ACTS 1:1-4
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ACTS
The Book of Acts continues Jesus’ work through His apostles by documenting the early church's growth, the Holy Spirit’s power, and the spread of the gospel.
KEY THEMES
Purpose of Acts: A continuation of Jesus’ ministry, showing God’s unfolding plan for salvation.
The Gospel Message: Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works (John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20).
Authorship: Luke, a physician and historian, wrote Acts to confirm Christianity’s truth, addressing Theophilus.
Jesus’ Ministry: He preached, healed, and freed people from sin; Acts shows His work continuing through His followers.
Resurrection & Commission: Jesus appeared for 40 days, proving He was alive, and commanded the apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit before spreading the gospel.
Waiting on God: Strengthens faith and prepares believers for their mission.
Acts as Christ’s Continued Work: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be Jesus’ hands and feet, spreading His message.
Acts is not just about the apostles, but about Jesus continuing His mission through His church. Believers are called to trust God, be faithful, and spread the gospel through the Spirit’s power.
Teaching Notes
In this teaching on Acts 1:1-4, we are invited to step into the beginning of an incredible story—the story of how God’s work didn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection but continued through His followers. As we open Acts, we are reminded that the story of the Bible is not about what we can achieve for God, but about what God has done for us.
We start by recognizing that the message of the Bible is God-centered, not man-centered. It’s a story of a God who reaches down to us, offering a gift we could never earn—salvation through Jesus Christ. It’s not about striving or being good enough; it’s about accepting His grace. John 3:16 isn’t just a verse you may have heard—it’s a personal invitation to you.
We then meet Luke, the author—a highly educated doctor who wasn’t just a historian but a loyal friend to the Apostle Paul. Luke’s life shows us that faithfulness matters. He wasn’t just a writer; he was a companion, a traveler, someone who showed up when it was difficult. And his careful, detailed writing gives us confidence that the story of Jesus is true.
Luke’s account was addressed to Theophilus, a name that means “friend of God.” We may not know much about who Theophilus was, but we do know this: his name shows that this message is for anyone who wants to be a friend of God. That means it’s for you too.
Finally, this teaching reminds us that the Gospel isn’t just history—it’s a message of hope and transformation. Just like Theophilus, you are invited to be a friend of God, to experience His grace, and to share in His mission. Will you accept His invitation?
