Zach Benton, College and Young Adult Pastor

Zach Benton, College and Young Adult Pastor

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES The Church of Jesus on Mission Empowered by the Spirit

Sarah Margaret (6) was in big church with us for the opening message on Acts. We came home and she immediately went and opened our doors. When asked why, she confidently responded, Pastor Ken told us to keep our doors open for others." Your message is sticking! Sarah Margaret Johnson

The Acts of the Apostles Luke 1. Luke is called the beloved physician by Paul (Col 4:14). 2. He wrote Luke & Acts to a Greek believer, Theophilus (Lk. 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3) to clarify the gospel & its impact in the world. 3. Luke and Paul met in Troas and Luke joined Paul at this point (see Acts 16:8-11 & we in the following sections of Acts). 4. He was a faithful traveling companion & doctor for Paul later in Paul s life (2 Tim. 4:11, Phm 24). 5. He was faithful to Paul to the very end of his life (2 Tim. 4:11). 6. Literary style shows his education. 7. Historian & Theologian (Lk. 1:1-4). The Gospel in Luke Acts In Luke the gospel message moves from Galilee to Jerusalem reaching all people vertically up & down the social scale. In Acts the gospel message moves from Jerusalem to Rome reaching all people horizontally throughout the known world. Peter/Paul Parallels Peter Event Paul 2:22-29 Similar Sermon 13:26-41 3:1-10 Healing Lame Man 14:8-11 4:8 Filled w/ Spirit 13:9 5:15 Healing w/ shadow/cloth 19:12 8:17 Laying on Hands bring HS 19:6 8:18-24 Confronted a Sorcerer 13:6-11 9:36-41 Raised the Dead 20:9-12 12:6-11 Miraculous Release 16:25-41 The Church Founded in Jerusalem One Savior for All People Proclaimed to All Nations by the Church in the Power of the Spirit Introduction: A continuing work for Theophilus - 1:1-2 Preparation for Pentecost: A Commission & a Replacement - 1:3-26 Pentecost & the Coming of the Holy Spirit: The Birth of the Church - 2:1-47 The Beginnings of Persecution - 3:1-4:31 Growth & Opposition from Within & Without - 4:32-6:6 Progress Report: Jerusalem Church Growing - 6:7 Peter Apostle to the Jews The Church Expanded from Jerusalem The Ministry & Martyrdom of Stephen: The Church Scattered - 6:8-8:3 The Ministry of Philip: The Church Released - 8:4-40 The Conversion of Paul - 9:1-30 Progress Report: Judea, Galilee, Samaria Growing - 9:31 The Church Expanded to the Gentiles The Conversion of Cornelius: The Gentile Mission Inaugurated- 9:32-11:18 The Church in Antioch: The Gentile Mission Center Established - 11:19-30 The Great Reversal: Matyrdom, Imprisonment, Deliverance, Justice - 12:1-23 (Herod Kills James & Imprisons Peter / God Releases Peter & Kills Herod) The Establishment of Pauline Apostleship Two or Three Witnesses In showing the validity of the Global Christian Gospel Luke frequently uses the Old Testament standard of two or three witnesses for confirmation of truth (Deut. 19:15) by repeating themes & stories at critical places in Acts. The Lord Glorified among the Gentiles Paul Apostle to the Gentiles 1:1 6:7 6:8 9:31 9:32 12:24 12:25 16:5 16:6 19:20 19:21 28:31 Jerusalem Judea/Samaria to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Progress Report: Gentile Church Growing - 12:24 The First Missionary Journey: The Gentile Mission Begins - 12:25-14:28 The Jerusalem Council: The Gentile Mission Validated - 15:1-35 The Team Divides: The Gentile Mission Expands - 15:36-16:4 Luke, a companion and supporter of Paul s mission to the Gentiles, set forth the history of the followers of Jesus as empowered by the Holy Spirit, highlighting Peter who opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles and Paul who expanded the gospel to the ends of the earth in order to demonstrate that the Global Scope & Mandate for the Gospel is not a new innovation but has always been the Ultimate Mission of God, Commission of Jesus and Priority of the Spirit. Progress Report: Gentile Churches Growing Daily - 16:5 The Second Missionary Journey: The Gentile Mission Continues - 16:7-18:22 (Macedonia & Achaia: Philippi, Thessolonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth) The Third Missionary Journey: The Gentile Mission Strengthened - 18:23-19:19 (Apollos, Pricilla, Aquilla, & Paul Equip the Church in Ephesus) {Parenthesis: John the Baptist s Disciples Receive the Holy Spirit - 19:1-7} Progress Report: Gentile Churches Growing Widely - 19:20 The Testimony of Christ Carried to Rome The Decision: Go to Jerusalem and then to Rome - 19:21-22 The Riot in Ephesus: The Conflict of Powers - 19:23-41 Encouraging the Churches on the Way: Macedonia, Greece, Troas - 20:1-16) Paul & the Ephesian Elders in Miletus - 20:17-38 In Tyre & Ceasarea: Agabus Prophesies Trouble in Jerusalem - 21:1-16 Paul in Jerusalem: Arrest and Self-Defense - 21:17-23:11 The Journey to Rome: Trials {Felix, Festus, Agrippa} and Travels - 23:12-28:10 Arrival and Ministry in Rome - 28:11-30 Progress Report: Gospel Proclaimed Boldly & Unhindered - 28:31 Ken Wilson 2018

