Book of Acts.1

A Journey Through Acts

Bible Passage: Acts 1:1, Acts 1:5–8, Acts 1:9–11, Acts 1:26

The Transition to Acts

Acts 1:1 “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”

Luke 1:1–4 “1Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”

Certainty - ἀσφάλεια asphaleia security, to keep someone from falling, see Acts 5:23 prison shut securely; 1 Thes 5:3 “Peace and safety”

Theophilus - Θεόφιλος, Theophilos lit lover or friend of God

A real person’s name or title (name changed when saved?) as a benefactor or sponsor of this work.

A pseudonym to conceal identity from persecution (a secret believer). This could be to King Agrippa (see Acts 26:27-29) as a follow-up message.

A title of any reader of this book who loves God

1. The Question of the Kingdom - two baptisms

Acts 1:5–7 “for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

John’s baptism of repentance a preparation for Israel to inherit the kingdom. It was the offer of fellowship of a repentant heart. That offer of the kingdom was rejected (it will be re-offered without result in the beginning of Acts). Now we are seeing the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower the church age believer for church growth. A different baptism (one of many see passage list on Baptisms) Regeneration, Indwelling, Baptism, Sealing. These are new to NT church.

2. The Acts of the Holy Spirit (the second baptism)

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

Power δύναμις dunamis the capability, or potential for power, might, strength. The ability to perform the work of the ministry.

witness μάρτυς martus, one who testifies of translated as martyr in Acts 22:20 of Stephen describing his stoning.

Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

Notice the places mentioned, an intentional geographic progression. It starts in Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth (a pattern for the journey of the gospel in Acts). Also notice the expansion of the gospel from the Jews in Jerusalem to the Samaritans and gentiles in the uttermost.

3. Don’t Just Stand There

Acts 1:9–11 “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.””

The Lord’s departure was not a rapture but more of a lifting up. The same way He will return in the clouds to the Mount of Olives were the ascension takes place Acts 1:12).

Prayerful Leadership

Acts 1:26 “And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

All things equal. qualifications, …

Only here in Scripture. Big job, no other mention!

Decisions.

Declared Moral Guidance – God directs us by scriptural commands.

2 Timothy 3:16–17“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Wisdom Guidance – where there is no command, God gives wisdom and understanding.

Luke 1:3 “it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,”

Acts 15:25 “it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,”

Supernatural Guidance – given by angel voice, dream.  A divine command

Acts 16:9 “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.””

Sovereign Guidance – God secretly guides by working all things together for the believer’s good.

Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;”

Acts 4:27–28 “27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.”