Jesus Sends and Helps His Church in Her Mission - Acts 1-4 - Bible Notes

Jesus Sends Us  - Acts 1

1. Text summary

 - At the end of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus had risen, and appeared to His disciples.

 - They expect the kingdom to be brought to fulfillment, but Jesus says, "Not yet."

 - They need to be His witnesses in the whole world, first, starting at home.

 - He ascends to heaven.

 - The apostles replace Judas with another, to keep the important number 12.

2. Jesus

Jesus wants us witnessing to His Lordship and Redeeming work in the world.

Jesus' kingdom awaits consummation.

Jesus' ascension proves His Lordship, and His approval by God the Father.

3. Application

 - The church should order herself wisely, according to the pattern of all of Scripture, not just the New Testament.  (12 tribes, 12 apostles - a new Israel is formed.)

 - Live out the great commission, instead of waiting for God to bring in the kingdom for us.  He is asking us to help Him to do it!

Jesus Equips Us  - Acts 2

1. Text summary

 - The Holy Spirit falls on the apostles (or on all believers?) on Pentecost, an Old Testament feast they kept together.  (In the temple or elsewhere?)

 - Many Jews were gathered from various nations, but all heard them speak in their own language!

 - Some thought they were drunk, but Peter preaches:

    - Refutes the objection and mockery

    - Points to Scripture for what has happened - that Jesus fulfills it

    - Calls them to repent and believe Him, extending God's promise to them

    - Convicts their generation of perversity

 - Many believe, are baptized, and the church grows, sharing life, basic needs, apostolic teaching, and sacraments, together.

2. Jesus

Jesus sent the Spirit, and made happen what happened at Pentecost.

Jesus is the center of apostolic preaching: fulfilling Scripture and believing in Him.

3. Application

 - Don't be intimidated by mockery.  Answer it.

 - Sometimes we need to leave the "cultural translation" to God, and not try to do it ourselves (tongues translation done by God, not the apostles).

 - Faith in Christ results in life together with other believers, not a "lone ranger" Christian.

Jesus Credentials Us  - Acts 3

1. Text summary

 - Peter and John heal a lame beggar at the temple gate.

 - Peter takes the opportunity when a crowd gathers to preach Jesus.

 - Peter offers a chance for them to repent, and listen to Jesus and His Father.

2. Jesus

Jesus gives the Jews proof of His apostles' authority.

3. Application

 - The church has proof from God that she has the truth from Him, in

    - the Word of God given her to steward

    - miracles done by her in the past (and present?)

    - their eyewitness account of Jesus' resurrection, passed on from the apostles.

We Defy Authorities against Jesus  - Acts 4

1. Text summary

 - Temple rulers arrest the apostles and demand an account.

 - Peter preaches Jesus to them, as to all the people.

 - They can't refute the miracle done, but forbid them from preaching Jesus.

 - Peter and John say they can't stop doing what God commanded.

 - They let them go.

 - The apostles regather & see Psalm 2 fulfilled in this event; pray for vindication

 - Land sold and proceeds used to help those in need.

2. Jesus

Jesus' commands trump earthly authorities' commands against Him.

Jesus' promises and needs for His people trump ritual claims (land or temple).

Jesus fulfills Psalm 2 - He is the one the rulers plot against!

3. Application

 - We need to be willing to disobey earthly rulers if they keep us from obeying God

 - We should give up traditional (OT) claims (Sanhedrin - church authority, or physical land/Canaan promises), if they conflict with Jesus' claims.

 - We want to claim God's promises when we are threatened by earthly authorities