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.” Acts 1:8
The author of this sequel to the fourth Gospel, Luke, is the only non Jewish writer in the New Testament. His Gospel tells of the loving and miraculous work Christ did while on earth and the forty days between His crucifixion and ascension. The Acts of the Apostles is the history of salvation, God’s purpose to save the world.
At the time of Christ’s death the afterlife was a mystery with few clues. When He returned to life and revealed Himself to His disciples the secrets of the Kingdom became clear. What an amazing plan God had, to teach these men and women the reality of life eternal through the very real presence of a risen Savior. The time came for Jesus to return to His Father, but He left instructions for the immediate days ahead, and then for the perpetuation of the Good News that lasts through this very day.
In verses 3-5 Jesus promises a great gift. Mortal minds turned to politics and the expected political deliverance and independence of their nation, but Jesus did not come to justify temporary things of man for a generation. Eternity is His agenda. The Day of Pentecost made these things clear.
God created the nation of Israel to bless all nations. This purpose is fulfilled when Jesus sends His disciples into the ends of the earth…… so you and I will know the way home.
You are Loved,
Gretchen