SCRIPTURE: ACTS 1
INTRODUCTION:
The book of Acts is written by physician and historian Luke. It is an accurate historical record of the early churches and also a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organization, the implications of grace and the law of love. It begins with the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit and the commencement of the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This book tells about the work of two apostles – Peter and Paul. Peter was the central person involved in beginning the church in Jerusalem and Paul was the important missionary who went out to nearby countries to preach the gospel.
JESUS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN (vs. 1-11)
After resurrection, Jesus showed himself to His disciples and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 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 heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.” (v. 4-5).
So when they met together, they asked Jesus when he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus said to them: “It is not for you to know the times of dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.” (vs. 7-8)
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, 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.” (v. 11)
MATTHIAS CHOSEN TO REPLACE JUDAS (vs. 12-26)
They returned to Mount of Olives and went to a room. 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. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.
Peter stood up among the believers (numbering about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus – he was one of our number and shared in this ministry. With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, “May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it. May another take his place of leadership” (vs. 20). Therefore, it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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.
So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also know as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
THOUGHTS:
After Jesus had been resurrected, many of their questions were answered. They became convinced of the Resurrection, learned about the Kingdom of God and and knew the Holy Spirit was the source of their power. By reading the Bible, we can be with Christ in his school of discipleship. By believing in Him, we can receive His power through the Holy Spirit. By joining with other Christians, we can do his work on earth.
When Jesus returned to heaven, God’s kingdom would remain in the hearts of all believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit. His kingdom will fully be realized when Jesus Christ comes again to judge all the people. In the meantime, we must continue to spread God’s Kingdom across the world.
The Trinity is a unique relationship of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to Christ’s followers to comfort them, guide them to know his truth, remind them of His words, give them the right words to say and fill them with power. When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ, and can be experienced by all as it works in us to help us become like Christ.
In the traditional view, the Messiah would be an earthly conqueror who would free Israel from Rome. But the Kingdom Jesus spoke about was a Spiritual kingdom established in the hearts and lives of believers. God’s presence and power dwell in believers in the person of the Holy Spirit.
The Good New was to spread geographically from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria and finally to the whole world. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem, spread to the mixed race in Samaria and finally be offered to the Gentiles of the earth. The Gospel should begin in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community. Are your contributing to the preaching of God’s message?
After 40 days, Jesus Christ was taken to heaven. The disciples returned to Jerusalem and had a prayer meeting. The decided to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot. They outlined specific criteria for making the choice. They cast lots and Matthias was chosen. When you face a difficult task or an important decision, your first step should be to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance.