Turning The World Upside Down: Holy Ghost Power: Acts 1:1-11

I. Why Acts Was Written vs. 1-2

A. Luke writes a continuation to his gospel. Again addressed to Theophilus. Theophilus means “lover of God” and some scholars believe this man could have been a well known Roman diplomat, perhaps from Caesar’s household.

Philippians 4:22 NASB95

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

B. This is a continuation of the gospel. Not just a history, but with the fact that what the Holy Spirit did in the book of Acts, He is still doing today, that is building the church.

C. The book of Acts focuses on the apostles. Primarily Peter and Paul.

II. Jesus’ Promises vs. 3-5

A. From the resurrection to the ascension was 40 days. Jesus was doing miracles, and teaching His apostles, and others.

1 Corinthians 15:5–7 NASB95

and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;

B. Gathering together, could mean eating together.

C. Jesus commands them not to leave Jerusalem, because that’s where, He wanted His church to start.

D. The baptism or coming of the Holy Spirit would happen 10 days from now. (Jesus would ascend on a Friday, and the Holy Spirit would come on a Monday). But first they must wait. Waiting is probably the hardest thing we could ever do, but it is one of the most effective ways Jesus works in our lives. (Waiting ex).

III. Holy Ghost Power vs. 6-11

A. They naturally were wondering if Jesus was finally going to set up His kingdom. The Old Testament pointed out that this will occur. The apostles at this point were confused about the time.

B. Jesus said it wasn’t for them to know. He wasn’t rebuking them, but rather stating a fact.

C. In essence Jesus is saying that they will understand better when the Holy Spirit comes.

D. They would be given Holy Ghost power. The word power is where we get our word dynamite from. Its explosive power. Dynamite can make a big hole or a little, depending on how it’s applied. The Holy Spirit will changes some drastically, and then incrementally. Others will change incrementally and over time the change is drastic.

E. The way of evangelism is the way the book is divided. Jerusalem (1-7), Judea and Samaria (8-12), and remotest parts of the world (13-28).

F. As their hearts expanded so did their mission. “But what a shock these geographical designations must have been to the disciples. Jerusalem? The Lord was crucified there. Judea? They had been rejected there. Samaria? Minster to those half-breeds? The ends of the earth? Gentiles too? The words were not only spiritually revolutionary, but socially and ethnically unheard of.”- R. Kent Hughes.

G. Angels announced His birth, and His ascension.

H. All the disciples were from Galilee, except for Judas Iscariot, who was from Kerioth in Judah.

I. When Jesus returns He will return to the very same place.

Zechariah 14:4 NASB95

In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south.

J. The apostles were left looking up to the sky, wondering what came next and how long they would wait for the Holy Spirit what came next and how long they would wait for the Holy Spirit. Many times, we are left with more questions then answers, especially when we are told to wait. But that is how living by faith is like.