Acts 1: You Will Be My Witnesses
I REMEMBER TELLING a friend, "If I were dying, what I would most need would be confidence that all I had believed about Jesus was true. I would want you to read Scripture to me, pray with me, and talk to me about Jesus and heaven." This confidence is not only what I need most when I am dying, but also when I am living.
During the days between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus built the confidence of his disciples. He demonstrated and spoke truth about himself. And then he left them with a clearly defined task and the promise of the power to carry out that task. Thus, Luke was able to write with confidence to Theophilus about Jesus.
Warming Up to God
Have you had days when you did not feel confident, but fearful? Let God encourage you this day with the power and strength contained in his Word.
Read Acts 1. »
Discovering the Word
- What did Luke, the author of Acts, report to Theophilus about Jesus' last days on earth (vv. 1-11)?
- Put yourself in the shoes of the apostles. How would you feel if you were the first to be given the task described in verse 8?
- How are we equipped for this task, according to the passage?
- How did the disciples respond to all that they had seen and heard (vv. 12-26)?
- Peter goes to Scripture immediately when he speaks. How do these words of David affect their confidence as well as give them direction (v. 20)?
Applying the Word
- When has your faith in Jesus Christ been encouraged by the words of others?
- How is your hope and confidence in Jesus affected by what you learn about him in the passage?
- How are you affected when you pray with other believers—especially as you consider your part in God's mission for the church (v. 14)?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God for giving you a task to carry out, and tell him about the fears and joys you feel as his servant.
For Further Study
Acts by Phyllis J. Le Peau