Acts 1:1-5
 
Introduction
The book of Acts was written by Luke because the writer was definitely one of Paul’s companions. (Acts 2:32 KJV) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. There are many verses in Acts with the pronoun “we.” Based upon the first verse, we see that this author also had a previous “treatise” or “account.” The only one who traveled with Paul that wrote a gospel was Luke, Mark‘s gospel came later. The date of writing is not set in stone because it has been placed before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D and it has also been placed right at the time of the martyrdom of Paul about 64 A.D. There are three basic purposes of the Book of Acts and they are historical, which details the beginning of the church and the spreading of the Gospel, especially in the Roman Empire. The second purpose is theological as it portrays the Holy Spirit being very much involved in the ministry of the Christians along with the Lord Jesus Christ especially in Paul’s calling and ministry. The third purpose is definitely apologetic where it gives many defenses of the Christian faith and how unified it was without concern of the physical nationality or previous religion. The Book of Acts ends on a continuing basis because the church continues to be built to this day. The word “Acts” in the Greek means “deeds, activities, or functions.” Since the church is continuing to this day and the Gospel is still going forth around the world, the activities found in the Book of Acts are still happening and will continue until the last day.
 
 
Acts 1:1 (KJB)
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
 
In the Gospel of Luke, Luke had written the beginnings of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had recorded not only the deeds which were done by Christ but also His teachings. Here in the Book of Acts, Luke makes it a continuing account of the ministry of Christ after His ascension into Heaven. He recalls the ministry of the Apostles and then he records the calling and ministry of Paul and his church founding ministry and missionary journeys. The name “Theophilus” means “friend of God” or “lover of God” and his identity is unknown. He may have been a close friend of Luke or this name may be a pseudonym.
 
Acts 1:2 (KJB)
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:
 
Luke is still referring to his former treatise, the Gospel of Luke in which he had recorded the fact that Jesus had given commandments to his chosen apostles. While He was on earth, He gave those commandments in person but now after His ascension, He now gives the further commandments through the indwelling Holy Spirit. In the book of Acts, we are shown how heavily involved the Holy Spirit is with the Christians. This is also good insight for us that as we continue in ministry, both verbally and physically, the Holy Spirit will guide our every move, if we do not quench and grieve Him. (Heb 1:1-2 KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, {2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Even though we are hearing in the last days from His Son, His word is conveyed to Christians through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
 
Acts 1:3 (KJB)
To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
 
He showed - He presented
Infallible proofs - Indisputable evidence or proof
 
Luke continues the thread from verse two that since there was so much talk in reference to refutation of the resurrection of Christ, he states that there were many times that Christ showed Himself alive unto the disciples. Some of the infallible proofs are as follows:
 
To Mary Magdalene
(John 20:16 KJV) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
 
To the Ten Disciples
(John 20:19 KJV) Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
 
To the Ten plus Thomas
(John 20:26 KJV) And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
 
The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
(Luke 24:13-15 KJV) And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. {14} And they talked together of all these things which had happened. {15} And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
 
The Apostle Paul on the Road to Damascus
(Acts 9:5 KJV) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
 
The Five Hundred
(1 Cor 15:6 KJV) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
 
To Peter Alone
(Luke 24:34 KJV) Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
 
Appearing to the Disciples in Flesh and Blood
(Luke 24:39 KJV) Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
 
Acts 1:4 (KJB)
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
 
(Luke 24:49 KJV) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke is reiterating the last command of Jesus before He had ascended into Heaven. He told them to wait and they would be endued or endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit and then they will be ready to begin the evangelization of the world, which continues to this day. This command was not only to the 12 but to all 120 who were assembled together.
 
Acts 1:5 (KJB)
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
 
(Mark 1:8 KJV) I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. John had baptized in water which was a foreshadow or picture of the believer’s baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are many today who misuse and misunderstand this baptism. In fact, I am sure you have it heard it labeled “the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Spirit is not baptized, He baptizes us. That baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs only one time at the time of salvation. The baptism is a uniting of a believer with Christ.
 
(Rom 6:3 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
 
(1 Cor 12:13 KJV) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
 
(Gal 3:27 KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
 
As we see from these verses, the baptism in the Holy Ghost is a uniting of the believer with Christ. Unfortunately, this beautiful event has been bastardized by the modern charismatic movement as they continue to believe and proclaim that the baptism “of” the Holy Ghost always means speaking in tongues and that is the furthest thing from the truth. The baptism in the Holy Spirit happens to be the point a person becomes saved and true salvation is done in silence and not gibberish which is what modern tongues are.

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