“The Rest of the Story”

Acts 1:1-5

Introduction

1.  The book of Acts records the legacy that Jesus left behind after his earthly ministry was complete.

• Luke’s gospel is an account of the ‘beginning’ of Jesus’ ministry (1:1), implying that His ministry continued through the Apostles
• vv. 1-5 outline five critical steps that Jesus took to establish an enduring ‘legacy’ that would change the world forever

I. He Chose Apostles  (v.2)

1.  God works through people he has ‘chosen’

• Abraham
• Moses
• David
• 12 Apostles
  • Ordinary men who you wouldn’t expect to change the world!

2.  Why work through fallible human beings?

• Demonstration of God’s grace and kindness
• Demonstration of God’s glory and power

II. He Revealed Himself to Them (v.3)

1.  Jesus’ self-disclosure to the Apostles was progressive

• Began when he first called them
• Peter’s Great Confession
• Post-Resurrection Appearances
  • ‘tekmerion’ – convincing, decisive proofs
  • Disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was until after the resurrection

III. He Commissioned Them  (v.2)

1.  The Apostles were chosen for a purpose!

• God’s election is never an end in itself
• Mission is to make multiplying disciples (Matt 28:18-20)

III. He Promised to Empower Them  (vv 4-5)

1.  Without the Holy Spirit we can do absolutely nothing to please God!

2.  Spirit Baptism

• We receive the permanent, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit when we are converted
• A one time experience which occurs when the Spirit comes to live within us