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THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CONTINUES
Acts 1:1-8
GETTING STARTED:
- The book of Acts is written by Luke – as a continuation of the Gospel that he wrote – it picks up where that Gospel ended. At the end of Luke – Jesus is encouraging His followers to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
- This writing is also addressed to Theophilus – a name that means friend of God or loved by God. In the first Gospel, Luke states that his purpose is to create a certainty in the reader of everything that they have been taught – in Acts, Luke’s purpose is to demonstrate that the ministry of Jesus will continue through His followers in the enablement or power of the Holy Spirit. The Good News established by Jesus in Luke will be taken to the ends of the earth by Holy Spirit-empowered followers in Acts.
2 Key truths we learn in the first 8 verses.
1. THE SAME POWER – THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
- The earthly ministry of Jesus began when He was baptized by John the Baptist. Remember that when John baptized Jesus – the Father voice His approval of the Son – and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Lord as a dove. Acts 10:38 – states that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. It goes on to say the He was able to heal all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with him.
- Jesus intends to launch His church in this same power – knowing that the day of Pentecost is coming and His followers will be empowered with the Holy Spirit.
- The Ministry of Jesus will now continue through followers who receive the Holy Spirit and go out as His witnesses.
- Think about what Paul says in Romans 8:11 – basically – that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead – gives life to you. More than just this – the same Spirit that empowered the ministry of Jesus will be empowering His church, His followers – sent out to spread the Good News.
2. IT’S NOT A KINGDOM ON EARTH – BUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
- Let’s read verse 3 – then verses 6-8. Jesus is talking about the Kingdom of God – and the disciples are thinking – When will you restore our Kingdom?
- The Holy Spirit will shift the focus to bringing Good News to all nations in order to see the everlasting Kingdom of God opened to all who believe.
