The story of the life of Christ is not limited to just the Gospels. Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, continues his historical account of Christ in the book of Acts. Acts records with more details the ascension of Christ into Heaven and describes the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit. Jesus later reveals Himself to Saul, who will become the Apostle Paul. Through revelation of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit the Apostle Paul adds important details about the life and ministry of Christ throughout his letters included in the New Testament. Then there is the author of the Gospel of John, John the Apostle. As an old man exiled to the Island of Patmos he is ushered into the Throne of Heaven and encounters the resurrected, ascended Christ who now sits upon the Throne. The last four days of your ThrutheGospels.org journey covers these major events and teachings on the person of Christ recorded in the rest of the New Testament Scriptures.
Day 47- Luke Continues the Story of Jesus
Over a period of 40 days Jesus presents Himself alive with many convincing proofs. He then leads His disciples to the Mt. of Olives one last time and before their eyes He ascends into the clouds and returns to His Father in Heaven. Two angels appear and tell them He will return in the same way He has left.
120 people including the apostles are staying in an upper room inside Jerusalem. After 10 days of prayer, worship and waiting for the Promise, the Holy Spirit descends on the Jewish holiday, the Day of Pentecost. Peter preaches to the crowds on the death and resurrection of Jesus and 3,000 are saved in one day. Later Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus. While in Joppa, Peter has a vision and goes to Caesarea by request. He preaches Christ to the Gentiles there and they receive salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Major Events
Jesus is taken up into Heaven on the Mt. of Olives (Acts 1)
The disciples and followers of Jesus return to Jerusalem to wait in for the promise. (Acts 1)
While in Jerusalem
In the upper room they select Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas (Acts 1)
In the upper room the Holy Spirit descends on the 120 (Acts 2)
Peter preaches Christ to the crowds (Acts 2)
Outside of the Temple Peter heals a crippled beggar and then preaches Christ to the people (Acts 3)
Paul encounters the Resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)
While in Joppa Peter has a vision and then goes to Caesarea (Acts 10)
In Caesarea Peter preaches Christ to Gentiles (Acts 10)
Major Topics
Ascension of Christ
Angels
Holy Spirit Baptism
Prayer
Fasting
Feast of Pentecost
Prophecy
Authority
Church decision making
Church life
Preaching of Peter
Dreams and Visions
Evangelism
Prophecy
Salvation
Miracles
Video
Acts 1-2
Acts 2-3
Acts 9
Starting at 3:22 minute mark
Acts 10
Starting at 1:47 minute mark
Key Verses & Words
The Story
Acts 1:1-4 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;
Acts 1:16-19 "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 "For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry." 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
Acts 1:21-22 "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
The Teachings of Jesus
Acts 1:5 ...but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...
The Teachings of Peter
Acts 2:16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:...
Acts 2:22-24 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.
Acts 2:31-33 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32 "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.
Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified."
Acts 3:13-16 "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. 16 "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.
Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away..."
Acts 3:26 "For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways."
Questions for Reflection
Jesus is taken up into Heaven on the Mt. of Olives. (Acts 1)
After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples; how do you think they felt about this time with Him?
What is the importance of Jesus' final promise and command to you?
The Holy Spirit descends on the 120 in the upper room. (Acts 2)
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming on the Day of Pentecost?
Why do you think Peter quoted a lot from the Old Testament when he preached?
How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives?
How can you be more open to seeing, hearing, and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit in your prayer and Bible reading?
The promise of the Holy Spirit "is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." Acts 2:39 Do you desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Click here for more about being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Paul encounters the Resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)
What was your conversion experience like?
In what ways do we sometimes hold back from doing what God wants?
How can fasting help us focus on spiritual needs?
How can you lean on another Christian to help you uncover God's will for your life? Who is this person?
Possible Route of Paul on the road to Damascus where he encountered the Risen Christ. (Acts 9)
Peter left Joppa and traveled to Caesarea upon request of Cornelius. (Acts 10)
Curious Christians
In Acts 1:12, Luke says that where the disciples were on the Mt. of Olives when Jesus ascended into Heaven was a "Sabbath Day's" journey in distance from Jerusalem where they were instructed to return and wait for the promise of the Father.
I took the picture below while standing at the Mt. of Olives and looking towards Jerusalem. It is on this mountain where Jesus ascended into Heaven. From here the disciples would have walked down the mountain through the Kidron Valley below and then up to enter Jerusalem. It's likely a Sabbath's day journey isn't much more than a hour of walking. For more info How far is a Sabbath Day's Journey?
Living the Lesson
Here is where the Holy Spirit has opportunity to bring great revelation and transformation in your life--in reflection and obedience to what you have been reading and studying in God's Word today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can respond in obedience to the devotion today. Use the following questions to prompt you.
Is there a...
SIN to confess?
PROMISE to claim?
ATTITUDE to change?
COMMAND to obey?
EXAMPLE to follow?
PRAYER to pray?
ERROR to avoid?
TRUTH to believe?
SOMETHING for which to praise God?