BibleWise ~ Week One on the Book of Acts

Group Lesson One Teacher’s Notes

“What’s Next”

Have you ever watched a great movie or read a good book and wondered what the characters did next? The New Testament Book of Acts is just that. It begins at the end of Jesus' time on earth and begins with what the Apostles did next. It's an amazing book written by a Gentile physician named "Luke." (see Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Luke 1:1-4 (NLT) Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.

The NT Book of Luke was Dr. Luke's first book. Acts is the second book. It's the "what-happened-next" book. Luke was a careful historian and a devoted follower of Jesus. So we can read this book with confidence knowing that he was dedicated, educated and caring. Luke is mentioned throughout the NT and followed the Apostle Paul on a few of his trips. 

Now that we know a little bit about the author and what this book is about let's begin:

Acts 1:1-5 (NLT) In my first book  I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

     Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Dr. Luke wrote this book to a man named "Theophilus" who was a Greek and of important ranking in society. (See NIV Compact Bible Dictionary) He too was a convert to Christianity and appears to be a friend of Luke’s. Because Luke was faithful with writing the history of the early church, many have been blessed by what he wrote. 

What are you doing with the knowledge you have? Do you share it with others? Do you share your Christian faith with others in such a way as to point them to Jesus? Are you curious like Dr. Luke? Dr. Luke was faithful in doing just that; learning and sharing. We should all take a lesson from him. Thanks Doc!

It's important to know that Jesus proved that he had indeed risen from the dead. Jesus appeared to the disciples and proved he was alive to many during the forty days before He physically left the earth. (See 1 Corinthians 15:5-8) Luke knew this and wanted others to know that Jesus was indeed alive and Messiah. It is evident in the books he wrote. Here is an educated man who had a career as a physician, laying all aside to testify to the resurrection of Jesus. 

Let's turn our focus to the words of Jesus found in Acts 1:4-5. During a meal that Jesus shared with the remaining disciples He ordered them to stay in Jerusalem until God the Father sent a special gift to them. What was this gift? How would they know that it was the real thing?

Jesus reminded them of what John the Baptist had said at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Now it was the topic of His last conversation with them on earth.

Luke 3:16 (NLT) John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."

We will see that God did send this gift of baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit. (Coming soon in Acts 2) I'm sure the disciples were full of questions and maybe a bit confused as what was coming next. This is not unlike what we experience in life. Do you ever wonder what's around the corner? Maybe you wonder if God will ever make His presence known. 

God is always faithful. He never breaks His word. We may think that He does when things don't go as we've prayed for them to go. The disciples were commanded to "stay in Jerusalem." The question I pose to you today is this, "What is your Jerusalem?" What has the Lord told you to wait for? Are you waiting? Or, are you pushing for God's timetable to move?

Isaiah 48:17 (NLT) This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”

God does have blessing in store. He knows the best timing and the perfect path for us to follow. Let's put our hope in Him.

I pray to God—my life a prayer— 

and wait for what he'll say and do. 

Psalm 130:5