Lesson 4593

 (Lesson 4593)(08-31-24) Acts 1:15-19 

   “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.” 

 

    

In today’s quote, Peter addressed a group of about 120 believers, explaining the need to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Peter recounted how Judas's betrayal fulfilled Scripture and how Judas, after receiving payment for his betrayal, bought a field with the money. Judas ultimately died in the field that became known as the "Field of Blood”. This quote sets the stage for the selection of a new apostle to take Judas's place. ~ 

    

Lesson 4592

 (Lesson 4592)(08-30-24) Acts 1:12-14 

   “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 

  

   Today’s quote tells us that after Jesus' ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. They gathered in an upper room, where they were staying, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, His brothers, and several women. Together, they all devoted themselves to prayer and supplication with one accord, united in their faith and anticipation of the promised Holy Spirit. ~ 

Lesson 4591

 (Lesson 4591)(08-29-24) Acts 1:6-11 

   “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” 

 

  

   Today’s quote relates that the apostles, still uncertain about the nature of Jesus' kingdom, asked Him if He would restore the kingdom to Israel at that time. Jesus responded that it was not for them to know the times or seasons set by the Father's authority. Instead, He promised that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to be His witnesses throughout all the earth. After Jesus spoke those words, He was taken up into heaven as they watched, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. As the apostles stood gazing upward, two angels appeared and assured them that Jesus, who had been taken into heaven, would return in the same manner as they had seen Him go. Even so Lord, come soon.~

Lesson 4590

 (Lesson 4590)(08-28-24) Acts 1:1-5 

   “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: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” 

  

   In these opening verses of Acts, the author (probably Luke) recounted how Jesus appeared to His apostles after His resurrection and provided them with many proofs of His resurrection while teaching them about the coming kingdom of God. Jesus commanded them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father, that being the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus made a clear distinction between the intent of the water baptism administered by John the Baptist and the soul saving baptism with the Holy Spirit that He Himself would administer. Jesus emphasized that while John baptized with water toward repentance, the apostles would soon be baptized with the Holy Spirit, marking a new and transformative experience for believers. ~ 

Lesson 4589

(Lesson 4589)(08-27-24) John 21:20-25 

   “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” 

  

   In today’s quote, Peter, noticing (John) the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, asked Jesus about his fate. Jesus responded that if He willed that the disciple remain until His return, it was not Peter's concern, instructing Peter to focus only on following Him. That led to a rumor that John would not die, but Jesus had not said that. The narrative concluded with a statement affirming that John was the one who wrote those things and testified to their truth. It ended by John’s acknowledgment that if all of Jesus' deeds were recorded, the world could not contain the books that would be written.  

I find it incredibly odd that neither Luke’s nor John’s gospel makes mention of the Great Commission whereby Jesus related His final instructions to the apostles as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:16. ~