Acts (1)

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 1.1-3.
The book of Acts presents the first records of the ongoing work of Jesus Christ, what He continues to do from His throne on high (v. 2), by His Spirit, through His Church, and for the sake of His expanding Kingdom and glory. What Jesus “began” to do (v. 1) was to “bring near” the Kingdom of God, invading, investing, and driving back the kingdom of darkness and the works of the devil (Matt. 4.17; 12.22-29; 1 Jn. 2:8), and establishing a beachhead for the fulfillment of such Old Testament visions as Daniel 2.44, 45 and Isaiah 9.6, 7.

For reflection
1. What commandments did the Lord, by His Spirit, give to the apostles before He ascended to heaven? Do those commandments apply to us? Explain.

2. And, as if three and a half years of parables and instruction concerning the Kingdom of God were not enough, Jesus takes His disciples through a forty-day intensive seminar, reviewing everything He’d taught them and doubtless much more. How does this lead us to think about the role of the Kingdom in the book of Acts? What is the ongoing work of Christ with respect to His Kingdom? What is our work?

3.  “Theophilus” may have been a real person, but it’s as likely that he – Lover of God – is meant to stand for every lover of God, so that we might be called into the ongoing work of Christ with those who first read this wonderful account. How can we know if we fall into this category?

4. The “forty days” is significant here because it recalls the forty years of Moses’ exile and Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, as well as Jesus’ own forty days of temptation (Matt. 4.1-11). These were seasons of preparation, just as these forty days were for Jesus’ disciples. We, the readers, are meant to understand – as they would have – that a great significant new phase of the divine economy is about to unfold. What should be the role of time with Jesus and learning about His Kingdom with others in our own preparations?

5. The ongoing work of Christ consists of replacing one kingdom with another. What are the implications of this for your ongoing walk with the Lord?

Summary
The ongoing work of Christ is by the Spirit, in and through His people, and for the sake of the Kingdom of God. This should make the book of Acts especially important to us, in and through whom Christ continues to do His work. How do you expect our Lord Jesus to continue His work in and through you today?

Closing Prayer
Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One,
With Your glory and Your majesty.
And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness;
And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things.
Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies;
The peoples fall under You.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Psalm 45.3-6

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. For more insight to His work in our here and now, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store by clicking here.

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