Acts 1: 1-11
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his sufferings, 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. 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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
A Thought
Earlier Luke wrote about the teachings of Jesus Christ to his disciples durning his ministry until he was taken up to heaven. Now, Luke writes about the instructions that Jesus gave to his chosen apostles through the Holy Spirit after he had been resurrected. Jesus appeared to the apostles over a period of forty days convincing them that he was alive and teaching them about the kingdom of God. It is my thought and belief that Jesus made sure during this time that the apostles fully understood what things had been accomplished by his life, death and now his resurrection. Did you notice the change from disciple to apostle? Jesus gives his apostles his command not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promised gift from the Father that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. A disciple is a student and an apostle is one sent on a mission.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for making us your disciples by the teachings of your Son. We now ask to be baptized with the Holy Spirit that we will have power to be your witness of your love to the world that they may see you in us. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