Jesus is alive. His divine mission is alive and well on earth. More than that, he gives instruction to prepare them for mission, while also promising enablement for this mission will come to accomplish what is needed for God s kingdom. This review introduces, reassures, and prepares the reader for what God has called the new community to do. The church s primary task is to represent God faithfully, including witnessing to God s work in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Darrell Bock

LUKE S GOSPEL The works and words of Jesus prove He is Messiah. Acts 1:1-2

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. Acts 1:1-2

The verb began indicates that Acts continues the account of the ministry and teaching Christ began on earth. He is still working and teaching through His people today. Stanley D. Toussaint

instructions, commands (έντειλάμενος) Although some modern translations render ἐντειλάμενος (enteilamenos) as instructions (NIV, NRSV), the word implies authority or official sanction so that a word like orders conveys the idea more effectively. (NET Bible)

JESUS MINISTRY The works and words of Jesus authenticate that He is Messiah. Acts 1:3-5

JESUS MINISTRY Appearances: Proving His Resurrection (1:3a) Training: Teaching about the Kingdom of God (1:3b) Instruction: Commanding them to Wait for the Holy Spirit (1:4-5)

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 and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:3-5

CHRONOLOGY Crucifixion: Friday, April 3, 33 A.D. Resurrection: 40 Days 10 Days Sunday, April 5, 33 A.D. Ascension: Thursday, May 14, 33 A.D. Pentecost: Sunday, May 24, 33 A.D.

proofs (τεκμήριον) This term always refers to proof as a demonstration that something is known to be true in a decisive and convincing manner. This kind of proof always points to a conclusion that affirms the truth of whatever is being proved.

KINGDOM OF GOD Redemption Restoration Rule

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:45-49

THE CHURCH S COMMISSION World-wide witness is the focus of the church. Acts 1:6-8

THE CHURCH S COMMISSION Question: Is this the time for You to rule (1:6)? Answer: Only God knows (1:7). Commission: World-wide Witness (1:8) (Next to us, Near us, Far from us)

Then they gathered around him and asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6-8

KINGDOM OF GOD From the End of the Plan To the End of the Planet From the End of the World To the Ends of the Earth

He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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 1:6-8

witness (μάρτυρες) In a technical since only the twelve and Stephen are witnesses in Acts. This is because the witness must have had a real experience with the resurrected Jesus in order to meet the standard of one who can provide objective verification through personal experience and not merely opinions or personal impressions. Application: We must witness what we experience.

By the time He ascended to heaven, the disciples had been well provisioned with the truth. Unfortunately, they had no power. And truth without power accomplishes little in a world dominated by evil. As it happens, the Lord never intended to send them out powerless. Chuck Swindoll

THE ASCENSION The ascension of Jesus exalts Him as the Messiah. Acts 1:9 11

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS The ascension ends the earthly ministry of Jesus. The ascension prepares the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The ascension of Jesus exalts Him to the right hand of God to rule the cosmos as Messiah and intercede as our High Priest (Acts 2:33-36; 5:30-31; 7:57-60; Heb. 1:3; 7:24; 8:2; 12:2). The ascension of Jesus reminds us of His return. Stanley Grenz

Starts Sept. 13 Thursday Mornings 6:00 a.m. Reliance Conference Room 824 Salem Road

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS The Enthronement of Jesus Jesus now intercedes for us (he gets us). The Giving of the Holy Spirit: He enables us for living and empowers us for witness.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS Ascension: Jesus was lifted up and received into a cloud of glory (1:9). Announcement: Jesus will return (1:10-11).

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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. Acts 1:9-11

The "cloud" seems clearly to be a reference to the shekinah, a visible symbol of the glorious presence of God (cf. Exod. 40:34; Matt. 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7). Tom C onstable

Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. Zechariah 14:3-4

Mount of Olives

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

THE OBEDIENCE The patient prayer of the church prepares them. Acts 1:12-14

THE OBEDIENCE A Return: They do not linger; they return (1:12). A Room: They gathered in unified prayer (1:13-14).

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:12-14

LIVING ON MISSION The church of Jesus Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit is commissioned to be a faithful witness of Jesus' Works and Words as a part of God's plan for the World-wide spread of the Gospel.

LIVING ON MISSION While Jesus intercedes and the Holy Spirit empowers, be a witness of the works and words of Jesus.

A balanced witness of objective facts and subjective experience A recognition of the power of the Holy Spirit in ministry A need for Bible knowledge and ministry involvement A full embrace of a World Christian point of View Ajith Fernando

LIVING ON MISSION While Jesus intercedes and the Holy Spirit empowers, be a witness of the works and words of Jesus.