Please read Acts 1 before we begin. I've started reading from the Contemporary English Version recently, but you can use your preferred version.
The book of Acts is groundbreaking territory for the people of God. Up to this point, God's good news had been reserved for the Jewish people, whom God had chosen through Abraham. Jesus had preached in the synagogues and focused much of his ministry on reaching the Jews first. However, Jesus also loved the Gentiles and set an example for his disciples as he reached out to women and to Greeks and Samaritans. In the book of Acts, we see the good news of salvation through the Messiah being spread to all nations and no longer reserved for Jews only.
Acts 1:8 is not only the theme verse, it also serves as an outline for the book of Acts.
Acts 1:3 - Jesus was with his disciples for 40 days after his resurrection. I'm guessing the apostles paid better attention to Jesus' teaching this time around. I wonder if they began taking notes while they sat around reminiscing about their travels with Jesus? Are you a note taker? For me, it makes all the difference in the depth of my spiritual study. I love that this verse says Jesus proved his resurrection! Jesus will answer your prayers when you ask him to prove himself to you. Do you need God to show up to you? ASK HIM!!!
Acts 1:4 - Jesus told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem yet. I typically skim past this verse, because it is easy for me to assume that the disciples wanted to hang around Jerusalem. These boys were from Galilee. I suspect they were very ready to head back home after such an emotionally exhausting time of losing their leader. They also feared that they would be the next ones crucified and probably would have liked to put some distance between themselves and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council that put Jesus on trial.
Acts 1:5 - John baptized with water (John 1). Jesus would make a way for the very Spirit of God to come and dwell within believers. Before the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the Spirit would come and go in the lives of God's servants. You and I can enjoy the filling of the Spirit daily. Please don't take him for granted!
Acts 1:6 - Now, Lord?? The apostles still thought Jesus was there to set up his earthly kingdom. Do you think Jesus rolled his eyes at them? "Come on, boys, get a clue!" I can't say that I blame them. I am also impatient and ask Jesus often to come on back and set up his earthly rule.
Acts 1:11 - He will come back!! I can hardly wait!! However, I am so thankful the disciples did not sit down on that hill waiting for his return. Once they were filled with the Spirit, they scattered among the nations and spread the good news. Are you following their example, or are you sitting around complaining that he isn't answering your prayers fast enough?
Acts 1:14 - The disciples met together and prayed with a single purpose. I pray that our church families can do the same. Did you notice this verse mentions that Jesus' family was also in attendance? I am so glad they finally got on board. Who in your family has been resistant to the good news? Will you stop and pray for them now? Ask God to draw them to himself.
Acts 1:15-26 - I am not going to describe the theories about this new 12th disciple, but feel free to do an internet search on the topic. It's pretty interesting, and opinions are varied.
This was fun, girls, and I am pretty excited that God has reopened this avenue of study for me. I hope you will join me on this chronological study through God's Word.
The book of Acts is groundbreaking territory for the people of God. Up to this point, God's good news had been reserved for the Jewish people, whom God had chosen through Abraham. Jesus had preached in the synagogues and focused much of his ministry on reaching the Jews first. However, Jesus also loved the Gentiles and set an example for his disciples as he reached out to women and to Greeks and Samaritans. In the book of Acts, we see the good news of salvation through the Messiah being spread to all nations and no longer reserved for Jews only.
Acts 1:8 is not only the theme verse, it also serves as an outline for the book of Acts.
- The Holy Spirit comes (Ch 1)
- The Good News is shared in
- Jerusalem (Ch 1-8)
- Judea and Samaria (Ch 8-12)
- Everywhere in the world (Ch 13-28)
Acts 1:3 - Jesus was with his disciples for 40 days after his resurrection. I'm guessing the apostles paid better attention to Jesus' teaching this time around. I wonder if they began taking notes while they sat around reminiscing about their travels with Jesus? Are you a note taker? For me, it makes all the difference in the depth of my spiritual study. I love that this verse says Jesus proved his resurrection! Jesus will answer your prayers when you ask him to prove himself to you. Do you need God to show up to you? ASK HIM!!!
Acts 1:4 - Jesus told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem yet. I typically skim past this verse, because it is easy for me to assume that the disciples wanted to hang around Jerusalem. These boys were from Galilee. I suspect they were very ready to head back home after such an emotionally exhausting time of losing their leader. They also feared that they would be the next ones crucified and probably would have liked to put some distance between themselves and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council that put Jesus on trial.
Acts 1:5 - John baptized with water (John 1). Jesus would make a way for the very Spirit of God to come and dwell within believers. Before the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the Spirit would come and go in the lives of God's servants. You and I can enjoy the filling of the Spirit daily. Please don't take him for granted!
Acts 1:6 - Now, Lord?? The apostles still thought Jesus was there to set up his earthly kingdom. Do you think Jesus rolled his eyes at them? "Come on, boys, get a clue!" I can't say that I blame them. I am also impatient and ask Jesus often to come on back and set up his earthly rule.
Acts 1:11 - He will come back!! I can hardly wait!! However, I am so thankful the disciples did not sit down on that hill waiting for his return. Once they were filled with the Spirit, they scattered among the nations and spread the good news. Are you following their example, or are you sitting around complaining that he isn't answering your prayers fast enough?
Acts 1:14 - The disciples met together and prayed with a single purpose. I pray that our church families can do the same. Did you notice this verse mentions that Jesus' family was also in attendance? I am so glad they finally got on board. Who in your family has been resistant to the good news? Will you stop and pray for them now? Ask God to draw them to himself.
Acts 1:15-26 - I am not going to describe the theories about this new 12th disciple, but feel free to do an internet search on the topic. It's pretty interesting, and opinions are varied.
This was fun, girls, and I am pretty excited that God has reopened this avenue of study for me. I hope you will join me on this chronological study through God's Word.
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