Acts 1 — The Ascension, Matthias Replaces Judas
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
The book of Acts, written by Luke, provides a pivotal transition from the birth, life and earthly ministry of Jesus to the birth and early years of the Christian church. I found it interesting to note that when the “two men dressed in white” kick-started the disciples (Acts 1:11), they walked “a Sabbath day’s walk from the city” (1:12), that is, about one kilometer according to the NIV Study Bible notes. In other words, it wasn’t very far to walk. Also, this relatively small group “all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (1:14). The brothers of Jesus includes James, though not named here. (No doubt these men who grew up with Jesus have been transformed into incredible believers in Jesus as the Messiah.) They all meet together and peter addresses the group of about 120 believers (1:15). Peter stands and takes a powerful leadership role to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). He pulls two quotes out of the vast book of Psalms and leads the group to pick Judas’ replacement. I’m amazed at Peter’s knowledge of the Psalms, at how he knows them well enough to find references to Psalm 69:25 and 109:8. This provides evidence that the Holy Spirit is already working in his life as they wait the day of Pentecost (next chapter).
Reading just one chapter today is like watching a trailer or teaser for a blockbuster movie…it’s just too hard to stop reading. Such a joy to look into the lives of those who would build the church from zero. Jesus will be honored and his name will be spread throughout “Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Lord help me to be part of this brotherhood!