a new beginning

Good morning brothers and sisters,
Our reading for today is the very beginning of Acts. Acts is part two of Luke's Gospel, so when the author begins with a note to Theophilus he is connecting this book with "the first book," which we know as Luke. Luke is part one about Jesus; Acts is part two about the Holy Spirit working through the church. As we begin Acts Luke recalls Jesus spending time with the disciples before ascending into heaven. He reminds them that John baptized with water but promised that God would send a baptism of the Holy Spirit soon after. Jesus tells the disciples they will receive this baptism very soon. We recall that baptism next Sunday on Pentecost. This passage begins to set the stage for the disciples' ministry to the world in the Spirit's power. That ministry makes up the story of the rest of Acts; it also makes up our story today as we continue that work.

God bless,
Sam

Acts 1:1-5

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”