Acts 1 – 2
Verse 1:1 starts with a possible identifier to the writer: In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, Theophilus is only mentioned in the book of Luke, so therefore it is assumed this is the second book that Luke wrote. I often wonder about Luke since he was a companion of Paul and was not one of the disciples. So the Gospel of Luke is not a firsthand account of what happened. I wonder if he wrote for one of the other 9?
Verse 1:7 get into the whole when Jesus will return:
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
One thing is clear we will not know the day or time of Jesus’ return. People have been pointing at Revelations and other prophetic writings saying “the end is near,” yet it never happens. Today one could honestly say the end is near, based on Jerusalem being returned to the Israelites in 1948, since most of the “prophecies” have that key aspect. So is it going to happen today? Tomorrow? Next Year? Never? We really do not know and never will know the precise date or if it will happen at all. Remember Nineveh was spared, so why not mankind today?
Verse 1:26 solves a mystery since the 12 apostles are identified by Paul:
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Judas was lost to suicide and since Matthias had been with them they cast lots between him and Barsabbas to become the twelfth. This account answers some questions but brings up one on Judas. There is a “gnostic Gospel” of Judas which implies that Jesus and Judas planned the “betrayal” and it only looked that way to the others. Interesting concept since it’s hard to believe someone who spent that much time and seeing what he saw, betray Jesus.
Verses 2:2 – 4 describe probably the most pivotal event in the New Testament:
2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance
This was the “day of Pentecost” when the Holy Spirit descended on man. Interesting that Pentecost was a Greek festival so while Christians had adopted the name for this specific event, it was originally another holiday. As I read this I wish the Holy Spirit was that clear to me, I got no “mighty rushing wind” or even a slight breeze. It was just a peace which I lose often, like this morning since I am stressing about our dog that pulled of the leash last night and ran away. Funny it was slow as all get out for the first mile or so … then she perked up and ran like the wind off leash!! Anyway, my life seems to be a string of major and minor crises that never seem to end. I often wonder if God is pounding me into submission or if it’s just life on “the edge?” Either way excuse my distraction this morning … and pray we find her soon.