🔥 Acts Chapters 1-2 💒

🙏🏽 Dear Heavenly Father – We sit at Your feet today to hear Your Word. We are traveling back to the point in our history where the Good News of Jesus is being preached and Your Church is born. Let us receive Your truth for the gift that it is – a message of power and comfort – a message we receive with awe and wonder. I message that we humbly admit that we can barely grasp all that it contains, yet it fills the thirst of our souls.  We thank You Lord for Your Spirit and we thank You for Your servant Luke who records this time in history.  Open our hearts and our minds to graciously receive this gift. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray this. Amen.

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

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 presented himself to them 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.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Points to Ponder: I take comfort that the disciples are off to a rough start.  In our own power, a Christian can be excited… ready to rumble, for the cause of Jesus… but without the Holy Spirit, we remain too earthly-minded. Jesus tells the disciples to be patient – to wait for the gift of the Spirit. He had already talked with them about the Spirit. (John 14:15-17, John 15:26, John 16:13-14)

They responded by asking the wrong question; they still have the wrong expectation of the Messiah.  He tells them, and us, that end-times are not for our understanding… witnessing is. 

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Think about it… no one argues about Jesus having been beaten bloody and crucified. Unbelievers just don’t want to admit the resurrection and what that might mean for them. [1 Corinthians 1:18] I read these verses and realize that Christianity could never have been a thing, if the last time the disciples saw Jesus was dead on that cross. Who would grasp the command… Follow Me!… if that was the expected outcome. No… something so much greater than anyone could imagine was happening. And Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples and others, because this new thing was going to happen through them as they followed Him. Yes, I’m convinced that we’re reading history here. And as I study how they followed, I intend to do the same – because it is in His power that I am encouraged and enable to do so. 💕

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This is a great book in Scripture for Christians to review their understanding about church (local) and about ‘C’hurch (across time and space i.e. as part of His Kingdom and part of a united body of believers with Jesus as the head of that body)… and about their own purpose as a follower of Jesus.  This section reminds me of Peter asking Jesus about John’s future and Jesus telling Him to remain focused. (John 21:21-22) 

Acts is the book where Jesus is preached and The Church is born. Luke, who is not an original disciple, but most likely a Greek gentile, converted through the preaching of Paul, carefully investigates the claims of Christian theology, then writes both his Gospel and Acts, as a witness to his own experience. 

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶ and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

¹⁸ (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ [Psalm 69:25]

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’ [Psalm 109:8]

²¹ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Points to Ponder: In heaven, the selection of Matthias is on my list of things to ask about. 😅 Jesus just told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift He promised… spoiler alert, it happens in the next paragraph. Here, Peter’s leadership seems to be a bit too familiar… like the episodes we read of previously in the Gospels.  Casting lots???  This seems a little like what happens when we use scripture to justify walking in our own strength.

Two men, Joseph (Barsabbas) and Matthias, one chosen, one not – we learn nothing else about these men individually. There are times when Luke mentions ‘the twelve’, so I assume Matthias is there. I think this section is here to show what we do when we believe scripture is available for our own interpretation instead of being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led in making decisions.

I used to think that God’s plan for the 12^th was different. (i.e. Paul) . Now it doesn’t matter… I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9 and I can remain content in not knowing the answer to this mystery.  It becomes clear very soon that there are way more than 12 early church leaders.

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

¹³ Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Points to Ponder: We should never be surprised when people respond with mockery when confronted by the providential hand of God. The filling of the Spirit was accompanied with sound, visual effects, and miraculous new abilities of speaking new languages, so the surrounding Jews could understand them.  The Jews familiar with the table of nations and the tower of Babel would marvel at this amazing reversal. (See how that story ended in Genesis 11:5-9) Maybe they would wonder at the possibility of the fulfillment of Isaiah 43:19 in their lifetimes.  Or perhaps, their idea of God is so narrow that it is easier to laugh off the incredible and make fun of those involved. (It happens… Nehemiah 4:1-3)

Peter Addresses the Crowd

¹⁴ Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ¹⁶ No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ [Joel 2:28-32]

Points to Ponder: Peter’s address to this large, unknown crowd is quite different from the previous address. We should be sensitive to that difference.  If we are comfortable speaking or hearing a message just among our 120 closest friends that all happen to agree with us, we should ask ourselves if we are hearing the truth.

No, the number doesn’t matter… but the content of the message does.  What informs you, forms you.  As Christians that have full access to Scripture, it is our responsibility to remain in Christ and in His Word.

