of the Spirit? Are you empowered for the task God has called you to do? If not this is a word from the Lord for you. Stay before God until you are clothed with power from on high. We are all busy about many, many things. But are we doing that one thing that Jesus requires. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God. The Holy Spirit is received by faith. It’s not a matter of waiting ten days until the Day of Pentecost. It’s not a matter of putting so much time into prayer. It’s a matter of availability and openness of heart. Most of us need time waiting on God just to open our hearts to Him afresh. Will you come this morning and spend some time waiting on the Lord. Let’s do that this morning.
Text: Acts 1:1-5
1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 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. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
(from New International Version)
Richard Tow
Grace Chapel Foursquare Church
Springfield, MO
www.gracechapelchurch.org
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[1] Text is provided at end of this manuscript. All Scripture quotes are from New International Version unless otherwise indicated.
[2] http://www.yourweddingplace.com/wedding-songs/cake%20cutting/lyrics%20love%20marriage%20sinatra.htm It wouldn’t hurt for our current generation to be reminded of this theme.
[3] C. Peter Wagner, Spreading the Fire: Book 1, Acts 1-8 (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1994) pp 57-57 contends that doing comes before teaching. I’m not sure he fully makes his case but would conclude that it could happen in either order.
[4] 1Corinthians 2:4
[5] F.F. Bruce, Commentary on the Book of Acts in The New International Commentary on the New Testament, F.F. Bruce, Gen. Editor (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986) p. 32. Scholarship is divided on the significance of “archoo” in this verse but I. Howard Marshall and others are in agreement with Bruce.
[6] Luke 19:10
[7] I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, R. Tasker, Gen. Editor (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981) p. 55. I have modified Marshall’s listing for purposes of this presentation.
[8] Grenz, S., Guretzki, D., & Nordling, C. F. 1999. Pocket dictionary of theological terms ( InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, Ill.) p. 92.
[9] Cleon Rogers Jr. and Cleon Rogers III, The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998) p. 229. Also see USB and Friberg lexicons.
[10] I wanted to show this dramatization to help the congregation experience the majesty of Jesus’ ascension but time did not allow for me to actually show it. For more on The Jesus Film (which follows Luke’s Gospel) go to www.jesusfilm.org
[11] Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) p. 107
[12] Roger Stronstad, The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1984) pp 43-44 for analysis of this.
