Day 116 - Acts 1

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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We saw in the book of Exodus that it was “the coming out of Egypt” book so today we start the “coming out” book for the Christian life. As we continue to alternate from the Old to the New Testaments, we hope to show the progress for the believer’s life. It is the bridge (or transition) between Judaism, with all its ceremonies, and rituals, priests, etc., and the complete revelation of Christianity in the Epistles. Those who make much of Acts and neglect heeding Paul’s Epistles become unbalanced on baptism, worship and ecclesiastical order. If you read the closing chapters of Luke and the opening chapters of Acts, you will see a close link. The disciples in the first of Acts were still without the indwelling Holy Spirit. This book takes us from Judaism to Christianity.
V.1-14 The Apostles were still hoping that the Lord was about to restore the kingdom to Israel. But the Lord had told them that it was not for them to know the time (v. 7). Matthew 24:3636But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36) is plain. He ascended to heaven. This was necessary (John 16:77Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)), otherwise the Holy Spirit would not come down. So they waited.
V.15-26 The apostles no doubt read Psalm 109:88Let his days be few; and let another take his office. (Psalm 109:8) and the surrounding verses. So they chose two men, and then possibly put the names in a box, took out one paper, and read which name was on it, taking this as the man God wanted. After the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost, we never read of any occasion when this method was used again. Remember that the Holy Spirit is just as much an individual Person as the Lord Jesus.