Textual Studies From The Gospel Of Luke & The Acts Of The Apostles

Lesson 25 – General Introduction Luke writes a “two-volume set” The gospel = “A narrative of those things… surely believed among us…” Lk 1:1-2 Acts = The sequel to the “former treatise… of all that Jesus began both to do & teach… speaking of the…kingdom of God” 1:1-3

Lesson 25 – General Introduction “Volume 1” ends on a Judean mountain Having completed His mission, Jesus ascends back to His Father The apostles return to Jerusalem Lk 24:50-53 What about “the rest of the story?” Treatise #1 does not record it

Lesson 25 – General Introduction “Treatise 2” picks up the story Jesus is received back into heaven The apostles are empowered, begin their ambassadorial work Acts chronicles the growth of the church (kingdom of heaven) Mt 3:2 Mk 1:14-15

Lesson 25 – General Introduction A succinct, but accurate outline of Acts can be found at Acts 1:8 “…you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1-7

Lesson 25 – General Introduction A succinct, but accurate outline of Acts can be found at Acts 1:8 “…you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 8-12

Lesson 25 – General Introduction A succinct, but accurate outline of Acts can be found at Acts 1:8 “…you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 13-28

Lesson 25 – General Introduction The Time & Place Of Writing Written after “Treatise 1” Acts 1:1 Luke could have composed it at any number of times Acts 24:27 27:6 – 28:11, 30 We know when it was completed Acts 28:30

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke describes the 1st Treatise vv. 1-3 “All that Jesus began to do and teach” until the day He was taken up vv. 1-2a It ended with His orders to the apostles v. 2b He presented Himself alive by “many convincing proofs” for 40 days v. 3

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke records Jesus’ last words vv. 4-8 He gathered the apostles together & told them not to leave Jerusalem v. 4a cp. Lk 24:49 They were to wait for what the Father had promised & He had told them v. 4b Jn 14:16-17, 26 15:26 16:7-15

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke records Jesus’ last words vv. 4-8 This “Holy Spirit baptism” would happen not many days from then v. 5 Pentecost (Feast of Ingathering) was 50 days from Passover Lev 23:15-16 Acts 2:1 Jesus was on earth 40 days after D/B/R v. 3 Therefore, they would have to wait 10 days

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke records Jesus’ last words vv. 4-8 The apostles ask one final time about the kingdom v. 6 cp. Lk 22:24 Jesus replies the timing of the kingdom was not their concern…being His witnesses was to occupy their thoughts vv. 7-8 cp. Gal 4:4

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke records Jesus’ departure vv Following these final words, Jesus was “lifted up” and received into the clouds, vanishing from their sight v. 9 Lk 24:51 At last, Jesus was finally reunited with His Father in heaven & exalted Eph 1:19b-23

Lesson 26 – Jesus’ Ascension 1:1-11 Luke records Jesus’ departure vv Angels reassured the “gazing” apostles of Jesus’ return vv Thess 4:15-18 At last, Jesus was finally reunited with His Father in heaven & exalted Eph 1:19b-23

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 The apostles return to Jerusalem from Bethany (Mt. of Olives) v. 12 Lk 24:49 They return to the upper room…continue to associate with other believers vv Most notably present were the brothers of Jesus v. 14b cp. Jn 7:2-5

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 The apostles & other believers numbered about 120 v. 15b Peter’s address vv. 15a, Judas had “a place with us, but departed” He quotes David…Judas’ actions were a fulfillment of prophecy Psa 69:25 109:8

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 Peter’s address vv. 15a, Luke comments on Judas’ death and what resulted from the betrayal money vv Judas’ replacement was to come from among those who met the “qualifications” vv One had to have accompanied the apostles while Jesus was with them

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 Peter’s address vv. 15a, Judas’ replacement was to come from among those who met the “qualifications” vv One had to have started at John’s baptism and gone all the way up to the Lord’s ascension Only such a one could be a “witness”

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 Peter’s address vv. 15a, Judas’ replacement was to come from among those who met the “qualifications” vv This disqualifies people today from being a “witness” for Jesus This also disqualifies anyone from claiming to be an “apostle” (Mormons)

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 Two men “qualified” to take Judas’ place – Joseph (Barsabbas) & Matthais v. 23 The apostles prayed vv They acknowledged God’s omniscience They requested God show them His choice They cast lots v. 26a cp. Prov 16:33

Lesson 26 – Replacing Judas 1:12-26 The lot fell on Matthais…he was from then on “numbered with the eleven” as an apostle v. 26b