A new way of living Acts 1:1-2:4

Luke’s introduction to his second book Acts 1-1-2 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. Luke: A Gentile, a physician, Paul’s companion and an author Published Luke’s Gospel and Acts Theophilus An influential believer – maybe Luke’s publisher Purpose To tell the story of Christianity in an objective manner Luke 1:3 since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Some facts from his first book worth repeating Jesus has many witnesses to affirm that he rose from the dead Acts 1:3a After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days Jesus equipped his disciples to interpret the Old Testament Acts 1:3b …. and spoke about the kingdom of God. Luke 24:44b …Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Some facts from his first book worth repeating Jesus informed them that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4  “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Jesus informed them that his mission would become their mission Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Jesus left a message that implied the mission would end at his return Acts 1:9- …11b This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Luke 19:12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return…..

Ten days of waiting Acts 1:12-26 In that time Luke tells us:- They returned to Jerusalem to wait The group consisted of:- the 11 disciples, Mary the mother of Jesus along with the brothers of Jesus Acts 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer That Peter took the initiative to find a replacement for Judas Acts1:15-26

The Spirit came – just as Jesus had promised Pentecost – a Jewish celebration 50 days after Passover Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Outward confirmation of the Spirit’s presence A violent wind Acts 2:2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Tongues of fire Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them

The Spirt came – just as Jesus had promised Inward renewal by the Spirit’s power Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. The baptising work of Jesus promised by John had begun Luke 3:16 …But one who is more powerful than I will come, ….. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. The Spirit enabled them for the task at hand

What level of significance? The coming of the Spirit ushered in:- A new way of living for individuals Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, - Entry into the kingdom comes when we are baptized with the Spirit A new name for God’s people – The Church Matt 16:16  “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, …….. by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, ……… Acts, earthquakes and tsunamis ….. I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.