November 1 & 2
Acts 1-4
With Acts, we return to our favorite researcher, Dr. Luke! Acts appears to be Book 2 in his two-volume work, Luke-Acts! Both the gospel and the history of the early church are written either to a man named Theophilus or to the general reader, whom Luke kindly refers to as: “Lover of God,” which, of course, is what “Theophilus” means! The difference here in Acts is that, with this material, Luke is much closer to home! For some of it, he was an eye-witness!
Nevertheless, these first four chapters required some research on Luke’s part. How else would he have learned the details of Jesus’ ascension, the disciples’ waiting, and the great gift of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost? Where did Paul get the text of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2? From an interview with Peter, perhaps, or with others who were there! For the miracle healing of the crippled beggar in Acts 3-4 and Peter’s powerful words to the gathered crowd and to the authorities, Luke could have interviewed John or Peter. Both of them were there.
But the point is: as we read, we must make the attempt to enter into the text and make the Bible account come alive!
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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