The book of Acts is written by Dr. Luke, the same person who wrote the Gospel of Luke. The "former book" referred to here is Luke's Gospel. In the Gospel, Luke details the life of Jesus from birth through death and resurrection. Now, Luke will pick up the story right before Jesus empowers the Apostles to act.
After his suffering, he presented himself to them 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. 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 1:3-5 NIV)
There was no doubt that Jesus had died. They saw him hanging from the cross. They saw blood and water flow when the spear was thrust into his side. It took time to get permission to place his body in a tomb and they were barely able to accomplish this before nightfall when the Sabbath began. Jesus was dead.
In the same way, there was no doubt he was alive again. They saw him, ate meals with him, and he presented the holes in his hands, feet, and the spear wound from his side. As Luke reminds us, Jesus "gave many convincing proofs that he was alive" over "a period of forty days." Jesus was, in fact, alive. The Apostles were convinced that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah/Savior, the Son of God, and God.
Then they gathered around him and 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. (Acts 1:6-7 NIV)
It seems like a strange question to ask the God of the universe. Restore the kingdom of Israel? Why do they ask? It's simple. Jesus hasn't done everything the Messiah is supposed to do.
The Israelites understood that God was going to send a Messiah to be the Savior of all nations. That Savior would suffer, die, and rise from the dead. This could be called the "Suffering Messiah." The Savior, however, would also bring justice to the nations, stop evil, and restore the God's Kingdom (Israel) as a beacon of light to all nations. This could be called the "Warrior/King Messiah." They pictured someone like the mighty David who had slain his tens of thousands, then ruled wisely as God's chosen King.
Theologians and scholars of Jesus' day, not to mention the rest of us, were all wondering how all these "clues" (prophecies) would be fulfilled in one person. They were expecting this person to fulfill them all at one time. Jesus explained a different picture.
When teaching his disciples, Jesus explained to them that he would fulfill the "Suffering Messiah" portion of the prophecies during their lifetime. In other words, they would see him suffer, die, and rise again from the dead. He also explained to them that the Warrior/King Messiah expectations would come true, but in the future. It's natural, then, to ask when in the future this will all take place. That's what they asked. Jesus' answer? Don't worry about it. It will happen when it happens.
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 1:8 NIV)
It is in this statement that we see Jesus' priority for his disciples, including us. He want's us to know that there will be a day of final justice and judgement. He wants us to know that there will be a day when he returns as mighty Warrior/King. Their will be a day when he will stop all evil and bring peace to all nations.
There's only one problem. On that day, it will be too late to choose sides. In this lifetime, we need to choose. People need to know that. They need to hear the choices they have. Jesus has a job for us. We are to be his witnesses. We are to let people know what has happened and what is still to come. We are supposed to help people see their choices and, because we love them, help them choose Jesus. When the Holy Spirit comes on us, we are his witnesses to all nations.
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 NIV)
Jesus hasn't returned yet. We still have a job to do. How about you? Do you see life through the lens of a Messiah/Savior who is working with us in two phases? Do you rest in the knowledge of the things he has already done, looking forward to the things that will be done? Are you his witness?
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