The Book of Acts: Part Two, by Michael Podhaczky

So, in the previous blog, we saw that the purpose of the Book of Acts was that Luke could tell someone named Theophilus about things that happened after Jesus’ ascension, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:1-5. Luke also informed Theophilus regarding the coming of the Spirit for the continuation of God’s work of deliverance in partnership with His people. Besides, he reported how the gospel message and Church spread from Jerusalem to the capital of the then known world, Rome.

Luke, in the book of Acts, provided the only legitimate historical evidence concerning the growth of the early Church. The Book of Acts’ contribution to the record of some events that occurred the early Church is vital. For example,

·       Luke used the word Church over and over again to illustrate what he was speaking about, e.g.: Acts 2:47; 5:11; 7:38; 8:1,3; 9:31; 11:22,26; 12:1,5; 13:1; 14:23,27; 15:3-4,22,41; 16:5; 18:22; 19:37; 20:17,28.

·       The pointed out how the home played a vital role within the life of the early Church: Acts 2:46; 10:10; 12:12; 16:32; 17:5; 18:7; 20:7; 21:8; 28:17f.

·       He also described the Church as a continuing praying and worshipping group of Christ-followers: Acts 1:14,24; 2:1,42,47; 3:1; 4:24-30; 6:4,6; 9:10-16; 12:4-5,12; 13:2; 16:25; 20:36; 21:5,14.

He similarly pointed out the importance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the early Church in their mission to go and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20),

·       The Spirit was active in filling believers to be witnesses: Acts 1:8; 2:4; 4:31; 9:17.

·       The Spirit of God directed the mission of the Church, e.g., Acts 13:2; 16:7.

·       He spoke to, gave instructions, and sent the believers on the mission: Acts 13:2,4; 16:6-10; 28:25.

So, what can we learn from this to be able to continue to play our part in the mission of making disciples? It is the same mission and Spirit that was given to the early Christ-followers. What do we need to do, to have a similar outcome as the early Christ-followers had? We might need to go back to the beginning to learn from them to the first things and make these the priority. That is, not playing Church, but be the Church in power and intension for the original mission “to go and make disciples of all people groups” Matt 28:19.

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…