January 1, 2023 -- Acts 1:1-5 -- The Acts of the Apostles: the important introduction

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:1-5 ESV

Happy New Year one and all! For the month of January the daily devotions will focus on The Acts of the Apostles. The same man who wrote the Gospel of Luke wrote Acts. In the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke the reader learns that Luke was preparing a narrative of all that had been accomplished among them. The work of Jesus, having been carefully researched, would be laid out so that people could understand Who He Is and what He has done.

Here in the opening verses of Acts, we learn the narrative to Theophilus continues, Luke documents the life of the early Christian Church. One critical question that Acts answers is this: “How did the disciples, who walked with Jesus for three years, who misunderstood so much of all He taught, finally grasp so much that they could write the New Testament, evangelize, and plant churches all while facing terrible persecution?” Let's face it, even in Acts 1:6, after spending forty days with His disciples, they misunderstand Jesus, asking if He is going to establish an earthly kingdom for Israel.

The Acts of the Apostles answers this question. But let me give a quick summary. First, Jesus presented Himself alive to them after His suffering, crucifixion and burial. He spent forty days teaching them. Those days of teaching helped them to understand His three years of earthly ministry. Second, Jesus reaffirmed that the Father would gift them with the promised Holy Spirit. This takes place at Pentecost, after Jesus' ascension into heaven. Christians today confess Jesus Christ is Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit makes the word and works of Jesus plain. In the Spirit you have the strength to live for Jesus as you are growing in your understanding of the love of the Father.

Father, the LORD of Hosts, You are faithful and true. Thank You that Your love took on flesh, so that in Jesus Christ we understand how great Your steadfast love is, how just is Your hatred of sin, and how great are the lengths to which You go to bring sons and daughters to Yourself. Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, through Whom we may know You. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, by Whom we are strengthened to know Jesus, obey Him, and walk in good works You have prepared in advance for us to accomplish. At the start of 2023, Father of Glory, help us to live for You; shield us by Your Spirit so that we can endure all that is in store; thank You for the work of Jesus, Who is even now praying for us. Amen.

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Selah "Before the Throne of God Above"
 

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