1.1,2 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
The first chapter of the book of Acts is really an introduction, if you will, into the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ, by the power of The Holy Spirit, in and through His people. Luke, the author of both the gospel of Luke and Acts, records here the things that Jesus began to do on earth, and what He is going to continue to do by The Spirit through His people. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, Matthew writes, “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Amen. I am with you always. Hence, the omnipresence of Jesus Christ. He is seated at the right hand of The Father, yet in the midst of His people.
God’s plan and program of salvation is continuing today. His gospel has not changed, nor has His method of saving souls and making disciples changed. Culture changes, styles change, but God changes not. Both The Master and His methods change not! But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The ongoing work of Jesus Christ is not done by human might, or human power, but by His Spirit. The Spirit leads, anoints, directs, appoints, convicts and empowers each one of the followers of Jesus as witnesses of His gospel and the truth of the Bible today.
The Holy Spirit will bring effectiveness in witness and ministry (1:8; Matt. 28:19), victory over sin (Acts 2:42–46; Rom. 6:11–14; Gal. 2:20), victory over Satan (Acts 2:42–46; 16:16–18; 2 Cor. 10:3–4; Eph. 6:10–18; 1 John 4:4), and gifts for ministry (Acts 2:16–18; 1 Cor. 12:11; 1 Pet. 4:10). As we launch into the year 2015, may we not fall prey to clever programs and methods of man. May we stay the course of simply teaching the Word of God simply, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Leading by example of praying fervently. Serving joyfully and sacrificially. Filled with, led by, and anointed by His Spirit. This pattern seen in Acts 1 is the biblical model that Jesus has left for us to win the lost with the gospel and make disciples. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else! Selah.
