Written around A.D. 60 by the apostle Luke, the book of Acts features a historical collection referencing the lives of the apostles and the building of the early church.
This scripture contains a powerful account of the manner by which the gospel was miraculously advanced in spite of persecution and ongoing attacks by the enemy and his army.
“1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” (Acts 1:1)
Luke refers to a man of high authority in Theophilus, a “friend of God” to whom this epistle is addressed. The apostle mentions his first writings, known to believers today as the gospel of Luke, in which he testified to the life of Jesus, from His birth to the cross, and through to the resurrection of the risen Christ.
“2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:2-3)
Here, Luke shares Yeshua’s plan for the chosen apostles, for them to rely on the Holy Spirit which was to be poured onto each one on a day forthcoming, in Jerusalem, which He prophesied prior to His ascension to Heaven.
It had been 40 days since His resurrection from crucifixion, during which Jesus appeared about 10 times to chosen believers, to confirm the fulfillment of prophecy and reassure the faithful that He was indeed risen from the dead, alive, in flesh and bone.
First, the risen Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene who was alone at the empty tomb where Jesus had been laid to rest. Then, as they returned from the empty tomb, Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene, another Mary (Mirjam), the mother of the apostle James, Salome and Joanna, both servants of the Lord.
Also on the day of His resurrection, Christ appeared to Cephas, “the rock,” a Hebrew surname given to Peter by Jesus. He also manifested Himself to Cleopas, the husband of Mirjam, and also present during this appearance was another disciple on his way to Emmaus with Cleopas.
In Jerusalem during the evening of resurrection day, as they ate, Christ came to His apostles, except Thomas (Didymus) who was absent. The apostle John noted there were other disciples present at this appearance.
After eight days had passed since the resurrection of Christ, He appeared again to the apostles, and this time He asked Thomas to touch Him to prove He was indeed flash and bone.
Then, as they were fishing at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus showed Himself in the flesh once again to His apostles, guiding them to cast their net where an abundance of fish were found, after a catch less night on their boat. Again in Galilee, Christ manifested Himself in flash and bone to the apostles and 500 other brothers.
Later Jesus showed Himself to James, and finally, on the day of his ascension, Jesus accompanied the apostles to Mount Olivet where the Lord was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Each time the risen Christ came as flesh not only to reassure believers of the magnitude of His power, but also to fulfill His promise. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
