Prelude to Pentecost

Luke begins his second book, Acts, by describing the words and actions of Jesus before his ascension back to heaven (see Acts 1:1-11). In these eleven verses there are many things that a teacher or preacher could expound upon. For the purpose of this message, I would like to point out three or four things.

First of all, there is the important matter of Christ's resurrection. Luke states that "after his suffering," he convinced them that he was alive. Jesus did this by the following: a) "He showed himself to them" (v.3). Jesus appeared before them personally. He was literally present and visible. b) "He gave many convincing proofs" (v.3). Among the things he did was to show them his hands and his feet. The nail marks from the crucifixion were clearly evident to them. He invited them to "touch me and see" (Luke 24:39). He went on to say, "A ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." c) Jesus "appeared to them over a period of forty days" (Acts 1:3). These numerous meetings further underscore that this was not one or two appearances that they might have just imagined his presence. d) On one occasion, he ate with them (Acts 1:4); "Do you have anything here to eat?" he asked. "They gave him a piece of broiled fish and he took it and ate it in their presence" (Luke 24:41-43). This is something that a ghost does not do! The fact that the disciples needed to be convinced is further proof of the resurrection. To a man they all came to believe it, even "doubting Thomas," and testified publicly that Jesus rose from the grave. All but John were eventually martyred for their beliefs and faith.

Secondly, Jesus instructed them again about the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 5, & 8). Before his crucifixion, Jesus had given them a lengthy lesson about the Holy Spirit (see John 14-16). No doubt they did not comprehend everything about the Spirit's new role the first time they heard it. What he emphasized here before he ascended was that they should "wait in Jerusalem for the gift my Father promised." In ten days this occurred with the filling of the believers by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The point is that before the disciples began to carry out Christ's great commission to take the gospel into all the world they would need to be empowered by the Spirit. This is still necessary for Christians today.

Thirdly, Jesus told them, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). According to prophecy, the Gospel was to go forth first from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3, Luke 24:47). Then after being proclaimed, in the surrounding area, the message was to go to "all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This command remains in effect for Christ's disciples today. Our Jerusalem is wherever we live. Judea and Samaria represents our state and country and the "ends of the earth" simply means the whole world. We can and should personally witness wherever we are. We can carry out the missionary mandate by supporting others who are willing to leave their homes and carry the message abroad. Support involves our prayers and financial contributions.

In conclusion we notice that shortly before he left, Jesus disciples still were not clear about "the Kingdom." This is evident from their question, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel" (Acts 1:6). Note that Jesus did not delay his return to further instruct them about this. Christ's disciples need not have a complete and perfect knowledge of the Bible before they can be used by him for service.

Overwhelming Evidence

All of the much publicized court cases in the past year or two have emphasized the importance of strong evidence. Luke in his introduction to the Book of Acts stated: "After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). It is significant to me that Luke, a physician, believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was not the case initially with Christ's disciples. Though Jesus had told them on numerous occasions that He would go to Jerusalem, suffer and die, but come back to life, apparently this had not registered with the twelve. The disciples were clearly not expecting it and the women that went to the tomb did so to further attend to his body. No one woke up on the third day and thought to go looking for Him at the tomb or some other familiar place. When they heard reports that he had risen, they had to be convinced. Some went and checked it out for themselves and saw the empty tomb and the burial cloths. Even then one disciple, Thomas, doubted the reports until he was present a week later when Jesus appeared to his followers and invited him to touch him. All of this means more to me than that the disciples needed to be convinced.

Let us look at some other evidences: 1) The empty tomb with the big stone rolled away. While there were no eye witnesses to the actual resurrection, all of the gospel accounts testify that the tomb was vacant. 2) The angel's statement to the women that "He (Christ) has risen just as He said." Most people would be persuaded by such an experience! 3) The appearance of Jesus Himself. Christ appeared numerous times to many people in different locations (Jerusalem vicinity and Galilee). He spoke to them, he ate in front of them and he invited them to touch him--all this could not have been an figment of their imaginations.

Observe other proofs of the resurrection: 1) The disciples were unanimous in their belief that he had come back to life. They all testified and gave witness to the literal resurrection. All of the disciples but John died a martyr's death. Is it realistic to believe that they died for a lie, for something uncertain or for a conspiracy? 2) Two thousand years later, millions of Christians still believe the resurrection. Would a myth survive this test of time? Does not time usually reveal the truth? 3) You can still visit and see the empty tomb in Jerusalem. Thousands of Christians go every year to see it. 4) His body has never been found. The enemies of Christ could have debunked the "myth" by simply producing his dead body. The reason this has never occurred is quite simple. It's because he's alive! Christ has returned to the Father in Heaven after spending forty days on earth. 5) Jesus lives though the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who truly believe. After accepting the Scriptures by faith, the reality of the resurrection is verified through his presence with us.

Why do Christians believe the resurrection? They do so because of the statements in Scripture, the witness of the apostles, and the teachings of the early church. It has always been the central point of the Gospel that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and that through his resurrection there is the hope of life eternal. Why is this belief significant? The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 stated that without the resurrection there is no hope; but because it is true, we have been forgiven and made alive. Romans 10:9-10 further emphasizes the importance of this truth: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Believe the overwhelming evidence and be saved!