Topic: Act of Apostles
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 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: To whom also he shewed 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… (Acts 1:1-3 KJV)
Last four messages, which I blogged, was on the end time. Even though we don’t know the date and hour of Jesus’ returning to the earth, we must be prepared to meet Him. As we read in Matthew 25, there are two groups of people to meet the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, as we see the result, the first five of people made to the wedding feast and another group had missed their opportunities to the feast due to their laziness.
In this new series, we will look at the history of Christianity in early church era to our generation. I believe that we are the last generation before the return of Jesus Christ. As the clock is ticking, we physically see what is happening in Middle East today, especially in Israel. Our own president (Obama) has shown disgraced to the people of Israel; and our nation continued to go far away from God by legalizing every ungodly laws for the people can abide into. Our Supreme Court system had been messed up that our judges don’t know what is right from wrong. Our public educational system is corrupted by removing God (Jesus Christ) from the Christian students; and bringing other religious systems into campuses. We continue see the progress of deception in our churches, homes, and politic arenas. Again, Paul said in I Timothy 4:1-3, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” We need to search the scriptures daily (Acts 7:11), so that we can be witnesses to those who don’t know our Lord.
The Book of Acts is a continuation from the Gospel of Saint Luke. In his first book, Luke wrote very in-depth details of our Lord’s birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Theophilus probably was a Roman official, since Luke designates him as “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). The Greek term (kratistos) is used only three other times in the New Testament. Each of these is used to address a Roman official: Felix (23:26; 24:3) and Festus (26:25). One of facts in this book is that Luke did not conclude the church era entirely. The church era has not ended until Jesus would return to the earth and take His Church to His wedding feast.
Originally, this book was called The Act of Apostles. But all available Greek manuscripts designated it by the title Praxeis or Acts. This Greek word was commonly used in Greek literature to summarize the accomplishments of outstanding men. While the apostles are mentioned collectively at several points, the book really split into two parts, the acts of Peter (1–12) and of Paul (13–28).
In the next session, as we continue to study Acts 1:1-3, we want to know who started the church. Was it was built by Peter or Jesus? This is a conflict issue between Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Church.
Do you have your relationship with the Heavenly Father? If not, I like to encourage you to develop your personal relationship with Jesus Christ today. First, confess your sins and invite Jesus Christ to your life. Paul said in Romans 10:9-11, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” There is no sinner prayer formula. Instead, you just talk to God at where you are now. Secondly, I’d like to encourage you to find a good solid biblical teaching church and Christian friends. They can help you to build strong relationship with God. If you’d need further assistance, you can email me at or visit my ministries website at www.mgjcweb.org for further resources.
