Click here for more messages from the book of Acts.
Click here to return to the Sermons page.

MESSAGE SERIES: “CHURCH ON THE MOVE”
Acts 1:1-11

INTRODUCTION: We are starting a brand-new series this morning on Acts. Acts is a long book, so we won’t be doing the whole series all at once, but we’ll break it up into sections. Our series is called “Church on the Move,” because that is what Acts is all about, and that is really what every church should be about. We should always be on the move, never growing stagnant or stale.

First, here are some facts about the book of Acts. Acts was written by Luke, the same Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke. Luke was a doctor and historian, and his two books, Luke and Acts, together make up more than one quarter of the whole New Testament. Acts tells the story of the early church and how it grew. There is an emphasis on the Holy Spirit. There are signs and wonders and various miracles. There are accounts of persecution and opposition. And there are lots of speeches, both by believers and unbelievers. There are twenty-four speeches in all: eight by Peter, nine by Paul and seven by others. These speeches are fascinating and comprise about one-third of Acts.

What are some reasons for reading and studying the book of Acts? Well, first of all, it is God’s word, and God’s word is always vital and profitable in our lives. Secondly, it’s where we learn about the early church. There are four gospels, but only one book of Acts! Another reason to read Acts is for encouragement and inspiration. The book is named Acts for a reason; it is full of action, and it will get you going as well. Finally, it’s a great reminder to us of the importance of evangelism and missions. When you read Acts, you see the Great Commission playing out right before your eyes.

There are also some cautions we should apply when reading the book of Acts. We should be careful to understand its unique time and place in God’s history. And we should be careful not to build doctrines out of unique, one-time events. We need to remember that we should aways interpret the narrative sections of Scripture using the didactic or teaching sections of Scripture as a guide.

Finally, before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the theme and outline of the book of Acts. Our theme is “Church on the Move,” and our theme verse is Acts 1:8 which speaks of the church starting in Jerusalem and then moving out to Samaria, Judea and the ends of the earth.

There are four main movements in the book of Acts which make up the four parts of our outline for this series:

      1-8 > From Jerusalem to Samaria
      9-15 > From the Jews to the Gentiles
      16-20 > From Asia to Europe
      21-28 > To the ends of the Earth

Chapters 1-8 track the movement of the church from Jerusalem to Samaria. Chapters 9-15 track the movement of the church from the Jews to the Gentiles. Chapters 16-20 track the movement of the church from Asia to Europe. And chapters 21-28 track the movement of the church as it makes its way to the ends of the earth. So, we have got an amazing time in God’s word ahead of us. (Read Acts 1:8 and pray.)

—————————–

How are you doing as a Christian? Are you growing? Are you active? Actively helping others? Actively blessing others? Actively sharing your faith? Or have you grown somewhat lazy or stagnant in your faith? The book of Acts is all about action, and if you have found yourself slowing down in your Christian walk, this book will give you a much-needed boost.

Don’t just stand there; we have a job to do! It is the most important job in the whole world. It is one of the reasons you are still here on earth instead of going straight to heaven as soon as you believe. As a church we are not to be stagnant. We are called to be a church on the move with the gospel. So, let’s get started with the book of Acts!

I. Two historical turning points (1-5)

Luke begins by introducing the two historical turning points that will launch the church and its mission. These two turning points are Jesus’ ascension to heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit—also known as the Ascension and Pentecost.

   A. Jesus’ ascension to heaven (1-3)

First, Luke introduces Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Look at verses 1-3:

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-3)

The “former book” Luke mentions here is the gospel of Luke. Luke wrote both books, and both books go together. The story of the gospel is incomplete without the story of the church.

Luke addresses both his books to a man named Theophilus. The name Theophilus means “one who loves God.” In Luke’s gospel, Luke addresses him as “most excellent Theophilus,” a title of honor and respect which means Theophilus was most likely a Roman official of high standing.

Luke says in the former book he wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach. That word “began” is emphasized here in the original language. The gospel of Luke focuses on what Jesus began to do and teach before the Ascension. The book of Acts focuses on what Jesus continued to do and teach after the Ascension.