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³ This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. ²⁵ David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
²⁷ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.
²⁸ You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ [Psalm 16:8-11]

Points to Ponder: As you yourselves know… Peter calls them out as he repeats the Gospel and reminds them of Jesus’ life and His resurrection. He uses the Psalm here to show them that this has always been part of God’s plan to redeem them.

²⁹ “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. ³⁰ But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. ³¹ Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. ³² God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. ³³ Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. ³⁴ For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
³⁵ until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’ [Psalm 110:1]

³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Points to Ponder: The clear difference between Peter’s earlier speech and this first sermon preached at Pentecost – after having received the Spirit – is meant to show us the transformative power of the Spirit.  We are encouraged to have been given the details of this fisherman, who denied even knowing Jesus, to now boldly proclaiming Jesus as Messiah.  This is the promised ‘resurrection power’ that is available to all who humble themselves, confess their sins, and call Jesus their Lord.  (John 11:25-26, Romans 6:10-11, Philippians 3:10)

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Points to Ponder: We see in this section the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:18 after Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah.  It is God who builds the Church – starting right here with 3,000 added after the first public preaching of the Gospel message.

Peter is not to be exalted and followed; Jesus is.  Luke does little to hide that this is all the work of the Spirit and not of Peter.

I wonder how Peter’s plea would be received today… ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’  It seems that culture now believes that we are each quite capable of saving ourselves. 😭 That belief completely misses the point!  It is a dangerous belief that only leads to death.

Let us always remember… the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off… He’s talking about us!!! Thousands of years later, when we recognize our sinfulness and our need for a savior, we repent and undergo a ‘baptism’.  (A spiritual death to self and rebirth in Him.)  When we call Him Lord and submit ourselves to Him, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. 

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Points to Ponder: This is hard teaching.  I can understand devoting myself to Bible study, meeting with others for strength and encouragement.  Sharing a meal together?  🤩 I love that! What difficult conversations are not made easier over food?  (Even the resurrected Jesus had a body that cooked and ate fish with His disciples before the conversation that restored Peter after his denials. (John 21:15-17)  Prayer is a given – when the act is too hard, prayer to the Almighty One for strength, wisdom, encouragement… we are to do this all day, in everything.  It keeps us focused. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I am yet unsure how to apply verses 44 through 46.  When I read of the accomplishments of the early Church and their impact on the culture around them, I am in awe.   I don’t even know of a church where ‘the temple courts’ are open every day to meet together with other believers!  I suppose we do this remotely or oddly enough, in the countries where Christians are persecuted the most, they meet in each other’s houses!  Economics is a strange concept that has no basis in reality – to think that people sold their property and possessions to give to anyone in need… that’s just wild.  (Put this one also on the list to ask about in eternity.)  What is very clear here is that the disciples didn’t build the church; the Lord did.

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There’s an article about the generosity of the early Christians where Julian the Apostate, recognized that the Christian practice of compassion was one cause behind the transformation of the faith from a small movement on the edge of the empire, to cultural ascendancy.  Writing to a pagan priest he said:

“when it came about that the poor were neglected and overlooked by the [pagan] priests, then I think the impious Galileans [i.e. Christians] observed this fact and devoted themselves to philanthropy.”

“[They] support not only their poor, but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us”

In fact, Julian proposed that pagan priests imitate the Christians’ charity in order to bring about a revival of paganism in the empire.  Julian’s program failed because, among other reasons, the polytheism of ancient Rome was unable to sustain the kind of self-sacrificial love and compassion that Eusebius observed in Caesarea.

You should do your own research on the impact of Christians in hospitals… education… the ending of slave-trading… The Christian is always counter-cultural.  They fought classism and valued all people.  They valued children, they valued women.  The early Church understood the message of the cross – they understood the message of unconditional love. They understood that they were called to do the same – unconditionally.

Did they do it perfectly? No – they were not God, they were still human. Oh, but the ones that could submit themselves to the will of God – they are a testament to the resurrection power of the Spirit. And they point to what we could be here on earth… if we could get out of our own ways!

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Summary:  Every time I start a new study of Scripture I am confronted with some hard truths. They are the revelations of God, chastising me gently, in order to grow me.  I am reminded that this life is nothing compared to what awaits me in His Kingdom.  I am His child and He loves me enough to help me grow closer to Him. And He is holy… I am not… yet.

I am reminded of the logo from The Chosen… even a dead fish will look alive if it is flowing with the current.  But I know that we don’t fool God.  It takes the resurrection power of The Spirit to enable us to be born again… to live differently… to go against the current culture.

Thank You Father that You love us enough to correct us and keep us in Your will.  To call us out of our sinful nature and find new abundant life.