ACTS 1: 4-8And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; For some time I have desired to study the Acts of the Apostles, commonly called the book of Acts, and it is intended that this will take the form of a brief overview of each chapter in turn, touching on one or two details in each meditation. We know that Acts is a continuation of Luke’s Gospel, but while the Gospels revealed Christ’s finished work of The Cross, Acts shows us Christ’s continuing work from the Throne. The book begins with… The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, That ‘doing’ and ‘teaching’ of Jesus, now continues as the work of The Holy Spirit, and verse 2 is thus the last mention of the Holy Spirit in relation to Jesus’ earthly ministry. It is true to say that Acts is the book of the Holy Spirit, and chapter 1 shows us details of the transition from walking with Jesus by sight, to walking with Him by faith. Reading of the experiences of the apostles at this time of change is itself a work of the Holy Spirit in us and a great encouragement to press in to The Lord and know the reality of His presence. Verses 4 to 8 tell us of Jesus’ final words to the disciples, using the wonderful title The Promise of The Father to describe the Holy Spirit. That promise is not just an expression, but a reminder of God’s covenant. His purpose is to bring many sons to glory, and here ‘sons’ emphatically means everyone. Verse 12 shows that The Holy Spirit is poured out on all flesh — men and women alike — all are Sons of God. We are told of Jesus’ ascension — taken up, carried up, received up in the clouds. ‘Clouds’ here is a picture of the Heavens; the Third Heaven that Paul speaks of… I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. We are given a lengthy few verses on Judas and the choosing of an apostle to replace him. Twelve is the number denoting Divine Government on the Earth, while eleven is problematic in that it involves choice or discernment. Usually, it is considered to be an indication of rebellion, disorder, betrayal, or idolatry, among other things, which may explain the eleven verses devoted to Judas. The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth disciple by drawing lots, is the last occasion such a method is mentioned. Following the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, such decisions were made ‘by The Spirit’. Luke mentions all these ‘proofs’ as a continuation of his gospel to show us the outworking of the plan of God; that Jesus’ triumph over death, was also a victory for all of us who respond to His call in all generations. We must surely give thanks to Almighty God for His Eternal Promise. Hallelujah! AND CONSIDER THIS… HOLY SPIRIT LIVING BREATH OF GOD — Keith and Kristyn Getty A CLOSING WORD from Peter Marshall LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION HERE…
COMING NEXT… #543 UPON HIS SHOULDER |
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS…Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Archives
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