The book of Acts is often called “the Acts of the Apostles” because the apostles play a big part in the early days of the church. Others say it should be called “the Acts of the Holy Spirit” because it is really a record of the Holy Spirit working in and through the apostles. But I think Luke would take it a step further and call it “the Acts of Jesus through the Holy Spirit working in the apostles,” because this is a record of what Jesus is continuing to do through the church as empowered by the Holy Spirit.

What is the turning point between the gospel and Acts? Luke identifies it as the day Jesus was taken up. The Ascension is the turning point. The Ascension acts as the hinge between these two successive stages of Jesus’ ministry—his earthly ministry and his heavenly ministry.

Luke says Jesus ascended “after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” Jesus had some things to tell his disciples before he went back to heaven. We will learn the most important instruction in just a moment. Luke tells us Jesus did this through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a huge theme for Luke. Luke mentions the Holy Spirit fifty-seven times in the book of Acts alone. The word “apostle” is sometimes applied to other believers, but here it refers to the twelve—the twelve original apostles Jesus had chosen during his earthly ministry. Judas was gone by now of course, but we learn more about his replacement later in the chapter.

After his suffering, Jesus showed himself specifically to these men. Jesus showed himself to a lot of other people as well, including the women at the tomb and at one point over five hundred people at the same time; but he mostly showed himself to the apostles. He gave them many convincing proofs. He walked with them; he talked with them and ate with them; he showed Thomas the nail prints in his hands.

And Jesus did this for forty days! He didn’t just appear to them once on Easter weekend, but this was an extended time of teaching and fellowship. Notice that Luke counts this as part of Jesus’ earthly ministry before the ascension. What did Jesus focus on during this time? He spoke about the kingdom of God. This is what Jesus came preaching in the early days of his ministry, and this was the main subject of his teaching to the disciples during the forty days after his resurrection.

   B. The giving of the Spirit (4-5)

So, that’s the first turning point—the Ascension. The second turning point is the giving of the Spirit. Look at verses 4-5:

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5)

“Do not leave Jerusalem but wait.” Isn’t it interesting that the first command Jesus gave to the church on the move was to wait! Jesus knew once he left it would have been tempting for them just to go back to Galilee. Instead, he commands them to stay in Jerusalem and wait.

What are they waiting for? The gift that the Father promised. This is the gift of the Holy Spirit which was promised in the Old Testament, promised by Jesus in the Upper Room, and now promised again but far more urgent in time. In just a few days they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This brings to mind John the Baptist’s words so long ago when he prepared the way for Jesus to come. Now the promised baptism is only a few days away.

And so, Luke begins the book of Acts by introducing these two turning points that will launch the church and its mission: Jesus’ ascension to heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

II. The outward mission of the church (6-8)

Next, Jesus focuses the disciples’ attention on the outward mission of the church. Look at verses 6-8:

So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)

   A. Marks of the kingdom (6-7)

The disciples ask Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” John Calvin comments: “There are as many errors in this question as words!” That may be an overstatement, but there are at least three errors here. First, the disciples thought the kingdom was going to come immediately. Secondly, they were still thinking about the kingdom in political terms. And then thirdly, they were still thinking about the kingdom in terms of only Israel.

Jesus shows them by his response that: 1) the coming of the kingdom is gradual, not immediate, 2) the kingdom is spiritual, not political, 3) the kingdom is for all the nations, not just Israel, and 4) that this is all under God’s sovereign timing and control.

Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” There is a strong emphasis on God’s sovereignty throughout the book of Acts. This of course is a great encouragement towards missions, knowing that God is in control and that he will establish his kingdom in his time.

   B. Called to be witnesses (8)

Instead of establishing the kingdom immediately, Jesus calls us to be witnesses. Verse eight is really the key verse for the whole book of Acts. Let’s break it down together.

First, Jesus says: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Without the ascension, there would be no giving of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there would be no power. Without power, there would be no effective spread of the gospel. The Holy Spirit is essential to the spread of the gospel.

Secondly, Jesus says: “You will be my witnesses.” This word is not just for the apostles. We are all called to be witnesses. It is my hope that the book of Acts will encourage each of you to be more bold and intentional about your witness for Christ.

