Acts 1:1-3

Setting the Stage

Luke tells his reader that his first book set forth those things Jesus did and taught. It seems significant that he would mention actions first, then words. Unlike those of us who have sinned, Jesus' actions were consistent with his preaching. In fact, they underscored his teachings. Those actions and words were concluded on the day our Lord ascended into the heavens to be seated on the right hand of the Father. In his instructions following the resurrection, the stage was set for the remainder of the book of Acts (1:1).

While on earth, Jesus took the form of a man and relied on the Holy Spirit to empower him to work miracles. Such resulted in the warning Jesus gave those who would attribute his power to work miracles to the devil. After all, he really worked miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:20-30). Paul even told the Roman brethren he was raised by the power of the Spirit (Romans 1:4). Luke tells us Jesus also gave commands through the Holy Spirit (1:2).

The apostles were the ones who received those commands of the Christ. After all, they had seen him alive after his death and burial, as could be proven by over five hundred witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). For forty days, the resurrected King taught his chosen apostles important truths concerning the kingdom of God, or church (1:3). From the time Jesus ascended, he spoke to his apostles through the promised Spirit (John 16:13). So, in the truest sense, the title for this book could be "The Acts of Jesus As Seen in the Workings of the Spirit in the Lives of the Apostles."