Podcast 135, Acts, “Pt 1, Ch 1”

Podcast 135, Acts, “Pt 1, Ch 1”The “Acts of the Apostles” is written by Luke, the Physician, to Theophilus. Luke also addresses “The Gospel of Luke” to Theophilus. Nothing is really known about Theophilus, but his name in Greek means “beloved of God.” That is very high praise.  Please allow me a literary license merely for practical purposes. I think first that we must assume that Theophilus is a real person, certainly well known to Luke. We may logically assume that Theophilus is a member of the church already familiar with Christ. But let’s take one very small leap of the imagination and assume that Theophilus, like most at that time, was a new member of the Church and Luke is instructing him about church doctrine. It is clear that the writings of Luke were written to not only Theophilus but to the whole church. Therefore, let us play the role of Theophilus and read The Book of Acts as a new member of the Church of the Firstborn, eager to learn more of the fascinating story of Jesus of Nazareth, the Redeemer of the World. In other words, assume the letters are written especially to you.The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,[1]We already know from the Gospel of Luke what an inspired writer Luke is and how well versed he is in the Life of Jesus. Though not an apostle, he has a close relationship to the apostles, particularly with Paul. Paul refers to him as “Luke, the beloved physician…” He was also close to other eyewitnesses. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;[2]In Chapter 1 of Acts, Luke establishes his purpose very clearly. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:[3]We learn that after the resurrection of Christ, he continued to teach the apostles for 40 days. In this chapter Luke clearly establishes the special role of the apostles, their importance to the church, and the necessity of their continuance. What did Christ teach during those 40 Days? Luke tells us: “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Some Christians may be a little hasty about assuming the ‘Kingdom of God’ is in heaven. Luke makes it plain that he is speaking of the ‘Kingdom of God’ on earth, meaning the church led by the twelve apostles.  The Church of the Firstborn is the Kingdom of God on Earth. The New Jerusalem John saw coming down from heaven is the Kingdom of God in heaven. Eventually they join. The purpose of the church is to prepare the saints for the Second Coming of the Messiah. When Christ returns the Second Time, the Kingdom of God in Heaven will join the Kingdom of God on Earth. That will be a glorious day. No wicked will survive the Second Coming of Christ.  As we examine Acts, Chapter 1, let’s note particularly the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God on earth. I have divided Acts, Chapter 1, into eight attributes, just in this chapter alone, of the Kingdom of God on earth. Truthfully, though many things describe the kingdom of God in heaven, we can examine the entire New Testament under the light of ‘things pertaining to the kingdom of God on earth.’ One of the names of Christ is “Immanuel” which means “God is with us.” That is an important concept to keep in mind. What did Christ do when he left?  Luke tells us.And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.[4]Because of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, we still have ‘God with us.’ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.[5]Paul teaches, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”[6]Luke continues, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.[7]One, the Holy Ghost is a source of power. Two, only through the Holy Ghost can one be a witness of Christ. In the above we also learn one of the important “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” It is this: The apostles are special witnesses of Christ. That is also later emphasized in Acts, Chapter 1. We also learn another thing ‘pertaining to the kingdom of God on earth.’ First, let me footnote that the phrase “kingdom of God” appears about 70 times in the New Testament and the phrase “kingdom of heaven” appears about 32 times. That alone establishes their importance.  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.[8]From that we learn of the Second Coming of Christ in the latter days. The latter days is now. No one knows when, but the signs of the times are given plainly by John in the Book of Revelation. Previous podcasts have covered the entire Book of Revelation as well as The Gospel of Matthew, The Epistles of James, The Epistles of Peter, The Epistles of John, The Book of Hebrews, and The Book of Isaiah. Luke continues to teach us of “things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.[9][1] Acts 1:1[2] Luke 1:2[3] Acts 1:2-3[4] Acts 1:4-7[5] John 16:7[6] 1 Corinthians 6:19-20[7] Acts 1:8[8] Acts 1:9-16[9] Acts 1:12-20[10] Acts 1:21-26