Thirdly, Jesus says: “… in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This is a picture of the outward surge of the gospel through missions. As we saw earlier, it is also an outline of the book of Acts. The gospel goes first from Jerusalem to Samaria (1-8), then from the Jews to the Gentiles (9-15), next from Asia to Europe (16-20), and finally to the ends of the earth (21-29). That final part of the mission is the part that we partake in and which is still in progress today.

The disciples wondered if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel right away. Instead, Jesus pointed them to a different conception of the kingdom. The kingdom of God is: 1) gradual, not immediate; 2) spiritual, not political; 3) for all the nations, not just Israel; 4) all under God’s sovereign timing and control. In light of this Jesus calls all of us to be his witnesses—empowered by the Holy Spirit and progressively bringing the gospel into all the world.

III. The Ascension (9-11)

Finally, we come to the Ascension. Remember, this is the first of the two turning points that will launch the church and its mission. Look at verses 9-11 with me now:

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)

   A. Christ’s Ascension (9)

First, we have the Ascension itself. Jesus is taken up before the disciples’ eyes and a cloud hides him from their sight. This cloud brings to mind the glory cloud in the Old Testament that guided the Israelites in the desert and also descended on the tabernacle and temple. We see this same cloud in the gospels on the Mount of Transfiguration.

This visible ascension was important to mark the final leaving of Jesus. Remember, he had been coming and going from the disciples for forty days. But this departure was different. This time they knew he was really gone.

   B. The church’s mission (10-11a)

Verse ten tells us they were standing there looking intently up into the sky. Wouldn’t you? I mean, if you saw Jesus visibly ascend into heaven, wouldn’t you stand there watching too?

While they are still standing there, suddenly two angels appear and ask them, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” You see, they needed to get their eyes off the skies and put their eyes on the mission! Yes, we are to watch and pray for Jesus’ return, but our primary focus is on the spread of the gospel. There will be plenty of time for heaven later on, but right now our work is here on earth!

   C. Christ’s return (11b)

The angels tell them that this same Jesus who ascended into heaven will return in the same way he left. It won’t be exactly the same way—it won’t be like rewinding a tape—but rather there will be similar features. The Bible tells us that Christ’s return will be: 1) personal (it will be him, not someone else); 2) visible (he went up visibly; he will return visibly); and 3) bodily (not a spiritual return). It will be really him; every eye will see it; and he will return in the same body he lived, died, resurrected and ascended in.

These final verses in our passage today present the entire church age in miniature. The church age begins with Christ’s ascension, and it extends through Christ’s return. In between we fulfill our mission as Christ’s witnesses to the world. The angels’ question to the apostles is as relevant today as it was when they first asked it: “Why are you standing there? There’s work to do!” We are not called to be a church standing, or sitting, or even lying down, but rather a church on the move.

The disciples have their marching orders, but before they march, they must first wait. They must wait for the giving of the Spirit who will empower them for the task. The first turning point has already taken place—the Ascension. Now they must wait for the second turning point when the Spirit is given at Pentecost.

CONCLUSION: Let me share with you four applications as we close.

1) We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. We have a job to do. It is the most important job in the world. The church is not to be stagnant. We are called to be a church on the move with the gospel!

2) We must witness in the power of the Holy Spirit. The advancement of God’s kingdom is a spiritual battle. If you try to move out on your own, you will surely fail. We need to share the gospel in prayerful dependence on God and the Holy Spirit.

3) Historically we are part of the “ends of the earth” part of Jesus’ command. The gospel has already moved forward from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria. Now we are part of the glorious mission of bringing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

4) However, personally, we can think in terms of our own Jerusalem, Judea and world. Just as the early church moved out from their center, which was Jerusalem, we can start where God has placed us. We can share the gospel with our family, and then our neighbors and then our workplace and community. And then of course, we partake in the worldwide mission of the church through our giving, prayers and willingness to go wherever and whenever God calls us.

Are you feeling stagnant or stale in your Christian walk? Then don’t just stand there. Get moving! It’s time to move out with the gospel. God has called us to be a church on the move!

© Ray Fowler

You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this message provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and that you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For any web postings, please link to the sermon directly at this website.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copies:
By Ray Fowler. © Ray Fowler. Website: https://www.rayfowler.org

Click here for more messages from the book of Acts.
Click here to return to the Sermons page.