In the opening of the book of Acts the author, Luke, addresses Theophilus. Luke tells Theophilus that in his previous book, the Gospel of Luke, he detailed the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. This sets the stage for the book of Acts and onward by declaring that Jesus’ days on earth were only the start of His ministry.

Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus encouraged His disciples that the power of the Holy Spirit would be with each of them. By His Spirit, the disciples were to be Jesus’ witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria…” and, in case anyone thought that was achievable on their own merit, He added “and to the end of the earth.” This command still stands true today. We are called as modern-day disciples to share the light of Christ as far as the eye can see and further.

Matthew 5.14-15 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” The very living Spirit of Christ resides in you beckoning to be shared with the World. Luke closes this passage with a mysterious set of robed men who pose a simple, direct question. Shall we stray transfixed on our future? Or do we heed the command now to go to the nations?

[Acts 1.1-11]

1.1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why does Jesus direct the disciples to stay with him in Jerusalem?

+ What is the significance of being baptized with the Holy Spirit?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have you ever been transfixed on your own circumstances or future, that you miss out on the opportunity to share Jesus with those around you?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Since you cannot be everywhere on Earth at once, who has Jesus planted in your line of sight that would hear your witness account?