Luke was not like modern reporters who carry a notebook or recorder and document events as they happen. He was a historian who knew people in Jerusalem and traveled with Paul to learn about the events he later wrote about in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
His work was supported by a man named Theophilus. Interestingly, Theophilus means “lover of God.”
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. (Acts 1:1-2)
Let’s not miss the fact that the Holy Spirit worked through Jesus as He instructed the apostles. Early in His ministry, Jesus ascribed His ministry to the activity of the Holy Spirit:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
The precious gift of the Holy Spirit was active in the life of Jesus, but it is also available to us. As we read the Book of Acts, let’s learn how we can cooperate with the Holy Spirit for the fulfillment of God’s purposes.
Eduard Schweitzer expressed a blessed but often overlooked truth about the Holy Spirit. He wrote, “Everything Jesus was to His disciples, the Holy Spirit is to us.” That is why Jesus could say:
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.” (John 14:18)
Jesus came to the twelve and to people like us through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, Alive and Well
Luke probably wrote Acts around AD 80. He was not one of the first followers of Jesus, but he learned from those who walked with Jesus in Galilee and Judea. He learned from these eyewitnesses what Jesus did after the resurrection.
After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
You may know the saying, “A person with an experience can’t be challenged by someone with only an argument.” Luke talked with people who came face-to-face with the risen Christ.
The resurrected Jesus continued instructing them about the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is the effective reach of His power. It is not to be confused with an earthly rule; rather, it is a way of life that is captured by God’s character and nature. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) is one of the best expressions of what life in the kingdom is all about.
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
The gift of the Holy Spirit was promised in the Old Testament, especially in the Prophets. John the Baptist spoke of how Jesus would baptize people in the Holy Spirit. As we read Acts, we will see how the gift of the Holy Spirit is a prize to be treasured.
Since Luke’s theme in Acts features the work of the Holy Spirit, it is natural for his introduction to mention the Spirit.
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5)
“Baptize” literally means “to immerse.” In today’s video, Rudy Ross mentions how his wife has dyed fabric. They call the process “baptism.” The point is that the fabric takes on the nature and color of the dye.
That is a great picture of being baptized with the Holy Spirit. We have the opportunity to take on the character, nature, and mission of the Lord because we are immersed in the Spirit.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 