13 November

Bible in 365 Days

Acts 1-3

Acts 1

In the opening verse Luke reveals the nature of his first treatise. It had to do with "all that Jesus began to do and to teach." This is followed by the last glimpse we have of the disciples before Pentecost, together with the account of the Ascension. We then see them during the period between the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is interesting to study the list of those who are named as being gathered together with them. Their need for that Spirit for guidance is revealed in an election to fill the place of Judas. Casting lots was wholly out of place, and was never resorted to after the coming of the Spirit. That the action was a mistake is revealed in that in His own time and way God found and fitted an apostle. It is to be noted how in consequence of this initial blunder, Paul had constantly to defend his right to the place of apostleship.

Acts 2

The first paragraph of this chapter records the first page of the history of the Church. It is seen as it began to form. The separated units of the disciples were fused into the new unity of the Church. Through this new unity God, by the Spirit, addressed Himself to the gathered multitudes. They gave expression to the wonderful works of God in sacred, ecstatic song.

This produced an effect on the city which called forth the first recorded address in the power of Pentecost. It is arresting to see in that address how the apostle first referred to the Old Testament Scriptures, and, second, showed how all their predictions were fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.

The result of this message was immediate and glorious. Under conviction produced by the Holy Spirit, the people asked, "What shall we do?" Peter replied, by giving clear instructions, and by testimony and exhortation, until about 3,000 souls were added.

The early Church life is described in verse Acts 2:42, in which it is said that "they continued steadfastly" in four matters: "in the apostles' teaching," in "fellowship," "in the breaking of bread," in "prayers."

The story ends with a picture of the practical realization of that early fellowship, in which these were the predominant notes: a wholesome fear, a powerful service, a mutual ministry, constant worship, a great gladness, a gracious influence, and perpetual growth.

Acts 3

The men at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple is the illustration of a constant fact: approximation to God is a habit of humanity in its need. Mendicants are not often found at the doors where an infidel lecture has been delivered. In speaking to the man, Peter revealed the essential meaning of Christianity. He was not able to minister to the man in material things so far as silver and gold were concerned. He was, however, able to communicate to him something which would make him master of his disability.

This miracle attracted the crowd, and Peter at once directed the people's attention to their own God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob, claiming that He had visited them in the Person of Jesus. Faith in His name was the avenue through which God had wrought the wonder. No glory accrued to man from what had happened; none to the man who was healed, for his faith was not brought into play at all; none to the apostles, as they clearly declared.