Finding Jesus in the Book of Acts
Acts Overview
Scholars believe the book was written somewhere between AD 63 and 70. In the actual text of Acts, the author is not named. The way the author writes leads many scholars to believe Luke is the author. The author writes of being a companion of Paul’s by using “we” language, and in Paul’s letters, he writes of Luke being a companion of his, too. The similarities and the first-century “physician” language of The Gospel of Luke and Acts also point to them having the same author. One key point is that both the gospel author and the Acts author are writing to Theopholus, whom Luke was known as a scribe for. Many see the gospel as volume I and Acts as volume II.
Luke writes about God's continuous mission. First, through the ascension of Christ, then through the Holy Spirit’s move within his people. The birth of the Church, and the movement of the advocate!
Jesus appears directly and obviously: JESUS REVEALED “Jesus with his people.”
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”
Luke's former book is the gospel of Luke, in which he wrote about Jesus’ ministry while he was on earth. A very tiny detail that I love is that Luke writes, “began to do and teach.” Implying that the Lord's work is not finished just because the writing is done.
Throughout this chapter, Luke highlights the things Jesus said and did during his last moments dwelling with his followers on earth. He gave them commandments to stay where they are and wait for the gift the Father has promised, coming to them in just a few days! Jesus also gave them a soft reassurance that they don't need to know the times or dates the Lord has appointed, and they will have the power that they need when they need it!
Jesus appears through the Holy Spirit: JESUS RELEASED “Jesus in his people.”
So what is Pentecost, anyway?
After Jesus ascends, his Spirit is no longer confined to one body. Pentecost is Greek for “50th”. It occurs 50 days after Passover and is also known as the Festival of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:10). In Jewish customs, the Festival of Weeks is known as the time when Moses received the Law from God. Pentecost is now marked as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Acts 2:2-3 says, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” Throughout the Old Testament, violent winds were known as the Spirit of God in action- and God’s people knew this! This is the exact moment of the outpouring of the Spirit on God's people. The gift is finally here! The advocate, the helper, is here!
Now we get to see a miracle. Acts 2:5-6 says, “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.” The Jews who heard this were hearing the gospel being proclaimed in their native languages! (The map below shows how many native languages were being spoken by the Apostles.)
Jesus appears through his people: JESUS REFLECTED “Jesus through his people.”
Now that the Holy Spirit is within God’s people, we get to see Jesus work THROUGH his people! Jesus continues his word through Spirit-filled people. The Church became the visual expression of Jesus’ mission for the world. For every nation, tribe, and tongue- for all ethne!
A spirit-filled moment leads to Christ-like speech. In Acts 4:9, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking boldly to religious leaders about the mission of Christ. This reflects the same courage and scholarship Jesus had for the Scriptures.
Jesus heals through his people! I admire God’s love and trust for his people, that he empowers us over and over again to present the miracle of God’s love to others. In Acts 14:8-10, Paul heals a man lame from birth. Through the Spirit, Paul gave the same compassion, restoration, and authority as Jesus. Paul does not claim the power for himself, and Jesus remains the ultimate healer!
The Church and the Spirit are not a substitute for Jesus, but an addition. When Jesus ascended, he didn’t stop being present; he just shifted the way he showed up. The Church IS the body of Christ! Throughout the Epistles, we learn that we as believers are one with Christ, just as a bride is to her groom!
If we believe Jesus is still active, we must expect his presence and action within our stories. We follow a living Christ, not a finished story!
Do you live as if Jesus is still present today?
Do you live expectantly?
