ACTS of the Apostles, of Jesus & the Spirit Luke begins this with, ‘In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach…‘ implying that Jesus, through His Spirit, continues to work through this period of history. Before His ascension, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to enable them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. And they do.
In this book, we see Pentecost and the transformation of Peter. We see the beginnings of communities that follow Jesus – selling their possessions, living together, and supporting the poor. Luke highlights that this is the fulfillment of the prophets ‘new temple’ – not a building but communities of believers and followers, living in the way that Jesus taught. (Originally, they were called ‘Followers of The Way‘… it was 300 miles north of Jerusalem, in Antioch, Syria, that disciples were first called ‘Christians‘. )
The Jewish leaders are opposed and continue to persecute these followers, driving them from Jerusalem into other areas of Judea and Samaria and beyond. We see the conversion of Paul, (formerly the persecutor Saul), witness to both Jews and Gentile communities. He is arrested often and during those times, he continues to teach others about Jesus the Messiah and write letters to the churches he’s planted. The book ends with Paul in prison in Rome, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance.
