Preparation for the Birth of the Church

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 Text: Acts 1:1-26

 

Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

(NKJV)

 

The Book of Acts is a historical account of what occurred over the first thirty years of Church history. While the early Church had its difficulties, it did gain a reputation for turning its world upside down (Acts 17:6). This historical account provides an example of how the Church today can bring transformation to a world in dire need of returning to Godliness.

 

The Book of Acts begins with Luke referring to his gospel, which was about the life and ministry of Jesus, ending with Jesus taken up to God after giving the apostles commandments (Acts 1:1-2). Jesus also appeared to the apostles after the resurrection, providing infallible proof He had risen from the grave (Acts 1:3). Jesus also gave the apostles specific instructions to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised Holy Spirit, telling them that John baptized with water but that they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit in a few days (Acts 1:4-5). This prompted the apostles to ask if that would be the time when He would restore the kingdom to Israel, with Jesus reminding them that it was not for them to know that time, only God the Father (Acts 1:6-7). Jesus then tells them that when they receive the Holy Spirit, they will receive power to be witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

 

After this, Jesus was taken up in a cloud, and as they looked up into heaven, two men appeared by them and asked why they just stood there looking up because Jesus would return someday, just as he went up (Acts 1:9-11). Out of obedience to Jesus ' command to wait for the Holy Spirit, they went to the upper room where they were staying to wait (Acts 1:12-13). While waiting, they began to pray in one accord with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). Peter then took a leadership role and stood up to speak to the group numbering 120 (Acts 1:15).

 

Peter lets them know that what happened to Judas was foretold in Psalms 41:9 (Acts 1:16). Judas was part of the ministry of Jesus, but out of guilt for what he did, purchased land upon which he killed himself (Acts 1:17-19). Peter also reminds them that the Psalms said the land where Judas killed himself would be desolate with no one living on it and that another would take his place (Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25, 119:8). Those in the upper room then begin the process of selecting a replacement for Judas, deciding it must be someone that was with Jesus from his baptism until seeing Him after His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Two men are nominated, and after prayer, they cast lots and select Matthias (Acts 1:23-26).

 

The book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus, which is where the Gospel of Luke ends (Luke 24:50-53). The Gospel of Luke records Jesus’ time on earth, whereas the Book of Acts records the first 30 years of Church history. In Acts 1, a foundation is laid for the birth of the Church, the Bride of Christ, whom He redeemed from sin by offering Himself (Ephesians 5:25-27). This foundation consists of,

• Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit and command to be witnesses after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 8) – Jesus knew the persecution that would come to the Church from both Jews and Gentiles would lead to the martyrdom of many Christians. Since Jesus knew he would be leaving to be with the Father, He did not want the disciples to venture out into ministry without the power of the Holy Spirit within them (John 14:15-18).
• Jesus’ ascension to heaven with the promise of His return (Acts 1:9-11) – Jesus did not ascend to the Father to do nothing until His return, but sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His Church (Mark 16:19; Romans 8:34). As our intercessor, Jesus hears our prayers and gives them to the Father.
• Meeting for prayer (Acts 1:12-14) – After seeing Jesus ascend to heaven and receiving the promise that He will return, the disciples return to the upper room where they had been staying. The difference this time is that they are not there cowering in fear (John 20:19), but they are assembled in prayer, awaiting the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• Choosing a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:15-26) – Peter reminds those assembled in the upper room that there is some unfinished business regarding who will replace Judas. Two men were proposed, and they chose Mathias. There is no mention of Mathias after this, and since there is no mention of the disciples praying to select the nominees, we must wonder if God’s chosen replacement was Paul, chosen on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).

 

Although not perfect, during the first 30 years of Church history, the Church gained a reputation of turning its world upside down, or right side up depending on one's perspective (Acts 17:6). The mission of the Church given by Jesus (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) has not changed but we must ask if the Church has maintained its world transforming reputation? While there have been times of revival in the Church, there have also been schisms or divisions that have weakened the Church's effectiveness. One major point of contention within the Church has been regarding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with some believing it is no longer needed because we have the complete Bible. This overlooks what Jesus told the Samaritan woman: true worshippers of God worship in Spirit and Truth.

 

Persecution in the Church remains, with some of it a soft and non-violent persecution and some a violent persecution. In either case, a believer needs both the truth of the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective. The Church in the Book of Acts is an example of a Church armed with Truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

 

If you are reading this and have never publicly professed your belief in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for salvation (Romans 10:9-10), I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church teaching from the Bible so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.