The complete name of Acts is “The Acts of the Apostles.” The title of course refers to how this book demonstrates that Jesus’ ministry was handed down to the apostles who continued the spread of the Gospel and established the church. One can’t help but recognize, though, in reading this book that it is actually describing the Acts of God at work in the apostles! The Lord is definitely the central figure of Acts.
In chapter one, the Lord promises the coming Spirit and the coming witness to the end of the earth. In chapter two, the Spirit descends upon the apostles, Peter preaches the Gospel about Jesus’ death, and 3,000 receive the Word. As the church grows and the Gospel is lived and shared, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (2:47). In chapter three, Peter heals in the name of Jesus and preaches another message on how Jesus is the prophet like Moses. In chapter four, 5,000 believed in Jesus and Peter proclaimed, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12).
Acts is about the work of the Lord Jesus post-ascension. His work continues through the ministry of the Spirit. His work continues through the proclamation of the Word. His work continues through the growth of the Church. His work continues as the church lives out Gospel transformation in counter-cultural ways! Acts is about the Acts of the Lord in the lives of the apostles. The Lord is still at work today in his church! The Acts of the Lord will not cease until the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth! The Lord is at work in you as a believer and in your church. This story does not stop in chapter 28!
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