Today's Reading:
Deuteronomy 2:1--3:29
Acts 1:1-26
Psalm 48:9-14
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses:
Acts 1:1-5
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3
After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many
convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period
of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 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 have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Insight:
In just a few words of introduction, Luke says some very big things as he begins his account of the early church. Acts
begins where The Gospel of Luke left off. Presumably, it was written
with the same care and attention to detail as his first book (see Luke
1:1-4). Secondly, Luke tells us that Jesus' instruction to the
apostles was inspired by God. Next, he explains that the apostles were
chosen by Jesus. He then goes on to say that Jesus spent significant
time with these apostles after his resurrection—40 days of proofs and
teaching. Finally, Luke tells us that Jesus instructed the apostles to
remain in Jerusalem. Their ministry would begin there when they
received the gift of the Holy Spirit from God.
Response and Action:
Luke's
account of these events is carefully assembled and is written with
eyewitness perspective. The scriptures and practices of the early church
are founded on the teachings of the apostles, through Jesus, and
through the Holy Spirit. The authority of scripture and of the apostles
is from the risen Christ.
I
believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds
from the Father and the Son. He has spoken through the prophets. I
accept the authority of Jesus the Christ, the teaching of his apostles,
and the scriptures. I seek you, Lord, with all my heart. Don't let me
stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I
might not sin against you. Amen.
Spiritual
Formation
Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Resources:
VIDEO: Is What We Have Now What They Wrote Then?
by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace
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