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CHAPTER 1

The Challenge of Chapter One

Like Jesus, one day all believers will receive an eternal resurrection body. Until that time, we
need the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses in the earth. No longer are we required to wait
for the promise Holy Spirit as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost. Since that time, He is
available to all who will receive him.

Those first disciples wanted to know when Jesus would come to establish His kingdom on earth.
Today, many Christians asked the same question. But Jesus’ answer remains the same, “It is not
for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (verse 7).
Instead, Jesus points the attention of the disciples toward the promised Holy Spirit, which would
enable them to be witnesses throughout the entire earth. We must be careful not to make the
same mistake Peter did by making decisions according to the flesh and doing that which the Lord
did not instruct him to do. It is easy to do the things that seemed good and right but are not
according to God’s perfect plan and purpose.

Waiting For The Promise

Luke addresses the book of Acts to Theophilus, a born-again Roman dignitary. Luke recounts the
events following the resurrection of Jesus, including the 40 days He walked among the disciples
and His command for them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit.

Opening Salutation

Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and
teach,

Theophilus (meaning loved of God) is a born-again dignitary in Rome. Luke addressed the books
of Luke and Acts to him (Luke 1:3). In Luke’s gospel Theophilus is called “most excellent,” which
is an address for his nobility. Luke, being a physician, was familiar with many wealthy and
powerful people in the Roman Empire.

Is the only Gentile author in the New Testament. The gospel of Luke began the story of the works
and teachings of Jesus. The book of Acts continues the story. Jesus not only taught the people,
he also performed miracles and healings. The church in Acts was to follow this pattern of doing
and teaching (Acts 8:6).

Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given
commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
The book of Luke brings us to the day of the resurrection. (Luke 24:51) but no further. Acts
chapter 1 continues recording the events of the same day were the gospel of Luke ends. Jesus
gave His disciples the commandment to wait for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49).