Acts 1:3-11

Recovering from an impossible youth conference, we are back to focusing in on Acts, where Christ is proclaimed. In Acts 1:3-11, it is as though Luke takes a quick flashback (remember a similar account we visited?) with a view towards painting the manner in which the gospel of Jesus Christ would progress.

We considered a sample of introductory themes that continue through Acts:

1. The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential for the gospel (v 3); with convincing proofs, the apostles were witnesses of the risen Lord (c.f. Luke 24:36-48), and for forty days He continued teaching them about the kingdom of God.
2. Empowering by the Holy Spirit is essential for the effective proclamation of the gospel (vv 4-5); Christ promised the Holy Spirit (c.f. Luke 24:49) and He is clearly seen, particularly from Pentecost, throughout Acts. [Notice the Trinity?]
3. Jesus, the King of Israel, is to be proclaimed to all nations [peoples] (vv 6-8); the apostles ask about the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel and Jesus, in response, redirects their attention to the authority of the Father, the focus of/on Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit for the present time for all peoples (c.f. Luke 24:47) and this is seen throughout Acts. [Notice the Trinity?]
4. The expectation of the return of Jesus Christ is essential for the proclamation of the gospel (vv 9-11); at the ascension, the apostles were given hope and confidence for preaching the gospel (c.f. Acts 10:42; 17:31). [When you think of the return of Jesus Christ, are you filled with joy, longing for sinless communion with the Righteous Judge and Savior…or do you dread eternal punishment in hell? Do you have right standing before God? Are your sins forgiven? Have you trusted in Christ Jesus, before whom all men will give an account?]