Acts 1
-Luke continues his historical narrative into the accounts
of the early church to Theophilus and all lovers of God everywhere. He ties the
work together in brilliant fashion and brings up an important theological point
by verse six where the disciples ask Christ if this is the time when the
Kingdom of Israel will be restored. They had been under foreign domination and
subjection for many hundreds of years (back to approximately 586 BC). This is
the time of the Gentiles, and we are still living in it to a degree. The
interesting modern day fact in regards to this is that the modern state of
Israel became a sovereign nation once again in 1948. Although, it can be argued
that the United Nations and in particular America have had a major voice in how
Israel has conducted her affairs. This is the first step in the fulfillment of
the literal fulfillment of Israel becoming the eternal Kingdom under Christ
Jesus’ rule (2 Samuel 7, Revelation 19:11-16; 20:1-6).
-The disciples rightly recognized that some incredible
prophetic events were taking place in their time and wondered what would be
happening next in God’s timetable. Jesus reminded them that it is not for us
humans to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority
(Acts 1:7). Then Jesus gives them a contrasting statement that will set their,
and the church’s course, for the present age in which we live. He tells them
that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to be
witnesses of Him in their locale of Jerusalem spreading out to Judea and
Samaria (the local region near them), and even to the furthest and most remote
parts of the world. Much could be said about this verse. In fact many sermons
could be preached from it, but for the purpose of this work it is suffice to
say that this is the clarion call to go and make disciples in His strength
(Matthew 28:19-20).
-The ascension takes place now as Jesus goes back to His
Heavenly realm from the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. The promise of His
return is given by two angelic men robbed in white standing beside them as they
watched Him depart (Acts 1:11).
-The command for the disciples was to go back to Jerusalem
and wait until they were endowed with power from on high by the Holy Spirit.
While they were there praying and continually devoting themselves to the work
of the Lord, Peter stood up in a role of leadership and summoned them to select
another apostle to add to the eleven since Judas had become the apostate.
Matthias was selected by prayer and finally the drawing of lots. *Application*
This is evidence that sometimes decisions are simply too difficult to make in
our own strength and power. They turned the matter over to God who knows all
hearts of men (Acts 1:24). Providential devices (such as the lots here or maybe
a coin toss in our age) should become the governing guide only after all
thinking and prayer based on the Word of God has been done. Don’t be flippant
in making decisions, seek God and His answers. This is what the apostles did.
Verse to Memorize:
Acts 1:8
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