The Resurrection to the Ascension

WESTHILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
The Acts of the Apostles
Study Number 1: Acts 1 v 1-11
5 February 1989

INTRODUCTION

The Acts of the Apostles gives an account of the beginning and subsequent growth of the Church, from the resurrection of Jesus to the apostle Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

Who wrote it?

Luke, who also wrote one of the gospels.

What is it about?

Jesus tells us in Acts 1:8.

How is the story told?

1. First of all, how the disciples of Jesus received power as the Holy Spirit came to them, and how the Church grew quickly amongst the Jewish people in and around Jerusalem.

2. Secondly, how Jesus' disciples moved further away from Jerusalem, and even some who weren't Jews became followers of Jesus.

3. Thirdly, how the Holy Spirit sent some of the disciples far away from Jerusalem, and how many non-Jewish people came to follow Jesus, especially in Turkey, Greece and Italy.

How will we study the book?

On Sunday mornings until the summer we will be looking at chapters 1 to 12, which are about the early growth of the Church in Jerusalem and Judea, Samaria, and further afield. After the summer holidays we will continue with chapters 13 to 20 which mostly deal with the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. Finally, after Christmas, we will consider chapters 21 to 28, which are mostly about Paul's arrest, and journey to Rome as a prisoner.

The best preparation will be to complete a personal study of each passage before the Sunday on which it is being preached. Remember there are sheets to help with this personal study, and also for an overall study of the complete book.

THE RESURRECTION TO THE ASCENSION

a) Jesus rose from the dead. He convinced His disciples that He was alive again. He met many times with them, but not for long periods.

b) Jesus instructed His disciples about their life-work from now on.

c) Jesus told His disciples not to start until the Holy Spirit had come to give them power.

d) Jesus eventually went to Heaven, from where He and God the Father would send the Holy Spirit as the mission of the Church began and continued, until He returned again.

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PERSONAL STUDY

1. Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? If so, could you give a convincing explanation as to why you believe in the resurrection? Why is the fact that Jesus came alive from the dead before going to Heaven so important?

2. How do you see your work and activities, in the church and outside it, in the light of Acts 1:8? Do you feel your life is characterised by the 'power of the Holy Spirit' that Jesus talks about here?