Note for 20250714 – Acts – Part 1 – Acts 1 – Power
Acts
One
Introduction to Acts
The Book of Acts, also known as The Acts of the Apostles, is the fifth book in the New Testament and serves as a vital bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. Here’s a concise overview of its background, authorship, and purpose:
Author
- Luke, the beloved physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, is widely accepted as the author.
- He also wrote the Gospel of Luke, and both works are addressed to the same individual: Theophilus.
- The writing style, vocabulary, historical accuracy, and internal evidence (especially the use of “we” sections in Acts) strongly support Luke’s authorship.
Date of Writing
- Likely written around AD 62–64, during or shortly after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.
- It ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome, which suggests it was completed before his martyrdom and before major events like the destruction of the Temple in AD 70.
Historical and Theological Purpose
- Acts continues the narrative from the Gospel of Luke, shifting the focus from Jesus’ ministry on earth to the work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
- It chronicles the birth and expansion of the early Church, starting in Jerusalem, moving to Judea and Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the Roman Empire — fulfilling Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8.
- A major emphasis is placed on Peter’s leadership among the Jews and Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.
Key Themes
- The Holy Spirit: Acts shows the Spirit actively empowering the Church.
- Mission and Evangelism: The spread of the gospel is central.
- Church Growth and Opposition: Includes miracles, conversions, persecution, and doctrinal challenges.
- Unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
- Witness: The apostles serve as bold witnesses of Christ’s resurrection.
Outline (Simplified)
- Ch. 1–7: The Church in Jerusalem – led mainly by Peter.
- Ch. 8–12: The Gospel spreads to Judea and Samaria.
- Ch. 13–28: The Gospel spreads to the Gentile world – led by Paul.
Part 1 – Acts 1 – Power
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The House of Bread · Note for 20250714 – Acts – Part 1 – Acts 1 – Power
Acts 1:1-26 KJV
[1] The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: [3] to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. [6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; [11] which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. [12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. [13] And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. [14] These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. [15] And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) [16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. [17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. [18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. [19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. [20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and His bishoprick let another take. [21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.1.1-26.KJV
Note for 20250714
First of all, I want to welcome you to a short series on the Book of Acts. It is believed that the book of Acts was written by Luke in the time period of 60 to 64 AD, when he was with Paul in Rome, while Paul was under house arrest the first time. We see a common opening in both Luke and Acts, where the Books are addressed to Theophilus, who is a bit of a mystery. The Name itself means “GOD’S Love” or “Love of GOD,” but I myself do not have this knowledge, that is a report of it.
Of course, two major elements of the first chapter are the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the election by the lot, the Apostle Matthias. But, as believers in Jesus Christ, and being of those who have read this Book before, we know of the greater part of the account, so for us, as the heading suggests, I want us to zoom right in on the following verses, but more specifically, the significance of one word in it.
Acts 1:7-8 KJV
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.1.7-8.KJV
Jip, the focus word is “power” and in verse 4 and 5, it hints to it as being a promise of the Father that was to be awaited. In the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with the goal of taking the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all people.
While we are on this focus verses, please also note the sequence in the Words of Christ. First, Jerusalem, then Judah, then Samaria (there is something about Samaria that many do not know) and then the ends of the earth; which of course includes the “work” that all believers are called to do. Samaria is also a reference of what would have known previously in the Old Testament as the main area of the seat of power of the Northern Tribes of Israel. Now while that is a teaching separate from today’s teaching, it is still important to know that this points to the tribes that were separated from Judah in the time of Jerobeam, who made Israel to sin in serving Baal by the symbol of molten golden calves. Samaria’s population was a mix of people (2 Kings 17) which led to a enmity between Judah and the people of Samaria. Indeed, they were also known as Galilians or as the two men, dressed in white, addressed them as “ye men of Galilee.”
Now that a bit of background is done. Let us look at the concept of this promised “power” that was spoken of by Christ. And of course it points to the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon them (and us.) There are so many references that we will focus on only a few scriptures briefly from the Gospel according to John (The disciple Jesus loved.)
John 14:16-18 KJV
[16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [17] even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.16-18.KJV
“I will come to you.” But, let’s look at just a little earlier in this account:
John 14:12 KJV
[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.12.KJV
It makes us wonder what has become of this power in the Holy Spirit, not? Will Christ find faith when He returns?
John 14:26-27 KJV
[26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.26-27.KJV
Peace, so our hearts will not be troubled. Many seem a bit bothered at the moment, not?
John 16:7-11 KJV
[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. [8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] of sin, because they believe not on me; [10] of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; [11] of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.7-11.KJV
Focus on verse 8, friends. What will He do, that be the Holy Spirit?
John 16:13 KJV
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.16.13.KJV
“…and shew you things to come.” It is a bit of a, “Wow!” moment, not? Now, what is “greater works” than what Christ has done? Why aren’t we seeing evidence of that in the modern church?
Only 1 of two things can be true in this, either the Holy Spirit is not heard and obeyed, or, (and this is a terrifying thought) the Holy Spirit is not in those who claim faith without works to show the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Reminds me of that fig tree without fruit that Christ encountered. It is a terrifying thought, and yet, closer to the truth than many would admit.
Let us then remind us by the words of Christ of the beatitudes. What are the things that are important?
Matthew 5:3-16 KJV
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.3-16.KJV
Are these true in your life?
Selah, Shalom
(PS: Please join me for the audio note on this on YouTube search for @houseofLechem it should be up by the 15th of July 2025)
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Romans 10:13 KJV
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.10.13.KJV
Short Note:
Absolutely true! But, I have a question for you: “Is it just about your own salvation, or do we long for others to be saved too?” Selah.
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The House of Bread · The Book of Acts
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